Expert Project 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 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.

True windows application & functionality

Reduces the learning curve for new users who are already familiar with standard Windows® applications. Functionality includes:

• The ability to open multiple windows (including multiple copies of the same window) at the same time
• Cut, copy and 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 Windows® dialog boxes (open, print etc), Windows® appearance, resizing windows etc.
• Files may reside in any location on the local or network computer. 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 project management 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, floppies or USB devices. Expert Project 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 projects that may be created

As each project is contained in a separate set of files, there is no limit to the number of projects 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 Project run on my computer? topic in the Expert Project 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 Project may be installed easily by the end user

Expert Project 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 in estimates that are currently being worked on are 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.

Contract & Overhead Cost Items

The Contract Items window is the client's schedule (or bill of quantities) of items.

The Overhead Costs window contains 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.

Items (when available electronically) may be transferred directly into Expert Project.

Quickly and accurately transfer your Schedule items into Expert Project 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.

Information may be entered easily, even by those with limited experience using the program.

Overhead (Indirect) costs are managed in the same format as Contract Items.

By treating Overhead items in the same way as Contract items, your costs for these items may be managed with as much accuracy as your contract items.

The original tender estimate, takeoff and notes for each item are imported from Expert Estimation.

All of the relevant information entered in Expert Estimation is available if the estimate was imported.

Each item has a takeoff

Calculate your item's 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

Record any important information regarding each item.

Ability to filter items

Show only items you are interested in or working on.

Show progress-claim relationship and Budget-Actual Analysis from the item.

Access analyses easily for selected items. Displaying the progressed and claimed quantities for the Item, or the Budget, Actual costs and income for selected items.

Variation Items

Variation items are work activities that differ from the original scope of work.

No limit on the number of variation items that may be created

Flexibility for even the largest projects

6 variation item status

Track Variation items status from identification through to submission and approval, with the ability to sort by variation status.

Ability to enter a cost estimate for each item

Estimate your items using as simple or complex Cost Estimate calculations as required using First principles estimating techniques.

Ability to enter a selling rate directly or calculate the selling rate by marking up the items costs or using resource selling rates

Enter a Selling rate for Variation items or calculate the selling rate based on your items Cost Estimate. An anticipated selling rate is also available for realistic income analysis.

Each item can have a takeoff

Calculate your item's 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 can have a note

Record any important information regarding each item.

Ability to clone variations

Duplicate items similar to items that have already been created to save data entry and ensure accuracy.

Show Budget-Actual analysis from the item

Analyse the item's Budget vs Actual costs and income for selected items.

Sundry Items

Sundry Items are work activities that are not included in the Contract items. Sundry items may be generated by the client (and claimed using the normal Progress Claim window) or may be non-client generated (and claimed using the Non-client Sundry Progress Claim window).

No limit on the number of sundry items that may be created

Flexibility for even the largest projects.

4 sundry item status

Track Sundry item's status from quotation to completion with the ability to sort by sundry status.

Client or Non-Client generated

Sundry Items may be additional work activities that are related to the project and generated by the client, or they may be generated by an external client, e.g. similar work that may be performed while the project is underway.

Day Works

Allows progress to be recorded (and claimed) based on your item's Actual Costs.

Ability to enter an estimated rate directly

Enter an estimated rate directly for quick estimates.

Ability to split sundry items into elements

Elements may be used to build up an estimate for Sundry Items, enabling items to be as simple or complex as required.

Elements may be resources, contract items, or new items

An element may be any Resource, an existing Item, or a new estimated item. Sundry Items may contain as many elements as required and may contain a mixture of resources and items with estimates providing the ultimate in flexibility.

Save data entry and time by simply dragging and dropping Items or Resources into Sundry Items to quickly estimate elements.

Ability to enter a cost estimate for each element item

Estimate your items using as simple or complex Cost Estimate calculations as required using First principles estimating techniques.

Ability to enter a selling rate directly or calculate the selling rate using the elements resource selling rates

Enter a Selling rate for Sundry items or calculate the selling rate based on your element's Cost Estimate. An anticipated selling rate is also available for realistic income analysis.

Ability to clone sundry items

Duplicate items similar to items that have already been created to save data entry and ensure accuracy.

Show Budget-Actual analysis from the item

Analyse the item's Budget vs Actual costs and income for selected items.

Cost Estimates

Cost Estimates allow you to 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.

Estimates for contract and overhead items imported from Expert Estimation

Your original Cost Estimates for items estimated in Expert Estimation is available in Expert Project for review.

Baseline estimates for budget cost codes imported from Expert Estimation

The original Cost Estimates from Expert Estimation can form the basis of your Forecast cost to complete estimates for Cost Codes.

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

Cost 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.

Wide array of standard formulae

Enables you to build up your estimate 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.

Local defines (variables)

Use Defines in your calculations for values that are re-used in multiple lines.
If the value changes, you only need to alter the value in one place.

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, or copied within the same item.

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, the construction plan etc to be retained.

Resources

Resources are used to build up Cost Estimates easily and consistently, record your project's actual costs 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.

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 Project.

Resources may be created on-the-fly

Create new Resources from within the window where they are used.

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.

Ability to clone resources

Duplicate similar Resources to save data entry and ensure accuracy.

Item Progress

Enter actual Progress against Items periodically.

Item budget cost of work performed calculated based on progress entered.

Your Budget cost of work performed (BCWP) may be compared with your Budget cost of work scheduled (BCWS) (from your tender estimate) and Actual cost of work performed (ACWP) from your Actual costs for analysis of your Items, Cost Codes and project's performance.

Ability to progress items by cost code (if multiple cost codes have been allocated)

More accurately progress items if multiple Cost Codes are allocated to Items.

Ability to view analyses of item progress over time, claim-progress relationship and budget-actual cost analysis

Analyse the Item's Progress, claims and costs without having to navigate to other windows.

Progress Claims

Define the quantity of each Item to claim for payment by the client.

Ability to base claim quantities on entered progress, or enter claim quantities independently from progress.

Reduce data entry, save time and ensure accuracy by automatically populating Progress claim quantities from entered progress.  Claimed quantities may also be edited independently without affecting the item's progress.

Record date submitted, date paid, value paid and retention held

Keep track of important dates and values paid.

View analyses of claim over time and claim-progress relationship

Analyse the item's Claims and Progress without having to navigate to other windows.

Filter items displayed

Show only items you are interested in or working on.

Resource Timesheet

The Resource Timesheet allows entry of periodic resource usage to instantly estimate your project's Actual costs.

Enter resource usage

Record each crew's Resource usage per shift.

Create new resources on-the-fly

Create new Resources from within the Resource Timesheet.

Allocate usage to cost codes, items and general ledger accounts

Generate your Actual costs for comparison with your Budget, original estimate and accounting codes.

Ability to link usage to Tracking module

Track your actual Resource usage, costs and Production for important tasks.

Record delivery docket, supplier, order no, voucher number and Asset ID

Keep track of important cost information, which may be used for sorting and filtering cost records.

Ability to enter resource production

Track your resource's Production over the duration of the project for analysis in the production analysis window.

Enter multiple timesheets and shifts per day

Enter each individual crew's Resource usage per shift, allowing foremen to enter their own productivity, ultimately reducing double entry.

Ability to duplicate resource lines and clone timesheets

Duplicate similar resource entries to reduce data entry and ensure accuracy.

Attach diary, work activity, quality, weather and correspondence entries

Record all important information regarding each shift.

Cost Explorer

The Cost Explorer allows users to view cost records created from the Resource Timesheet and create new cost records for costs not directly attributable to work activities (such as rent, insurance etc).

Enter and edit costs

All costs may be edited and created from one convenient location.

Create new resources on-the-fly

Create new Resources from within the Cost Explorer.

Clone cost records

Duplicate similar costs to reduce data entry and ensure accuracy.

Modify cost records as a group

Edit multiple costs at the same time to change data that is common, saving time and ensuring accuracy

Reconcile Invoices

Confirm all costs relating to an invoice and make adjustments to the cost of the records where required.

View summary statistics of multiple costs

Analyse the value of a selection of cost records.

Enter cost to date values for cost codes

Adjust the project's cost information with information from accounts when available.

Sort and display cost codes by properties

Costs may be sorted, filtered and selected based on any of their entered information.

Cost Record Subset

Find and filter cost records for convenient analysis and editing of cost records.

Standing Orders

Track an order's Resource usage and costs and view the order's remaining quantity and value.

Inventory

Track the remaining quantity and value of a Resource in your projects inventory store.

Tracking Module

Track a work activity's actual Production and cost against your targets.

Cost Codes

View and enter your projects Budget Cost Codes and view tender and contract values.

Extensions of Time

Manage and record Extensions of Time events and claims.

6 Extension of Time status

Track Extension of Time events and claims from identification to approval with the ability to sort by extension of time status.

Clone Extension of Time events

Duplicate events similar to events that have occurred previously to save data entry and ensure accuracy.

Generate approved and anticipated contract completion dates.

View the effect of Extension of Time events on the contract completion date from the project status window.

Information Management System

Record and manage all incoming and outgoing information (documents, faxes, phone calls, emails etc) related to the project.

Multi-level user definable information categories

Enables you to categorise documents for ease of future location.

Define default recipients for each document category

Save time and data entry by defining a list of default recipients for documents with specific categories.

Ability to show all documents or only unresolved

Ability to easily view all documents that need attention.

Ability to record all document information

Each document has the following fields:

• Categories
• Subject
• Date (sent/received)
• Action Required by date
• Resolved date
• From/To
• Action Requited by
• Document ID
• How received?
• Document text
• Document file link (if the document is a computer file it may be opened from within Expert Project)
• Keywords
• Notes
• Distribution list
• Text for distribution document
• Distribution date

Find documents based on any text entered for the document

Locate all documents that contain the entered search text

Ability to print or email to recipients a distribution document for transmittal or circulation.

If a document requires distribution or circulation, a cover sheet may be printed and attached to the document/s. If the document is an electronic file, it may be distributed via email to all recipients with emails entered in the contact explorer.

Contact Explorer

Store all of your project's contacts such as suppliers, client contact information, staff etc.

Ability to record all contact information

Each contact has the following fields:

• Name
• Organization
• Role
• Category
• Telephone
• Facsimile
• Mobile
• Alternative telephone
• Email
• Web
• Street & Postal Addresses

Project Action List

Alerts the user of actions that require attention each time the program starts, or when the window is opened.

Colour coded action list.

Highlights overdue, less than 5 days remaining and greater than 5 days remaining events.

Double click on an event to go to the area the task is required

Go straight to the task that requires attention quickly without having to search for it.

Images

Link images with audio and notes attached to the project, such as site inspection photographs, diagrams and progress photos.

Image files may be any of the following types: .bmp; .jpg; .pcx; .tga; .tif; .png; .pct; .dib

Project Status

Displays important summary information on the performance and status of the project as a whole.

Budget Performance/Forecasts

Displays summary and detailed information on your project's Budget costs vs your Actual costs and forecasts, and allows forecasts of your cost code cost to complete to be estimated and/or calculated.

Select record dates to produce forecasts from, or statement dates to analyse project performance up to

Produce your forecast cost to complete periodically to allow for your progress, changes to the scope or changed construction methods.
Analysis of your projects budget performance may be based on any date.

Project budget performance summary

Displays a summary of your project's Budget, estimate and Actual costs vs income to date, to complete and at completion.

Cost Code budget details

Display the item's costs allocated to the selected Cost Codes.

Ability to forecast cost code cost to complete using a cost estimate

Estimate your cost to complete using as simple or complex calculations as required using First principles estimating techniques.

Ability to forecast the cost code cost to complete using one of 3 standard methods

Calculate the Cost Code's forecast cost to complete based on the historic performance of the cost code.

Show Cost Code performance for selected cost codes over time

Displays detailed Budget performance information for the selected cost code/s for each period of the project.

Show cost codes resource usage analysis

Displays the estimate vs actual and forecast resource usage for each Cost Code.

Note field attached to each record date

Record any information related to your projects Budget performance or forecasts.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Displays the Actual vs Budget cost for either Cost Codes or Items.

Accrued Confirmed Cost Analysis

Displays the Accrued vs Confirmed costs for either Cost Codes or General Ledger accounts.

Item Resource Usage Analysis

Displays the estimate vs actual Resource usage for selected items.

Cost/Schedule Performance Index Analysis

Analyse your project's performance using Earned Value Analysis methods.

Displays the projects budget cost of work scheduled vs budget cost of work performed vs actual cost of work performed.

Analyse your project's performance from both a cost and schedule point of view.

Graph your projects BCWS/BCWP/ACWP

Analyse your project's performance over time using a configurable 3-D graph.

Graph your projects SPI/CPI

Graphically analyse your project's Schedule performance index (SPI) vs Cost performance index (CPI) on a spider (target) graph.

Calendar

View a history of all project events on a calendar and view the event by double clicking on it.

Cashflow

Displays your project's estimate and Actual costs and income over the duration of the project.

Display a graph of estimate and actual costs and income

View your project's costs and income over the duration of the project compared with your estimated costs using a configurable 3-D graph.

Ability to revise the estimate cashflow

Allow for scope changes in the project or changes to the project's start date.

Ability to import a revised cashflow from Expert Estimation or edit the cashflow in an external program and paste into Expert Project.

If the scope or project start date has changed, the estimated Cashflow may be re-imported from Expert Estimation, or edited in other software outside of Expert Project and re-imported.

Resource Flow

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

Production Analysis

Allows analysis of resource's Production over the duration of your project.

Reports

Wide range of standard reports

Over 30 reports are available for use, most of which may be formatted to produce the data you require.

Ability to print & preview reports from the relevant area within Expert Project, 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®, a spreadsheet or to any other standard Windows® application via the Windows® clipboard.

Exporting/Importing Information

Collaborate with other staff, transfer information, create reports and save time while ensuring accuracy by importing and exporting information electronically.

All project specific information may be imported from an Expert Estimation project.

If your estimate was created in Expert Estimation, all relevant project information from your estimate may be imported into Expert Project.

Copy and paste from most windows

Information may be copied and pasted from and to most windows in Expert Project and other standard Windows® applications such as spreadsheets or accounting software using the Windows® clipboard.

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

• 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.
• The variety of export options available allows relevant information to be exported or copied from Expert Project for use in nearly all standard windows software including Accounting, Project Scheduling, Project Management, Word processor and Spreadsheet applications.

Other

Projects may be zipped for convenient copying, emailing etc from within the program.

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.

Options

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