Self Support

Which Web Browsers are supported by SigNet and the Sigma browser interface?

The version of web browsers required for Sigma, SigNet and Web Dashboards are: 

• Internet Explorer Version 8+
• Firefox Version 4+
• Google Chrome Version 14+
• Safari Version 5+

Many other browsers are also supported, let us know yours and we’ll check. It is also possible to install more than one browser on you PC.

Why do you not support all browsers?

Internet Explorer Version 6 (and 7) cannot be used for Sigma/SigNet etc. as they are no longer supported by Microsoft and do not work with modern web technologies and websites (such as YouTube.com for example).

What are the Hardware Requirements?

The required specification depends upon the size of your database and the number of users. E.g. a Sigma system with 600 users and 1,800 accounts will need higher specification hardware than a smaller database with only two in-house users.

For more information, please contact support@teamenergy.com

What are the Sigma Software Requirements?

To host Sigma on your own hardware the following supporting software is needed (and are provided by TEAM), there are also version available for many different operating systems:

• Apache Tomcat version 6+ (Web Server)
• Java Runtime Environment version 6 (N.B. version 7 is not currently supported)

What is the TEAM Hosted Services Cloud?

It’s a new service that can be used for access to TEAM Sigma browser interface, SigNet (for non-bureau customers) and Web Dashboards.

What commodities can I record in Sigma?

• Gas
• Electricity
• Oil
• Water
• Wood Pellets
• Coal
• Diesel
• +Any other defineable commodity

What is the difference between a HH meter and a NHH meter?

HH meter will record the consumption used every HH (not a cumulative amount)
NHH meter will have a start  and end read for a specific time period (i.e. month)

I need to pull out information on my sites such as address details and property keys. Is there a report that can do this?

To pull out this information you can use the data edit spreadsheet function in the Data Management Activity.

Further Information:

• 'How to use the data edit spreadsheet' Video Tutorial
• 'Database Navigation' section in Sigma Training Reference Material

How do I extract data from one of my periodic channels?

To do this use the channel Export function. Here you can also specify a date range and choose an export format.

I want to create monitoring points for all of my sites. Can I do this in bulk?

Yes. You can create them using the Monitoring Point wizard.

Further Information:

• Video Tutorial
• 'Monitoring Points' in Sigma Training Reference Material

My reports identify incorrect consumption, what can I check to find out why this is happening?

The first thing to check would be the monitoring point, to make sure it has the correct/relevant objects in it. Check if there is a conversion factor on the monitoring point and if you need a conversion factor. Right-click and edit the channel, then check that there are no unexpected conversion factors in the channel editor. Try running a similar report on the same objects to see if this gives correct results - this will check if the report is not working or if there is an issue with the setup.

See 'Report' Sections in Sigma Training Reference Material

When I am raising a Query in Sigma the options in the Query Category/Query Result boxes do not give me what I need, can I add new ones?

Yes, if you go to the Admin activity in Sigma, and to "Database Object Types" you will see a drop down box at the top. If you drop this down to the relevant category (e.g. Query Category or Query Results) you can add new options by clicking the small green + button at the top of the page. These will then show next time you create/edit a query.

See 'Query Management' section in Sigma Training Reference Material

How do I change my password?

In the Sigma Interface, Go to the following:

File > Preferences > Change user details > enter details and confirm > log out and enter again

How do I enter self reads?

You need to be in 'Multi-list View'

• Ensure columns displayed are: site, account, meter, and non-periodic channel
• Right-click on non-periodic channel. Select 'Edit'
• Show data
• Insert - insert after last
• Enter read date - Create
• Then enter meter read

What is a MOP Account?

• Stores invoices for meter operator charges
• Only occurs for HH meters
• ensures maintenance of the meter

How do I record a change in supplier?

• Find the supply point which needs updating
• right-click on it > select 'edit'
• Select 'Manage'
• Select 'new contract history'
• enter dates of new contract
• choose supplier, account, meter

How do I record a change in meter?

• Create the new meter under the right site
• Find the supply point which the new meter will be linked to
• Right click > edit
• select 'Manage'
• 'push over' the new meter, then 'Save'

My organisation wants visibility of energy information for different reasons. Can I use the Sigma Browser Interface to do this?

Yes you can. The Sigma Browser Interface Dashboard can be customised for different users through the creation of user permissions that provide any level of access to energy information that you require.

With the Sigma browser interface do I have to pay for each user / logon?

No, you can have unlimited users within TEAM Sigma.

I've forgotten my login details what do I do?

• For a Support Customer - contact your IT Technician responsible for TEAM they will have admin access to reset your password.
• For a Hosted Support Customer  - email: support@teamenergy.com
• For a Bureau Customer - contact your Service Delivery Co-ordinator at TEAM.

What are the Hardware Requirements?

The required specification depends upon the size of your database and if the web dashboard is public or private. It will be similar to your current Web Server that is used for hosting your website – however we can consult with your IT Team.

What software needs to be installed?

If you are hosting this on your web server then Apache Tomcat 7 and Java will need to be installed. For more information please see the installation process.

Which Web Browsers are supported?

The version of web browsers required for Sigma, SigNet and Web Dashboards are: 

• Internet Explorer Version 8+
• Firefox Version 4+
• Google Chrome Version 14+
• Safari Version 5+

Do I need to have a separate server for the Web Dashboard installation from TEAM Sigma Software?

It is not essential, however if they are separate then the Web Server must be able to access the TEAM Sigma Server

How much does a Web dashboard Solution cost?

Because each Web Dashboard is created specific to customer requirements no one Web Dashboard looks the same or costs the same. A Customer Account Manager can provide you with a full quotation. Factors to take into consideration are: the number of site you wish to include; current software; hosting requirements.

How long will it take to get up and running?

Surprisingly it doesn’t take long to customise a Web Dashboard. Timings will depend on a number of factors including the number of site you wish to include; current software; hosting requirements and more. A Customer Account Manager will discuss a full implementation plan and timescales with each customer.

Do the users need a password to access the dashboard?

No, web dashboards are a "login free", users can view content without the need for a user name and password.

What format does our Site Map need to be in?

The Map should be an SVG file as this allows for great zooming functionality. (SVG means scalable vector graphics) http://www.adobe.com/svg/

Do I have to use a Map, can it be a list of sites instead?

As long as it is an SVG file you can have a list of Sites as these can still be colour coded red to green.

Does the dashboard have to be made available to all of the public?

No, you are able to restrict the dashboard to only those on your network, or certain IP Addresses - this would be considered in the set-up. If you are hosting this on your web server then you can discuss it with your IT team.

Where are the images for the Energy Team & Campaign posters etc stored?

The images can be located on any website that is accessible by the web server, most companies will have a standard place on their website where all of the images are stored.

How often is the Dashboard data refreshed/updated?

Currently, data refreshes the display daily. This could be increased in frequency to hourly or half hourly dependent on the data source and whether there are any server load restrictions present.

What file formats are compatible with Bulk Bill Checker (BBC)?

The preferred file type is TRADACOMS 26 v3 Electronic data interchange (EDI) files, but BBC is compatible with other text file formats including xml and CSV. If you wish to import a different file type to those named above, we can advise if they are compatible - please email your query to support@teamenergy.com.

See 'Bulk Bill Checker' section of Sigma Training Reference Material

Does BBC have a maximum amount of invoices that can be loaded at once?

No, Bulk Bill Checker can accomodate loading any number of bills in a single batch.

Does BBC deal with Contracts & Credits?

Yes. If the file contains a credit or rebill, BBC can automatically update by replacing the files as necessary.

Can you query an invoice in BBC?

Yes, even if it passes any validation checks. Right mouse click over the line item and 'Generate Query'.

Can you load more that one EDI file into BBC?

Yes, BBC will load one EDI file at a time, however multiple files can be put into a queue to automatically load.

What Bill Validators are available in BBC?

There is an extensive list of validators available, these can be selected in the ‘Validator Management’ section.

What Reports can you produce from BBC?

BBC itself does not create reports, however it can create printable documents in graphical format which clearly outline the statistics of loaded, passed, failed, cost and VAT breakdown.

How do I amend the Analysis and Reporting flags on an EDI bill?

Right click the bill within the Bulk Bill Batch. Select Bill Flags and Documents. You can amend the flags here.

I have changed suppliers and my account numbers have changed - how do I get my EDI files to load into these new accounts?

Run a contract change on accounts, and check the USM account validation settings to make sure BBC will locate the account.

See 'Supply Points' section in Sigma training reference material

My BBC bills are all showing up as queries, how do I find out what is wrong with them?

Right-click on the EDI bill and select "View Status Notes" - this will show you which validators have failed. From there you can investigate if the bill is incorrect or not.

Some charges are missing from my EDI bills when I load them in, how can I fix this?

If charges are not showing in your Sigma bills after loading them via BBC, this is usually caused by a tariff code that is missing from the database. If you send the EDI file to support we can update the tariff codes for you to allow your file to load correctly.

What is Accounts Link?

This is an innovative interface module that allows validated utility billing data to be transferred automatically to third party financial accounting software e.g. Oracle, SAP, JD Edwards, Agresso, SAGE.

More information on website >

View Information Sheet >

I have entered a bill and tried to run an Accounts Link but the bill is not showing, why is this?

In order for your bills to be picked up in the Accounts Link you will need to tick the 'Include in Accounts Link box on the General tab on the bill entry screen. If your bills are EDI you can set this in your EDI preferences.

How do I turn off the "Data dropout" messages in "CRC consumption" reports?

1. Go to top left of Sigma screen - and select File, then Preferences.

2. Select User preferences (see screen below)

3. Untick the boxes at the top left and top right boxes - currently shown ticked in screenshot below [These relate to the "data drop out" labels in tables and graphs.

Can we have the invoices taliored to our own business needs?

Customer logos and any other information can be added to the invoice template.

How long does it take to produce the invoices?

This depends on the size of the database, but usualy takes between 3 and 5 minutes to produe a invoice batch.

Can we add our own charges to invoices?

Team Sigma's Tenant Billing Module allows users to add their own charges to tenant invoices.

Can the software process withdrawals and replacement tenant invoices?

Yes - users can withdraw any invoice and re-run the batch to create a replacment tenant invoice.

Is this a stand alone software package or an add-on module to an AM&T system?

Tenant Billing is an add on module within our Sigma Software package. However, it can be purchased on its own as we set permissions to block access to the rest of the core Sigma System, so effectively it behaves like a standalone system and is priced as such.