 | Estimating is job related – designed to quickly create accurate cost estimates, suggested pricing for quotes, and as an aid to requirements labour/material planning. | | There is also the option to list materials under ‘Headings’, and have alternate materials as ‘upgrade’ options. |
| | There are two options for Job Estimating – one summarised for “Quick” estimates, and the standard “Detailed” method | | The current stock on hand is shown for materials to indicate net and gross requirements. |
| | One job can have multiple estimates attached. | | There is also the option to set up standard templates for elements of work (called “Kits”) to semi automatically create estimates. |
| | It is possible that (in the early stages) estimates can be linked to different Prospects. | | Costs for a Phase are summarised by Cost Group, and can also be expressed as a cost per unit of measure (eg. M2). |
| | You can copy an estimate from another job, or copy an estimate within the same job. | | You can also view Cost Item summaries for the overall estimate to see totals required for Material items, Labour, Subbies, Plant Hire hours, etc. |
| | Each estimate is normally broken down into “Phases” of work, although this cost summary can be ignored to have just estimating by Cost Item. | | The Cost Estimate can be used to form the basis for creating a Quotation – with the ability to select the level of detail. |
| | Cost Items are grouped into separate files of Direct Labour, Materials, Sub-Trades, Plant Hire, and Sundries. | | Alternatively, you can simply use the Cost Estimate as a guide to what the quoted price should be, and create a different Quotation. |
| | Cost Item estimates can alternatively be entered into a single screen – regardless of the Cost Item type. | | Once a job was been won, you can select the appropriate Estimate as the basis to copy into the Job’s Budget. |
| | Labour cost items are input by Labour Class allowing different cost & charge rates. | | The Materials Estimate can be copied into the “Required to Purchase” file to then raise Purchase Orders |
| | Material estimate interface with the “stock” database for the latest cost information. Quantities can be entered as Each, M2, M3, or Linear Metres. | | If a job is not won, you can record Loss Analysis. |
| | Notes and Work Instructions can be entered throughout | | Estimates can also be used later as a basis for calculating a Variation to Contract. |
| | Material quantities can also be entered by physical area within a Project Phase. | | Flexible software design – add/remove fields, files, menus to suit. |
