To produce effective and accurate cost estimates when using ESTmep, the following points should be considered. This information is provided as a general guideline.
Certain areas of the database should be configured with the appropriate localized information in order to produce accurate rates against items. Typically, before you begin estimating, the following areas should be prepared and validated that they are ready for configuration of the database:
- Price per (lb)/(kg) of material: Price of material is a costing method used by the software. It is based on True Area calculations. This is the most common method for calculating material costs for fabricated ductwork. This price per (lb)/(kg) is entered against each of the gauges. (In the product, go to Database
Fittings Materials). The addition of wastage percentages in the database make up the Net value of material (In the product, go to Database Costing Wastage). - Lists of Ancillaries: The makeup of a material rate is based not only by the material used for the "carcass" of the duct, but also from the build up of ancillaries for joining techniques and supporting the ductwork. The assignment of an item-level specification automatically selects the required connectors, seams, supports, stiffeners, etc. that are used. These must be applied to the specification, and verified that they are linked to the correct supplier prices from a price list.
- Fabrication times for each of the manufactured items: Manufactured items require shop floor labor, in addition to the time that is required to perform the various stages of fabricating. These are applied to the fabrication tables associated to the items.
- Installation times and labor rates: Have installation times and labor rates ready for entry into the database when you begin using ESTmep. Installation norms can be adjusted or factored, based on requirements.
- Bought out Price lists for discounting against: Local suppliers can also be entered into the database. Information on size, price (per length (m/ft) or per quantity is required. Standard content "out of the box" can be discounted to produce estimated costs. (In the product, go to Database Costing Price Lists). Use of discount codes can factor the costs to match that of the requirement.
- Overheads: Overheads are applied to all areas that cover the rate of the item. For example, the following must all be known for entry into the database:
- Material
- Suppliers
- Fabrication
- Installation
- Insulation
- Profit Margins