Deal Management FAQs

This page answers frequently asked questions about Deal Management.

1. What is the purpose of the Deal Management screen?

   The Deal Management screen in nGenue allows users to query, view, and manage all types of gas trading deals within the system. It serves as a centralized interface for users to retrieve deal information based on filters such as instrument type, deal status, trader, and counterparty. The screen also enables users to create, modify, copy, or delete deals depending on their permissions. It ensures complete visibility into both physical and financial deals that form part of the gas trading portfolio.

2. Who are the typical users of this screen?

   The Deal Management screen is primarily used by Natural gas producers, distributors and traders. Traders use it to create new deals and update existing ones based on market activities. Distributors rely on it to confirm physical deals and ensure pipeline nominations are aligned with trade data. Producers use the screen to review trade information, validate data accuracy, and generate reports for internal and external stakeholders.

3. How do users navigate to this screen from the main dashboard?

   From the nGenue main dashboard screen, users can access the Deal Management screen by entering deal management in the search bar and selecting Deal Management from the results.

4. Which types of deals can be viewed on this screen?

   The Deal Management screen supports multiple deal types including Physical Deals, Physical Retail Deals, Swap Deals, Future Deals, Physical NG Option Deals, and Production Deals. Each deal type corresponds to a different kind of transaction or contract within the gas trading workflow. Users can view, filter, and manage deals of one or multiple types simultaneously using the Instrument field dropdown.

5. What are the permissions required to access the screen?

   Access to the Deal Management screen is role-based and controlled by the user’s assigned permissions in nGenue. Typically, users need View permissions to query deal records and Edit permissions to create or modify them. Administrators can configure these permissions through the Global Settings screen to ensure compliance and data security.

6. What does the Instrument dropdown filter control? Which instruments are available?

   The Instrument dropdown filter in the Deal Query section allows users to select which type of instrument or deal they want to query. It controls the deal classification and filters records based on whether they are Physical, Financial, or Retail in nature. Available instruments typically include Physical NG, Physical Retail, Swap, Future, Physical Well Head, and Production. Selecting an instrument narrows the search results to only those deals that match the chosen instrument type.
   For detailed information about each instruments available, see Understanding Deal Management screen.

7. What does each name, such as 'Physical NG', represent in the Instrument dropdown?

   Each instrument name in the dropdown corresponds to a specific deal category or market transaction type in nGenue. For instance, Physical NG represents a physical natural gas trade involving the purchase or sale of gas for delivery through a physical pipeline. Swap represents a financial contract where two parties exchange price exposures, and Future refers to a standardized contract for future gas delivery. These categories help users differentiate between physical delivery contracts and financial hedging instruments.
   For more information about each instruments, see Understanding Deal Management screen.

8. Can both buy and sell deals be handled from this screen?

   Yes, the Deal Management screen supports both buy and sell deals. The Buy or Sell filter allows users to specify whether they want to view deals representing purchases (Buy) or sales (Sell). Distributors can create new buy or sell deals directly from this interface and manage their lifecycle through creation, confirmation, and scheduling. The clear segregation of buy and sell transactions ensures accurate position tracking and reporting within nGenue.

9. What is the default date range when the screen loads?

   When the Deal Management screen loads, the date range fields are typically blank by default, requiring the user to specify the desired start and end dates. This allows greater flexibility in querying deals across any time period. Some system configurations may pre-populate the date range to the current month or week to speed up common queries. Users can always modify these dates to broaden or narrow the search results as needed.

10. What icons are present on the left panel, and what is their function?

    The left panel of the Deal Management screen includes several icons that represent key functions such as creating a new deal, editing an existing deal, copying a deal, deleting a record, importing deals, and exporting data. Each icon provides quick access to the corresponding action without requiring users to navigate through menus.
    For more information about each icons available on the left panel, see Navigating Deal Management screen.

11. What data is shown in the 'Deal Details' section?

    The Deal Details section displays the result of a deal query, listing all relevant information for each deal that matches the applied filters. Typical columns include Deal ID, Instrument, Deal Description, Start Date, End Date, Volume, UOM, Trader Name, Pipeline, and Status. This grid provides a complete view of the selected deals and helps users validate transactional information quickly. Users can also configure which columns to display for a more customized view of the deal data.

12. How do each of the checkboxes under 'Deal Status' function?

    Each checkbox under the Deal Status filter allows users to include or exclude deals based on their current lifecycle stage. For instance, selecting Active displays deals currently in effect, while Canceled filters those that have been terminated. Created, Confirmed, and Partially Patched indicate deals that are at various workflow states, from creation to scheduling. Users can check multiple statuses at once to view all applicable deal records across different process stages.

13. What are the main filters to get the actual deal details?

    To retrieve actual deal details, users typically select a combination of filters such as Instrument, Date Range, Trader, and Deal Status. Narrowing down the query using these filters helps fetch the most relevant deals from the system database. Additional filters like Counterparty, Contract Type, Supply Region, or Meter # can also be used for more specific searches. Once all filters are set, clicking the Load Deal Records button populates the results in the Deal Details grid.

14. What is a Physical Deal?

    A Physical Deal represents a transaction where natural gas is purchased or sold for physical delivery through a designated pipeline. It involves tangible movement of gas from a supply point to a delivery point within the contracted period. These deals contain details like volume, price, start and end dates, and the associated counterparty. Physical deals are central to wholesale gas trading and are often confirmed and scheduled by traders and schedulers in nGenue.

15. What is a Physical Retail Deal?

    A Physical Retail Deal is similar to a Physical Deal but specifically associated with retail customers rather than wholesale transactions. It represents gas deliveries to end-use customers or retail accounts serviced by the organization. Retail deals often involve smaller volumes and may include details related to service agreements, pricing tiers, or retail demand pools. These deals are managed and tracked in nGenue to ensure accurate billing and customer-level reporting.

16. What is a Swap Deal?

    A Swap Deal is a financial contract in which two parties agree to exchange cash flows or pricing differentials based on gas market indices. These deals do not involve physical delivery of gas but are used for hedging price risks or managing market exposure. In nGenue, Swap Deals are captured to maintain transparency of financial positions alongside physical trades. Users can monitor swap deal settlements and their impact on overall trading portfolios directly through the Deal Management screen.

17. What is a Future Deal?

    A Future Deal represents a standardized contract to buy or sell a specified quantity of gas at a predetermined price and date in the future. These deals are often traded on exchanges or over-the-counter (OTC) markets. In nGenue, future deals are recorded to track open positions, manage mark-to-market exposure, and forecast delivery obligations. Futures help traders secure pricing and reduce market volatility risk.

18. What is a Physical Well Head Deal?

    A Physical Well Head Deal is a type of physical contract that involves the purchase of gas directly from a production well or field. These deals are typically used by marketers and producers to manage upstream transactions before the gas enters the transportation pipeline. The deal records include information such as well location, pipeline connection, and delivery schedule. Managing well head deals in nGenue allows users to reconcile production and supply-side quantities efficiently.

19. What is a Physical NG Option Deal?

    A Physical NG Option Deal gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to purchase or sell natural gas at a predetermined price before or on a specified date. These contracts are used for risk management and allow flexibility in responding to market movements. In nGenue, such deals are categorized under Physical NG- Option instruments and tracked for both their physical and financial exposure.

20. What is a Production Deal?

    A Production Deal captures transactions related to gas production volumes that a company sells or transfers from its own production assets. These deals help track internal production, sales arrangements, and transfers to third parties or affiliates. In nGenue, Production Deals allow users to link wellhead production with downstream physical sales. They provide a clear audit trail of production-based revenues and volumes within the overall portfolio.

21. How does 'Add Cash' functionality work?

    The Add Cash Deal involves the immediate or near-term purchase and sale of natural gas with the settlement based on current spot market prices. These deals are often executed to address short-term supply or demand imbalances and are typically completed quickly without the need for long-term contractual commitments.

22. What is the purpose of 'Edit current Supply Deal'?

    The Edit current Supply Deal option allows users to modify existing deal details such as volumes, dates, counterparties, or pricing terms. This feature is typically used when updates occur after a deal’s initial creation but before confirmation or scheduling. It ensures that deal information stays accurate and consistent throughout the trade lifecycle.

23. What is the purpose of 'Delete current Supply Deal record'?

    This option enables users to remove a supply deal that was created in error or is no longer valid. Deleting a deal permanently removes it from the system’s active records.

24. What is the purpose of 'Copy Deal'?

    The Copy Deal function allows users to quickly create a new deal by duplicating the structure and data of an existing one. This is particularly useful for recurring or similar trades that share common parameters like counterparty, instrument, or delivery terms. Users can modify specific details in the copied deal before saving it as a new record. This functionality reduces manual data entry and speeds up deal creation workflows.

25. How does the import functionality work for Physical, Futures Contract(s), Swap(s) under the 'Imports' tab?

    The Imports tab allows users to bulk upload deal data from external sources such as spreadsheets or trading systems. Each import option, Physical Deals, Futures Contracts, and Swaps, follows a defined data format that maps directly to nGenue’s deal structure. Users can select the appropriate template, upload the file, and validate the data before committing it to the system. This reduces manual entry time and ensures data consistency across multiple deal types.

26. What is the purpose of the 'Configure grid columns' icon?

    The Configure grid columns icon lets users customize which data fields are displayed in the Deal Details grid. Users can add, remove, or rearrange columns to suit their reporting or review needs. This personalization improves usability by allowing focus on the most relevant data points. The configuration settings are often retained for each user, ensuring a consistent view across sessions.

27. What is the purpose of the 'Open grid data in Excel' icon?

    The Open grid data in Excel icon allows users to export the displayed deal records directly into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. This enables deeper analysis, sharing, and reporting outside the nGenue application. Once exported, users can sort, filter, and manipulate the data as needed for business presentations or reconciliation purposes.

28. What happens when we click on 'Roll this deal to next period'?

    When you click on 'Roll this deal to next period', nGenue creates a new deal record based on the current deal’s structure and automatically updates the start and end dates to the next defined period (for example, the next month). This feature is used to renew or extend recurring contracts without re-entering all details. The rolled deal retains key parameters such as instrument type, counterparty, and volume but updates the relevant date fields. This ensures consistency and efficiency in maintaining long-term trading agreements.

29. What happens when we click on 'Roll all deals to next period'?

    The 'Roll all deals to next period' option performs the same function as rolling a single deal but applies it to all eligible deals currently displayed in the Deal Details grid. It automates the process of generating new deals for the next cycle, saving significant time for traders managing multiple contracts. Each deal is copied with updated dates and saved as a new record, while the original deals remain unchanged. This bulk operation helps maintain a continuous trading schedule and reduces manual workload.

30. What happens when we click on 'Deal Activity Log'?

    When users click on 'Deal Activity Log', nGenue opens a detailed log showing the chronological history of all actions performed on the selected deal. This includes events like creation, modification, confirmation, cancellation, and updates, along with the user who performed each action and timestamp. The log helps in auditing and tracking deal lifecycle changes for compliance and troubleshooting purposes. It provides full traceability of deal activities, ensuring transparency in trading operations.

31. What actions are available through the right-click menu in the Deal Details grid?

    The right-click menu in the Deal Details grid provides quick access to commonly used actions related to deal management. Options typically include Preview Confirmation, Send/Resend Confirmation, Roll Deal, Deal Activity Log, Export to Excel, Show Group By Box, and Restore Default Layout. Depending on user permissions, additional options like Edit Deal, Copy Deal, or Delete Deal may also be available. This context menu streamlines workflow by allowing users to perform tasks directly from the grid without navigating through other menus.

32. What is the purpose of the 'Preview Confirmation' option?

    The 'Preview Confirmation' option allows users to view the formatted confirmation document for a selected deal before sending it to a counterparty. This preview helps verify that all information—such as price, volume, counterparty name, and delivery dates—is correct and formatted as expected. Users can check the layout and content to ensure compliance with internal or external standards. It acts as a safeguard to avoid sending incorrect confirmations.

33. What happens when a user selects 'Send/Resend Confirmation'? Is it tracked anywhere?

    When a user selects 'Send/Resend Confirmation', nGenue generates and sends the confirmation notice for the selected deal to the counterparty via the configured communication method (typically email or EDI). The action is recorded in the system’s confirmation log or deal activity log for tracking and audit purposes. This allows users and administrators to review when and by whom confirmations were sent. Resending ensures that updated or corrected confirmations are delivered without duplicating deals.

34. What does 'Show Group By Box' do? How does it affect the data view?

    The 'Show Group By Box' option adds a grouping bar above the Deal Details grid, allowing users to drag column headers into the bar to group deals by that field. For example, users can group deals by Trader, Instrument, or Deal Status. This feature helps users visually organize large sets of data and analyze patterns more easily. Once grouped, deals can be expanded or collapsed under each category for cleaner navigation.

35. What does 'Auto Fit' do in the context of the grid?

    The 'Auto Fit' option automatically adjusts the width of each column in the Deal Details grid so that all text and data are visible without truncation. It ensures optimal readability without users having to manually resize each column. This is particularly useful when working with datasets that contain long deal descriptions or multiple data points. It improves the overall layout and presentation of grid data.

36. How does 'Export to Excel' handle filters? Does it export all deals or just the filtered ones?

    When a user exports data using the 'Export to Excel' option, nGenue only exports the deals currently displayed in the Deal Details grid—meaning that active filters are respected. If a filter is applied (for example, by Instrument or Date Range), only those filtered records are included in the export. However, if no filters are applied, all visible records from the last query are exported. This ensures users can control the data scope during export for reporting or reconciliation purposes.

37. What does 'Restore Default Layout' reset? Column order, filters, groupings?

    The 'Restore Default Layout' option resets the Deal Details grid to its original configuration. This includes column order, visibility, width, sorting, and grouping settings. It does not affect the data itself or any applied filters but reverts the screen layout to the system’s default view. This is useful when the grid display becomes cluttered or misconfigured due to user customizations.

38. What options are available under 'Font Size', and does it affect the whole screen or just the grid?

    The 'Font Size' option typically provides small, medium, and large settings that allow users to adjust text size for better readability. The change primarily affects the Deal Details grid and, in some configurations, the query filter section. It helps accommodate different screen resolutions and user preferences. Adjusting font size enhances usability without altering any functional behavior of the system.

39. Are all users allowed to use all right-click options, or are some restricted by role/permissions?

    Not all users have access to every right-click menu option. Permissions for actions like editing, deleting, sending confirmations, or rolling deals are controlled by user roles within nGenue’s security framework. For example, a trader might have full deal modification rights, while an analyst may only have view or export privileges. These restrictions ensure data integrity and compliance with organizational control policies.

40. Can the right-click menu be customized per user or role?

    Yes, the right-click menu can be customized based on user roles and system configuration. Administrators can enable or disable specific options depending on department or access level. This customization ensures that each user only sees the actions relevant to their job responsibilities. It also helps reduce errors and maintain process discipline across teams.

41. Is there any confirmation or message shown after actions like sending a confirmation?

    Yes, nGenue typically displays a confirmation message or status popup after key actions such as sending a confirmation, rolling a deal, or exporting data. This message indicates whether the action was successful or if an error occurred. For actions that generate documents or emails, users may also see a summary notification confirming dispatch. Such feedback helps users validate that their action was completed properly.

42. Are these right-click options available when multiple deals are selected?

    Some right-click options, such as Export to Excel or Roll all deals, support multiple deal selections at once. However, other options—like Preview Confirmation or Edit Deal—are restricted to a single deal selection due to their context-specific nature. When multiple deals are selected, unavailable options are typically grayed out. This design prevents invalid actions and ensures data consistency across bulk operations.

43. What do the fields in the 'Deal Query' grid represent? (e.g., Instrument, Trader, etc)

    The Deal Query section contains filters that define which deals will be retrieved from the database. Fields like Instrument, Trader, and Counterparty/Supplier determine deal type and ownership. Filters such as Date Range, Deal Status, and Contract Type narrow results to specific periods, states, or contractual categories. Together, these fields allow precise querying to locate specific deals within nGenue’s trading records.

44. What do the columns in the 'Deal Details' grid represent? (e.g., Deal ID, Instrument, Start Date, UOM, Total Volume, etc)

    The Deal Details grid displays the output of queried deals, showing critical trade information in column format. Columns such as Deal ID uniquely identify each deal, while Instrument, Start Date, End Date, and Trader Name provide key attributes of the trade. Quantitative columns like Volume, UOM, and Total Volume represent trade quantities and measurement units. This grid offers users a complete overview of all relevant trade information for monitoring and analysis.

45. What is the data format for date fields like Start Date, End Date, Trade Date and Last Updated?

    Date fields in nGenue are typically displayed in the format MM/DD/YYYY. This consistent format ensures compatibility with U.S.-based industry standards and external integrations. Internally, nGenue validates date fields to ensure logical consistency—for example, ensuring the Start Date occurs before the End Date. Users can also apply date filters using this format when running queries.

46. What happens if the Start Date is set later than the End Date?

    If the Start Date is entered later than the End Date, the system flags it as invalid and prevents deal creation or query execution. This validation ensures that deal durations are logical and consistent with trading conventions. Users must correct the date range before saving or running the query. Such checks prevent incorrect reporting and scheduling downstream.

47. What is the 'nGenue Deal ID' and where does it come from?

    The nGenue Deal ID is a unique identifier automatically assigned by the system when a deal is created. It serves as the primary reference for tracking, updating, and auditing deals across all modules. Each Deal ID is system-generated to ensure uniqueness and consistency. Users can use this ID to search, link, or reference deals in confirmations, invoices, and reports.

48. What is the 'Internal Ref ID' and where does it come from?

    The Internal Ref ID is an optional identifier that may be manually entered or imported from external systems such as ETRM platforms or spreadsheets. It serves as a cross-reference between nGenue and other applications used for deal management or accounting. This helps users align and reconcile deals across multiple systems. It enhances traceability without replacing the system-generated nGenue Deal ID.

49. What is the difference between nGenue Deal ID and Internal Ref ID?

    The nGenue Deal ID is system-generated and acts as the primary key within nGenue, while the Internal Ref ID is typically externally sourced and used for cross-system reference. The Deal ID ensures database integrity, whereas the Internal Ref ID provides integration and reconciliation flexibility. Both identifiers can coexist on the same record for comprehensive tracking. The distinction allows nGenue to interface effectively with other systems while maintaining its internal structure.

50. What is the role of a Trader in a deal and where do the values in the 'Trader' dropdown come from?

    A Trader is the individual responsible for creating, executing, and managing deals within nGenue. The Trader dropdown in the Deal Query screen lists all active traders configured in the user management or trading setup module. These names are maintained by administrators and mapped to corresponding user accounts. Selecting a trader allows users to filter deals by ownership or responsibility.

51. What is the role of a Counterparty/Supplier in a deal and where do the values in the 'Counterparty/Supplier' dropdown come from?

    The Counterparty/Supplier represents the external organization or customer with whom the trade is executed. The dropdown values are populated from the Counterparty Master or Supplier Master database within nGenue. These records include all valid entities authorized for trading relationships. Filtering by counterparty helps users view transactions related to specific partners or suppliers.

52. What is Retail Demand Pool and where do the values in the 'Retail Demand Pool' dropdown come from?

    The Retail Demand Pool represents a grouping of retail customers or accounts that share common delivery or billing characteristics. The dropdown values are derived from the Retail Pool setup in the system’s configuration. Each pool defines an aggregation of customers managed under a single retail program. Selecting a demand pool filters deals tied to that specific retail grouping.

53. What is the function of the 'Hide if Confirmations Sent' checkbox, and how does checking or unchecking it affect the listing of deals?

    When the 'Hide if Confirmations Sent' checkbox is selected, nGenue hides all deals that have already had confirmations sent to counterparties. This helps users focus only on pending or unconfirmed deals. If unchecked, all deals are displayed regardless of confirmation status. It simplifies the workflow by decluttering the results and highlighting deals that still require attention.

54. What happens when 'List Deal Templates Only' checkbox is checked or unchecked?

    When 'List Deal Templates Only' is checked, the system filters and displays only deal templates—predefined deal structures used to create new deals quickly. Unchecking it shows all active deals instead of templates. This distinction allows traders to either manage templates or review real transactions. Templates are often used to standardize repetitive deal creation processes.

55. How is the 'Buy or Sell' field determined?

    The Buy or Sell field indicates whether the deal represents a purchase (Buy) or sale (Sell) transaction. It is determined at deal creation based on the transaction type selected by the trader. This classification affects how the deal is reported in position and profit/loss calculations. Users can also use this field in queries to isolate buy-side or sell-side trades.

56. Are there any fields that are mandatory when creating a deal?

    Yes, several fields are mandatory when creating a deal to ensure data completeness and integrity. These typically include Instrument, Counterparty/Supplier, Start Date, End Date, Trader, and Volume. nGenue validates the presence of these fields before allowing the deal to be saved. Missing any mandatory data will trigger an error message prompting the user to complete the required information.

57. What is the purpose of selecting 'Contract Type' in a deal and where do the values in the 'Contract Type' dropdown come from?

    The Contract Type identifies the legal or operational category of a deal, such as Fixed Price, Index-Based, or Swing Contract. The values in this dropdown come from the Contract Type Master maintained in system setup. Selecting a contract type helps the system apply the correct pricing, nomination, and settlement rules. It ensures that each deal adheres to predefined commercial structures and reporting standards.

58. What does each option in the 'Deal Source' dropdown represent?

    The Deal Source dropdown in nGenue identifies the origin or type of deal entry. Common values include Manual Entry, Imported, System Generated, and Copied Deal. Manual Entry indicates deals entered directly by the user, while Imported refers to those brought in via Excel or external feeds. System Generated deals originate from automated processes such as nominations or balancing, and Copied Deal represents deals cloned from existing ones for reuse.

59. Where do the options in the 'Pipeline' dropdown come from and why is this filter used?

    The Pipeline dropdown is populated from the pipeline master configuration in nGenue, which lists all active interstate and intrastate pipelines associated with the LDC or trading entity. This filter is used to limit deal visibility to a specific transportation route or pipeline. It helps traders and schedulers quickly locate deals associated with a certain pipeline, especially when managing capacity or nominations.

60. Where do the options in the 'Pipeline Location' dropdown come from and why is this filter used?

    The Pipeline Location dropdown pulls data from the configured location master under the selected pipeline. Each pipeline can have multiple receipt or delivery points defined. Users use this filter to isolate deals associated with specific physical locations. It ensures more granular deal tracking for operational reporting and transportation scheduling.

61. Where do the options in the 'Supply Region' dropdown come from and why is this filter used?

    The Supply Region dropdown is sourced from the supply region configuration defined in nGenue administration settings. It represents geographic or operational areas from which gas supply is sourced. This filter allows users to narrow deal listings to a particular supply zone, aiding in supply balancing, sourcing analysis, and demand aggregation.

62. Where do the options in the 'Index type/group' dropdown come from and why is this filter used?

    The Index Type/Group dropdown is populated from the market index configuration table, where different index groups (e.g., Henry Hub, Chicago Citygate) are defined. This filter helps traders focus on deals linked to specific market indices or pricing mechanisms. It is often used when analyzing price exposure, hedging activities, or index-linked supply contracts.

63. When does the 'Meter #' field become enabled?

    The Meter # field becomes enabled when the selected instrument type or deal type requires metered volume tracking — typically in Physical and Retail deals. It is disabled for purely financial instruments like swaps or futures. Once enabled, it allows users to associate the deal with a physical meter for volume validation and settlement purposes.

64. What are 'Baseload deals' and how are they created?

    A Baseload deal represents a consistent, non-variable volume of gas supply or purchase over a defined period. These deals are typically created when a trader enters a deal with constant daily quantities and identical delivery terms. In nGenue, baseload deals can be created from the Deal Management screen by selecting a baseload template or manually entering uniform daily volumes.

65. What validation checks are applied when creating a deal from this screen?

    When a user creates a new deal, nGenue performs several validation checks to ensure data accuracy. These include validating date ranges (start vs. end date), verifying mandatory fields (e.g., instrument, trader, counterparty), and confirming the uniqueness of the deal ID. Additionally, nGenue checks that pipeline, region, and instrument mappings are valid and consistent with configuration data.

66. What happens if the selected date range includes future dates?

    If a user selects a date range that includes future dates, nGenue will still allow deal creation or querying but will highlight deals as future effective. This helps users distinguish between current, historical, and forward-dated deals. For operational consistency, future deals are typically flagged in reports and may not be eligible for scheduling until the effective date.

67. Is there a limit to the number of deals that can be displayed in the grid?

    Yes, nGenue imposes a configurable limit to optimize grid performance. Typically, the Deal Details grid can display up to a few thousand rows depending on system settings. If the query exceeds that limit, nGenue prompts users to refine their filters. This ensures faster data retrieval and prevents browser lag when handling large datasets.

68. How is data sorted by default in the Deal Details grid?

    By default, the Deal Details grid sorts data based on the Trade Date or Last Updated field in descending order. This ensures the most recent or active deals appear at the top of the list. Users can manually re-sort any column, and nGenue retains their last-used sort preference until the session ends or layout is reset.

69. What does the Last Updated date filter control? Which field in the grid is used for filtering?

    The Last Updated date filter filters deals based on the timestamp of their most recent modification. It uses the Last Updated column in the database, which captures the user ID and timestamp whenever a deal is edited or saved. This allows users to focus on recently changed deals for review or audit purposes.

70. Can deal records be exported or downloaded from this view?

    Yes, users can export deal records from the Deal Management screen using the Export to Excel icon or the right-click context menu. The export respects all applied filters, so only the filtered or visible deals are included. This functionality helps users share deal summaries or perform offline analysis.

71. Are units (e.g., volume, UOM) configurable per user or standard across the system?

    Units of measure (UOM) such as MMBtu, Dth, or Mcf are defined at the system level in nGenue and follow standard configuration settings. While users cannot modify these units individually, they can view equivalent conversions where applicable. This standardization ensures consistent reporting and eliminates discrepancies across departments.

72. Which backend tables or views map to each of the columns in this grid?

    Each column in the Deal Details grid corresponds to specific backend tables such as Deals, DealDetails, Pipelines, Counterparty, and Trader master tables. Derived columns like Total Volume and Average Daily come from calculated database views. This design ensures that grid data remains synchronized with the source tables and updated in real-time.

73. Where do the values for Volume, Total Volume and Average Daily come from, and how are they calculated?

    The Volume field represents the daily scheduled or contracted quantity entered in the deal record. Total Volume is calculated by multiplying daily volume by the number of deal days, while Average Daily is derived by dividing total volume by total days. These values are auto-calculated and displayed dynamically based on entered deal parameters.

74. Are columns like Pipeline, Base Load, or Group Strategy always populated, or only for specific deal types?

    Not all columns are populated for every deal type. For example, Pipeline and Base Load appear only in Physical or Retail deals, whereas Group Strategy is specific to structured financial deals. nGenue dynamically hides or blanks irrelevant columns based on the selected instrument type to ensure clarity and relevance.

75. What does the Template column represent?

    The Template column identifies whether a deal was created from a pre-defined template rather than manually entered. Templates store reusable configurations such as pipeline, pricing, and volume defaults. This feature helps traders quickly create repetitive deals while maintaining data consistency and reducing manual errors.

76. What is the significance of the Trader ID vs Trader Name fields?

    The Trader ID is a unique system-generated identifier tied to each trader profile, while the Trader Name is the descriptive name visible to users. Both fields ensure deal traceability and support audit tracking. The Trader ID is used in backend mappings and reporting, whereas the Trader Name is displayed in the grid and dropdown menus.

77. How is the Exported and Date Exported column updated?

    When a deal record is successfully exported — either manually or via automated batch jobs — nGenue updates the Exported flag to “Yes” and logs the Date Exported timestamp. This provides users visibility into which deals have been shared externally or integrated with downstream systems. These fields are non-editable and system-controlled.

78. When exporting the grid, are all columns included or only visible ones?

    When a user exports the grid using the Export to Excel icon, only the columns currently visible in the Deal Details grid are included in the exported file. Hidden columns or those removed through the “Configure grid columns” option are excluded. This ensures the exported output matches the on-screen layout and user preferences.

79. Are any column headers renamed or reformatted in the export file?

    Yes, nGenue automatically reformats certain column headers in the exported file for readability. For example, database-style names (like DEAL_ID or TRADER_ID) are displayed as “Deal ID” or “Trader” in the Excel output. This helps maintain user-friendly naming while ensuring consistency across reports.

80. Can users customize which columns are included during export?

    Yes, users can customize export content by modifying visible columns using the Configure grid columns option before export. The grid layout settings allow users to show or hide columns as needed. Once adjusted, the export respects the user’s configuration and includes only the selected fields.

81. Deal ID – What is the Deal ID format? Is it system-generated? Is it unique?

    The Deal ID is a unique, system-generated alphanumeric identifier assigned to every deal in nGenue. It ensures traceability and serves as the primary key for backend operations. Users cannot modify it manually, and the format typically includes a prefix representing the deal type followed by a sequence number.

82. Instrument – What instruments are supported? Can this field be edited after deal creation?

    Supported instruments in nGenue include Physical NG, Physical Retail, Swap, Future, Option, and Production deals. Once a deal is created, the Instrument field becomes non-editable to maintain data integrity. Users must create a new deal if they wish to change the instrument type.

83. Deal Description – Is this a free-text field? What’s the max length? Is it mandatory?

    The Deal Description field is a free-text field where users can enter a short summary or reference for the deal. It helps in quickly identifying deal purpose or characteristics. The field typically supports up to 250 characters and is optional, though recommended for better search and reporting clarity.

84. Start Date / End Date – What’s the date format? Are these validated against each other?

    Both Start Date and End Date follow the MM/DD/YYYY format and are validated for chronological order. If the start date is later than the end date, nGenue prompts an error message and prevents saving. These fields determine the active period of the deal and are crucial for scheduling and settlement processing.

85. Firm – What does this checkbox indicate — firm vs non-firm?

    The Firm checkbox specifies whether the deal represents a firm contractual obligation or a non-firm, interruptible agreement. A checked box indicates a firm deal, guaranteeing delivery or receipt of gas. Unchecked deals are interruptible, meaning delivery can be curtailed under certain operational conditions.

86. Buy/Sell – What values are supported here? Can a deal be both?

    The Buy/Sell field supports two mutually exclusive values — Buy or Sell. A buy deal represents gas procurement, while a sell deal represents gas delivery or sale. nGenue does not allow both values simultaneously for a single deal to maintain transaction clarity.

87. Date/Time Created – Is this timestamp system-generated? Can it be modified?

    Yes, the Date/Time Created field is automatically generated by the system when a new deal record is saved. It captures both the creation date and time along with the user ID. This field is system-controlled and cannot be edited by users to preserve audit history.

88. What does each option in the 'Deal Source' dropdown represent?

    The Deal Source dropdown identifies how the deal was created. Options typically include Manual Entry, Template-Based, Copied Deal, and System-Imported. Manual Entry refers to user-created deals, Template-Based indicates deals created from preconfigured templates, and System-Imported refers to externally loaded data from spreadsheets or integration feeds.

89. Where do the values in the 'Trader' dropdown come from?

    The Trader dropdown draws values from the Trader master list configured in nGenue. Each trader is associated with an active user ID and organizational role. Only traders marked as active appear in the dropdown, ensuring valid deal ownership and reporting consistency.

90. What is the role of a Counterparty/Supplier in a deal and where do the values come from?

    The Counterparty/Supplier represents the external party involved in the transaction. The dropdown values are sourced from the Counterparty master, which stores approved trading partners, suppliers, and buyers. Selecting the correct counterparty ensures proper settlement and contract mapping in downstream modules.

91. What is Retail Demand Pool and where do the values in the 'Retail Demand Pool' dropdown come from?

    The Retail Demand Pool field links retail physical deals to a defined demand aggregation group. Values come from the Retail Configuration master, which defines different pools based on geography or rate class. This helps align retail gas purchases with customer demand forecasts and reporting groups.

92. What is the function of the 'Hide if Confirmations Sent' checkbox, and how does checking or unchecking it affect the listing of deals?

    When Hide if Confirmations Sent is checked, nGenue filters out deals that have already been confirmed and emailed to counterparties. Unchecking it displays all deals, regardless of confirmation status. This helps users focus only on pending confirmations and avoid duplicate communication.

93. What happens when 'List Deal Templates Only' checkbox is checked or unchecked?

    When the List Deal Templates Only checkbox is checked, nGenue filters the grid to show only deal templates available for reuse. Unchecking it reverts the grid to show all active deals. This function helps traders quickly locate standard templates used for recurring transactions.

94. How is the 'Buy or Sell' field determined?

    The Buy or Sell field is determined by the direction of gas flow and the user’s trading intent. If gas is being purchased or received, it is flagged as Buy, whereas outgoing or delivery deals are flagged as Sell. This classification is system-controlled based on trader-side configuration.

95. Are there any fields that are mandatory when creating a deal?

    Yes, several fields are mandatory, including Instrument, Trader, Counterparty, Start Date, End Date, and Volume. Without these, the deal cannot be saved. nGenue highlights missing mandatory fields with validation prompts during creation to ensure data completeness.

96. What is the purpose of selecting 'Contract Type' in a deal and where do the values come from?

    The Contract Type identifies the nature of the contractual agreement linked to the deal, such as Firm, Interruptible, Spot, or Monthly. Values are sourced from the Contract Type master configuration. This field is essential for pricing, settlement logic, and regulatory reporting in nGenue.

97. What is the difference between 'nGenue Deal ID' and 'Internal Ref ID'?

    The nGenue Deal ID is the primary system-generated unique identifier for each deal within nGenue, ensuring traceability across modules. The Internal Ref ID, on the other hand, is an optional user-defined or imported identifier used for cross-referencing with external systems. While nGenue Deal ID is mandatory and immutable, Internal Ref ID provides integration flexibility.

98. What happens if the Start Date is set later than the End Date?

    If a user enters a Start Date that is later than the End Date, nGenue triggers a validation error and prevents deal saving. This ensures chronological consistency and avoids downstream scheduling or volume calculation errors. The system highlights both fields and provides a descriptive message prompting correction.

99. Are these right-click options available when multiple deals are selected?

    Not all right-click options are available for bulk actions. Basic functions such as Export to Excel or Preview Confirmation may support multiple selections, but actions like Edit Deal or Delete Deal are restricted to single selections. This prevents accidental updates to multiple records simultaneously.

100. Are all users allowed to use all right-click options, or are some restricted by role/permissions?

     Access to right-click menu options is governed by the user’s role and assigned permissions within nGenue. For example, only traders or admins may edit or delete deals, while analysts might only have view or export rights. This role-based control ensures compliance with internal approval and audit policies.

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