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Settings

These settings can be found by clicking on the Arup tab then selecting ArupCompute settings.

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Fast mode​

Enabled by default.

Disable this setting if you encounter stability issues with your workbook (most likely if connected to a remote data source).

Explanation​

When an ArupCompute Excel function gets triggered it packages up the inputs and sends them off to ArupCompute. The Excel plugin then has to wait for a bit and check that the answer has been calculated. This is why you see #GETTING_DATA appear. The amount of time to wait before checking the answer has come back is a global Excel setting (as its utilised for updating data from remote sources as well). With 'Fast mode' we reduce the waiting time so that if the answer has been calculated you get to see it quicker. Because its a global setting we are playing with there is a small chance that it might affect workbook function, hence allowing you to return it to the default setting (by unchecking the box) if you encountered any issues. We have not had anyone report a problem due to this.

Synchronous mode​

Disabled by default.

Enable this setting if you are encountering problems when combing ArupCompute functions with Excel features such as:

  • VBA scripts
  • Goal seek
  • Data tables

Explanation​

The normal mode of operation that returns #GETTING_DATA is called an asynchronous approach i.e. we let Excel move on to evaluate other cells whilst we are waiting. This also allows us to do nice things like batching up calls to the same function so they execute quicker. However the #GETTING_DATA can interfere with some features of Excel (VBA scripts typically) as it looks like the cell has finished evaluating, but actually is waiting to be triggered again to find out what the results are. 'Synchronous mode' changes the approach so that we wait for ArupCompute to return the full answer before moving on to the next cell. Because we are now calculating one cell at a time this likely slows down your workbook, but means that VBA scripts etc. that expect normal function behaviour will work.