Chapter 2 – Program Overview - Estimating 101

Chapter 2 – Program Overview1.2.3.4.Program StructureDatabase StructureDatabase ItemsTakeoff Libraries1. Program StructureTrimble ACCUBIDTM software is a powerful program. The program allows anestimator to create a project estimate complete to the final price.ACCUBIDTM consists of various screens needed to complete an estimate.TAKEOFF SCREEN COMPONENTSTool BarMenu BarTakeoff breakdown by drawing, area,phase, system, labor factor, and biditem. This breakdown feature providesthe estimator the ability to analyze andcheck the estimate.LibrarytakeoffBid SummaryToolbarLibraryDropdownMenuThe program’s audit trail gives the estimator aconstant visual awareness of his completed takeoffs.14 P a g eElectrical Estimating with Trimble ACCUBID Classic Software

2. Database StructureThe database has four levels in which the items are arranged by categories.ACCUBID has 4 Levels in the item database.A Category Level is indicatedby a “C” in the type column.At the Item Level, an I is displayedin the Type column.Note: Even though the Item Database has a maximun of four (4) levels, some materialcatagories only go to three (3) levels. To know where you are, always look at the Typecolumn to the right for C (Category) or I (item).Volume 2 – Program Overview, Settings, Views & Reports15 P a g e

3. Database ItemsThis program uses a database of items. The database is the key to the program.Each item in the database contains 40 fields of information. These fields contain thevalues of each item. Some of the values include the following: description, materialprice, discount, and unit, labor units (six columns), sort codes, manufacturer, catalognumber, and sort codes.FieldDescriptionDateDatabase Item DescriptionItem description - max 80 charactersDate of the last material price change. You cannot modify this field.Material UnitPrice units: E - each, C - hundred, M - thousandMaterial PriceThe item’s trade price.Material DiscountThe percentage discount off the Material Price used to calculate Material Net Cost.Material Net CostThe item’s cost: material price less material discount.Net ConditionMaterial ConditionControls price updating.Normal, Halted, Quoted, Sub Contractor, Owner Supplied, No Cost, Equipment, or Budget.Material Adj. #1Time & Material Billing material adjustmentMaterial Adj. #2Future usePrice CodeAutomatic price code update - max 14 charactersPrice FactorUsed with price update from a Pricing Service. I.e.: Trade ServiceLabor UnitLabor units: E - each, C - hundred, M - thousandColumn 1 LaborCompetitive labor columnColumn 2 LaborIndustrial labor columnColumn 3 LaborSpecial conditions - analyze risksColumn 4 LaborNECA's labor column 1Column 5 LaborNECA's labor column 2Column 6 LaborNECA's labor column 3Labor ConditionLabor Condition - Normal, Budget, No Labor, Subcontractor, Owner Supplied or Shop Labor.Specifies which one of the five labor factor percentages will be used when a labor factor isapplied to this item during a takeoff.Labor FactoringBased OnThis item’s quantity will be based on the takeoff length (Len) or on the takeoff count (Cnt).Labor CodeThe labor code for this item.Sort CodesOn the extension screen, you can sort items by material and labor totals.Weight UnitFuture useWeightFuture useManufacturer NameName of the item's manufacturer (maximum 35 characters).Supplier NameName of the item's supplier (maximum 15 characters).Supplier CodeThe supplier's order code for this item (maximum 25 characters)Catalogue NumberReferenceThe catalog number for the item (maximum 40 characters).Manufacturer order code (maximum 25 characters).Universal Item CodeUniversal code used to identify item, not specific for any manufacturer.Quick Takeoff CodeCustom code for quick takeoffs. i.e.: letters and/or numbers, not spaces or special characters.16 P a g eElectrical Estimating with Trimble ACCUBID Classic Software

Sample database item valuesSix Labor ColumnsLabor Factoring Field contains 5group options.Based On is either Len or Cnt.When an ITEM is used in anASSM, the Based-On featurecan be set to Len, Cnt, or Abs.There are 8 Sort Code fields. Sort Codes 1-4should be set at N/A. These are present because ofthe DOS database. Sort Codes 5-8 are for theWindows database. Sort Code 5 (Material Sort) isrenamed to Material Sort. Sort Code 7 is renamedLabor Sort. Sort Codes 6 & 8 are available forcontractors’ use for company specific sorting.The database items can be arranged into assemblies and placed in the program’stakeoff libraries to your own personal preferences and takeoff style.Volume 2 – Program Overview, Settings, Views & Reports17 P a g e

4. Takeoff LibrariesTrimble ACCUBID Classic software offers various programs with different takeofflibrary options. Each takeoff library offers specific material takeoff options.The following are brief descriptions of each Takeoff Library:1) Item DatabaseThe Item Database displays a list of items from the material database. You cannavigate through the list to select the material to be taken off.2) Common AssembliesCommon Assemblies display a list of assemblies from the material database.Assemblies are collections of related items identified by a single description. Youcan navigate through the list to select the material to be taken off. CommonAssemblies library has a maximum of three levels.3) Temporary AssembliesTemporary Assemblies display assemblies that are assigned to the job ratherthan the database. For more information, see Working with TemporaryAssemblies.4) Temporary ItemsTemporary Items are items assigned to the job rather than the database. Formore information, see Working with Temporary Items.5) Fixtures / Electric Heating / DistributionThe Fixtures / Electric Heating / Distribution allows you to create specializeddesignations which you can then take off. If you wish, you can use these optionsto assemble specialized takeoffs without creating designations.6) Systems / Controls / Ducts & Trays / Branch Conduit & Wire / FeederConduit & Wire / Branch Cable / Feeder CableThese takeoff libraries display the first in a series of specialized hot lists that youcan step through to assemble your takeoff. For more information, see Using HotLists (Pro, BidWinner Plus only).18 P a g eElectrical Estimating with Trimble ACCUBID Classic Software

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BidWinner20 P a g eElectrical Estimating with Trimble ACCUBID Classic Software

Chapter 2 – Program Overview 1. Program Structure 2. Database Structure 3. Database Items 4. Takeoff Libraries 1. Program Structure Trimble ACCUBIDTM software is a powerful program. The program allows an estimator to create a project estimate complete to the final price. ACCUBIDTM consists of various screens needed to complete an estimate.