User Guide and Help

User Guide: To view the User Guide click on “Help Content” on the main menu. To print out the complete user guide, or chapters within the user guide, click on “Help Contents” point to a chapter heading and click “Print”.

F1-Help: When viewing any form within the system, point to anywhere within the active window and press F1. A detailed description of the form you are in will be displayed.

System Files

Estimate Files: Within the International Project Estimating System, the Estimate file is where you bid the project. Within this single file you create the breakdown of your bid, estimate the cost, compare quotations, apply markup, analyze cash flows and close the bid. The estimate file will appear in your windows explorer with a “.ics” extension. This stands for “International Cost System”.

Resource Files: Within the System, you can enter and store a library of resource rates that you can draw on when bidding a project. When you create an estimate, you have the option of linking the bid to a particular resource file. Resource rates include labor, equipment, material and subcontracts. The system also allows you to setup a library of crews with specific production rates, assemblies of materials and takeoff formula within the resource file itself. The resource file will appear in your windows explorer with a “.rcs” extension. This stands for “Resource Cost System”.

The User Interface

Project Toolbar: To estimate a project you will work your way from left to right across the Project Toolbar. All selections on the Project Toolbar are also available on the Main Menu.

When you enter information into an estimate the data is automatically saved. To move to the next step just point to the appropriate icon on the toolbar and click.

Form Toolbars: Each form within the system has its own toolbar that is displayed at the top to assist you in entering or selecting data.