LIFE is a very general economic analysis program in that both energy and non-energy related projects can be analyzed. LIFE allows for initial, operational, maintenance, recurring non-annual, and special one time costs. In LIFE, projects can have a life span of up to 50 years. LIFE can also handle projects with multiple phases. Phasing is especially useful for analyzing projects that have planned major additions over the life of the project.
All input data is checked at the time of entry so that no improper data can be entered.
Upon completion of the input process, all data is saved to disk and can be reviewed and edited whenever desired. The general project data includes the project name, client name, designer name, life cycle base year, interest rates, and phase description data. The life cycle costs can be printed in summary or detailed form. Many of the reports list the life cycle costs in tabular form such that the total life cycle cost can be easily verified.