Version 7 Release Notes - Benchmark Estimating Software
Contents
1. A new function exists in the Administration window so that you can set up default formatting of the tables that can be created using the Microsoft Word Template function This gives you more control over the professional presentation of the schedule of Sections Items in your Word quote Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 17 Page VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES Microsoft Word A modification to the Microsoft Word Submission Price merge Templates markers allows for the automatic calculation of a user nominated merge marker of the Submission Price The calculated value is then automatically inserted into your Word Quote This feature is very useful if you wish to include automatically generated based payment terms in your Word Quote generated by Benchmark For example if your Project Submission Amount was 1 000 000 and you had the following in your Word Template Payment terms for this Project are as follows e 10 payment upfront lt PROJECT SUBMISSION PRICE_ 10 gt e 25 payment on delivery of materials to site lt PROJECT SUBMISSION PRICE_ 25 gt e 20 payment on completion of Phase 1 of the works lt PROJECT SUBMISSION PRICE_ 20 gt e 20 payment on completion of Phase 2 of the works lt PROJECT SUBMISSION PRICE_ 20 gt e 25 payment on final completion of the Project lt PROJECT SUBMISSION PRICE_ 25 gt Your resultant Word Quote would be populated with the following Payment terms for this Proje2. Click the Resource icon to go to the Project Resources window the Resource level for the currently highlighted Item You can also double click or press lt CTRL 1 gt on your keyboard on an Item to drill down to the Resource level of an Item Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 35 Page VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES Basic Functions The image below illustrates some of the basic functions in this screen Gotothe Add Add Edit Duplicate Allocate Auto Save Close Item levelin anew a Text the the highlighted Resources from Allocate Spreadsheet this the next Item Item Highlighted Item to Library Item Library topricea saves bid window Section Item or within the bill of rates into Project quantities client s spreadsheet AE P a SEE Q m Duplicate gt a 37 m mu GoTo Assign y ES Be qa Project Item Go to the Add Move the Runa Runa Load Delete Project Item levelin Item s from itemupor Routine Power Spreadsheet to the Browser the previous the Item down in routine importa billof highlighted to see list of Section Library the list quantities Item all Projects The Project Resources window The Project Resources window lists the Resources for the Item you are currently in an example is shown below a Project Resources GoTo Assign El A a Resource Code BHOE Description BACKHOE AND OPERATOR Quantity 4 14 sE Rate 50 Unit HOUR Cost 207 Category SUBCONTRACT Group PLANT Type T
3. benchmark estimating software Release Notes Version 7 3 Our Release Notes provide you with information about new features benefits and improvements in new versions of Benchmark Estimating Software These Release Notes cover the original Version 7 release of Benchmark Estimating Software Version 7 2 as well as the latest upgrade to Version 7 3 June 2011 VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES Table of Contents RELEASE NOTES SUMMARY sisscesesaccsscsoncziasaseseesessteasessdaccescccsencesc VERSION 7 2 RELEASE currada dd OVERVIEW OF VERSION Visa ia 8 LATEST TECHNOLOGY INCLUDING MICROSOFT SQLSERVER canin ia a 9 SPEEDIMPROVEMENTS OF UPTO 74A ta aaa 11 STYLISH NEW DESIGN FOR A BETTER END USER EXPERIENCE o oocccoocccconcccccnnccncnnoccnnnnncnnnnnocnnonaconnnnncnnnnnnnnnnns 12 GENERAEFUNCHONAL ositos ROAR IOE IE 14 NEW COMMAND CENTRE cuina E TA E A A A 16 REPO dto 17 IMPROVEDEINDFUNCTON Sisa 19 EXTRAS AND PROPIT CALECULATION scscrrraro etico aa i 20 NEW DUPLICATE PROJECT WINDOW occ ssonces cst ticadmehonuteosnddsadbepenencasdrasagceienategsad alo aN 21 NEW FORECAST OQUANTITIES FUNCTION irssececvrusdecsacesececescscopeetanace cues dacanenedanens dueetsesaueeteasacdeesarantgacsecteeseat eats 22 REGIONAUSA TION atan 23 ADMINISTRATION WINDOW maeiennaer E EA o 24 ESTIMATOR LIBRARY anra a a r a aR 26 IMPROVEMENTS TO IMPORT AND EXPORT FEATURES oooccccnocccconccccconccnconnconcnnnccnonnccncnnnnnnnnnnrnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnos 27
4. The images below demonstrate this new design med VBS aer BAS Project Sections Section Number 040 Description Overhead Variation Activity WBS Level Production Rate E Organisation Summary Project 306 016 49 Sample project Section Description Cost Complete Overhead A 010 Preliminaries 117 500 00 2 a Clearing 15 500 67 070 Drainage 238 807 80 The new Project Sections window AAA a E Report Export Tools T 1 B ORS BB Oy os ina Code Description K amp G join ups extra over machine pour to join to existing dished drain 5B average 1 6m long Quantity 1 i Unit EACH Rate o 14332 Cost o 5143 32 Key Group K amp G EXTRAS gt Production Rate it lt o lt gt Text EXTRA OVER K amp G MACHINE POUR RATE FOR JOINING TO IN SITU K amp G i C Sub Item Activity OTe Duration 0 Days Duration Calculator Takeoff Sheet Code The new Item Library window Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 12 Page VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES New professionally designed icons have been added to the software The icons have been carefully selected to relate more closely to their function Examples of these new icons are contained below for more information on the new icons refer to Appendix A Edit Duplicate e x Adda the the A oraig bill Close new highlighted highlighted SPECS A this window Section Sectio
5. A symbol to hide the Summary cost information Summary Project 306 016 49 Section 544 115 84 Item 544 115 84 Many window names have been modified to remove the term Maintenance from the end making the software easier for people to learn and use for example Project Details Maintenance is now Project Details A new Database Centre window has been added which can list your common database s connections and also allow you to open any portable databases This window also allows you to create and maintain your database connections Under Version 7 a Database Connection is the name given to a profile for a database This is a different concept to Version 6 and for more information on this please refer to the Installation Manual A new Restore Database feature allows you to restore a database from a backup Access to the feature can be enabled or disabled in the Estimator Library For more information on this please refer to the Installation Manual You can now email the Benchmark Estimating Software Support team directly from Benchmark Estimating Software To do this simply click on the Email Support icon in the Command Centre gt Help tab Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 15 Page VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES New Command Centre More functional The new Command Centre brings all key features windows together Command and accessible from one central location This makes learning and Centre using th
6. Constants tab in the Admin Screen Markup 0 00 Indirect Cost 0 00 Margin 0 00 Margin 0 00 m Complete Provisional Sum 0 00 Send Emailed s Un Complete Submission Price 0 00 Email L E Email tog E Authorise Click to Recalculate GST 10 igati her levels of th i Navigating to other levels of the estimate nF Click on the Section icon in the toolbar to go to the Project Sections window and view edit the Sections for a Project You can also press lt CTRL 1 gt on the keyboard to go to the Section level or right click and select Section Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 32 Page VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES Toolbar Functions The image below illustrates some of the functions in this screen Resource Rate Change to make Auto project Allocate Add a specific to price a new Duplicate price bill of Project Edit the Project changes quantities NAJ tf Yo a it alll a kendi n tas Runa Load Extras roine Power Spreadsheet to apply Routine to import a Profit amp bill of Indirect quantities Costs The Project Sections window Spread controls distribution of profit amp indirect costs over items in estimate coro EMO Close this window Delete Project a Project Browser to see list of all Projects The Project Sections window lists the Sections in your Project H o Project Sections Aa e E EY GoTo 4 Section Number 3 Description Electrical Overhea
7. Initially designed for companies who work on Contracts and need to update Submission prices annually based on CPI this feature can have other applications for users in other scenarios Increase E Increase Apply to Rate Only Items _ Apply to Provisional Items Apply Increase You can now generate a Word Quote for an individual Section in Benchmark Estimating Software from the Project Sections window This feature is ideal for Quotes or Approval Forms for Variations in particular Benchmark Estimating V ORATE 7 3 4266 1 BMK File Libraries Administration Report My Reports Export to Default Word Template T de F w w Word Template Project Sections Excel Section Number vi Description Variation One Overhead Vaniation Activity WES Level Cost Code Organisation Summary Project 366 550 58 Sample Project Section Description Cost 1 Preliminaries 529 627 08 2 Drainage 5325 256 83 V1 Variation One 511 666 67 Copyright Benchmark Estimating 2011 48 Page BENCHMARK VERSION 7 RELEASE NOTES Licensing and support documentation Licensing Benchmark Estimating Software now offers a fully concurrent licensing model with an Enterprise licensing option available for larger organisations New Support Documentation A re organised and completely updated User Manual has been developed A separate Installation Manual has also been developed These manuals and the updated
8. 11 34 Page VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES The Project Items window The Project Items window lists the Items for the Section you are currently in an example is shown below AS al Y Q Q Q Bm A Duplicate y a nl de fig GoTo y Assign E Project Items Item Code 2250TRuPVC Description UPVC 225mm STORMWATER CLASS IN OTR TRENCH lt 1 5M Quantity 15 a EE Unit METRE Group PIPEWORK Cost Code Activity Production Rate 0 Unit Key WBS Level Depot Text ALLOW A LAYING RATE OF 12 METRES PER HOUR THIS INCLUDES 5 WASTE ON THE PIPES THE TRENCH IS 0 6M WIDE DEPTH OF BEDDING SAND IS 0 2 METRES DEEP a Summary The Section you are in 1s displayed here Project 770 509 96 Sample Project Section 63 065 13 2 Sewer Reticulation Line Code Description Quantity Unit Rate Cost 1 1000TRuPVC uPVC 100mm STORMWATER CLASS IN OTR TRENCH lt 1 5M 23 00 METRE 64 61 1 486 03 2 1500TRuPVC uPVC 150mm STORMWATER CLASS IN OTR TRENCH lt 1 5M 265 00 METRE 70 91 18 790 97 gt 3 2250TRuPVC uPVC 225mm STORMWATER CLASS IN OTR TRENCH lt 1 5M 15 00 METRE 76 93 1 153 92 FIGURE 1 PROJECT ITEM WINDOW Navigating to other levels of the estimate The table below illustrates how to navigate to other levels of the estimate a Click the Project icon to return to the Project Details window Click the Section icon to go to the Project Sections m ba window You can also press lt CTRL 2 gt on your keyboard to go up to the Section level
9. Ae 179 186 EARTH 10 00 20 040 00 20 040 00 2 004 00 Provisional Sum 50 FORMWORK 10 00 34 200 00 34 200 00 3 420 00 K amp G 20 00 4 356 00 4 356 00 871 20 LANDSCAPE LABOU 10 00 17 054 04 17 054 04 1 705 40 O NE pS OTHER 10 00 9 579 00 9 579 00 957 90 P 0003 10 00 3 000 00 3 000 00 300 00 PAINTING 10 00 36 000 00 36 000 00 3 600 00 DC Markup 2713 PLANT 5 00 86 981 24 86 981 24 4 349 06 PRELIMINARIES 5 00 89 380 00 89 380 00 4 469 00 Margin 14 21 RCP 7 50 94 500 00 94 500 00 7 087 50 Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 20 Page VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES New Duplicate Project window Duplicate Project The many dialog boxes that used to be displayed when duplicating a window Project are now contained in a new Duplicate Project window This makes the duplicate process easier and it also provides the user with a clearer explanation of each option Mj Duplicate Project E Link Duplicated Project for Market Check this to link the duplicated Project to this Project for market share analysis for example if you are Share Analysis duplicating the Project in order to price the exact same Project for a different Client Leave unchecked if the original and duplicated project are not linked in any way for market share analysis E Retain Current Resource Rates im The duplicated Project will be the same rate as this original Leave this unchecked and Benchmark will update Duplicated Project the Project with current rates fro
10. Help resources are all available from the Help menu within Benchmark Estimating Software V6 to V7 database conversion tool A tool has been developed for Version 6 users to convert their Version 6 data all data except Projects to Version 7 This allows for a smooth transition to Version 7 This tool is provided on a separate CD to the Benchmark Estimating Software Users should read the Installation Manual thoroughly before using this tool Copyright and confidentiality information This document is copyright Benchmark Estimating 2011 Microsoft SQL Server Microsoft NET Microsoft Word Microsoft Excel Microsoft Project are copyright of the Microsoft Corporation Crystal Reports is copyright of Business Objects This document contains commercially confidential material Issue of this document by the recipient to anyone outside of their organisation is expressly prohibited without permission from Benchmark Estimating Software Copyright Benchmark Estimating 2011 49 Page BENCHMARK VERSION 7 RELEASE NOTES A Only available in the Professional and Corporate versions not in Lite Only available in the Corporate version Testing conducted over a Local Area Network environment using Microsoft SQL Server as the database The 74 increase may not be indicative of performance in all environments and individual results may vary Copyright Benchmark Estimating 2011 50 Page
11. OTHER ENHANGEMENTS ais 28 PAP PEIN DIKES a A E nase ape ate toes 31 APPENDIX A OVERVIEW OF NEW ICONS IN A PROJECT oooccooccccnnnccnconcccnnonccncnnnccncnnncnnnonccncnnnnnnnnnoos 32 APPENDIX B NEW SUMMARY REPORT sseisccveccssveesdvoetae a aa 38 APPENDIX GC USING FORECAST QUAN TITIES ou arta a 41 VERSION 7 35 UPGRAD Esso 44 USING ITEMS FROM OTHER PROJECTS cerasi aladdin 45 ADVANCED SPREAD CALCULATION METHOD sua E iatuedouste adele tdoeateandespann Womdgeteeiee 47 PERCENTAGE INCREASE FUNCTION IN SPREA Dioses 48 SECTION LEVEL WORD QUOTES arree ia 48 LICENCING AND SUPPORT DOCUMENTATION usina jagenauvaeedeaeladeNiwesieueareeunianaendes 49 V6 TO V7 DATABASE CONVERSION TOO Lita Ad 49 Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 2 Page VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 3 Page VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES Release Notes Summary Version 7 2 Summary original V7 release Main New Features and Improvements Lite Professional Corporate IMPROVED Interface design makes the software easier X X X to use NEW Powerful database engine X X X IMPROVED Performance up to 74 faster than Version X X X 6 in many data processing functions NEW Forecast Quantities feature helps you prepare X X more accurate estimates for longer term maintenance projects IMPROVED Find features throughout the program save X X X you time in many routine tasks IMPROVED Report compatibility all reports can now X
12. Project as standard features Corporate A new Corporate version has been introduced Corporate includes an amazing new feature called Regionalisation which is designed for organisations operating across wide geographical areas where pricing varies For a full breakdown of the features in Lite Professional and Corporate please visit the SOLUTIONS area of our new website www benchmarkestimating com Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 8 Page VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES Latest technology including Microsoft SQL Server The technical enhancements listed in the table below combine together to deliver many benefits to you including Improved performance by up to 74 Increased staff productivity More robust data and business reporting Easier integration of Benchmark Estimating Software with other systems A system that is more scalable as you grow VVVV V Feature Description and Benefit Client server Version 7 uses client server technology so less data is transferred technology over your network this helps with speed of operation and offers users a more Satisfying and productive experience Microsoft SQL Using one of the industry s leading database management Server systems Microsoft SQL Server Benchmark Estimating Software database Version 7 management Saves and manages your critical estimating data more system effectively Makes your estimating data more accessible offering Sup
13. X X be saved directly into Microsoft Word and Excel without loss of formatting IMPROVED Library Imports Exports now work from X X X Microsoft Excel rather than a Text file so it is easier to import data NEW Multi window functionality allows you to have X X X multiple windows open at the same time making you more productive NEW Command Centre makes your estimating more X X X organised IMPROVED Administration window has been X X X re designed making it easier for you to maintain administration settings Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 4 Page VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES Main New Features and Improvements NEW Project Summary report provides you with a more transparent breakdown of your estimated costs NEW Duplicate Project window saves time duplicating Projects and makes the many duplicating options clearer to the user NEW Default table formats for your Microsoft Word templates gives you more unique and professional Quotes and saves time NEW Ability to not apply Profit to an individual Resource gives you greater flexibility when applying Profit NEW Regionalisation feature allows the segmentation of your database by user defined Regions This streamlines estimating integration and business reporting for organisations that operate across a wide geographical area where pricing varies NEW Access permissions per user gives you more control over which users can see which Projects ideal for larger organisa
14. also been moved under drop down menus to make the software easier to learn and use Refer to Appendix A for more information on the toolbars The lt ENTER gt key is now consistent in all multi line text fields Pressing lt ENTER gt is the same as selecting OK and pressing lt Alt gt lt ENTER gt will insert a carriage return This also means this functionality is consistent with other windows based software including Microsoft Excel New Calendar icons have been added next to all Date fields clicking on the Calendar icon will open up a graphical Calendar so users can enter dates faster and easier Date 8 02 2010 31 Closing Date 31 12 2010 31 Benchmark Estimating Software Version 7 supports multiple database formats which are Microsoft SQL Server and SQLite The SQLite database can be used by single licensees and is also the format used by the Check Out function for optimum portability this SQLite database is referred to in the software as a Portable database format For more information on the database formats please refer to the new Installation Manual 14 Page Collapsible screen areas Renamed windows Database Centre window Restore Database function Email Support function VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES In some windows you can now hide expand certain areas of the window to help view more or less of a particular window For example in the Project Resource window as shown below you can click on the
15. chmark estimating software Version 7 2 Release Leading edge technology to take your business into the future Improved performance by up to 74 Stylish new design A better end user experience Happier and more productive staff Greater functionality VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES Overview of Version 7 Many great benefits Built on the latest software development platform from Microsoft the Microsoft NET Framework Benchmark Estimating Software Version 7 offers you many benefits including gt VV VV VV WV VV V Performance improvements of up to 74 compared to Version 6 Greater productivity of personnel Faster production of estimates for a competitive advantage A fresh new design for a more satisfying end user experience Improved reporting features A more scalable system as your Company grows Easier extraction of your business critical data Improved integration capabilities with your other business systems to reduce double entry of data and reduce errors Improved data management capabilities for more robust data and business reports A smooth transition for Version 6 users New functionality Enhanced product offering Our product offering under Version 7 is as follows Lite The Lite version continues to be supported under Version 7 Professional Professional is the new name for the old FULL version It now includes Power Routines and the Resource based Export to Microsoft
16. ct are as follows e 10 payment upfront 100 000 e 25 payment on delivery of materials to site 250 000 e 20 payment on completion of Phase 1 of the works 200 000 e 20 payment on completion of Phase 2 of the works 200 000 e 25 payment on final completion of the Project 250 000 You can also use this new syntax with the following merge marker lt PROJECT TOTAL PRICE _TAX_ 20 gt The actual value can be whatever value you wish it to be i e it does not have to be 10 or 20 as per the examples above Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 18 Page VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES Improved Find functions Consistency As a general change previous Quick Find functions are now called Find functions and previous Find functions have been renamed Advanced Find function This helps with consistency of use and is more in line with other Windows based programs New Find functions in Library Toolbars New Find functions have been added to the toolbar in the Resource Library Item Library Routine Library Client Library Subcontractor Supplier Library and Conditions Library These functions help you find the records you are after with less mouse clicks M Resource Library Reports Export Tools o PAS a El a Description Group Category Find Clear New Find New Find functions have been introduced into the toolbars in more Functions for windows when estimating in a Project these are the Routine faster esti
17. d Variation Activity WBS Level Cost Code Organisation 4 Summary Project 770 509 96 Sample Project Section Description 0 Site Overheads 1 Road and Drainage 2 Sewer Reticulation 3 Electrical Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 BEO Production Rate Cost Complete 3 550 00 575 354 83 E 63 065 13 E 128 540 00 C 33 Page VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES Navigating to other levels of the estimate The table below illustrates how to navigate to other levels of the estimate ie Click the Project icon to return to the Project Details PR window Lm You can also press lt CTRL 2 gt on your keyboard to go up to the Project Details window Click the Item icon to go to the Project Items window for te the highlighted Section You can also press lt CTRL 1 gt on your keyboard to go down to the Item level You can also double click on a Section to go to the Project Items window for that Section Toolbar Functions The image below illustrates some of the basic functions in this screen Auto Allocate Edit Duplicate to price a bill Add a the the of quantities Close new Highlighted highlighted this awindow Section Section Section NF g mo Fle ar ast E gt Go To y ES Project F Run Spreadsheet to Routine Power highlighted Browser i import a bill of routine series acon to see list of all q Projects Delete the Project Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 20
18. d only access now is available for the Item Library and Subcontractor Supplier Library This is implemented by entering a 2 as the Access Level for these two Libraries Users of the Corporate version have an additional Project Access level which allows users to view Projects in nominated Regions A user therefore can be assigned one of the following three Project Access permissions e My Projects only e Projects in selected Regions e All Projects in database 26 Page VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES Improvements to Import and Export features Import Summary After you import data into your Libraries you are now given the Report option to view a Report showing a summary of the data imported This can help if the data cannot be imported due to conflicts or errors in the data being imported More flexible Exporting from the Libraries gives you more options and is more and consistent consistent across all Libraries you can select to Export all records Export options all listed records or only highlighted records Consistent Importing data into your Libraries will now give the user the option options to create to create Codes automatically assuming the user running the Codes Import has access to the Codes window automatically during Import New Select All Importing Resources provides users with the option to Select All button when Resources at the click of a button rather than having to scroll down importing and highlight all Res
19. e Resources from Item Library the difference is that you can now select an Item from another Project rather than from the Item Library This offers you greater flexibility in how you price a Project and it also provides users with a way of effectively copying and pasting Resources between Items in different projects Auto Allocate from Project Auto Allocate can now use Items from another Project rather than using Items from the Item Library You may use this feature for example if you are pricing a job related to a previously accepted Benchmark Estimating Software Quote and you wish to use the same Item buildup as you did in the original Quote The new Auto Allocate from Project feature can be run wherever Auto Allocate can be run in the Project Details window and Project Sections and Project Item windows J Benchmark Estimating V7 CORPORATE 7 3 4266 1 BMCivi File Libraries Administration My Reports Export to Excel Help P s ao BQ 22 21 4 or BB tf Project Details Report Quote QuoteNo 0021 Section Ctrl 1 Wey Sub Items Job No l ry Add Ctri A Date 21 03 2701 Edit Ctri E Duplicate Ctrl D Client Details a Routine Principal ing Power Routine ta Resource Rate Change Client a Load Spreadsheet 7 Auto Allocate mh Auto Allocate from Project Salutation 46 Extras Contact l Spread Copying Submission Prices during add allocate Items from other Projects For the above three ne
20. e software easier COMMAND CENTRE Benchmark Estimating Version 7 gt PROFESSIONAL EDITION 8 Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 1996 2010 benchmark Version 7 2 4094 1 estimating software CTENTS CIBRARTES MARKETING ADMIN Connection BMCivil New My Recent The My Recent Projects option shown in the image above lists the Projects most recent projects for the user as opposed to the most recent projects opened in the database This saves time for every user opening up their recent projects Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 16 Page VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES Export any Report to Word Excel and PDF formats New Project Summary report New Project Follow Up Report Microsoft Word Templates Table formatting feature All reports are now written in Crystal Reports which is an industry leading report writing tool Amongst other benefits this enhancement allows for the automatic export of any Benchmark Estimating Software report to PDF Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel formats M Report Destination Destination m Crystal Reports BAS Word le fe MS Excel oO The new Project Summary report provides you with a more transparent and professional high level summary breakdown of your estimate You can view an example of this fantastic new report in Appendix B A new Project Follow Up Report will print out the list of Follow Up notes in a Project
21. ecast Contract Forecast Contract Project Direct Costs 5296 079 9 5260 561 76 DC Markup 11 69 11 69 Display Rate to Markup Amount 58 151 02 50 448 07 Markup 10 83 9 57 Display Amount to Provisional Sums 524 000 524 000 Margin 9 77 8 73 Calculate Rate to Spread Remainder 0 11 0 if rate greater than Submission Price 378 231 335 010 Decimal Points Decimal Points Decimal Points Oo NIN ihe The columns that are displayed for each Item in the Project are also different when using Forecast Quantities for a Project as can be seen below You can still manipulate the data in the Spreac window using the same steps as described in the previous pages Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 42 Page VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES Rate Before Amount Before Spread Spread 13 15 0 62 2 55 0 0 1 466 6 933 3 54 1 108 3 412 5 825 0 55 825 15 0 15 0 45 2 40 0 0 1 678 7 678 7 78 7 78 7 600 0 600 0 40 600 It is important to remember that the Contract Quantity will be used Q on all Quote and Progress Claim reports with the Submission Rate that is generated based on the Forecast Quantities Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 43 Page v benchmark estimating software Version 7 3 Upgrade More flexible estimating Improved reporting Increased profits and a competitive advantage BENCHMARK VERSION 7 RELEASE NOTES Using Items from other Projects Three ne
22. ect Costs Markup 10 00 of 3 Job Size Factor 0 00 Spread Remainder Provisional Sums Date Printed 6 December 2010 Total Profit Provisional Sums Cost Summary Submission Price Plus GST Price plus GST Benchmark Estimating Software 1 733 113 34 112 500 134 316 28 0 00 0 00 34 662 27 34 662 27 16 174 13 28 304 74 86 655 67 50 000 00 0 00 0 00 497 275 36 2 050 21 40 435 34 52 324 94 54 402 02 0 00 173 311 33 0 00 38 477 54 0 00 1 62 361 003 00 750 000 00 3 341 391 70 334 139 17 3 675 530 87 Page 2 of 2 VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES Appendix C Using Forecast Quantities This appendix provides you with an overview of what Forecast Quantities are used for and the changes that result in a Project when using this feature This is generally a feature that will be used by advanced users on specific projects only and should be read in conjunction with other related areas of the manual Firstly Forecast Quantities are very useful for projects where your Client has provided you with a bill of quantities to price and you believe that some of the Item Quantities are incorrect With Forecast Quantities the Estimator can therefore model what he she thinks will really happen on a Project thus obtaining more accurate Item Submission Rates and helping your business achieve greater profits To be able to use Forecast Quantities in a Project the feature mu
23. erior integration opportunities Processes your data centrally so it helps to save you time Allows businesses with Microsoft SQL Server to leverage existing infrastructure and skills For clients who do not have Microsoft SQL Server your Benchmark Estimating Software CD includes Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express which is the free edition of Microsoft SQL Server Microsoft NET Benchmark Estimating Software Version 7 is based on the Framework Microsoft NET Framework the latest software development platform from the Microsoft Corporation This ensures that Benchmark Estimating Software will continue to work with the latest Microsoft operating systems and business software and also helps the Benchmark Estimating Software developers to produce leading edge software for the end benefit of our clients Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 9 Page Feature Crystal Reports Better data management VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES Description and Benefit All reports in Version 7 have been written in Crystal Reports an industry standard report writing tool This provides more powerful reporting features including the ability to automatically export any Benchmark Estimating Software report to many formats including Microsoft Word Microsoft Excel and PDF Version 6 users gain additional specific benefits as a result of these technical enhancements including Elimination of the Check and Repair opera
24. ext ALLOW 5M3 PER HOUR TO EXCAVATE 2 Production Rate Group EXCAVATE The Section you are in is displayed here Subcontractor Supplier Summary The Item you are in Project 770 509 96 Section 63 065 13 is d ISp ayed here Item 1 486 03 Line Code Resource Description Qty Unit Rate SCost Crew Category PR Grp 1 Excavate OTR in Trench at 5 M3 HR M3 HR 5 00 PRODUCT EXCAVATE 2 EXCAVATE OTR IN TRENCH TEXT gt 3 BHOE BACKHOE AND OPERATOR 4 14 HOUR 50 00 207 00 0 SUBCONT EXCAVATE 4 GANGER GANGER 4 14 HOUR 30 00 124 20 0 LABOUR EXCAVATE 5 LAB LABOURER 4 14 HOUR 30 00 124 20 0 LABOUR EXCAVATE 6 UTE UTILITY 0 49 DAY 40 00 19 48 0 PLANT EXCAVATE vi TEXT 8 Lay Bedding and lay pipe at 15 M HR M HR 15 00 PRODUCT Lay 9 GANGER GANGER 1 53 HOUR 30 00 46 00 0 LABOUR Lay Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 36 Page VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES Navigating to other levels of the estimate The table below illustrates how to navigate to other levels of the estimate Click the Project icon to return to the Project Details window Click the Section icon to go to the Project Sections window Click the Item icon to go to the Project Items window the Item level You can also press lt CTRL 2 gt on your keyboard Basic Functions The image below illustrates some of the basic functions in this screen Add a Go to the Add Adda Sub Total Edit Resource a new Group the Move the levelin the Resource Total hi
25. feature is enabled on a user by user basis in the Estimator Library For more information on this powerful feature refer to Appendix C Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 22 Page VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES Regionalisation Regionalisation Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 This feature is ideal for organisations operating across wide geographical areas where pricing varies You can have a different Rate for each Resource for each Region you operate in this is shown in the image below from the Resource Library of the Corporate Version ly Region Data le ve BACKHOE AND OPERATOR REGIONAL Region Rate Subcontractor ls Plugged Date Updated GLOBAL 75 00 pa 31 08 2008 Metro 110 00 me m 9 07 2010 Far North 95 00 m 9 07 2010 South 30 00 pa E 9 07 2010 EE Far South 82 50 m a 9 07 2010 East 100 00 Oo 9 07 2010 Mid North 87 50 m 9 07 2010 North West 120 00 aan E 1 01 2009 Each Estimator is assigned a default Region in the Estimator Library this Region is automatically assigned to a Project when the user adds a new Project When pricing an estimate Benchmark Estimating Software automatically uses the Resource Rate for the Region that the Project is being constructed in Many of Benchmark Estimating Software s other Libraries can all be set up to be Region specific if required including the Item Library Subcontractor Supplier Library and Routine Library Additional u
26. fit Direct Costs Indirect Costs Margin 13 93 Profit Submission Price Provisional Sums Note that a more detailed breakdown of all costs for this project are contained in the following page Estimate Approval Position Name Signature Date Date Printed 6 December 2010 Benchmark Estimating Software Page 1 of 2 Direct Costs Project Summary Quote No 0003 Direct Costs DC Plant Labour Materials Subcontract 10 251 05 404 353 36 1 046 498 82 272 010 10 Total Direct Costs Indirect Costs Overhead Sections Plant Labour Materials Subcontract Preliminaries 77 500 00 35 000 00 Sub Total 77 500 00 35 000 00 Sub Total of Direct Costs Sections Labour 404 353 36 1 Sub Total of Direct Costs Sections 1 733 113 34 2 Overheads Overheads 1 7 15 of 2 Company Overhead Overheads 2 of 2 Overheads 3 of 1 Supervision 2 00 of Direct Costs Training 2 00 of Direct Costs Small Tools 4 00 of Direct Cost Labour Wet Weather 7 00 of Direct Cost Labour Contingencies Contingency 1 5 00 of 2 Hitting Rock Contingency 2 Contingency 3 Contingency 4 of 2 Sub Total of Overheads and Contingencies 384 775 36 3 Total Indirect Costs Profit Profit On Resources Direct Costs attracting Profit Plant 20 00 10 251 05 Labour 10 00 404 353 36 Materials 5 00 1 046 498 82 Subcontract 20 00 272 010 10 Sub Total of Costs attracting profit 1 733 113 34 4 Other 1 0 00 of 4 Other 2 10 00 of 4 Other 3 Indir
27. ghlighted Resource next Item Resource up or down Cr o S aB Enm f 1 Project Resources A Go to the Add a Add a Copy Paste Resource level Resource s resource in the previous from the Production Item Resource rate Library If you are using Sub Items then the toolbar functions in the Project Sub Items window are very similar to that of the Project Resources window shown above Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 37 Page VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES Appendix B New Summary Report This report is shown on the following 2 pages Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 38 Page Quote No 0003 Project Title Sample project Location 100 Mona Vale Road Sydney Direct Costs Plant Labour Materials Subcontract Sub Total Indirect Costs Overheads Contingencies Sub Total Profit Margin Provisional Sums 10 251 05 404 353 36 1 046 498 82 272 010 10 1 733 113 34 360 619 69 136 655 67 497 275 36 361 003 00 750 000 00 Project Summary Project Details Date 08 Feb 2010 Closing Date 31 Dec 2010 Estimator Administrator Client Regional Developments Wollongong Cost Summary 0 59 23 33 60 38 750 000 0 15 69 361 003 0 497 275 3 1 733 113 34 E E E Submission Price 3 341 391 70 Direct Costs Indirect Costs Margin Provisional Sums GST 10 334 139 17 Price Plus GST 3 675 530 87 Direct Cost Markup 20 83 Profit Direct Costs Markup 16 19 Pro
28. m your Resource Library Relink and update all Resources in This can only be selected if the Retain Current Resource Rates in Duplicated Project option is clear Check this the Duplicated Project from the and Benchmark will relink and update all Resources which are unlinked and have matching Resource codes Resource Library with the current data from the Resource Library Leave this unchecked and Benchmark will only update linked Resources r Duplicate Gg Cancel Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 21 Page VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES New Forecast Quantities function Forecast The new Forecast Quantities feature is designed for longer term Quantities contracts where a user believes that their Client has calculated some Item quantities incorrectly The feature allows an Estimator to model what they believe will really happen on a longer term contract by giving them the option to enter two quantities for every Direct Cost Item in a Project these quantities are called the Contract Quantity and Forecast Quantity as shown below fs Project Items Hem Code Description Clear site ot Contract Oty 5000 Forecast Oty 10000 J Group Unit Miz r Producton The user can also add Items into a Project that their client has not specified these Items will not be printed on the Quote but will be taken into account in the calculation of the Submission Rates for the Items The Forecast Quantity
29. mating Selection Select Conditions Client Selection and in a Project Subcontractor Supplier Selection F Select Conditions Aldo By e ono O sans a a Code Description 7 Standard Find Show Hide Find The new Find functions in the toolbar can be hidden and shown to function in suit a user s preference by right clicking in the toolbar toolbar Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 19 Page VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES Extras and profit calculation Profit calculation You can now flag a Resource to not be included in Project Profit calculations This can be done using the Exclude Quantity from Markup checkbox in the Project Resource window This checkbox also exists in the Resource Library so you can nominate a Resource to be excluded from Profit calculations by default Extras When using the Resource Group Profit feature a new tab is displayed so that the Resource Group Profit data entry is easier and so the Extras screen is less cluttered fy Extras e Tools Quote Number 0003 Title Sample project Options z Apply to Section Overheads Profit Indirect Costs Calculate Profit Using Resource Groups Group Markup Percent Cost Cost Attracting Profi Markup Amount CONCRETE 10 00 27 110 55 27 110 55 2 711 06 Summary Details DAY LABOUR 30 00 87 395 67 87 395 67 26 218 70 Direct Cost 660 561 DGB 5 00 260 000 00 260 000 00 13 000 00 A 420 895 DRAINAGE 10 00 3 465 00 3 465 00 346 50
30. n Section or duantiies Am Hl T oY he e E Project D Delete Run Runa Load ES Project Routine Power Spreadsheet to highlighted Browser Routine Import a bil of Aeon to see list of all quantities Projects The alternate shading for lines makes it easier on your eyes The image below is from the new Project Browser window here you can see that every second line has different background shading Quote Job No Project Description Project Date Closing Date Authorised nan 0002 Sample Project with Variations 25 01 2007 T e 0003 Sample project 08 02 2010 C q 0004 Sample Civil Project with Variations 10 02 2010 T CH oppos Sample subdivision 27 04 2010 T gt 7 0010 Sample project 07 06 2010 T Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 13 Page VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES General functionality Multiple windows Improved order of toolbar icons Consistent lt ENTER gt key functionality New Calendar function Multiple database formats Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 You can now have multiple windows open at the one time for example you can have the Resource Library and a Project open and switch between the two without having to close the other window You can also have different windows open on multiple monitors The order of icons on the toolbar when in a Project has been modified so that the order is more consistent and logical in the key Project windows Less used toolbar icons have
31. new Projects Note that using the new Spread method will not change the resultant Project Submission Price it will simply change the proportion by which Profit is applied to Items so that the Submission Rate for Items will be different compared to if the normal Spread calculation was used In relation to this new feature are some very important considerations for existing users who are upgrading to Version 7 3 and can access Projects developed in versions prior to Version 7 3 e Older projects using the old Spread method Even if you have elected to use this new method older projects will still utilise the older Soread calculation method to ensure that all quotes reports progress claims are consistent with what may have been quoted previously e Duplicating older projects If you have the Advanced Spread method turned on in the Acministration window and you duplicate an old Project which uses the old method you will be given an option to use the Advanced Spread method in the duplicated Project Projects that utilise the Advanced Spread method will indicate this in the Soread window as shown in the image below QU This Project uses the Advanced Spread Calculation Method Copyright Benchmark Estimating 2011 47 Page BENCHMARK VERSION 7 RELEASE NOTES Percentage increase function in Spread You can now apply a percentage increase to all Item Submission Rates in a Project in one operation This is done in the Spread window
32. on Rates which are based on the Forecast Quantity values This means that the Submission Price you submit to your Client for a Project based on Contract Quantities may not equal the Submission Price you see on the Project Details window which is based on Forecast Quantities e Acheckbox called Forecast is activated on both the Project Section and Project Item windows Any Section or Item marked as Forecast using this checkbox is taken into account in the Project calculations and therefore Submission Rate calculations however these Sections Items are not displayed on any Quotes or Progress Claim reports This allows the Contractor to effectively include additional Items that they think their Client may have missed The result of this is that these additional Items contribute towards the resultant Submission Rates calculated by the system i e it will result in the Submission Rates being increased When using Forecast Quantities Benchmark Estimating Software Y features such as Load Spreadsheet and Add Item from Library and Routines will automatically populate the Forecast Qty and Contract Qty fields with the same initial values as entered by the user or loaded from the spreadsheet The change in the Spread window When estimating with Forecast Quantities the Spreac window contains additional summary information about the Project for both the Forecast and Contract Quantity scenarios as shown below Summary For
33. ources manually Resources Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 2 Page VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES Other enhancements Routines A Round up and Round down function has been implemented in Routines The syntax for these functions is rndup number dp and rnddown number dp here the number will be rounded up or down depending on the number of decimal places dp gt The size of the Calculator window and size of the buttons on the Calculator have been made larger so that they are easier to read gt Support for CEILING and FLOOR functions within the Calculator allow you to round up and round down respectively to the nearest multiple of 10 100 1000 etc For example CEILING 1020 100 1 100 Calculator CEILING 1020 12 1 1021 FLOOR iq 100 10 will round down the result of the calculation Item Quantity 100 to the nearest multiple of 10 Progress Claims gt A rule has been implemented so that claimed Items can t be deleted from a project Claimed Items are also now highlighted differently in the Spread window gt The Progress Claim Input window uses a new integrated spreadsheet component and with this the keyboard commands to move around cells are slightly different Pressing lt ENTER gt or lt DOWN gt now moves you to the next input cell like a normal spreadsheet previously lt TAB gt would move you to new cells Project Analysis The Budget window has been removed from the Project Analysis wind
34. ow and is now in the Administration window Sub Items gt Sub Items in a Project are now accessed by double clicking on the Sub Item in the Project Resource window gt More data can be saved with a Resource inside a Sub Item this includes the Text field and the Subcontractor Supplier field gt Sub Items are still created in the Item Library however they are not now automatically added to the Resource Library This makes understanding of Sub Items easier for the user Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 28 Page VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES Project Details gt The Prepared By field can now be edited if enabled in the window Administration window gt The Email Log window has been moved to the Client Details tab on the Project Details window to make it more visible to the user gt Analysis tab a Project can now have a Pending status gt Selecting a Client is done by clicking on the Information icon now rather than using a drop down this brings up a new Client Selection window with a Find function which gives you more power when searching for clients You can also clear a Client much easier now by clicking on the Information icon and selecting Clear This functionality also exists for the Principal field Resource Resource Production Rates work slightly different in that you can Production Rates only assign a Resource Production Rate Group to a selection of Resources if a Production Rate Line has alread
35. ser security permissions have also been introduced to implement further controls when using Regionalisation This amazing feature offers clients many benefits including smaller numbers of databases more efficient administration of libraries easier integration and more effective control of pricing This feature is available in the Corporate version only 23 Page VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES Administration window New layout This window has been re organised so that the tabs relate mainly to functional areas so that similar settings are grouped together as shown below Allow edit of A new checkbox can allow the Prepared By field in the Project Prepared By field Details window to be edited New default A new field has been added to specify where Emailed Reports are to location to save be saved previously this was driven by the location of the Default Emailed Word Template Reports Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 24 Page New Auto Allocate options Default table settings for Microsoft Word reports Budgets are now set up in Admin VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES Anew option called Use Auto Allocate Acceptance Level will prompt the user for a percentage Match when running Auto Allocate By default Auto Allocate will bid an Item automatically if it finds a 100 match this offers clients the ability to relax this rule to make Auto Allocate more flexible Anew option called Pos
36. st be Q enabled for each user in the Estimator Library When an Estimator then starts a Project they will be asked if they wish to use Forecast Quantities for the Project If they answer Yes this will check the Forecast Quantity checkbox in the Project Details window gt Project Data tab With this checked Forecast Quantities are enabled for the Project Projects estimated based on Forecast Quantities result in the following functionality and user interface changes within a Project e First and foremost each Direct Cost Item in the estimate will have two quantity fields one for Forecast Qty and one for Contract Qty Both of these fields are mandatory fields If the user thinks the Contract Quantity value is incorrect they would enter the different quantity value into the Forecast Qty field e All Direct Cost calculations and reports excluding Quote and Progress Claim reports are based on the Forecast Quantity values e The Spread window changes significantly to display more data about the Contract and Forecast Quantity scenarios e The Spread calculations use the Forecast Quantity values to calculate the Item Submission Rates Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 41 Page VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES e All Quotes display the Contract Quantity values as this is what is conveyed to your Client On the Quotes the Submission Amounts for each Item are calculated based on the Contract Quantity values and the Item Submissi
37. tion which means less downtime Elimination of the splitting of data files into segments as the data file grows in size resulting in easier backups and integration with other systems More compressed data file sizes for easier management of data Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 10 Page VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES Speed improvements of up to 74 Version 7 is significantly faster than Version 6 due to the many enhancements made to the underlying technology The increased speed offers clients many benefits including The ability to produce more estimates in less time More productivity from your key personnel Happier staff And a competitive advantage VVV V Testing across a Local Area Network where Benchmark Estimating Software is installed on end user Computers and the database is installed on a Server has shown significant speed improvements in many common day to day tasks including those shown in the graph below Version 7 performance improvements for some common functions Add 100 Items from Library to a Project Update Resource Rate in Library Legend Check Out a Version 7 Duplicate a Large Project 200 300 Time to perform function seconds Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 tilPage VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES Stylish new design for a better end user experience A modern new interface design in every window offers users a more enjoyable estimating experience
38. tions with many users in the one database Version 7 3 Summary latest upgrade New Features and Improvements NEW Add Items from Project feature allows you to copy Items easier and faster between Projects NEW Auto Allocate from Project feature allows you to use Items in another Project when running Auto Allocate NEW Allocate Resources from Project Item feature gives you the ability to copy Resources between Items in different Projects Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 Lite Lite X Professional X Professional X Corporate X Corporate X 5 Page VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES NEW Advanced Spread calculation method helps you X X prepare more transparent and precise submission rates for Items based on each Item s Resources for more competitive tenders and maximum profits NEW Percentage increase function in Spread allows you X X X to apply a percentage increase to all Submission Rates in a Project in one operation NEW Section level Word Quotes allow you to produce a X X Quote for an individual Section great for Variation Approvals IMPROVED Insert Mode status i e on off is now saved X X X per Estimator per screen IMPROVED grid in various main screens allows you to see X X X more records e g more Items more Resources on your screen this means you don t need to scroll as much saving you time Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 6 Page v ben
39. tpone Auto Allocation of Unmatched Items will automatically skip any Items that do not have a match during the Auto Allocate operation and will leave these Items until the end of the Auto Allocate process A new function has been added to allow you to set up default formatting of the tables that can be created using the Microsoft Word Template function The Budget settings which used to be in the Project Analysis window are now in the Administration window Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 25 Page VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES Estimator Library Improved order of Access Levels New Restore Database Access Level Controlled definition of an Administrator Edit Password button Read Only Access Levels Advanced Project Access controls Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 The order of Access Levels has been modified so that common Access Levels are grouped together There is a new access level called Restore Database which relates to the new Restore Database function Access to the function should only be given to system administrators An Administrator in the Estimator Library now has defined Access Level permissions when a user is marked as an Administrator these rights are set automatically by the system and this gives the Administrator default full access A new Edit Password button has been added which must be clicked on to allow editing of the password for a user Rea
40. ty Takeoff Sheets Progress Claims and other areas of the program has been improved to use a more flexible soreadsheet program that is easier to integrate into the software A new Find Items function allows you to search for Projects that contain particular Items Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 30 Page VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES Appendixes A Overview of new Icons in a Project B New Summary Report C Forecast Quantities Information Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 31tiPage VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES Appendix A Overview of new Icons in a Project The Project Details window If you add a Project or open a previous Project you will first be in the Project Details window This window displays the main data about a Project including summary costs and also provides access to the majority of project Reports and other key functions cr Project Details Quote No 30 Title Sample Project Job No Date 16 07 2010 31 Closing Date 3 Closing Time Notes Documents a Client Details Analysis Comments Conditions l Project Data Map Reference Principal v Q a Location Client Y O Suburb Postcode Stat Salutation se Region Contact Job Catego Phone Fax Mobile Email Depot Quote Re Quote Introduction DC Markup 0 00 Direct Cost 0 00 This is a user definable quote introduction This text is edited from the
41. w features have been added to Benchmark Estimating Software that allow you to better utilise Items contained within other Projects This saves you time and offers you greater flexibility in your estimating Adding Items from one Project to another In the Project Items window you can now add Items to your existing Project from another Project This effectively provides you with a very easy method of copying and pasting Items between Projects The process is simple 1 Select Add Items from Project 2 Select the Project 3 Select the Items and enter the required quantities RATE 7 3 4266 1 BMCi File ass Administration Report Quote Wily Reports Export to Excel He 2 4806 o 32486 o En Project Items tem Project Section Cor2 Code 6 Quantity 82 a Resource Ctrl 1 Unit m3 G Next Section Ctrl 3 Activity Previous Section Ctrl 4 ry Add New Item Cri A m Add Item from Library 8 Add Item from Project Text CtrH E Duplicate H a Summary a Move Ctrl l Project 5299 SEA imk Section 329 9 e Power Routine Allocate Resources from Item Library EE ASE EL Y Auto Allocate 1 6 Excavate trer i Nocate Resources from Project Iten 2 7 Supply bed d 3 4 150mm dia U to Allocate from Project Copyright Benchmark Estimating 2011 45 Page BENCHMARK VERSION 7 RELEASE NOTES Allocate Resources from Project Item This new feature performs a very similar function to Allocat
42. w functions you can also elect to copy the Submission Rates from the source Project into your current Project You may do this for Maintenance type projects for example where previously agreed Submission Rates must be used When this is done the Submission Rate that is copied into your existing Project is fixed in the Spread window There is also a new setting in the Administration window which can set the default status of the Copy Submission Rate option to on off for users of this feature Copyright Benchmark Estimating 2011 46 Page BENCHMARK VERSION 7 RELEASE NOTES Advanced Spread Calculation Method The Spread calculation in Benchmark Estimating Software is what determines the Submission Rates for each Item in your estimate Following requests from many clients we have implemented a new and advanced Spread calculation method Users can still use the old Spread calculation method though if they wish Rather than an equal Spread done by the existing method this new method looks at the Resource detail behind each Item together with the Plant Labour Materials Subcontract Profit percentages in the Extras window or Resource Group profit percentages in the Extras window if this is enabled in order to work out the exact Profit to apply to each Item This new feature must be activated in the Acministration window in the Extras and Spread tab before it will work After it is activated it will then be applied in all
43. y been added This helps eliminate the chance of Resource calculations referencing production rate lines that don t exist Text Items A new Add Text Item function in the toolbar and right click menu has been included to allow the user to add Text Items much faster This is available in the Item Library and Project items windows Load If you have access to the Codes window you can elect to create Spreadsheet Codes automatically during the importing of a Soreadsheet Power Routines gt Power Routines is now a standard feature in the Professional version gt Power Routines now contain an integrity checker which allows users to review the mapping of Routine Questions to Spreadsheet columns and additionally it allows users to modify the mapping if they see an error gt Ifthe user has access to the Codes window then they can now elect to create Codes automatically during the import process in Power Routines Copyright Benchmark Estimating Software 2011 29 Page Resource based Export to Microsoft Project Subcontractor Manager Integrated Spreadsheet Project Browser VERSION 7 3 RELEASE NOTES This function is now a standard feature in the Professional and Corporate versions The Panel Contractor option has been removed to make this function easier Using the Subcontractor Manager for a Panel Contractor scenario can still be achieved though The integrated spreadsheet software used for Quanti
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