Expert Estimation Features

General Features

24hour x 7day telephone product support^*

Support when you need it, provided by professional staff who know the products they support.

Training included with the purchase of the product

To get the most from your investment and have your staff up and running quicker, a voucher for participation in a scheduled, hands-on 1 day training course is included with your purchase.

True Windows® application & functionality

• The ability to open multiple windows (including multiple copies of the same window) at the same time
• Cut, Copy, Paste functionality utilising the Windows® clipboard
• Standard Windows® hotkey functionality e.g. ctrl+c (copy), ctrl+v (paste), ctrl+tab (swap internal window), ctrl+b (bold) etc
• Standard Windows® look and feel including menus, toolbars, standard window dialog boxes (open, print etc), Windows® appearance, resizing windows etc
• Files may reside in any location on the local or network computer and there is no restriction to where projects may be saved.
• Interactive context sensitive help system utilising the latest windows help functionality, allowing you to find the information you need fast.

Fully networkable data

Multiple users can work on the same project at the same time.

Fully networkable licenses

Use your licenses effectively by only purchasing the number of licenses you require to use concurrently.

Regular application updates^*

Keeps you at the forefront of technology and the latest estimating practices

Project files are portable

Each project consists of a separate set of files which may be located anywhere on your computer or network. Projects may be copied to other computers via a network, emailed or copied on CD's, USB devices, floppy disks etc.

Expert Estimation also includes a function to zip and unzip files when copying to make backing-up and transferring projects even more convenient.

No limit on the number of estimates that may be created

As each project is contained in a separate set of files, there is no limit to the number of estimates which may be created.

The program may be installed on any modern IBM Compatible PC

Use the technology you already have in your office.
For more information, see the Will Expert Estimation run on my computer? topic in the FAQ.

Ability to create new projects that automatically contain standard or frequently used information

Drastically reduce the time it takes for you to set up a new project by including information that is used regularly in each project automatically.

Expert Estimation may be installed easily by the end user

Expert Estimation uses a standard Windows® setup. The total installation process usually only takes a few minutes and seven mouse clicks.

Find & Search

Find text anywhere it appears in your project or only in a specific window.

Autosave routines to protect your data.

Unsaved information that is currently being worked on is autosaved periodically to prevent data loss in the event of power or hardware failure.

Help and Support

Comprehensive context sensitive help system with Intellihelp^©

All of the information you require is easily accessible, and may be navigated to using a graphical format.

24hour x 7day telephone product support^*

Support when you need it, provided by professional staff who know the products they support.

Training included in the purchase of the product

To get the most from your investment and have your staff up and running quicker, a voucher for participation in a scheduled, hands-on 1 day training course is included with your purchase.

Security

Program access may be controlled by user names and passwords

Unauthorised access to the program may be prevented by users logging in with a username and password.

Access to all functionality in Expert Estimation may be controlled by user-defined user types.

Control the information your staff can view and edit by their user type.

Project file access can be restricted using a password.

Sensitive projects may only be viewed or edited by entering the correct password.

Direct Cost & Overhead Cost Schedules

The Direct Cost Schedule is the client's schedule (or bill of quantities) of items.

The Overhead Cost Schedule is your schedule of preliminary, or indirect items such as rent, insurance and telephone charges.

No limit on the number of cost items that may be entered

Projects may be as simple or complex as required.

The clients schedule (when provided electronically) may be transferred directly into Expert Estimation.

Quickly and accurately transfer the client's Schedule into Expert Estimation using a simple copy and paste routine from any standard Windows® based spreadsheet or tabular data source.

Data entry similar to that of most popular windows spreadsheet packages.

If the client has not provided a Schedule electronically or the schedule is being created in-house, the information may be entered easily, even by those with limited experience using the program.

Overhead (Indirect) costs are estimated in the same format as direct costs

Estimate your Overhead Costs using the same flexible Cost Estimate window as used for the Direct Cost items.

Copy items from other projects

Items estimated previously may be copied from other projects into your current project, or copied within the same project.

Roll-up parent and Child items (or sub items)

Conveniently estimate portions of clients items separately (Child items) and then "roll them up" into the Parent item for submission.

Each item has a cost estimate worksheet

Estimate your costs using First Principles Estimating. Each Item's Cost Estimate may be as complex or simple as you require.

Each item has a takeoff

Calculate your Item quantities using a flexible Takeoff sheet which includes the ability to use simple functions for complex formulae (such as the volume of spheres, cones etc).

Each item has a note & references attached

Record any important information regarding each Item including specification and drawing references.

Ability to use font formatting (bold, italic, underline)

Reproduce the client's schedule in a similar format as you have been provided, or highlight specific entries (section heading, totals etc)

Items may be one of five item types

Enables you to include Contributing, Rate Only, Hidden and Included, Excluded and Provisional Items in your project.

Items may have one of three item status (colour coded for easy identification).

Ensures that partly estimated Items are not overlooked prior to submission of your tender, and items that require checking are reviewed.
Expert Estimation will prevent your project from being submitted to the client if unfinished items exist.

Ability to apply text and file references to items

Record information such as document and specification references etc. and attach links to external files to keep all item information central.

Anticipated estimate

Ability to quickly enter a rate for each Item to provide a ‘ball-park’ estimate of your project's costs.

View resource and currency split information

View a summary of all Resources contained in each Item, and the total value of different currencies in the item.

Cost Estimate

Estimate your Items using as simple or complex calculations as required using First Principles Estimating techniques.

First principles resource based estimating methodology

• First Principles Estimating enables you to obtain a true analysis of all of the Resources required to complete the project.
• The Cost Estimate for all items may be readily audited and is fully justifiable, backed up by the processes required to complete the task.
• Changes made to your resource rates are automatically carried through to each Item's and Group resource's estimate that uses the changed resource.
• Eliminates the hit and miss task of finding all of the Resources in each item if a rate changes when using other types of "estimating software" that allow rates to be just "typed in".
• Utilising Resource libraries your projects can be estimated consistently by your staff based on your cost of using your resources to perform the work, not just the individual skill of the estimator to get the numbers right.

No limit on the number of cost estimate lines (resources) that may be entered per item

Estimates may be as simple or complex as required.

Resources may be created on-the-fly

Create new Resources from within the Cost Estimate where you will use them.

Four estimating modes (quantity, unit rate, production, and time based)

So you can produce estimates the way that suits your business best. You can even use different modes for different items.

Wide array of standard formulae

Enables you to build up your estimates using simple or complex functions and analyse your results.

Inline spreadsheet style calculations may be entered

Use as simple or as complex formulae as required to build up the quantities for your resources.

Global and local defines (variables)

Use Defines (variables) in your calculations that are available for the Item you are working on or the project as a whole.

Copy estimate from other items or other projects

Allows you to copy and paste lines of the Cost Estimate from other Items or from other projects into your current project.

Multiple Cost Estimate Copy

Automatically build up Cost Estimates for projects that use a standard Item numbering system for their schedule, based on either other items in the current project, a project designed as a template, or any other project.

Takeoff

A Takeoff calculation window is attached to each Item allowing you to calculate and record quantities required for the item and estimate.

Item Notes

Free text fields are attached to each Item allowing estimators notes, clarifications etc. to be retained.

Resources

Resources are used to easily and consistently build up Cost Estimates and analyse your project's resource usage.

No limit on the number of resources that may be entered for a project

Enter as many Resources as you require to estimate your project.

Copy Resources from any standard windows application

Save time and ensure your Resources are accurate by copying your current resource database that is stored in a standard windows application (such as Microsoft Excel or Access, or a purchased resource database) into Expert Estimation.

Resources may be created in any currency.

For projects where Resources are being sourced internationally or you’re performing an international project, resources may be created in any currency.  Rates are adjusted for all resources whenever the currency exchange rate is modified.

Resources may be created on-the-fly

Create new Resources from within the area where you will use them.

Any previous projects may be used as libraries for resources or special library projects may be utilised

Use Resources previously created in other projects or from specially created Resource libraries to build up your estimates quicker.

Base resources split into 4 major types, with 2 unlimited levels of sort-coding

Resources may be one of 4 types (Labour, Materials, Plant or Subcontract) which, within them may be grouped using 2 unlimited sort code levels.

Base resource rate calculations

Base resource rates may be entered directly or may be calculated using industry standard calculation methods (for labour and plant) or a calculation sheet (for materials and subcontract).

Group (complex or assembly) resources that are capable of a 9999 level hierarchy.

Enables you to estimate Group Resources for convenient use in multiple Items/Cost Estimates. Groups may be estimated as simple or as complex as required.
Examples of a group resource may be an item of plant which includes an operator and fuel, or supply and installation of a pump which includes the pump, some labour and a crane to place, an electrician and a plumber.
Each time a group resource is used, all of the contained resources are automatically applied.

Group resources may be estimated using any convenient base quantity.

Estimate your Group Resources using a quantity that is convenient to estimate. You are not restricted to always creating your resources based on one unit.

Consistent resource rate database

Changing a Resource rate in the resource database will change the rate for that resource throughout your estimate everywhere it is used, making updating rates a pain free process.

Apply a factor to selected resource rates

Factor selected Resources to allow for margins, extra taxes or contingencies, etc.

Specify resource size and weight for transport

Transport reports may be produced based on the size and weight of Resources being transported to site.

Recovery Module

Determines the depreciation of the capital value of plant used on your project.

Outsourcing Module

Record details of Resources or work to be outsourced for future reference.

Resource Quotation Analysis Module

Analyse the quotations for multiple Resources from multiple suppliers/subcontractors and transfer the rates from the selected quoter directly to your resource database.

Multi-Currency

Use as many currencies in your project as required and select a currency to produce your final submission report in. This feature is a must when sourcing resources internationally or when bidding for projects in another country.

Project Summary Margins, Profit, Risks & Opportunities and Adjustments

View your project's Direct costs, Overhead costs, Pre and Post Margin Adjustments and Margins at a glance.

Margin percentages may be applied to the total cost or contract value, each resource type and cost type and to specific resource categories independently

The flexibility to apply Margins to your project in whatever method you require. Allows the ability to apply a percentage margin to all of your costs and/or individually set margins dependant on what the costs are related to.

Record and allow for risks and opportunity events

Enables you to quantify the value of risk or opportunity events and their percentage likelihood of occurring.

Alter your costs and selling value using pre and post margin adjustments

Pre and Post Margin Adjustments allow you to either add or deduct money from the project value quickly prior to submission without having to edit your estimates.

Lump sum margin

Add or deduct a fixed value to your projects final value.

Spreading

Item status ensure that the project cannot be spread and submitted if incomplete items exist

This feature prevents the Spread from being performed if Items remain that have a status of “unfinished”, ensuring that you never submit a project with items that haven't been completely estimated.

Ability to configure the spread distribution on individual items

Enables you to customise the Spread distribution over Items that you want more or less Margins and/or Overheads to be applied to than other items.

Ability to spread specified overhead items over specified direct cost items

Estimate Overheads in the Overhead costs and have those costs spread over specific Direct cost items.

Spread group facility

Ensures recovery of Margin and Overheads for groups of Items where the item quantity distribution may change when the work is performed.

Spread Lock facility

Enables you to lock the Selling rates of Items already submitted to the client, if the project has additional or altered items required to be re-submitted.

Ability to change the spread order, spread methods and selling value rounding.

Configure the Overhead and Margin spread to meet your projects needs.

Consumption tax, GST (Goods and Services Tax) and VAT (Value Added Tax) aware.

Expert Estimation has the ability to either incorporate a tax amount into each Selling rate and total, or apply a tax percentage to the final project value.

Cashflow

Two methods of producing a cashflow for the project. Assigning activities to items and estimate lines, or assigning quantities for each time period to items.

Enables you to produce a Cashflow using the method that suits your project best.

Activities may be created on-the-fly

Create new Activities from within the area where you allocate them.

Cashflow results are presented in both tabular and graphical formats

Results may be printed as a report or copied and pasted to a spreadsheet for further analysis, graphs may be produced which may be printed or exported using a number of standard export file formats (BMP, GIF, PNG, WMF, or Clipboard).

Resource Flow

Allows analysis of both the usage and value of Resources used over the duration of your project.

Calendar

For defining holidays or non-work days

Budget

Ability to apply budget cost codes to resources, cost estimate lines and schedule items.

Allows you to Cost Code your project using as much detail as required.

Cost Codes may be created on-the-fly

Create new Cost Codes from within the area where you allocate them.

Cost Code Flow

Combining the Cost Code allocation with the Cashflow results, Expert Estimation can produce a Cost Code flow of the value of each Cost Code over the duration of the project.

RateTrak

RateTrak allows you to compare the rates for your estimates of Items, sections of Cost Estimates and Group Resources with similar estimates either within the same project or in other historical projects.

Reports

Wide range of standard reports

Over 50 reports are available for use, many of which may be formatted to produce the data you require.

Ability to print & preview reports from the relevant area within Expert Estimation, or from a list of reports.

Print and preview reports from the window that relates to the report, or from a Report List where reports may be formatted and printed as a group.

Ability to export all reports either to the clipboard for use in other software, to a spreadsheet (.csv) file or directly into an Excel® spreadsheet.

Export your report data directly to Excel® or to any other standard Windows® application via the Windows® clipboard.

Exporting Data

Copy and paste from most windows

Information may be copied and pasted from and to most windows in Expert Estimation and other standard Windows® applications (such as Microsoft Word® or Excel®) using the Windows® clipboard.

Ability to export project information to project cost management systems (including Expert Project) for project cost control.

All relevant project information from Expert Estimation may be imported into Expert Project for on-site financial management of the project after the tender has been won.

Applicable project information may also be exported to Scenario Project Manager and COINS Site Manager for use in these packages after winning the project.

Ability to export selective project information to other standard windows applications using the windows clipboard, export to Excel or to a delimited text file.

• Information from most data windows may be copied and pasted to and from other standard Windows® applications via the Windows® clipboard.
• All reports may be exported to the Windows® clipboard, Microsoft Excel®, or to a spreadsheet (.csv) file.
• Commonly used project data may be exported to a standard text file format (either delimited (.csv etc) or fixed width formats)
• The variety of export options available allows relevant information to be exported or copied from Expert Estimation for use in nearly all standard Windows® software including Accounting, Project Scheduling, Project Management, Word processor and Spreadsheet applications.

Other export and import formats

• Schedule information may be imported and exported using the Optus inCITE (Construction Industry Trading Exchange) standard format.
• Import bill of quantity information and submit completed schedule information from the Queensland Main Roads Departments Tender Schedules program.
• Ability to import and export estimate information to and from Leighton Holdings Limited's CATS estimating software.

Analysis

A wide range of analysis tools are available including the Cashflow, Cost Code Flow, Resource Flow, Spread Analysis, Quantity Variation Analysis, Quotation Analysis, RateTrak and many more.

Spread Analysis

Analyse your selling item's costs, Margin and Overhead spread

Quantity Variation Analysis

Compare the effect of quantity changes on your project's Overhead and Margin recovery

Item Grouping Summary

Analyse your project's costs and selling values based on user defined group codes.

Resource Flow

The Resource Flow allows analysis of both the usage and value of resources used over the duration of your project.

Cost Code Flow

The Cost Code Flow combines the Cost Code allocation with the cashflow results. Expert Estimation can produce a cost code flow of the value of each cost code over the duration of the project.

Project Statistics

Displays your project's physical statistics such as, the number of Items, Resources, Activities and Cost Codes etc.

Other

Ability to link images with audio and notes attached to the project, for site inspection photographs, diagrams etc

Link your site inspection photos with any audio and notes to your project for future reference.

To Do window

Keep all of the tasks required to be performed for your estimate on track by assigning tasks and due dates to team members.

Project Documents window

Record all important project information such as contractual conditions, closing dates and team meetings in one central location for easy access.

Note fields available for the whole project, each item and each resource

Record any details about your project, its Items, Estimate and Resources for future reference by the estimating team.

Company wide INFO window

Record any information in a central location that may be regularly referenced by Expert Estimation users such as material size and weights, estimating formulae, plant capabilities etc.

Projects may be zipped for convenient copying, emailing etc from within the program (no external software is required)

In-built functionality for zipping, emailing, copying, moving and renaming projects makes transferring your project simple.

Find windows

Find any information anywhere in the project using the "Find in Project" window or using the Find function for each specific area.

Direct Cost - Subcontractor Comparison

Analyse quotations from subcontractors against your estimate for schedule items.

Messages

Users on a network can send instant messages to other Expert Estimation users. 

Options

Configure your copy of Expert Estimation to suit each individual user.