The Business Master (3rd Edition)

home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search

/ The Business Master (3rd Edition) / The Business Master (3rd Edition).iso / files / business / pcest272 / pctutor.doc < prev next >

Wrap

Text File | 1989-01-10 | 44.0 KB | 997 lines

PC-Estimator (tm) Tutorial Copyright 1988 by CPR, Inc. All Rights Reserved. You are free to make and distribute unmodified copies of this tutorial TABLE OF CONTENTS ------------------- 1. GENERAL INFORMATION Welcome to PC-Estimator Shareware Notice Registration, User Manual and User Support Disclaimer 2. INTRODUCTION Minimum System Requirements Program Installation Contents of This Tutorial How to Make a Printed Copy of This Tutorial What PC-Estimator Offers You Who Can Benefit from PC-Estimator Overview of Database Functions Lookup Windows On-screen Takeoff Calculator with Memory File Transfer to dBIII, Lotus, Symphony 3. ESTIMATE BASICS Introduction Estimate Identification Estimate Markup Rates Labor Wage Rates Construction Equipment Rates Standard & Assembly Costcodes Vendor Identification 4. ESTIMATE DEVELOPMENT Introduction Build Estimate Detail New Estimate from Existing Setup Work Assemblies 5. REPORTS Introduction Display/Print Estimate Identification Print Labor Wage Rates Print Construction Equipment Rates Print Standard & Assembly Costcodes Display/Print Vendor Identification Print Work Assembly Listing Display/Print Estimate Summary Print Estimate Table Form Print Estimate Detail Form Print Cost Item Listing 6. UTILITIES Setup PC-Estimator Program Reindex Database Files 7. APPENDIX Program File Structure Error Messages Cursor Controls 1. GENERAL INFORMATION ------------------------ >> Welcome to PC-Estimator << Welcome to the fascinating and productive world of PC-Estimator. PC-Estimator is a complete, stand-alone system that does not require the use or assistance of any other software. All you need is your computer and your MS-DOS operating system. PC-Estimator is a slightly abbreviated version of our nationally marketed system used by general and specialty contractors, engineers, architects, manufacturers, cost estimators, consultants and other individuals to estimate costs for projects of all sizes and kind. From high rise projects to tiny kitchen remodels. And, since we distribute this version of our system on a shareware basis, you will be able to tap the productivity of PC-Estimator legally at no or nominal cost. >> Shareware Notice << With this notice you are granted permission to make, share and distribute unmodified copies of PC-Estimator program disk and Tutorial. Shareware is a low cost alternative to commercially available software programs. Please support shareware by becoming a registered user. >> Registration, User Manual and User Support << The disk that you already own contains the full set of program files as well as this on-disk tutorial in the form of an ASCII file. You can make a printed copy of this tutorial as explained in Chapter 2 below. If you use this program, and want to benefit even more from what it offers, please consider a full PC-Estimator User Registration. User registration will provide you with the following benefits. 1. The latest update of PC-Estimator and a user registration number that entitles you to free, unlimited telephone support from our expert staff. 2. A printed User Manual with screen reproductions, detailed instructions, special tips, program structure information and other data. 3. Complete industry-standard costcode database file including built-in material prices, labor and equipment rates adjusted for the geographic area that you operate in. The database is set up in the standard CSI (or AIA) format used by contractors, architects, engineers and government offices in the USA and covers all 16 construction cost categories. 4. Periodic free newsletter and program update news and information. To register: Complete form, include your user registration fee for $ 69.00 (Check, money order or C.O.D.) and send to: PC-Estimator, CPR, Inc., P.O. Box 3465, Berkeley, CA 94703 California orders, add 7% sales tax. Add $5.00 for COD or Rush orders. Use User registration form printed at the end of this tutorial or supply the following information. Payment: __ Check enclosed, __ Money order enclosed, __ Send C.O.D. Name:_____________________________________________________ Company:__________________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________________ City:__________________ State:________ Zip:_____________ Telephone number:_________________________________________ >> Disclaimer << This software product and tutorial was developed in the USA. Construction Productivity Research, Inc. believes that the information contained within the tutorial and the software program databases is correct. CPR, Inc. reserves the right to make periodic changes in the contents of the tutorial and the program without any direct or inferred obligation to notify any person of such revision or changes. We do not cover under warranty material that has been lost, stolen, or damaged by accident, misuse, or unauthorized modifications. Furthermore, we make no warranty, express or implied, to you or to any other person or entity. Specifically, we make no warranty that the software or the data contained herein is fit for a particular purpose. 2. INTRODUCTION ----------------- >> Minimum System Requirements << The following are minimum system requirements to run PC-Estimator on your computer. - IBM PC/XT, AT, PS-2 or 100 % compatible computer. - MS-DOS 2.0 or later - Hard disk drive system or double floppy disk drive system (*). - Minimum 384 K RAM memory. - Monochrome or color monitor. - Standard track or wide-track compatible printer. (*) Because of higher access speed and superior storage capacity, we recommend to run PC-Estimator from a hard disk drive (any size). >> Program Installation << Although you can use PC-Estimator from a double floppy disk drive system, it works most efficiently from a hard disk. When you receive a copy of PC- Estimator, follow the following steps to install the system. QUICK AUTO INSTALLATION: ------------------------ 1. Insert PC-Estimator diskette in drive A 2. At DOS prompt A> type: INSHARD (press ENTER) <-- for hard disk drive systems INSFLOP (press ENTER) <-- for double floppy drive systems Then follow screen instructions. 3. To run PC-Estimator: At C:\pcest directory, type PCEST (press ENTER) <-- hard disk systems At A:> prompt, type PCEST (press ENTER) <-- floppy disk systems ALTERNATE INSTALLATION: ----------------------- For hard disk systems: ---------------------- 1. Open a new hard disk directory. (Suggest to name it PCEST) 2. Copy all PC-Estimator files from disk #1 and #2 to the new directory. 3. Copy PC-Estimator file called "Config.sys" into the root directory of your computer. Note: Make sure such a file does not already exist in your root directory. If it does, simply add the following two lines to the existing file (Use Edlin or any text editor). Files=20 Buffers=24 4. Reboot your computer by reset button or Ctrl-Alt-Del procedure. 5. PC-Estimator is installed and ready to work for you. To start PC-Estimator, first go to your hard disk directory where the files reside, then type: PCEST Press ENTER, then follow screen prompts and instructions. Tip: If you have a hard disk manager, you can easily tie the PC-Estimator directory change and startup command to your disk manager menu. For double floppy disk systems: ------------------------------- 1. Insert PC-Estimator disk #1 in drive A 2. Insert your MS-DOS bootup disk in drive B 3. Copy file called "config.sys" from PC-Estimator disk #1 in drive A to your MS-DOS bootup disk in drive B. Note: Make sure such a file does not already exist in your bootup disk. If it does, simply add the following two lines to the existing file (Use Edlin or any text editor). Files=20 Buffers=24 4. PC-Estimator floppy system installation is complete. Now reboot your computer using your MS-DOS bootup diskette in drive A. To start system at any time, insert PC-Estimator disk #1 (Program Disk) in drive A PC-Estimator disk #2 (Data disk) in drive B at DOS prompt A:>, type PCEST (press ENTER) Note: PC-Estimator runs considerably faster from a hard disk. >> Contents of This Tutorial << This tutorial shows you step by step in narrative format how to use each of PC-Estimator features. The best way to learn PC-Estimator would be to go through the text while implementing the same functions on the computer. Chapter 1 contains general information as well as various notices and user registration and support information Chapter 2 is a brief introduction to PC-Estimator, what it has to offer to the user and who can benefit. Chapter 3 deals with the section of the program entitled "Estimate basics". This section includes identifying an estimate, company markup rates, labor wage rates, equipment rates, standard and assembly costcodes and vendor information database. Chapter 4 deals with "Estimate Development" section. It includes building a new estimate, creating a new estimate from existing (cloning), and building work assemblies. Chapter 5 deals with reporting functions of PC-Estimator. Chapter 6 details the "Utilities" such as identifying user's name and the type of monitor used in addition to a "reindex" routine to be used in case of unintentional reset or power surge affecting the data files. Chapter 7 is "Appendix" and deals with screen cursor controls and error messages. >> How to Read or Make a Printed Copy of This Tutorial << This tutorial is supplied in a file called "PCTUTOR.DOC" in the ASCII format. You can read or print it by using DOS commands or text processor. To read the contents of this tutorial file, insert PC-Estimator diskette in your A: disk drive. Close door. At DOS A> prompt, type: TYPE PCTUTOR.DOC (press ENTER) The file will scroll down your screen. To stop scrolling, Press CTRL and NUMLOCK keys simultaneously. Then continue reading. To print the contents of this tutorial file, insert PC-Estimator diskette in your A: disk drive. Close door. Make sure your printer is ready to print approximately 20 pages. At DOS A> prompt, type: COPY PCTUTOR.DOC PRN (press ENTER) With your paid registration, you will receive the printed User Manual which has more detailed instructions. To get the most benefit from this program, we recommend a full user registration. Refer to Chapter 1 of this tutorial on how to become a registered user. >> What PC-Estimator Offers You << PC-Estimator is an easy-to-use program designed to increase efficiency and productivity in cost estimating. It is developed by construction professionals who are also experts in computers. PC-Estimator is a slightly abbreviated version of a nationally distributed professional system used successfully by thousands of companies and individuals. Therefore, it represents a powerful cost estimating productivity tool in an easy to use package. Some benefits to be gained are as follows: - A complete, stand-alone system. No other software necessary. - Immediate on-screen access to data thru "Lookup" windows. - Material price list and cost data accumulation. - Advanced "Pull-down" menu driven structure. - Powerful, time-saving "Work Assembly" feature. - Built-in digitizer interface. - Instant recap for "What-if" type analyses. - Lightning fast program execution. - Unlimited size databases. They will grow as your applications grow. - Databases for markups, labor and equipment rates, standard costcodes, vendor tracking, etc. - Different markups applicable for each estimate. - Multiple estimates can be carried out simultaneously. - Built-in comprehensive reporting. - Several different levels of detail in estimate reporting including itemized and built-in markup applications. - On-screen reporting for instant "Bottom-line" evaluation. - Supports standard and wide-track printers. - On-screen takeoff calculator with memory And many many other advanced features... >> Who Can Benefit from PC-Estimator << PC-Estimator is based on a user-definable costcode and unit cost structure. Therefore it is suitable for a wide range of industries, trades and private and public organizations ranging in size from one-person individuals to medium to large size contracting companies, engineers and architects. Thanks to PC-Estimator's optional industry-standard costcode database and sample structured estimates (available upon User Registration-See Section 1), even people with little or no cost estimating experience can come up with a detailed estimate of a project in a short amount of time. >> Overview of Database Functions << CPR's built-in database functions accommodate: - Data Add - Data view (and optionally data modification) - Data Delete PC-Estimator handles these database functions through a menu-driven interface. Move cursor by using arrow keys. then press (Enter) to select. To back up or leave screen, use (Escape) key. For Lookup windows use S for select and E for exit. Follow screen instructions as necessary. All database entries, modifications and deletions are accompanied by appropriate screen messages such as: Enter corrections.. Data OK (Y/N) ? Confirm deletion (Y/N) ? Since the interface is so simple, there is hardly anything to memorize. No elaborate shift and function keys. No templates. Few simple rules are: - Identify an estimate by assigning an estimate number (use Basics - Estimate Identification) before starting an estimate. - Identify a work assembly by assigning an assembly costcode (use Basics - Standard & Assembly Costcodes) before building a work assembly file. - Define your own costcodes and enter unit prices and unit rates against each. (Or use our industry-standard costcode database available upon registration, See Section 1) >> Lookup Windows << PC-Estimator offers an easy and convenient way to view a database and select a record during the estimating process. "Lookup Windows". Function key F9 activates the Lookup window. The system will indicate so at the top right hand side of the screen. Example: F9-Lookup When F9 is pressed, PC-Estimator will display the relevant database lookup window. Scroll by using direction keys, PgUp and PgDown, then select by pressing S key. Exit without selection by pressing E key. >> On-screen Takeoff Calculator with Memory << PC-Estimator on-screen take-off calculator is available from all screens. This is a full function memory calculator patterned after a desktop calculator. Just press function key F10, and it will appear. Use it for takeoff calculations. If it is invoked from the quantity field, then the total computed figure will be exported right into the quantity field eliminating repetition in keying. Press X to export, press Esc if no export is required. >> File Transfer to dBIII, Lotus, Symphony << PC-Estimator database files are 100% compatible with dBaseIII Plus program. By using dBaseIII, one can tie PC-Estimator files to other dBaseIII applications or simply design additional report formats. PC-Estimator files can also be translated to Lotus and Symphony by using the Translate functions from higher versions of these programs. The PC-Estimator records will be rows and attributes will become column headings. Detailed data structure of PC-Estimator which can be used in data translations is available in the User Manual which is provided with User registration (See section 1 above). 3. ESTIMATE BASICS -------------------- >> Introduction << This section of PC-Estimator addresses the setting up and managing of basic databases related to estimating functions. Unlike spreadsheet estimating programs that are based on single file working templates, PC-Estimator is a true database management system, which means that is entered into various databases create a knowledge based system. databases are routinely scanned by the program and relevant information is retrieved and displayed on the screen. CPR's database files can accommodate virtually unlimited records of information. In fact, the only restriction on the amount of information is the size of your hard disk storage system. Since floppy disks are limited in storage capacity as well as slow access time, they are not suitable for powerful data management systems like PC-Estimator. >> Estimate Identification << Before starting to build a new estimate, it must be identified by assigning a unique estimate number. An estimate number can be up to 6 digits long and can be an alphanumeric. e.g. AB1988, NEW56, CO102a, AA1, X1988, etc. Identify a new estimate by assigning a unique estimate number and entering relevant information. To do this select (Basics - Estimate Identification) by moving highlight on Basics and pressing return, then follow screen prompts and instructions. Basics Development Reports Utilities 1 Estimate Identification <-- 2 Estimate Markup Rates 3 Labor Wage Rates 4 Construction Equipment Rates 5 Standard & Assenbly Costcodes 6 Vendor Identification The screen will show existing estimate files and descriptions. If you have several files, view them by selecting (Next screen) and (Previous screen). To do database management functions such as add a new estimate number, view and modify existing information, or delete existing information, select (Functions) from the command line menu. Remember, (Esc) key will always back you out of the current screen to the previous screen. Next Screen Previous Screen Functions Totals --> Add View/Modify Delete Work Assembly To add a new estimate number, select (Add), then assign estimate number and enter other information in the window. When finished, PC-Estimator will store the information and open a new estimate file which will be used to build the new estimate. >> Estimate Markup Rates << PC-Estimator supports different markup rates for each estimate. To access markup rates, select (Basics - Estimate Markup Rates). If no markup rates are assigned to an estimate number, PC-Estimator will use Standard Markup Rates automatically. These are the markup rates under estimate number "0STD" which is already initiated in the program. The markups are initiated at 0%. Therefore, after installing PC-Estimator, you should modify the standard markup rates to reflect your most commonly used (standard) markup rates. >> Labor Wage Rates << Installed with this program, you will find wage rates for a number of different construction trades. These entries are for basic trades only and do not represent all available trades and professions. The entries are tied to 4-digit codes commonly used by the construction industry. The wage rates are based on union wage rates and are average for major US cities. The actual wage rates in your area can be less or more. You can add new classifications, modify to reflect more accurately wages in your area or delete any that you do not use. Since the wage rates entries are for an average for all major US cities, they should be used with caution and should be adjusted for geographic areas that differ considerably from average. The "Base Rate" column represents the sum of the wage rate, employer-paid fringe benefits (i.e. vacation pay, employer-paid health and welfare, pension plan costs and training and advancement plan costs). The "Other Costs" column is entered as 0.00. (Alternatively, the user may use the "Other Costs" column to indicate any part of the total wage rate paid.) Worker's compensation payments as well as fixed overheads (i.e. FICA Taxes, Contractor's Risk Insurance costs, Federal and State unemployment costs) should be included with contractor's overhead application since such overheads differ from state to state and should be adjusted as and where necessary. Contractors overhead and profit application can be entered by using (Basics - Markup Rates) from the Main Menu. The wage rates can be accessed and selected conveniently thru lookup windows from the estimating worksheet. >> Construction Equipment Rates << Similar to labor wage rates, we have supplied a representative number of entries for construction equipment. The entries represent only a small selection of all available construction equipment. Add, modify or delete equipment classification and hourly rentals as necessary for your geographic area. The "Base Rate" represents hourly rental rate for the equipment. The figures are an average for major US cities. Depending on the type of equipment, the rental duration effects the hourly rate considerably. Therefore, the figures are subject to differ from actual rates in your area and quoted rates for a particular rental period. The construction equipment rates can be accessed and selected thru lookup windows from the estimating worksheet. >> Standard & Assembly Costcodes << By using this section of PC-Estimator, the user can identify Standard and Assembly costcodes and enter material, labor, subcontract equipment and other unit costs against each costcode. Each cost item in an estimate is identified by a costcode, and the computer uses the costcode to keep track of cost item entries. Developing a standard costcode library will result in time savings in searching material prices and labor rates as well as achieve uniformity between estimates and estimators. Standard costcodes have been developed and used by different institutions. For example the 16 division cost breakdown developed by the Construction Specifications Institute is commonly used by contractors, architects and engineers in the USA. PC-Estimator allows for easy development and use of standard costcodes. Once set up, each time a user enters the costcode during an estimate, the description and all other unit prices will be automatically transferred to the current worksheet. The lookup window can be used to search the costcode database and select appropriate costcode for transfer into worksheet. A costcode can be maximum six digits long and may consist of alphabetic characters, numbers or combination of both (alphanumeric). Examples: 012000, 092182, 14960, CO229, ST234A, etc. The first two digits is referred to as "Division". For example, in the CSI cost coding format, 03 is allocated to Concrete, and 15 is allocated to Mechanical Systems. PC-Estimator program as distributed includes a limited number of costcodes initiated in the CSI format. The costcodes also contain unit prices and unit rates which are typical for an average geographic area in the USA and they should be considered accordingly. You can add, modify and delete any entry or build your own cost coding system. With full user registration, we will provide a complete costcode database with unit prices adjusted for your geographic area. This costcode database represents most (if not all) activities typically used in general and building type of construction. You can further customize the database to your specific application by the addition of your job-specific activities. Work assemblies are a very efficient way of estimating composite work activities. Assembly costcodes are similar to standard costcodes in format. They are also 6-digit alphanumerics. Assembly costcodes identify work assemblies, which are, in effect just like individual estimates except that each work assembly may contain maximum 14 cost items. For example, the following work activities could be made into work assemblies: - Concrete-in-place, per cubic yard - Stud partition wall, per linear foot - Roofing, per square feet Each one of the above work assemblies involve a number of individual cost activities. To set up work assemblies, carry out the following steps: 1. Assign a work assembly costcode. Use (Basics - Standard Costcodes) from the Main Menu. 2. Build detail assembly by using (Development - Setup Work Assembly) During an estimate, you can recall a work assembly and incorporate it to your current worksheet >> Vendor Identification << PC-Estimator includes an integrated Vendor Identification system. A vendor is an individual or company that sells material or services or rents equipment. During the course of an estimate, a cost estimator usually contacts several vendors offering different goods or services. The vendor identification system of PC-Estimator keeps track of information related to vendors in an efficient manner and offers immediate access to data thru vendor number as well as database search for selected criteria such as vendor number, keyword, etc. A vendor is identified by a Vendor Number which is 6-digit alphanumeric. The following are valid vendor numbers: 12600, AB323, ARTCO, etc. To access vendor identification select (Basics - vendor Identification) from the Main Menu. Then carry out database functions to add, view, modify or delete vendor identification records. 4. ESTIMATE DEVELOPMENT ------------------------- >> Introduction << This section of PC-Estimator addresses the procedure for building a detailed estimate. Creating a new estimate from an existing estimate (cloning) and setting up work assemblies are also included in this chapter. >> Build Estimate Detail << Before starting to build an estimate, the estimate must be identified by assigning an estimate number. This is done by using (Basics - Estimate Identification) from the Main Menu. Basics Development Reports Utilities 1 Estimate Identification <-- 2 Estimate Markup Rates 3 Labor Wage Rates 4 Construction Equipment Rates 5 Standard & Assembly Costcodes 6 Vendor Identification An estimate is built by entering the estimate of the costs to perform cost items associated with a job or project. The cost for each item is further broken down into cost categories which are Material, Labor, Subcontract, Equipment and Other categories. One or more of the cost categories for a cost item may be zero. Each cost item is identified by a costcode. However, there may be more than one entry for the same costcode. During estimating, the Lookup screen is always available to search and select records such as activity descriptions, material prices, labor and equipment rates from other databases. To build an estimate, select (Development - Build Estimate Detail). Then enter estimate number. Basics Development Reports Utilities Quit --> 1 Build Estimate Detail 2 Create New from Existing 3 Setup Work Assembly If you do not remember the estimate number press F9 for Lookup. Then move highlight and press S for (Select). The estimate file will open on your screen. If it is a new estimate, no line items will show. You can now build your estimate by adding line items and entering associated costs. Our industry-standard costcode database (available with user registration) contains around 400 activities and associated costs covering all general construction activities. The costcode database as well as labor and equipment databases are available at all times thru Lookup windows. Estimate Detail Worksheet: Each cost item occupies a line on the estimating screen. However, there is more to it than that. Each cost item is stored in the memory with manhour rates as well as unit dollars and totals. To see this, bring highlight on (Functions), then press ENTER. Move highlight to (Add). Press ENTER again. Next Screen Previous Screen Functions Totals --> Add View/Modify Delete Work Assembly Now enter a costcode number. When a costcode is entered, the costcode database is searched for matching data records (If a record already existed, it would automatically be retrieved). Now, the estimate worksheet window will open on your screen. Notice how cost categories are laid out as columns. Manhours and dollars are indicated on the left. Looks complicated but it is not. You can enter figures for any highlighted figure and ignore the rest. The system will do instant computations. You can always override computed figures. -Material-- ---Labor--- ----S/C---- -Equipment- ---Other--- Mhr/Unit.. Hr Total.. $/Unit.... 80.00 $ Total... 240.00 For Labor Class (Classification) use Lookup screen. If you had entered a labor record for carpenter in your labor database, classified as, let's say, CAR1, then you would lookup labor database and select the entry. The wage rate would be exported right into the workscreen. Class CAR1 <-- Rate 23.45 <-- 2.00 69.00 151.12 5213.64 Continue estimating the cost item. Press ENTER to skip any field. When finished, PC-Estimator will figure out line item total, the ask if Data is OK. Data OK (Y/N) ? If not OK, you can go thru the same cycle a second time and make changes. Otherwise, the line cost item will find its sorted place in the listing. Remember, at any time, you can go back to an estimate cost item, view it in detail and make modifications as necessary. Typically, material supplier and subcontractor quotes are frequently adjusted as an estimator searches for best price in the market and receives favorable quotes. By selecting (Totals) from the command line menu, you can get running totals of your estimate at any time. Next Screen Previous Screen Functions Totals ------ >> New Estimate from Existing << Often, a new job to be estimated will resemble in many ways another job for which an estimate has already been developed. In such a situation, using the "Old" estimate as the starting point and making modifications on it will save a great deal of time in comparison to starting a new estimate from scratch. PC-Estimator offers a step by step feature to do this. Basics Development Reports Utilities Quit 1 Build Estimate Detail --> 2 Create New from Existing 3 Setup Work Assembly When a new estimate file is identified, select (Development - Build Estimate Detail) to retrieve the file and make necessary modifications. As a helpful tip, we can recommend building master estimate files to be used as checklist for typical jobs. >> Work Assemblies << By choosing this option from the submenu, you can retrieve an existing work assembly file, modify if necessary and incorporate the totals into your current worksheet. Next Screen Previous Screen Functions Totals Add View/Modify Delete --> Work Assembly For example, if you prepare a master work assembly file for installation of concrete foundations, all you have to do is to measure the quantity of concrete in your current estimate and use Work Assembly feature to figure out totals and incorporate cost activities and material costs for excavation, rebar, formwork, concrete and finishing labor. To build a work assembly, first identify a work assembly costcode by selecting (Basics - Standard Costcodes). Designate the costcode as S or A. That is: Standard or Assembly (S or A) ? S Then select (Development - Setup Work Assemblies) and continue to set up the master work assembly just as you would build a small estimate. 5. REPORTS ------------ >> Introduction << Several printed reports may be generated by using the report printing functions of PC-Estimator. Most reports are available on 11" X 15" wide-track format as well as 8 1/2" X 11" standard size paper. By using printer controls with 17 CPI (compressed print), a wide track format report may be printed on standard size paper. PC-Estimator offers an advanced reporting feature whereby reports are generated based on database search on selective criteria. By using this feature, a user can generate more informative, focused reports which will address specific information requirements. To cancel printing at any time, press Alt-C. >> Display/Print Estimate Identification << This printing function is used to generate screen or printed reports for the Estimate identification section of PC-Estimator. To display and/or print an estimate identification listing select (Reports - Estimate Identification) from the Main Menu. Basics Development Reports Utilities Quit --> 1 Estimate Identification 2 Labor Wage Rates 3 Construction Equipment Rates 4 Standard Costcodes 5 Vendor Identification 6 Work Assembly Listing . . . . . . . . 7 Estimate Summary 8 Estimate Table Form 9 Estimate Detail Form 10 Cost item Listing a selection criteria screen will be displayed. Press return to skip over fields if no selection is required. No selection means all existing records will be included in the listing. before starting to print, check to make sure that the printer is turned on and on-line. You can also view the estimate identification records fitting selected criteria on the computer screen. >> Print Labor Wage Rates << To print a complete labor wage rate listing, select (Reports - Labor Wage rates) from the Main Menu. >> Print Construction Equipment Rates << To print a complete equipment rates listing, select (Reports - Construction Equipment Rates) from the Main Menu. >> Print Standard & Assembly Costcodes << To print a complete or selective listing of Standard and Assembly costcodes already existing in the costcode database, select (Reports - Standard Costcodes) from the Main Menu. The selection window will appear on the screen. Enter selection criteria or press ENTER to skip. Check to make sure the printer is on-line before starting to print. >> Display/Print Vendor Identification << To display on screen or print a vendor identification listing, select (Reports - Vendor Identification) from the Main Menu. Then enter selection criteria or press ENTER to skip. You can view vendor information on the computer screen or send output to printer. Make sure the printer is turned on and on-line. >> Print Work Assembly Listing << To generate a one-page tabular listing of an existing work assembly file, select (Reports - Work Assembly Listing) from the Main Menu. then enter work assembly costcode or select thru Lookup screen. >> Display/Print Estimate Summary << To display on screen or print estimate summary with markups itemized separately, select (Reports - Estimate Summary) from the Main Menu. Then enter estimate number or select using the Lookup screen. If Phase selection is needed, enter Phase range. By using this feature, it is possible to generate separate reports for different construction phases. The estimate summary can be viewed on screen with the "Bottom-line" figured out. Use this for quick phone-in bidding. >> Print Estimate Table Form << To print estimate detail report in a tabular format, select (Reports - Table Form) from the Main Menu. This report will show unit cost as well as total cost for each line item. Grand totals will be printed before markup applications. >> Print Estimate Detail Form << To print estimate detail report in a tabular format, select (Reports - Detail Form) from the Main Menu. This report will show the same detail as in the data entry screen. >> Print Cost Item Listing << By using this unique PC-Estimator feature it is possible to generate a complete bill of material listing without having to make individual entries for work assembly detail items. For each estimate line item, this report lists the costcode, cost activity description, quantity and unit. Furthermore, if a line item is an assembly, the report will list the complete work assembly breakdown. 6. UTILITIES ------------ >> Setup PC-Estimator Program << To setup the program, select (Utilities - Setup PC-Estimator Program) from the Main Menu. Basics Development Reports Utilities Quit --> 1 Setup PC-Estimator Program 2 Reindex Database Files If it is the first time that you are using PC-Estimator, the Setup screen will appear by default. Follow screen prompts and instructions to enter your name as it should appear in report headings. Also enter a second line in report headers (if required). Identify the kind of data storage system used. >> Reindex Database Files << During the course of data entry, a power cut, surge, spike or inadvertent use of the Reset button may cause interruption of PC-Estimator database management operations. As a result of this, a number of records may be left unindexed. this may cause error messages and other unpredictable results. The Reindex utility will remedy such a situation by reorganizing all files. To carry out reindexation, select (Utilities - Reindex Database Files). The rest will be done by PC-Estimator. remember, running the Reindex utility will not cause any harm on the database files even if no disorganization was present in the first place. 7. APPENDIX ------------- >> Program File Structure << The following are program database files: Es_ident.dbf Estimate Identification Es_rates.dbf Labor Wage Rates Es_vend.dbf Vendor Identification Es_mark.dbf Estimate Markups Es_sample.dbf Structure estimate file Es_costh.dbf Standard & Assembly Costcodes Es_eqrt.dbf Equipment Rates Pcest.exe Program file When a new estimate ID is entered, PC-Estimator opens a new estimate file and an index file as follows: ES(estimate number).dbf for estimate file ES(estimate number).ntx for index file >> Error Messages << The error messages fall into 6 categories: 1. Database error 2. Expression error 3. Miscellaneous error 4. Open error 5. Print error 6. Undefined error Whenever an error occurs, first check that the files originally supplied to you are all present in the directory you are logged on. If files appear OK, then run Reindex routine. Then test again. If error persists, you may have to call for assistance. >> Cursor Controls << -------------------------------------------------- Key Action -------------------------------------------------- Leftarrow Character left Rightarrow Character right Uparrow Previous input field Downarrow Next input field -------------------------------------------------- Full screen editing keys Del Delete character at cursor position Backspace Destructive backspace -------------------------------------------------- >> USER REGISTRATION FORM << To register: Complete form, include your user registration fee for $ 69.00 (Check, money order or C.O.D.) and send to: ---------------------------------- PC-Estimator CPR, Inc. User Registration P.O. Box 3465 Berkeley, CA 94703 ---------------------------------- ********************************************************** Clip and Mail ***** PC-Estimator User Registration ------------------------------ PC-Estimator User Registration Fee ............ $ 69.00 Sales Tax (CA residents add 7% tax - $4.83).... _____ C.O.D. or rush orders (if applicable - $5.00).. _____ --------- Total ........... $ _____ Indicate payment: __ Check enclosed __ Money order enclosed __ Send C.O.D. Name:_____________________________________________________ Company:__________________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________________ City:__________________ State:________ Zip:_____________ Telephone number:____________________ ******************************************************************************