Business Assistant/Business Assistant.iso/indus/bidbiz16/bidbiz.doc

Text File | 1989-08-29 | 24KB | 498 lines

                                    BID - BIZ
                                   Version 1.6


            This program is for those needing the capabilities of multiple
       component and phase costs tied to bid or primary items.  The program
       uses multiple record windows for viewing, editing and various look up
       purposes.  While the program can be used for other businesses, it is
       primarily intended for contractors looking for an inexpensive but
       powerful estimating program.

            Requirements for the program are at least 512k ram, hard disk
       with proper Config.Sys file, and a printer capable of 132 columns.
       This version of the program will automatically send the standard
       condensed code to the printer (as needed) if your printer accepts them.
       See Config.Sys file below if you are not sure about this requirement.
       The program will not work properly without one.  A color system will
       also add to the use of the program.

            If you have a color system and the program does not come up in
       color, try entering  MODE CO80  just prior to running the program.
       If this is consistent with this or other programs, you may want to
       run the programs from bat files with this line of code just prior to
       the program name to run.

            To install the program, you should first create a directory on
       your hard disk, then copy the files into it.  Program is started by
       entering  BIDBIZ  at the prompt.  I've named my directory BDBZ.

            A sample estimate is included and used for the following
       instructions.  This allows for a smaller documentation file and
       should be easier and faster to learn the use of the program.

            You only need the program file BIDBIZ.EXE to establish your
       application.  It will create the necessary data files.  No other
       files are necessary if you wish to start with empty files.

            All files have virtually unlimited record capacities.  Their
       design keeps them as small as possible.  If you need them, use
       them.

            If you like this program, registration is 40.00.  You will then
       be sent the registered version with additional features.  It has an
       optional entry screen for bid items only which displays the bid items
       with extensions and bid total.  The BID-BIZ logo will be removed from
       the printed quotes and provisions for removing the printer condensed
       codes if not needed.  PC-Bid owners of record, please send 20.00 only.

            Please feel free to make copies of the program for anyone who
       may have use of it.

            Your support is appreciated.  Feedback is welcome.

                                 I. J. Smith
                                 9795 Rustling Oaks
                                 Baton Rouge, La. 70818








                                GENERAL USAGE NOTES

            When prompted for such items as estimate numbers, if the field is
       blank you can simply press ENTER and a table of the choices will be
       presented for you.  Simply use the arrow keys to scroll and highlight
       the item you want to use and press ENTER.  You can also use the PgUp
       and PgDn keys to move between full screens.  Control PgUp and PgDn will
       place you at the beginning or end of the file.

            When you wish to make changes to a highlighted record displayed
       in a table, simply press ENTER and a window will appear for you to make
       necessary changes.  You can also delete a highlighted record by pressing
       DEL.  To add a record, press INS and the data entry window will appear.

            Use the ESC key to end data entry or back out of procedures.  You
       can also accept data entry screens by pressing CONTROL-ENTER.  This can
       save steps in not having to use the ENTER or ARROW keys thru each data
       field.

            NOTE:  You should not change an estimate's number if you have
       corresponding records in the estimate file.  Otherwise the records will
       still exist under the old number.  You should delete estimates thru the
       estimate names option under the main menu.  This will remove all
       associated records with the same estimate number.

            To create an estimate, you must first create an estimate name
       record from the main menu.  Various burden amounts will be displayed
       from the company data record presently being used.  They are intended
       as defaults and can be changed as needed.  For this reason, you may
       want to establish company name records before creating estimates.

            BURDENS:  The program allows for two types of burden factors,
       direct and indirect.  The direct burdens are applied directly to the
       unit amounts used in the estimate listings.  This can be useful for
       such purposes as sales taxes or storage costs on materials, or other
       increased costs as needed.  You may also enter a brief description
       of the direct burdens used.  Indirect burdens are used as overhead
       factors and added at the end of the direct cost extensions.  They
       are used for the normal taxes and insurance, bond premiums, general
       overhead, etc.  These are entered in decimal formats, 0.1000 would
       indicate a ten percent factor.

            Many will prefer to use the direct burdens for all of their
       burden costs.  Do so by all means.  This will give the added capability
       of comparing item costs to the prices used in the main estimates.  The
       indirect burdens could then be used for unusual costs such as storage,
       out of town costs, etc.  Use the comment field in the estimate name
       file for brief cost notes, that's what it's there for.

            The program allows for multiple company records.  This can be
       useful for the quote option as well as for establishing different
       defaulting burdens to be used for different type estimates...various
       workers' comp insurance, out of town expenses, etc.  Use as needed.
       Some may find it useful to simply place a description in lieu of the
       company names, making the choice easier with the lookup feature.
       When you look at the company name record, notice the way the company
       name and address have been centered in their respective fields.  This
       is used to center them as desired in the printing of the quotes.








            A good master file of bid items with your established costs will
       make your estimating much easier.  You can however create estimates
       with only a few master file records.  Unlike many other programs,
       once you have added a record to your estimate file, the master file
       is no longer needed to make changes to the record.  You can thus
       see the advantage of using a few dummy records for those bid items
       not frequently used.


                                 IMPORTANT CONCEPTS

            The estimates are based on a few simple rules.  You must first
       establish a bid item or primary item.  These item numbers must be
       started with a bid (B type) as the first record.  The quantity of
       this first record will be used to establish the final quantities of
       the next group of records associated with it.  These records must
       have the same item number, and the order number you want them placed
       within the item.  No duplicates are allowed.  You may consider
       incrementing the order numbers several factors so as to allow the
       inserting of other records later.  The item numbers are unique and
       designed so as to better keep them in their order.  I suggest using
       three numbers as in the examples.  This would allow inserting new
       items with four numbers as items 0021 and 0022 to place them just
       below a main item number such as 002.

            Alth