Table of Contents. Part I Welcome. Part II Introduction. Part III Getting Started. Part IV The User Interface. Part V Quick Start Tutorials

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2 Contents I Table of Contents Part I Welcome 5 Part II Introduction 5 1 Overview Product... Levels 5 3 Technical... Support 6 4 Copyright... 7 Part III Getting Started 7 1 Installation Register... Software 7 3 Using this... Help System 8 Part IV The User Interface 9 1 Interface ProEst... Button 10 3 Quick... Access Toolbar 10 4 Menu... Bar 11 Part V Quick Start Tutorials 20 1 Adding... a New Estimate 20 2 Selecting... Items for Your Estimate 22 3 Selecting... Assemblies for Your Estimate 26 4 Adjusting... Estimate Markups 29 5 Printing... Reports 30 Part VI Home 30 1 About... the Home Page 30 2 Navigation... Pane 32 3 Estimate... List 34 4 Spotlight... and Dashboards 35 Part VII Estimate 36 1 About... the Estimate Page 36 2 Navigation... Pane 37 3 Estimate... Items 39 4 Estimate... Summay 41 5 Bid Day... Summary 42 I

3 II ProEst Estimating 6 Markups Part VIII Takeoff 48 1 About... the Takeoff Page 48 2 Navigation... Pane 49 3 Takeoff... Pane 51 4 Import... Drawings 52 5 Perform... a Takeoff 53 6 Setting... a Scale 57 7 Setting... a Custom Scale 57 8 Inserting... Text on a Layer 58 9 Using... the Highlighter Adding... Hot Links Using... MagniPoint Snap to... Grid 63 Part IX Documents 63 1 About... the Documents Page 63 2 Navigation... Pane 64 3 Document... Pane 66 4 isqft Projects Part X Reports 70 1 About... the Reports Page 70 2 Navigation... Pane 72 3 Report... Pane 73 Part XI View 75 1 Sort Types Formulas Cost Table Crew Table Accounting... Codes 83 6 Proposal... Setup 85 7 Currency... Table 87 8 Contacts Vendors Sub-Contractors Manufacturers Material... Types 93

4 Contents III 13 Unit of... Measure Bid Status Job Type Job Status Markup... Setup 98 Part XII Database 99 1 Database Items Assemblies Search Part XIII Tools Calculator Accounting... Interfaces Pricing... Interfaces Scheduling... Interfaces Screen... Layout ProEst... Setup 112 Part XIV Maintenance System... Information Change... Database Backup... Database Restore... Database User... Maintenance Change... Datapath System... Analysis Import... Options Estimate... Status Administrator Part XV Glossary Ascii Click... or Clicking Function... Keys Menu Scroll... Bar Takeoff Takeoff... Quantity 128 III

5 IV ProEst Estimating 8 Takeoff... Unit View Drop... and Drag Field

6 Welcome 1 5 Welcome The information in this Help system will give you a complete understanding of the software and how it can assist you in creating profitable winning bids. Visit us on the Web at Copyright All rights reserved. 2 Introduction 2.1 Overview The latest release of ProEst Estimating now gives you a way to quickly and accurately create estimates, perform digital takeoffs and analyse your estimates all in a single solution. The software has been designed to help save precious time throughout the job cycle by eliminating repetitive work. There are many benefits of adopting our estimating and digital takeoff technology. Key Benefits of Adopting this Technology: Offers high ROI saves time, space and money Increases productivity without adding staff Provides ability to respond instantly to bid requests or changes Delivers a competitive advantage by improving your response time Integrates with your current systems Unparalleled speed and accuracy 2.2 Product Levels The ProEst software represents the latest in estimating and takeoff software technology and is unmatched in its ability to increase an estimator s productivity and improve their takeoff accuracy. The product is available in four levels: ProEst Lite Item Takeoffs Standard and User-Defined Markups Five Cost Types Per Item (Mat,Lab,Sub,Equip,Other) Job Cost Accounting Interfaces Integration with Online Plan Rooms Simple Digital Takeoffs 20 Standard Reports ProEst Standard Assembly Takeoffs

7 6 ProEst Estimating One Estimate Sort Type Ability to Use Estimates as Templates Cost Table to Update the Cost on Multiple Linked Items Ability to Edit the Screen Column Layout Combined Item List in the Estimate for Quick Cost Updates Plan Viewer Window to View Multiple Drawings at One Time Grids for Calculating Material Counts Off a Pattern Overlay Function to View the Difference Between Images 30 Standard Reports ProEst Professional Item Level Markups Two Estimate Sort Types Create Unlimited Alternates Crews for Labor and Equipment Ability to Design Custom Reports Ability to Merge Existing Estimates Together Update Multiple Estimates with Current Pricing Multiple Scheduling Interfaces Ability to Print Sales Proposals 40 Standard Reports ProEst Enterprise Five Additional Cost Types Per Item Create Unlimited Estimate Sort Types Multiple Material Costs Per Item Multiple Material Vendors Per Item Multiple Labor Productivities Per Item Attached Items for Quick Takeoffs for Related Items Ability to Perform Material Substitution by Group The Ability to Group Multiple Estimates Together Bid Day Summary for Comparing Sub-Contractor Quotes 50 Standard Reports 2.3 Technical Support There are many support options available for ProEst. These support options include the following: Getting Started Guide Complete reference guide with examples and tutorials. Telephone Support Please have the following ready for the support technician: Product serial number Product name and release number Type of computer hardware you are using Version of Windows you are using Exact wording of any messages that appeared on your screen Visit our Website at to get current support telephone numbers.

8 Introduction 7 Submit a Support Case The quickest way to submit a support case is by clicking on the Submit Case option on the help menu. This will enter your case into our support queue and guarantee you the quickest possible response time. Training & Support Team We have a support network of dealers and trainers located in many cities throughout the world. 2.4 Copyright Copyright 2011 All rights reserved. Warning: This computer program is protected by copyright laws and international treaties. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this program, or any portion of it, may result in severe civil and criminal penalties, and will be prosecuted to the maximum extent possible under the law. ProEst is a registered trademarks of ProEst Software in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners. 3 Getting Started 3.1 Installation To install the software, double-click on the installation file to launch the installation program. The program is installed by default into a folder called "C:\ProEst Estimating". A program group called "ProEst Estimating" is created and the ProEst icon will start the software. There will also be a ProEst icon automatically created on your desktop during installation. You must register the software to gain full access to all functions. To activate ProEst, see the Register Software section in this chapter. 3.2 Register Software The complete use of the ProEst software is turned on through the registration process. To activate your system when the software first starts, you will need to enter in your company name, address and serial number.

9 8 ProEst Estimating Note that you will need to be connected to the Internet to complete the process. 3.3 Using this Help System This Help is designed to be used on-screen. It is extensively cross-linked so that you can find relevant information for any subject from any location. If you prefer reading printed manuals, a PDF version of the entire Help is available from the ProEst Website. This may be useful as a reference, but you will probably find that the active hyperlinks, cross-references and active index make the on-screen electronic version of the Help much more useful. Getting Started Start by studying the Interface and Menu Bar sections. Using the Help While You're Working The Help system separates instructions and background information. This makes it much easier to refer to the "how-to" instructions when you are in a hurry and need to get your work done. Index and Search Functions The Index and Search functions allow quick lookups simply by typing in a keyword. The tabs are at the top of the Help system and are always available for quick access. To access, enter a keyword in the search field in the top right corner of the toolbar. The Help will open at the selected keyword in the Index, if that keyword is found.

10 The User Interface 4 The User Interface 4.1 Interface 9 The user interface of ProEst has an intuitive, Microsoft Office look and feel, which makes it quick and efficient to operate the software. The main navigation tools include the menu bar, toolbar and the navigation pane. The picture below points out the location of these tools as seen on the Home tab in the software. ProEst Button The ProEst Button is the main icon on the top of the interface screen. The button has functions to add, open and delete estimates, as well as access setup options for ProEst. Quick Access Toolbar The quick access toolbar is displayed at the very top of the screen. The toolbar contains the most popular functions for quick access. Menu Bar The menu bar is displayed below the quick access toolbar. The menu has all of the functions necessary to operate the software and many shortcut keys that are available for quick access to system functions. The menu bar remains constant throughout the system. Navigation Pane

11 10 ProEst Estimating The navigation pane is another way to access important system functions. The functions in the navigation pane will change to accommodate the tools available for a page. For example, on the Home page displayed above, you can add or delete estimates and group the estimates by various criteria. 4.2 ProEst Button The ProEst Button is the main icon located on the upper left corner of the screen. It contains functions to create new estimates, open existing estimates or change databases. New This option adds a new estimate to the system. Open This option opens the selected estimate. Save This option saves all data including the currently opened estimate. Change Database This option allows you to change to a different estimating database. Exit This option exits the software. 4.3 Quick Access Toolbar The Quick Access Toolbar contains many functions available for quick and easy access.

12 The User Interface 11 Home This option puts access back to the Home page. Add New Estimate This option adds a new estimate to the system. Save This option saves all data including the currently opened estimate. Database This option accesses the master database of items and assemblies. Help This option allows you to access the complete Help system, software registration screen and About screen, which contains the software release dates and registration information. 4.4 Menu Bar The menu bar contains all of the commands to operate the ProEst Estimating software. To access the menu options, click on the word with the left mouse button. To use the keyboard instead of the mouse, hold down the Alt Key and press the letter that is displayed on the menu you would like to access. Home Menu The Home menu allows access to all system related functions. Create new estimates, open existing estimates and access the ProEst Website for the latest news. Home This option returns focus to the Home page, which lists all of your estimates. New This option adds a new estimate or a record to one of the other system tables. Open This option opens the currently selected estimate. Delete This option deletes the currently selected estimate.

13 12 ProEst Estimating Save This option saves the currently opened estimate. Backup This option backs up the selected estimate. Restore This option restores the selected estimate from a previous backup. Enter Search Term This option allows you to search the estimate list for a particular estimate. Clear Search Result This option clears the search filter. ProEst News This option provides access to the latest issue of ProEst News. Estimate Menu The Estimate menu allows access to all estimate related functions. Database This option opens the master database including Items and Assemblies. Select All This option selects all line items in the estimate. Deselect All This option de-selects all line items in the estimate. Copy Selected This option allows you to copy selected items in the estimate to another location. Delete Selected This option deletes the selected items. Change Selected This option allows you to change or edit all selected items. Restore Items to Database This option restores item information from the estimate items back to the master database.

14 The User Interface 13 Update Items from Database This option updates the estimate items with the current item information from the master database. Merge Estimates This option allows you to merge together existing estimates. This will merge all items from the selected estimate into the current estimate. Adjust Takeoff Values This option allows you to edit the takeoff dimensions for the selected item or assembly. Material Substitution This option allows you to substitute one material type for another throughout the estimate. Unit Conversion This option converts between Imperial and Metric systems. Go To Line This option moves the focus to the input line number. View Summary This option turns on or off the summary display on the right of the estimate sheet. Enter Search Term This option allows you to search the estimate for a particular item. Clear Search Result This option clears the search filter. Takeoff Menu The Takeoff menu allows access to all takeoff related functions, including importing drawings, performing takeoffs and printing your results. Database This option opens the master database including Items and Assemblies. Import This option allows you to import drawings. Set Scale This option sets both the drawing scale and the unit of measure. You can also select the measurement system being utilized.

15 14 ProEst Estimating Set Custom Scale This option allows you to set a scale based on a known dimension on the plans. Print Drawing This option prints the selected drawing. Print Setup This option accesses the setup for the drawing report. Select This option allows you to select an object measured on the takeoff screen. Measure The option sets the software into measurement mode. When this mode is activated, measuring a series of points will create an area representing the points on the screen. The area is closed by selecting the Close Measurement option on this menu or the right mouse menu. You can also doubleclick your mouse to close the measurement. An area can also be subtracted by selecting the Subtract Measurement option. Close This option ends the current measurement. If an area is being measured, the area will be closed. If a length is being measured, the length will end on the last point selected. Subtract This option subtracts the measurement from the layer. This function works with both Area and Length measurement modes. Undo This option will undo the last measured point and can be selected multiple times. Zoom This option allows you to select a section on the screen with the mouse to obtain a more detailed view of the drawing. Zoom In This option allows you to zoom into the drawing by a set percentage. Zoom Out This option allows you to zoom out of the drawing by a set percentage. Zoom Page This option resets the drawing to fit the full page. Zoom % This option allows you to select a section on the screen with the mouse to obtain a more detailed view of the drawing. Magnify This option allows you to magnify a small section of the drawing. Pan This option allows you to pan around the drawing.

16 The User Interface 15 Highlighter This option allows you to highlight sections of the drawing in yellow. Hot Link This option allows you to link one drawing to another to view specs or more detailed sections of another drawing. Display All This option displays all takeoffs for the selected drawing at the same time. Labels This option turns on/off the quantities for the selected takeoff. Insert Text This option inserts text on the selected layer. The text can also be moved by selecting and dragging to a new location. Copy This option copies the selected layer. Clear This option clears or erases the selected entity. If a drawing is selected, it will clear the drawing and all layers within the drawing. If a layer is selected, only that layer will be cleared. Delete This option deletes the selected entity. If a drawing is selected, it will delete the drawing and all layers within the drawing. If a layer is selected, only that layer will be deleted. Rotate This option rotates the drawing ninety degrees. Snap to Grid This option allows you to snap your measurement to a user-definable angle. Overlay This option allows you to import a revised drawing and overlay over an existing drawing. The system will display differences between the original drawing and the overlay drawing. Plan Viewer This option allows you to view another drawing without leaving the displayed drawing. It is also used to add Hot Links to drawings. Documents Menu The Documents menu lists all estimate drawings and has access to import isqft projects.

17 16 ProEst Estimating Import This option allows you to import drawings. Delete This option allows you to delete drawings. Zoom This option allows you to select a section on the screen with the mouse to obtain a more detailed view of the drawing. Zoom In This option allows you to zoom into the drawing by a set percentage. Zoom Out This option allows you to zoom out of the drawing by a set percentage. Zoom Page This option resets the drawing to fit the full page. Zoom % This option allows you to select a section on the screen with the mouse to obtain a more detailed view of the drawing. Magnify This option allows you to magnify a small section of the drawing. Information This option gives you access to detailed specs about the selected drawing. Lighten This option lightens the selected image. Darken This option darkens the selected image. Rotate Left This option rotates the selected image left. Rotate Right This option rotates the selected image right. Adjust Overlay This option allows you to adjust the position of an overlay image.

18 The User Interface 17 Rotate Horizontal This option rotates the selected image horizontally. Rotate Vertical This option rotates the selected image vertically. Level This option allows you to level an image that has been scanned to get a true level takeoff image. Reports Menu The Reports menu gives you access to all reporting within the system. Print This option previews the selected report to the screen with an option of printing. Import This option allows you to import a custom report. Design This option gives you the ability to design your own custom reports. Delete This option deletes the selected report. View Menu The View menu has multiple functions to allow access to edit and manage the data tables in ProEst. Sort Types The sort types feature allows the estimate to be separated into sections or areas. Each item can be assigned multiple sort types. The estimate can then be printed by sort type, giving you another level of grouping.

19 18 ProEst Estimating Formulas The formulas are used to calculate takeoff quantities. They can be used to calculate area, volume, perimeter or any other value. Cost Table The cost table is a list which maintains the base costs. These costs are linked to individual items in the master database. Crew Table The crews can be comprised of both labor and equipment. Accounting Codes The accounting codes are assigned directly to each item and are used to separate the estimate for job costing purposes. Proposal Setup The proposal setup list contains all of the options for the sales proposal reports. Currency Table The currency table gives you the ability to change the currency being used in the estimate. Contacts The contact list contains all of the clients for which you will be creating estimates. Vendors The vendors list contains all of the material vendors that will be utilized in the estimates being created. Sub-Contractors The sub-contractors list contains all of the sub-contractors that will be utilized in the estimates being created. Manufacturer The manufacturer list contains all of the material manufacturers that will be utilized in the estimates being created. Material Types These are types of material that will be used with the material substitution function. Unit of Measure This is a listing of the units of measure in the database. Bid Status The status of the bid, helps organize the estimates on the home page. Job Type The type of job, helps organize the estimates on the home page. Job Status The status of the job after it is awarded. Markup Setup The markups that will be used for all new estimates that are created.

20 The User Interface 19 Tools Menu This Tools menu contains the calculator, interfaces, screen layout option and the setup screen. Calculator This option accesses the system calculator for mathematic calculations. Accounting This option allows you to access the accounting interfaces built into the system. Pricing This option allows you to access the material pricing services built into the system. Scheduling This option allows you to access the scheduling interfaces built into the system to setup the job schedule. Screen Layout This option allows you to customize the Home Page and Estimate Sheet to display the desired columns of information. ProEst Setup This option is used to access to all setup and configuration options in the system. Help Menu This Help menu allows you to access the complete Help system, Software Registration screen and About screen which contains the software release dates and registration information. Help This option accesses the complete Help system. Activate This option allows you to properly register the software.

21 20 ProEst Estimating Auto Update This option checks for current updates to the software and notifies you if one is available. Deactivate This option allows you to deactivate the software. This function is utilized if you need to transfer a license to another machine. Submit Case This option allows you to submit a support case to our support department. This will enter your case into our support queue and guarantee you the quickest possible response time. Tutorials This option will launch a page on our Website with links to training tutorials. Feature Request This option will launch a page on our Website for submitting product feature requests. Recommend This option launches a page on our Website with links to recommend ProEst to a colleague. About This option displays a message box with information about the release date and registration status of the software. ProEst This option launches the ProEst corporate Website. 5 Quick Start Tutorials 5.1 Adding a New Estimate To add a new estimate, from the Home menu select the New icon. The Add New Estimate screen appears to input your new information.

22 Quick Start Tutorials 21 Code This field displays a unique identifier code assigned to the estimate. Description This field allows you to enter a description for your estimate. Project This field allows you to group related estimates together. Estimate Template This field allows you to select any previously created estimate as a template for the new estimate you are adding. Selecting a template will include the estimate items that are in the template. Cost Modifier This gives you the ability to adjust the estimate costs per user-definable modifier. RS Means Index This allows you to select from the RS Means city index factors so the estimate is adjusted according to the selected zip code. Bid Date This field allows you to enter the date that the bid is due. Start Date This field allows you to enter the date that the job will start.

23 22 ProEst Estimating Complete Date This field allows you to enter the date that the job will be complete. Bid Status This field allows you to select the status for the estimate. The system contains default values that can be edited based on your preferences. Job Type This field allows you to select the category type for the takeoff. The system contains default values that can be edited based on your preferences. Job Status This field allows you to select the construction status for the job. Job Size This field allows you to store the job size so a running unit cost can be calculated for the estimate. Filter This field allows you to filter the estimates by user-definable categories like per office or per department. Currency This field allows you to select the currency for the estimate. Miscellaneous This field can contain any estimate related data that needs to be stored. When complete, click on the Save button to add the new estimate to your system. 5.2 Selecting Items for Your Estimate The estimate has been created and is now opened. The next step is to takeoff or select a few items for the estimate. Select the Database icon off the estimate toolbar to access the items. In the Database select a Division and Sub-Division to locate an item.

24 Quick Start Tutorials 23 To takeoff the item, double-click on the item or press Enter when the desired item is highlighted. The system will prompt you for a quantity for the item as demonstrated on the next screen.

25 24 ProEst Estimating Input a number and click on the Save button.

26 Quick Start Tutorials The item selected has been transferred to the estimate. In the example below, four items have been selected to begin building the estimate. 25

27 ProEst Estimating Selecting Assemblies for Your Estimate To takeoff or select assemblies for the estimate, click on the Database icon on the estimate toolbar. With the database screen opened, select the Assemblies tab. Open a Division to choose an assembly for the estimate.

28 Quick Start Tutorials 27 Press the Enter key or double-click your mouse to takeoff the assembly. The system will prompt you to enter dimensions for the assembly on the left while the items are automatically calculated on the right.

29 28 ProEst Estimating After reviewing the items in the assembly, click on the Save button to transfer the items from the assembly into the estimate.

30 Quick Start Tutorials Adjusting Estimate Markups To access the markup screen for the estimate, in the View Screen section of the navigation pane, select Markups. Total Cost The top section contains a breakdown by cost type for the estimate. You can add a percentage markup per cost type to be applied at a cost type level. Total Price The bottom section contains additional markups that make up the total price of the estimate. Markup Types There are four markup types that can be applied to an estimate in the total price section. Markup The percentage will be applied to the total cost of the estimate. Margin The percentage is calculated on a margin basis and is applied to the total cost of the estimate. Lump Sum The lump sum markup type allows you to input an exact dollar amount to be added to the estimate. Bond The Bond calculates the project's bond based on a tiered percentage.

31 ProEst Estimating Printing Reports The reports are the final result. Click on the Print icon on the Reports tab. There are two types of reports: Estimate Reports To access the estimate reports, an estimate needs to be opened. These reports range from detailed reports for estimate review purposes to summary and proposal reports that would be used for your client proposals. Database Reports The database reports allow you to report on all data in your master data tables. 6 Home 6.1 About the Home Page The Home page is the entry point of the software and contains a list of all estimates in the system. To navigate to the Home page, select the Home icon on the Home menu or the Home icon on the Quick Access Tool Bar. The screen is divided into the navigation pane on the left, estimates in the middle and spotlight and dashboards on the right side of the screen.

32 Home Navigation Pane 31

33 32 ProEst Estimating On the left side of the screen is the navigation pane. The navigation pane gives you quick access to important functions for adding and deleting estimates, as well as an option to update estimates with current pricing from your database. The estimate list organization can also be selected in the View Estimates section on the bottom half of the pane. The estimates can be grouped by Bid Status, Job Type and even by Client. Estimate List The middle section is a list of all estimates in the system. This list can be organized in many ways and has an easy to navigate tree structure to help with the display. The groups can be selected in the View Estimates section of the navigation pane. Spotlight and Dashboards The Spotlight section is a news area that will keep you updated about product information and new releases, while also providing tips and company information. The dashboards give you a quick visual graph of the number of estimates organized by job type and bid status. 6.2 Navigation Pane On the left side of the Home page is the navigation pane which is displayed below. There are two main sections: a Start a Task section with available functions and a View Estimates section to display the estimate list in the desired organization.

34 Home 33 Start a Task This section contains the various functions for adding and deleting estimates. Add New Estimate This option is used to add a new estimate to the system. This will prompt you to input a code and a description for the estimate, as well as contacts that will be assigned to this estimate. Open Selected Estimate This option opens the selected estimate and displays the estimate sheet. Delete Selected Estimate This option permanently removes the selected estimate from the system. Update Estimates

35 34 ProEst Estimating This option allows you to update multiple estimates with current pricing from the database. View Estimates The estimate list can be viewed or organized in the following groups: View All This option views the estimates in sequential order by takeoff code. View by Bid Status This option views the estimates grouped by bid status. View by Job Type This option views the estimates grouped by job type. View by Job Status This option views the estimates grouped by job status. View by Estimator This option views the estimates grouped by the estimator that created the estimate. View by Cost Index This option views the estimates grouped by the selected cost index. View by Project This option views the estimates grouped by project code. View by Client This option views the estimates grouped by client. View by Year This option views the estimates grouped by the year of the bid date. 6.3 Estimate List The estimates section of the Home page lists all of the estimates in the system. This list can be organized by Type, Status and other groups, and has an easy to navigate tree structure to help with the display. The groups can be selected in the View Estimates section of the navigation pane.

36 Home Spotlight and Dashboards Spotlight and Dashboards The Spotlight section is a news area that will keep you updated about product information and new releases, while also providing tips and company information. The dashboards give you a quick visual graph of the number of estimates by job type and bid status.

37 36 ProEst Estimating 7 Estimate 7.1 About the Estimate Page The estimate page lists all items that are within the estimate. The screen is divided into the navigation pane on the left, the estimate in the middle and the estimate summary and navigator on the right side of the screen.

38 Estimate 37 Navigation Pane On the left side of the screen is the navigation pane. The navigation pane gives you quick access to many estimate functions, as well as a View Items section that gives you quick access to important functions for editing the estimate. The estimate items can be grouped in many ways, including by division, sub-division or any sort type assigned to the estimate. Estimate The middle section is a list of all items in the estimate. This list can be organized in many ways and has an easy to navigate tree structure to help with the display. Estimate Summary The estimate summary displays estimate cost information by cost type, as well as all markups applied to the estimate. The navigator displays the drawing that is associated with the selected item or assembly. 7.2 Navigation Pane The navigation pane for the estimate page is displayed below. There are three main sections: a Start a Task section for editing the items, a View Screen section to go to the estimate markups or bid day summary and a View Items section to view the items by the desired grouping.

39 38 ProEst Estimating Start a Task This section contains various functions for editing the estimate. Close Estimate This option closes the opened estimate and puts control back to the Home page. Update Estimate Costs This option allows you to update cost table items specific to the opened estimate. Estimate Sort Types This option allows you to add, delete and edit the estimate sort types. Item Summary

40 Estimate 39 This option gives you the ability to update multiple item costs at the same time. Alternates This option allows you to edit and assign alternates to selected items. Setup This option gives you access to the setup information for the estimate including job type, bid status and competition data. View Screen This section allows you to select from the three available screen views. Estimate Sheet This option displays all items in the estimate. Bid Day Summary This option allows you select and compare sub-contractor quotes on bid day. Markups This option allows access to the cost and price level markups in the estimate. View Items This section allows you to view the estimate items grouped in various manners. View All This option displays all items in takeoff order. View by Division This option displays all items grouped by division. View by Sub-Division This option displays all items grouped by sub-division. View by Alternates This option displays all items grouped by alternate. View by Sort Type This option displays all items grouped by user-definable sort type. 7.3 Estimate Items The estimate items section displays all items in the order they were selected from the database.

41 40 ProEst Estimating The items can be grouped in many ways by selecting an option in the View Items section of the navigation pane.

42 Estimate The estimate can also be sorted by any column by clicking on the column heading. 7.4 Estimate Summay The estimate summary pane is on the right side of the screen on the estimate sheet. 41

43 ProEst Estimating Bid Day Summary To access the Bid Day Summary screen, select the option in the View Screen section of the navigation pane. The Bid Day Summary screen is separated into two sections, the navigation pane on the left and the bid day information on the right.

44 Estimate 43 Navigation Pane The navigation pane is separated into the Start a Task section and the View Screen section that allows you to go back to the estimate sheet or markups screen.

45 44 ProEst Estimating Bid Day Summary The bid day summary portion of the screen has three sections.

46 Estimate 45 Bid Day Groups The top is a listing of bid day groups. It defaults to the divisions setup in the database but can be adjusted per sub-division. Sub-Divisions This section displays the sub-divisions assigned to the selected bid day group. It is also the section where you will drop sub-contractors into to compare quotes. Sub-Contractors This is a listing of all sub-contractors within the system. The sub-contractors can be filtered by code, zip, minority status and other criteria.

47 ProEst Estimating Markups The markups are displayed by selecting the Markups option in the View Screen section of the navigation page. Navigation Pane The navigation pane is separated into the Start a Task section and the View Screen section that allows you to go back to the estimate sheet.

48 Estimate 47 Markups The markups section has two areas, total cost and total price. The total cost section allows you to put in a percentage markup per cost type. The total price section allows you to put in markups, margins, lump sums and calculate a bond.

49 48 ProEst Estimating 8 Takeoff 8.1 About the Takeoff Page The takeoff page contains all drawings that have been imported into the software, as well as all takeoffs performed. The screen is divided into the navigation pane on the left and the takeoff area with the drawing and takeoff displayed on the right.

50 Takeoff 49 Navigation Pane On the left side of the screen is the navigation pane. The navigation pane gives you quick access to drawings, takeoffs and an area to input or measure dimensions. Takeoff Pane The takeoff pane on the right displays the selected drawing and any takeoffs that have been performed on the drawing. The software gives you the ability to measure lengths, areas and counts and they can be taken off using both digital plans and a mouse or traditional paper plans and a digitizer. The system allows you to color-code the takeoffs in order to label various materials, and the takeoff quantities are always displayed for quick reference. 8.2 Navigation Pane The navigation pane for the takeoff has three possible sections, including the Explorer, a Properties section and a Navigator. The right mouse menu has options that allow you to turn the properties and navigator panels on and off.

51 50 ProEst Estimating Drawings The drawings section displays the drawings that have been imported for the estimate. There is no limit to the number of drawings or takeoffs performed per drawing. Takeoffs The takeoff section represents the material takeoffs for the selected drawing. Dimensions The dimensions section displays all necessary dimensions for the selected takeoff. These dimensions are taken off from the drawing digitally, or entered manually when appropriate.

52 Takeoff Takeoff Pane The takeoff pane displays the selected drawing and any takeoffs performed on that drawing. The takeoff quantities can be displayed for quick reference. In addition to maintaining a separate set of quantities by takeoff layer, you can also assign a color, area fill style, line style and count image to each takeoff. The color of the shading is the same as the line color selected for that takeoff layer.

53 52 ProEst Estimating The takeoff properties are edited at either the formula list, if a formula is being used, or the unit of measure list if a formula is not being utilized. 8.4 Import Drawings To import drawings into your estimate, select the Import option on the Takeoff menu tab. Choose the desired drawing files and click on the Open button.

54 Takeoff 8.5 Perform a Takeoff To perform a takeoff, first open the database screen and find the desired item or assembly. 53

55 54 ProEst Estimating To start a takeoff, press the Enter key or double-click your mouse on the desired item or assembly.

56 Takeoff 55 The red block in the takeoff column for the assembly below means that it is already setup to perform a takeoff. Select an existing drawing or click on the Import Drawing option under the Takeoff Drawing section on the bottom of the database screen. The assembly is attached to the sample blueprint and you are ready to start your takeoff. With your mouse, click on points around an area and double-click to end the takeoff.

57 56 ProEst Estimating Input the manual dimensions, Depth of Slab and Depth of Base in this case, and all quantities for the assembly are automatically calculated. Click on the Estimate tab and the Assembly details and all costs are automatically calculated. Notice

58 Takeoff 57 that the drawing is displayed in the lower right navigator window on the estimate sheet. 8.6 Setting a Scale The Set Scale feature allows you to select the measurement system and scale for the selected drawing. To setup a scale, select the Set Scale option on the Takeoff menu tab. Note that changing the scale on an existing takeoff will automatically recalculate all takeoff quantities. Select System This option allows you to pick between Imperial or Metric measurement systems. Select Scale This option gives you a drop-down list of common architectural and engineering scales. Input Scale This option allows you to input a custom scale for your drawing. Units This option displays the units of measure for the takeoff. Apply to all Drawings The default action applies all values to the selected takeoff drawing only. Check this option to set this scale for all drawings. 8.7 Setting a Custom Scale The Set Custom Scale feature allows you to set a scale based on a known length on the plans. To setup a custom scale, select the Set Custom Scale option on the Takeoff menu tab. The system

59 58 ProEst Estimating will prompt you to select two points of a known length. After the second point is selected, the system will prompt you to enter in the value for this length. Select System This option allows you to pick between Imperial or Metric measurement systems. Input Line Length This option allows you to input the length for the selected line. Custom Scale This option displays the actual line length. Units This option displays the unit of measure for the takeoffs. Apply to all Drawings The default action applies all values to the selected takeoff drawing only. Check this option to set this scale for all drawings. 8.8 Inserting Text on a Layer To quickly insert text on a layer, select the Insert Text icon from the Takeoff menu tab, then drag and drop the icon where you would like the text label to be placed. After you drop the icon on the takeoff pane, the system allows you to type into an edit box and enter notes that you would like assigned to the selected layer.

60 Takeoff Using the Highlighter To use the highlighter tool, off the Takeoff menu tab select the Highlighter icon. Select an area you would like to highlight, depress the left mouse button and drag over the area. The highlighted area will be represented in a bright yellow color Adding Hot Links The Plan Viewer on the Takeoff menu tab is used to setup all Hot Links.

61 60 ProEst Estimating With the Plan Viewer opened, import a drawing and then with the Select Hot Link Area icon, select a hot link and give it a description. The hot links are displayed with a green box around the link area.

62 Takeoff 61 After the links are created, use the Hot Link option on the Takeoff menu to add it to any takeoff layer Using MagniPoint The MagniPoint function allows you to perform takeoffs without having to zoom into and out of a drawing. This allows you to quickly perform area, length and count takeoffs without needing to zoom into various section of a drawing. To activate the MagniPoint function, when in a measurement mode, press the Ctrl key.

63 62 ProEst Estimating

64 Takeoff Snap to Grid The Snap to Grid function allows you to snap your measurement to a user-definable angle. To use the function, select the Snap to Grid option on the Takeoff menu tab. Set the desired grid value and click on the Save button. 9 Documents 9.1 About the Documents Page The Documents tab maintains all drawings that have been imported into the estimate. These drawings can be imported from a local hard drive, compact disk or through the isqft plan room. The screen is divided into the navigation pane on the left and the document pane on the right that displays the drawings.

65 64 ProEst Estimating Navigation Pane On the left side of the screen is the navigation pane. The navigation pane gives you quick access to all of the drawings in an estimate. The bottom status bar displays the specifications for the selected drawing file. Document Pane The document pane on the right displays the selected drawing. 9.2 Navigation Pane The navigation pane for the document tab lists all drawings that have been imported into an estimate. There is no limit to the number of drawings that can be imported.

66 Documents Right Mouse Menus There are many functions available by using the right mouse menus on the navigation pane. Collapse All This option will collapse the explorer tree. Import Drawing This option allows you to import a single or multiple drawing files at a time into the system. Delete Drawing This option allows you to delete a single drawing file from the estimate. Add Drawing to Takeoff 65

67 66 ProEst Estimating This option allows you to add drawing files that were imported into the system to your takeoff tab. The system allows you to import drawings for review without having them associated with a takeoff. Download Drawing This option allows you to download selected drawing files from isqft projects that have been imported. 9.3 Document Pane The document pane displays the selected drawing file.

68 Documents 9.4 isqft Projects On the documents tab, the isqft icon allows you to import project files from the isqft site. Click on the browse button to select an isqft project to import. 67

69 68 ProEst Estimating The project details are displayed in the navigation pane and you can now selectively download the drawing file that you need to estimate the project.

70 Documents 69

71 70 ProEst Estimating 10 Reports 10.1 About the Reports Page The Reports page contains all reports that are available within the system.

72 Reports The screen is divided into the navigation pane on the left and the report list on the right. 71

73 72 ProEst Estimating Navigation Pane On the left side of the screen is the navigation pane. The navigation pane gives you quick access to multiple reporting options. Report Pane The report pane on the right displays a list of all available reports Navigation Pane The navigation pane for the reports page has two sections, the Start a Task section on top and the View Reports section on the bottom. Import Report

74 Reports 73 This option allows you to import a custom report designed for the system. Delete Selected Report This option allows you to delete any custom reports that have been imported. Note that you cannot delete any of the standard system reports. Design Custom Report This option allows you to design a custom report for the system. Report Header Setup The option allows you to edit the header information Report Pane The report pane displays all available reports in the system. The list is organized by report type so the database and estimate reports are grouped separately.

75 74 ProEst Estimating Click on the print icon on the report menu tab or double-click on any report to access the print preview window.

76 Reports 11 View 11.1 Sort Types 75 The system Sort Types are accessed from the view menu. The sort types allow you to separate the estimate into user-definable groups.

77 76 ProEst Estimating Add Sort Type This option allows you to add sort types to the system. Add Sort Type Value This option gives you the ability to add values to an existing sort type. Delete This option deletes the selected sort type or sort type value Formulas The formulas are accessed from the view menu. They are used to calculate takeoff quantities and can be assigned to both items and assemblies in the system.

78 View Add This option allows you to add a new formula to the system. Delete This option deletes the selected formula from the system. Edit The option allows you to customize any formula. 77

79 78 ProEst Estimating To build an expression, click on the Builder column on the expression row you want to edit. You can pick from existing variables in the formula and use the various arithmetic operators to build an expression. To quickly test your expressions, click on the Test icon on the edit formula screen and you will be prompted to input the dimensions and instantly see the expression calculations.

80 View Cost Table The Cost Table is a list which maintains the base costs for the system. These costs are linked to individual items in the master database and allow for easy updating of multiple items at one time. To open the Cost Table from the View menu select the Cost Table option.

81 80 ProEst Estimating Add This option allows you to add a new cost table entry to the system. Delete This option deletes the selected cost table entry from the system. Edit The option allows you to modify the selected cost table entry. The bottom section is for entering in the cost values for different modifiers.

82 View Crew Table The Crew Table maintains all crews in the system. Crews can be made up of multiple labor and equipment entries from the cost table. The crews can be accessed by selecting the Crew Table icon on the View menu.

83 82 ProEst Estimating Add This option allows you to add a new crew to the system. Delete This option deletes the selected crew from the system. Edit The option allows you to customize any crew. You can add labor or equipment items and adjust the quantities.

84 View Accounting Codes The Accounting Codes are used to organize your estimate items by job cost organization found in your accounting software. The Accounting Codes are accessed through the icon on the View menu.

85 84 ProEst Estimating Add This option allows you to add a new accounting code the system. Delete This option deletes the selected accounting code from the system. Edit The option allows you to edit the code or description.

86 View Proposal Setup The Proposal Setup is used to setup your client sales proposals. This screen is accessed from the View menu under Proposal Setup.

87 86 ProEst Estimating Add This option allows you to add a new proposal option into the system. Delete This option deletes the selected proposal option from the system. Edit The option allows you to edit the code, description or notes fields.

88 View Currency Table The Currency Table is used to convert the estimate from one currency to another. It is found on the View menu under Currency Table. Add This option adds a new currency to the table. Delete This option deletes the selected currency from the table.

89 88 ProEst Estimating Set Default Currency This option sets the default currency to be used for estimates. Convert This option will convert an estimate from one currency to another Contacts The Contacts list contains all contacts for the estimate. The contacts can be categorized by userdefinable groups. The screen is accessed by selecting Contacts from the View menu. Add This option allows you to add a new contact into the system. Delete This option deletes the selected contact from the system. Edit This option allows you to modify the contact.

90 View 11.9 Vendors The Vendors list contains all of the material vendors that will be utilized in the estimates being created. This list is accessed by selecting Vendors from the View menu. 89

91 90 ProEst Estimating Add This option allows you to add a new vendor into the system. Delete This option deletes the selected vendor from the system. Edit This option allows you to modify the vendor details.

92 View Sub-Contractors The Sub-Contractors list contains all of the sub-contractors that will be utilized in the estimates being created. To open the Sub-Contractors list from the View menu select the Sub-Contractors option.

93 92 ProEst Estimating Add This option allows you to add a new sub-contractor into the system. Delete This option deletes the selected sub-contractor from the system. Edit This option allows you to modify the sub-contractor details.

94 View Manufacturers The Manufacturers list is located on the View tab under the Manufacturers option. A manufacturer can be assigned to each material cost on an item. Add This option allows you to add a new manufacturer into the system. Delete This option deletes the selected manufacturer from the system. Edit This option allows you to modify the manufacturer Material Types The Material Types list is accessed from the View menu under the Material Types option. The types are used in conjunction with the material substitution function in the system, where you can substitute one material type for another throughout the system.

95 94 ProEst Estimating Add This option allows you to add a new material type into the system. Delete This option deletes the selected material type from the system. Edit This option allows you to modify the material type Unit of Measure The Unit of Measure list is accessed from the View menu under the Unit of Measure option. The list maintains all of the unit abbreviations and descriptions used in the master database.

96 View 95 Add This option allows you to add a new unit of measure into the system. Delete This option deletes the selected unit of measure from the system. Edit This option allows you to modify the selected unit of measure including the takeoff properties which are used to perform digital takeoffs.

97 96 ProEst Estimating Bid Status The Bid Status list is accessed from the View menu under the Bid Status option. The bid status is assigned to each estimate and is used to organize and track estimates. Add This option allows you to add a new bid status into the system. Delete This option deletes the selected bid status from the system. Edit This option allows you to edit the bid status.

98 View Job Type The Job Type list is accessed from the View menu under the Job Type option. The Job Type is assigned to each estimate and is used to organize by the type of work performed. Add This option allows you to add a new job type into the system. Delete This option deletes the selected job type from the system. Edit This option allows you to edit the job type details Job Status The Job Status list is accessed from the View menu under the Job Status option. The Job Status can be assigned to each estimate and is used to track the progress of jobs that have been awarded. Add This option allows you to add a new job status into the system.

99 98 ProEst Estimating Delete This option deletes the selected job status from the system. Edit This option allows you to edit the job status details Markup Setup The Markup Setup screen is accessed from the View menu under the Markup Setup option. The Markup Setup screen is used to setup markups that all new estimates will use when they are created. Once an estimate is created, any changes made to the markups within an estimate are specific to that estimate and do not affect these markups. Cost Markups The cost markups section at the top of the screen allows you to enter a percentage markup per cost type. This is normally used for taxes and is calculated off the base cost of an item. Price Markups The price markups section on the bottom of the screen are calculated on the total cost of the estimate.

100 View 99 This section offers the option of picking which cost type totals to be applied to, if the markup should be compounded on previous price markups and how the markup is calculated. There are 4 types of price Markups: Markup The markup type is calculated by adding a percentage to the estimate cost. Margin The margin type is calculated by making the percentage the portion of the marked up amount compared to the selling price. Bond The bond type allows you to input the percentage and the dollar range for each percentage. Lump Sum This lump sum type allows you to simply enter in a lump sum amount. 12 Database 12.1 Database The system comes with a variety of pre-built industry-specific databases. To open the database screen, select the Database icon on the Estimate or Takeoff menu. The database contains both individual items and assemblies, which are groups of related items. The database screen also has a search tab to quickly locate the necessary information needed to create an estimate.

101 ProEst Estimating Items The items are separated into three levels: division, sub-division and items.

102 Database 101 Edit Item To edit an item from the right mouse menu select Edit Item. Item Code The item code is a numeric value that is separated by decimals. The first group of numbers represents the division, the next set the sub-division and the numbers to the right of the decimal represent the item.

103 102 ProEst Estimating Description The description of the item. Unit The unit of measure that the item is taken off in from the plans. Examples are EA for Each, LF for Linear Feet or SF for Square Feet. Cost Type The cost type defaults are material, labor, sub-contract, equipment and other. Cost The base cost of an item. This represents the item cost before any taxes or markups are added. Cost Link This field links an item to the Cost Table. The Cost Table holds material, labor and equipment costs. This table is used to update the costs of many items at once by only changing one cost in the Cost Table. Conversion The conversion is a factor used to calculate the order quantities. The following formula explains: Takeoff Quantity * Conversion = Order Quantity. Waste % The waste percentage is used to adjust the final order quantity for an item. Rounding The rounding direction is used when calculating the order quantity for an item. The options are N-None, E-Each, C-Hundred and M-Thousand. Order Quantity The number of items that must be ordered for the input takeoff quantity. Order Unit The unit in which you order the item. For example, LF-Linear Feet, SF-Square Feet, EA-Each or HR-for Hours. Quoted Item The quoted item check mark is used to signify if an item's cost needs to be checked when used in an estimate. It normally is an item whose cost changes frequently. Accounting The accounting tab contains the link information for your accounting software. Each item's cost can be linked to a specific accounting code for job cost purposes. Notes The notes field is for notes that you want linked to an item. The field is used to attach information to an item. The notes can be printed with the item in a report. Misc An alphanumeric field that can hold any extra information that you want associated with an item. Part #

104 Database 103 Field used for a manufacturer's part number. UPC The UPC (Universal Product Code) is a direct link to many pricing services. It gives estimators the option of using a third party pricing service to update the costs of items. Weight The weight of an item, which could be used to determine shipping weights, as well as costs per pound. Size The size or dimension of an item. This field is used in assemblies for taking off similar sized items. Vendor This field links an item to a specific vendor. This is useful for the ordering of materials. Crew Links your item with a crew from the Cost Table. A crew can be made up of labor and equipment. Formula Links a formula to an item from the Formula table. It can be used to calculate area, volume, perimeter or any other value. The formulas are user-definable. Manufacturer Links the item to a specific manufacturer. This could be used for material ordering, as well as cost updates. Sub-Contractor Links an item to a specific sub-contractor. Attached Items The attached items tab contains items that are attached to the selected item. The attached items are taken off every time the main item is selected for an estimate. The quantities for the attached items are automatically calculated based on the quantity input when setting up the attached item. Substitution The substitution tab contains items that are used when a material substitution is performed in an estimate. The substitution process is done by material type, substituting one item for another. To edit or add new material types, off the View menu select the Material Type option Assemblies The assemblies are separated into two levels: the division and the assemblies.

105 104 ProEst Estimating Edit Assembly To edit an assembly from the right mouse menu select Edit Assembly. Assembly Code The assembly code is a numeric value that is separated by decimals. The first group of numbers

106 Database 105 represents the division, and to the right of the decimal represents the assembly. Description The description of the assembly. Unit The unit of measure that the item is taken off in from the plans. Examples are EA for Each, LF for Linear Feet or SF for Square Feet. Formula The formulas are necessary to quickly add and modify existing assemblies Search The search tab on the database screen is setup to do quick key word searches. 13 Tools 13.1 Calculator To open the Calculator function, select it off the Tools menu. The calculator is used to quickly perform mathematic calculations.

107 106 ProEst Estimating You can also send the values back to the quantity field of an item within the estimate Accounting Interfaces The system exports information to many popular job cost accounting systems. The Accounting Interfaces are located on the Tools menu.

108 Tools 107 To interface with your accounting software, select the product and click on the Start button Pricing Interfaces The updating of material prices is a task that can be automated. The Pricing Interfaces allow you to maintain material pricing in a quick, efficient manner. The Pricing Interfaces are located on the Tools menu.

109 ProEst Estimating Scheduling Interfaces To access the Scheduling Interfaces from the Tools menu select the Scheduling icon. The Scheduling Interfaces provide a link between your estimate and your scheduling software. The interfaces send over labor hours and cost information, as well as estimate groups like division, subdivision and the sort type breakouts.

110 Tools Screen Layout The Screen Layout is used to customize the Home page and estimate sheet to view the information you want to display. This option is found on the Tools menu under the name Screen Layout. Home Page These are the field options for the Home page layout.

111 110 ProEst Estimating Estimate Page These are the field options for the Estimate page layout.

112 Tools 111 Selected Columns This field displays a check mark if the column is currently selected to be displayed. Description This field displays the name of the column to display. Display Total This field displays a check mark if the column is to be totaled when the sheet is grouped. View This option allows you to pick a screen to setup; options are the Home page or Estimate sheet. Column Order This option allows you to change the column order. Once the columns are selected and you click on the Save button, you can resize and reorder the displayed columns on the view by utilizing the column header. Drag and drop the columns into the desired order and resize by placing your mouse cursor over the headers divider bars.

113 ProEst Estimating ProEst Setup All system setup is done on the ProEst Setup screen option found on the Tools menu. The system setup, from user names to cost modifiers, is all done in this one centralized location. General The general tab contains general setup information, such as setting of the number of decimals to display and the date format. Takeoff The takeoff tab has setup options related to the digital takeoff functions of the system.

114 Tools 113 Hardware The hardware tab contains setup options for a digitizer. To operate with a digitizer, you will need to install the GTCO TabletWorks driver. To locate the most current version of this driver, please visit the GTCO Website. After the driver is installed and it has detected the digitizer attached to your machine, the software will recognize the digitizer as an input device.

115 114 ProEst Estimating Languages The language tab gives you the ability to change the system menus and Help system language. Labor Conversions The ability to maintain multiple labor production tables is done through the labor conversions tab. The percentage column would be utilized if the labor options were just a percentage change off the standard labor factor.

116 Tools 115 RS Means The RS Means tab gives you the ability to utilize RS Means and their city index files. This displays the factors by zip code for the material, labor and equipment costs. Cost Types

117 116 ProEst Estimating The cost types tab displays the five cost types - material, labor, sub-contractor, equipment and other. This tab also gives you the ability to add five user-definable cost types. Cost Modifiers The cost modifiers tab allows you to maintain multiple cost modifiers for the database. These modifiers are user-definable and can be by city, state or any other cost criteria you need to maintain.

118 Tools 117 User Setup The setup of the users is done on this tab. Only the user administrator is able to access this tab to make modifications. The ability to set user-defined securities, like the ability to edit the master database, estimates and markups, is done on this screen. The user can also be assigned to an estimate filter so they can view only the estimates that pertain to their area of work.

119 118 ProEst Estimating Estimate Filters The estimate filters tab gives you the ability to separate estimates into user-definable groups. This could be by department, office, type of work, etc. 14 Maintenance 14.1 System Information This option displays detailed specifications about your computer and operating system.

120 Maintenance 14.2 Change Database This option allows you to connect to another SQL Server. 119

121 ProEst Estimating Backup Database This option allows you to backup individual estimates, as well as the entire database.

122 Maintenance 14.4 Restore Database This option allows you to restore data from the selected file. 121

123 ProEst Estimating User Maintenance This option allows you to view the users in the system, as well as add or delete users Change Datapath This option allows you to set the path for your takeoff drawings to another location.

124 Maintenance System Analysis This option allows you to perform a system test to make sure your SQL Server installation is working properly.

125 ProEst Estimating Import Options The import options allow you to import data from a previous version of the software, as well as import data from Microsoft Excel.