Estimating Database
Manage your company's estimating database including components, assemblies, and categories.
Overview
The estimating database is the foundation of accurate project pricing. It contains:
- Components - Individual items (materials, labor, subcontractors, equipment)
- Assemblies - Pre-built packages of related components
Assemblies and components are organized using Cost Codes, which are configured separately.
A well-maintained database ensures consistent pricing, faster estimate creation, and accurate job costing.
Accessing the Estimating Database
- Go to Settings
- Click Estimates
- Choose Components, Assemblies, or Area Types
Database Structure
Estimating Database
├── Components (Individual Items)
│ ├── Materials
│ ├── Labor
│ ├── Subcontractors
│ └── Equipment
└── Assemblies (Pre-built Packages)
└── Contains multiple components
Components and assemblies are organized by Cost Codes.
Key Concepts
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Component | A single item with cost, price, and unit of measure |
| Assembly | A collection of components that are commonly used together |
| Cost Code | A category used to group and organize assemblies |
| Option Group | A set of interchangeable component variants |
| Markup | Percentage added to cost to determine price |
Getting Started
For New Companies
- Set up cost codes - Create your cost code structure first
- Add components - Import or manually add your items
- Build assemblies - Group components into reusable packages
- Test with estimates - Verify pricing and workflows
For Existing Companies
- Regularly audit component pricing
- Update assemblies as products change
- Review category structure annually
- Remove obsolete items
Documentation Guide
- Managing Components - Add, edit, and organize individual items
- Managing Assemblies - Create and maintain assembly packages
- Assembly Component Pricing - Configure Low/Mid/High pricing tiers
- Cost Codes in Estimates - How cost codes organize your database
- Best Practices - Tips for maintaining an effective database
Related
- Cost Codes - Full cost code setup and management
- Estimates Overview - Using estimates on projects
- Estimating Modes - Assembly vs Detailed Estimating modes
- Pricing and Markup - How pricing works