KCG Forge User Guide

Getting Started

KCG Forge does not open a database automatically at launch. You must either create a new database or load an existing one before working in the main window.

When no database is loaded, the main action buttons are disabled. This prevents accidental edits or exports against an empty session.

New database

Use File > New to create a new database file.

Load database

Use File > Load Database to open an existing file.

Database Workflow

The database stores your business profile, materials, tools, projects, and receipt settings. The application keeps the current database in the active session until you load a different one or close the app.

Create one: start a new file when setting up a new shop or brand.
Load one: open an existing file to continue previous work.
Switch databases: load a different file from the File menu at any time.

If you open the app and nothing is loaded, this is normal. Choose a database from the File menu before using the dashboard buttons.

Business Information

The Business Info window stores the details that appear on invoices, receipts, and other reports.

Business name
Address
Phone number
Web address
Email address
Logo image

Use the logo controls to choose an image, preview it, clear it, and save it with the rest of your business profile. The logo is used in report output where supported.

Inventory

The Materials and Tools areas are used to keep your working inventory organized.

Materials

Materials track stock, SKU, unit type, cost per unit, and low-stock alert levels.

Tools

Tools track purchase cost, lifespan hours, and hourly depreciation used in project costing.

Inventory reports are available in PDF, DOCX, and XLSX format. The inventory reports do not reduce stock. Only receipts reduce inventory for sold project units.

Projects

Projects are where KCG Forge computes job cost and final price. Each project can include materials and tools.

Enter labor hours and labor rate
Set the markup percentage
Add materials from the database
Add tools from the database

Project totals recalculate when the project changes. The invoice export shows the project totals and the itemized material and tool breakdown.

Receipts

Receipts are separate from invoices. An invoice shows the full project cost. A receipt records what was actually sold and can include more than one project.

Choose one or more projects
Enter units sold for each project
Enter sales tax percent
Export the receipt as PDF, DOCX, and/or XLSX

Receipts reduce inventory after a successful export. Invoices do not reduce inventory.

The sales tax amount is persistent, so the next time you open the receipt window it starts with the last tax percent you used.

Reports and Exports

KCG Forge exports professional report files in PDF, DOCX, and XLSX formats.

Invoice: itemized project cost summary
Receipt: sold quantities, unit prices, tax, and total
Inventory Status: full material list and stock levels
Low-Stock Reorder Report: materials at or below alert level

Exported files overwrite an existing file when the selected destination already exists.

Troubleshooting

No database loaded

If the main buttons are disabled, load a database or create a new one from the File menu.

Logo does not appear in DOCX

Re-select the logo in Business Info and save it again. This refreshes the stored image data used by the DOCX exporter.

Receipt inventory changed unexpectedly

Only receipt exports deduct inventory. Invoices and inventory reports do not change stock.

Recommended Workflow

Create or load a database.
Set up business information and logo.
Add materials and tools.
Create projects and assign items.
Export invoice reports as needed.
Create receipts when items are actually sold.