Dry Matter Calculation in our ERP Trade Software Qbil-Trade

Fair settlement based on actual product value

In the trade of food, feed and agricultural commodities, value is not determined by gross weight alone, but by what is actually inside the product. Two shipments with the same weight can differ significantly in commercial value due to variations in moisture, dry matter and other quality parameters. These differences have a direct impact on price, margin and financial outcome.

The Dry Matter Calculation module in our trade software Qbil-Trade helps traders translate quality data automatically into a fair, transparent and consistent financial settlement — without manual calculations, spreadsheets or discussions afterwards.

Why calculate based on dry matter?

For many commodities and ingredients, dry matter content largely determines the real commercial value. Higher moisture means less effective product; a higher dry matter content often results in a higher yield and therefore different pricing agreements.

In practice, this means contracts are increasingly based on:

• dry matter,
• a reference value with premiums or discounts, or
• a combination of multiple quality parameters.

Manually calculating these differences is time-consuming and error-prone. Qbil-Trade fully automates this process.

What does the Dry Matter module do?

With this module, you can:

• register quality and analysis data per delivery (such as dry matter, moisture, protein, fat or other parameters);
• automatically calculate the commercially relevant quantity;
• base pricing and settlement on dry matter instead of gross weight;
• apply premiums and discounts when values deviate from agreed norms;
• seamlessly pass all results through to invoicing and accounting.

This ensures that financial settlement always reflects the actual quality of the product.

How does it work in Qbil-Trade?

1. Setup per product or product group

You define per product or product group how dry matter calculation is applied. This includes, for example:

• whether dry matter calculation is applicable;
• the reference or target value;
• premium and discount tables;
• applicable units (kg, ton, %);
• general ledger accounts for quality-related price differences.

This setup ensures alignment with your trading practice and contract terms.

2. Registering quality data

For each delivery, weighing or receipt, you record the relevant analysis data, such as:

• dry matter percentage;
• moisture content;
• protein, fat or starch content;
• other product-specific quality parameters.

Qbil-Trade uses this data directly in all subsequent calculations.

3. Automatic calculation

Once the analysis data is registered, Qbil-Trade automatically calculates:

• gross weight;
• measured dry matter percentage;
• corresponding dry matter quantity.

Depending on the contract terms, the system calculates using:

• a price per kilogram or ton of dry matter, or
• a base price with premiums or discounts for deviations from the reference value.

4. From analysis to invoice and finance

The results of the dry matter calculation flow seamlessly through the process:

• correct quantities and amounts on purchase and sales invoices;
• clear invoice specifications (gross weight, dry matter %, dry matter quantity, premiums/discounts);
• automatic creation of accurate journal entries.

This fully connects trading, quality and finance within one system.

Tangible benefits for your trading operation

The Dry Matter Calculation module in Qbil-Trade delivers:

• Fair settlement
  Pay and invoice based on actual product value, not on moisture or assumptions.
• Fewer disputes
  Transparent, traceable calculations based on analyses and contract agreements.
• Less manual work and fewer errors
  No more spreadsheet calculations; everything is processed automatically and consistently.
• Better margin and risk control
  Quality differences are reflected accurately and in a timely manner.
• Full integration
  One integrated flow from contract to delivery, invoicing and accounting.

Summary

With the Dry Matter Calculation module in Qbil-Trade, quality measurements are directly linked to commercial and financial settlement. The result is a fairer, more transparent and more efficient process — fully integrated into your Qbil-Trade environment and aligned with the realities of daily trading.