JumpStart Guide. Trimble QuickPen AutoBid Mechanical Software

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2 JumpStart Guide Trimble QuickPen AutoBid Mechanical Software Revision A February 2013 F

3 Englewood Office Trimble Navigation Limited 384 Inverness Parkway, Suite 200 Englewood, Colorado (800) Copyright and Trademarks Trimble Navigation Limited. All rights reserved. QuickPen is a trademark of Trimble Navigation Limited registered in the United States and/or in other countries. AutoBid Mechanical and Trimble Quick Link are trademarks or registered trademarks of Trimble Navigation Limited. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. This publication, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form, by any method, for any purpose, without the written consent of Trimble Navigation Limited. Release Notice This is the Trimble QuickPen AutoBid Mechanical software JUMPSTART GUIDE. (Revision A). The topics within this manual are subject to change without written notice. Companies, names, and data used in any examples are fictitious. Screenshots included in the help topics may not be exactly as in the software application. Part Number ABMC _JumpStart Thursday, February 14, :20 am II JUMPSTART GUIDE

4 Contents 1 Introduction Guide Overview Installation/Configuration General Information Navigation Open Software Workstation/Network Computer Basic Navigation Main AutoBid Mechanical Window Menus Toolbar Speed Buttons Online Help and Manuals Conclusion Projects Create Project New Project Setup Add Drawing Systems Conclusion TakeOff Defaults On-Screen View TakeOff Compatible Drawing Formats JUMPSTART GUIDE iii

5 Practice Drawing Open TakeOff TakeOff Views On-Screen View TakeOff Window Preliminary Steps Load Background Drawing Verify Settings Take Off Drawing Take Off Main Run Take Off Branches Branch (from Point 2) Branch (from Point 21) Branch (from Point 19) Branch (from Point 5) Branch (from Point 7) Take Off Counted Items Review Print the Audit Trail Close TakeOff Conclusion Reports Open Reports Calculate Project Messages Completion/General Information Generate/Print Reports Crystal Reports Generator Recap Report Print Recaps Report Conclusion iv JUMPSTART GUIDE

6 A B Self Evaluation li Review (Multiple Choice) lii Answer Key lv Terms lvii Windows Terminology lviii AutoBid Mechanical Terminology lxi JUMPSTART GUIDE v

7 vi JUMPSTART GUIDE

8 CHAPTER 1 Introduction 1 In this chapter: Guide Overview General Information Completing the procedures in this guide will enable you to start using the AutoBid Mechanical software in the shortest time possible. The exercises are designed to give you confidence in using the application. In addition to reviewing basic Windows skills, you will learn how to do the following procedures: Navigate the AutoBid Mechanical software Create a new bid Take off pipe using the AutoBid Mechanical Graphical software Generate a Recap report JUMPSTART GUIDE 5

9 1 Introduction B Tip Trimble strongly recommends that you attend self-paced online training classes. After the online classes have been completed, Trimble offers an implementation class in our training facility. These classes will help you successfully implement the AutoBid Mechanical software. Contact Trimble at (800) for information on scheduling a class. Guide Overview Trimble suggests that you read and perform the exercises in each chapter of this Guide until you are comfortable with the content and can complete the exercises easily. It is recommended that you review this Guide prior to attending the online training class. Installation/Configuration Before you can begin using the AutoBid Mechanical software (and the exercises in this Guide), you must complete the following procedures: Install Trimble Quick Link Application Quick Link, a licensing and communication software application. Installation of Trimble Quick Link is required to provide continued licensing of the AutoBid Mechanical software. Install AutoBid Mechanical Software The first step to using the AutoBid Mechanical software is to install the software. Trimble has included a comprehensive Installation manual that steps you through the entire process. We recommend that you review and follow the instructions to ensure proper operation of your system. The Installation manual also includes instructions for attaching additional hardware to your computer (for example, a digitizer or Smart Menu by GTCO). 6 JUMPSTART GUIDE

10 Introduction 1 Configuration You must configure the AutoBid Mechanical software to communicate with the Trimble Quick Link Hub. This provides access to licensing and other features available in the AutoBid Mechanical software. Complete instructions are included in the Getting Started section of the AutoBid Mechanical Installation manual. Note You will be unable to use the AutoBid Mechanical software until the Trimble Quick Link application is installed and configured properly. General Information A high level description of the AutoBid Mechanical software and online help is detailed in the following topics. Application Module The AutoBid Mechanical application module allows you to easily enter information into the database. This includes: Project Setup TakeOff Reports Help Systems The AutoBid Mechanical software contains an extensive online help system that will answer most of your questions while working in the application. The online help system will help you during the implementation process and in using the system. The online manuals can be printed if desired. The What s New? videos and the Video Library (found on the Help menu) provide modular demonstrations of the various tasks in the AutoBid Mechanical software. JUMPSTART GUIDE 7

11 1 Introduction The online help system is easy to navigate and you will find that it answers many of the questions you might have when working in the database. Trimble encourages you to use it as much as possible. See page 15 for more detailed information. 8 JUMPSTART GUIDE

12 CHAPTER 2 Navigation 2 In this chapter: Open Software Basic Navigation Online Help and Manuals Using the information in this chapter, you will be able to navigate through the AutoBid Mechanical software and other basic Windows programs; however, if you are not familiar with Microsoft Windows-based systems, Trimble recommends that you take an introductory Windows course. JUMPSTART GUIDE 9

13 2 Navigation Open Software You can use any of the three following methods to open the application: Double-click the icon on the desktop. Right-click the icon on the desktop. From the menu, choose Open. Click on the program icon from the Windows Start menu. Workstation/Network Computer When the AutoBid Mechanical software is being used on a network (with workstations), the network server must be running in order to attach to the database. Provided the server is running, you can start the AutoBid Mechanical software using any of the methods below. Tip If you are running the AutoBid Mechanical software on a network, make B sure the network server is running or you will be unable to open the workstation module. 1. On the Windows Desktop, double-click on the icon. Depending on the type of installation you selected, your Desktop icon displays as one of the following: 2. Click on the appropriate Desktop icon. OR From the Windows Start menu, navigate to appropriate command. AutoBid Mechanical > Mechanical AutoBid Mechanical > Mechanical (Workstation). 10 JUMPSTART GUIDE

14 Navigation 2 OR Right-click on the icon and select Open from the menu. 3. Log into the database. The version and copyright varies from release-to-release. JUMPSTART GUIDE 11

15 2 Navigation Basic Navigation The AutoBid Mechanical software master data (added as part of the installation procedures) includes a large amount of data, which makes implementation easier. You can simply verify data and make modifications where necessary to comply with your company standards. This process is much easier than entering data in its entirety. If required, tools are included to add new information as well. Main AutoBid Mechanical Window When you open the AutoBid Mechanical software, the window displays as illustrated in the following graphic. Menus At the top of the window, the menus provide access to various modules in the AutoBid Mechanical software. 12 JUMPSTART GUIDE

16 Navigation 2 Toolbar In many of the windows, commands available on the menus are also available in the buttons directly below. An example of a toolbar displays below. The toolbars may vary from window-to-window based on functionality. Graphics and Buttons In the area of the window containing graphics and buttons, there are commands and selection lists that provide access to the components of the AutoBid Mechanical software. Specifications contain predefined specification data, such as schedules, insulation, valves, joints and hangers. TakeOff and Reports provides you with the tools to take off your project and then run the appropriate reports which contain much of the information required for your bid. Reports also includes the Final Estimate where you can adjust your bid and include such things as taxes, overhead, profit, and performance bond. Price and Labor allows you to enter data pertaining to wages and item pricing. You can also define Labor Books within this module. Master Settings contains many of the tables and values available throughout the AutoBid Mechanical software, including TakeOff, vendors/manufacturers, general and administrative costs, report categories and so on. JUMPSTART GUIDE 13

17 2 Navigation When you select one of the main access buttons, additional buttons pertaining to your selection display. The graphic below shows the Specification Schedule Menu. Speed Buttons You have the option to add speed buttons to your main window. This allows you to quickly select a module without requiring any further navigation. These can be customized in any manner you choose using the buttons in the middle of any screen. The AutoBid Mechanical software includes several default speed buttons. You can add and/or remove buttons as necessary. For detailed instructions on speed buttons, see the online help system or the online Master Settings and System Maintenance manual. 14 JUMPSTART GUIDE

18 Navigation 2 Online Help and Manuals Detailed information about using the AutoBid Mechanical software can be found in the online help system. The application offers two types of online help: Help System Choose Help > applicable command on the menu. OR Press F1 in any window. OR If available in the window, click on the Help button. Manuals Online manuals require Adobe Reader. If you do not have this application installed, it is a free download from or you can access it from the AutoBid Mechanical software installation compact disk. There are several methods you can use to open the online manuals. Choose Start and navigate to AutoBid Mechanical > Documentation. Click on the manual you want to open. In the AutoBid Mechanical software main window, choose Help > AutoBid Mechanical Manuals. Click on the manual you want to open. Conclusion Now that you have reviewed the basic structure of the AutoBid Mechanical software, you are ready to create a project and generate reports. This will introduce you to the procedures that provide easy and fast estimates using the AutoBid Mechanical software. JUMPSTART GUIDE 15

19 2 Navigation 16 JUMPSTART GUIDE

20 CHAPTER 3 Projects 3 In this chapter: Create Project Add Drawing Systems This chapter walks you through creating a new project, which includes adding Specification Schedules, Systems and Symbols. When you create the project, you also have the ability to specify scopes (for example, drawings and floors). After you have completed creating the project, you will be ready to take off a drawing and then generate reports. JUMPSTART GUIDE 17

21 3 Projects B Tip This guide offers a quick overview of the AutoBid Mechanical software to illustrate ease of use. It does not include information on implementing your software. Trimble offers a comprehensive implementation training class in many of our training facilities. Contact our Training Coordinator at (800) or at training@quickpen.com for more information. Create Project A default job is included in the new user data added to your database during the installation process. During the implementation process, the information contained in this job must be verified and modified to meet your company s requirements. Making modifications to the default job is discussed in more detail in the Projects and TakeOff online manual or in the online help system. Tip Creating and modifying the default job is covered in detail during the B implementation class in our training facility. Contact our Training Coordinator at (800) for more details. Creating a new project allows you enter specific information pertaining to the new bid. The easiest method to accomplish this task is by copying specifications and systems from the AAA job into the new project. You can then modify certain areas to accommodate the new project. 18 JUMPSTART GUIDE

22 Projects 3 New Project Setup These instructions will walk you through creating a new project. Once the project is completely created (including specifications, systems and scopes), you will be ready to take off a drawing and generate reports. Screen One 1. In the main AutoBid Mechanical window, click on the icon on the toolbar. The first screen of the New Project Wizard opens. 2. In the Project Name field, enter On-Screen View Bid. JUMPSTART GUIDE 19

23 3 Projects 3. Enter a Bid ID. This must be a unique identifier. For this project, we suggest you enter today s date and the letter A. The Project ID field defaults to the data entered in the Bid ID field. You can accept this data or enter a different Project ID as required. Tip The Project type, Bid date and Bid time fields are not required. Trimble B suggests you leave these fields empty for this exercise. When you are creating an actual bid, it is suggested that you complete as much information. 4. Click Next. The second New Project Wizard screen displays. Screen Two The second screen in the New Project Wizard allows you to copy Specification Schedules, Symbols and other data from a similar project. In this exercise, the AAA job will be used as a starting point for a new project. It is not necessary to make any modifications at this time to this project, as this is simply a practice exercise. Note The AAA job in your AutoBid Mechanical system may be called variations of AAA or another naming convention variation. Select the AAA job that is in your AutoBid Mechanical system when performing this task. 20 JUMPSTART GUIDE

24 Projects 3 When you are ready to start using the AutoBid Mechanical software for your live estimates, making modifications is suggested; however, you may find that the changes required are minimal. Tip Keep in mind that in this exercise, only default settings are being used. In B order to complete the steps required for setting up this project, do not change any of these settings. When you are working on your own project, you can select the settings that best fit your requirements. 1. The Symbol Schedule option and the Don t Copy Floors options are selected by default. Do not change these selections. 2. Click Next. The third New Project Wizard screen displays. Screen Three The third screen allows you to select various default options. JUMPSTART GUIDE 21

25 3 Projects 1. The Metric dimensions option is not selected by default. Do not change this setting. 2. The Closest Drawing Size field allows you to select the size drawing that is closest to the size of the drawing. This field determines the size display on-screen. For this exercise, select 11 X 17 from the list. 3. In the Default scale for new drawing, select 1/4 from the list. 4. In the Default Structure field, select Concrete. 5. In the Default Rack Spacing field, enter In the Audit Trail View Method pane, make no changes. The exercise in TakeOff will be completed in On-Screen View TakeOff. This setting has no effect on this method of TakeOff. 7. In the Report Options pane, select Use Reducing Branch Specifications check box and then select Prevailing in the Default Location list. 8. If selected, clear the Calculate Labor for Coordination and Calculate Labor for Layout fields (not selected). 9. Click Next. The final New Project Wizard screen displays. 22 JUMPSTART GUIDE

26 Projects 3 Final Screen This screen provides a recap of the entries on the previous screens. If you want to make any changes, simply click the Back button, make the changes and then click Next until you get back to the recap screen. 1. Click Finish. A progress indicator displays during the copy process. 2. Make sure the On-Screen View Bid is selected as the current job (highlighted). Close the Project List window. JUMPSTART GUIDE 23

27 3 Projects When complete, the (Bid ID) Project Name, the main Autobid Mechanical software window displays. The project displays in the main AutoBid Mechanical program window indicating that it is the current project selected in the database. 24 JUMPSTART GUIDE

28 Projects 3 Add Drawing Generally, several drawings are necessary for your regular projects; however, for this exercise you will add only one drawing. 1. In the main AutoBid Mechanical window, choose Piping > Project > Scopes. The Drawings screen automatically opens. 2. Click on the icon. The cursor moves to the Drawing Name field. Enter M The Scale was selected when the project was created. Verify that 1/4 is selected. JUMPSTART GUIDE 25

29 3 Projects Systems 1. In the Scopes window, click Systems. Because Systems were automatically copied from AAA project when this bid was created, you will see several systems in the list. 2. Make no changes in this screen. Close the Scopes window by clicking on the in the upper corner. Conclusion The project created in this chapter will be used to create an On-Screen View TakeOff (in the next chapter). If you wish to find more information on the topics in this chapter, use the AutoBid Mechanical software online help system. 26 JUMPSTART GUIDE

30 CHAPTER 4 TakeOff 4 In this chapter: Defaults On-Screen View TakeOff There are several methods to take off a job: On-Screen View, Graphical View, and Audit Trail View. The method you use will depend upon circumstances and your preferences. This Guide focuses on using the On-Screen View TakeOff method. Other types of TakeOff are covered in our training classes and in the online help and manuals. JUMPSTART GUIDE 27

31 4 TakeOff On-Screen View TakeOff On-Screen View TakeOff allows you to load your drawing directly into the AutoBid Mechanical software and then take the drawing off using your mouse. This method also automatically generates fittings. A digitizer is not required to use this method of TakeOff; however, you must be properly licensed to use On-Screen View TakeOff. Graphical View TakeOff Graphical View TakeOff requires the use of a digitizer and pen. The AutoBid Mechanical software produces an on-screen image as you take off your drawing. This method also automatically generates fittings. Audit Trail View TakeOff There are two types of Audit Trail View: Mouse and Digitized. Mouse: This allows you to use a personal computer and a mouse to take off drawings and material lists. You select the items to take off from a list or use menu shortcuts. The lengths of pipe are entered manually. Digitized: This type of TakeOff requires the use of a digitizer. Lengths of pipe are automatically calculated using a scaled drawing. You also have access to a TouchMenu on the digitizer to quickly select TakeOff items. Defaults In TakeOff, defaults for your project are based on the selections made when the job was created. The AutoBid Mechanical software determines the appropriate data to use; for example: hangers, types of joints and so on. You have the opportunity to change the defaults while in TakeOff; however, for the exercises included in this section, all defaults will be accepted. 28 JUMPSTART GUIDE

32 TakeOff 4 On-Screen View TakeOff On-Screen View TakeOff provides you with a method of taking off your drawing without a digitizer. You load your drawing directly into the AutoBid Mechanical database and then take the drawing off using your mouse. As you click through the runs of pipe in the drawing, various fittings and HotSpots (which allows you to select the appropriate item(s) later) are automatically inserted. Compatible Drawing Formats In order to use On-Screen View, you must import a drawing (or background drawing) into the AutoBid Mechanical software. Compatible formats are: PDF (Portable Document File - supports PDF 1.3) TIF, TIFF (Tagged Image File) BMP (Windows Bitmap) GIF (Graphic Interchange Format) JPG, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) PNG (Portable Network Graphics) WMF (Windows Metafile) EMF (Enhanced Metafile) Practice Drawing Trimble has included the OSV Practice Drawing.jpg file on the installation DVD. These can be found in the manuals folder. You can also load the drawing from the AutoBid Mechanical folders on your hard drive. It is located in the Help folder. Note You may need to change folder properties to allow you to see system folders in order to obtain the file from the installed software. JUMPSTART GUIDE 29

33 4 TakeOff Open TakeOff 1. On the AutoBid Mechanical home page, click on the TakeOff button. The TakeOff Menu screen displays. 2. Click Launch TakeOff. When TakeOff is opening, diagnostic procedures are performed. TakeOff Views The AutoBid Mechanical TakeOff window defaults to the last view opened, On-Screen View TakeOff, Graphical View TakeOff, or Audit Trail View TakeOff. Typically, the first time you open TakeOff, the Audit Trail View TakeOff window opens. 1. To change to the On-Screen View TakeOff window, go to the View menu. 2. Click On-Screen View. The On-Screen View TakeOff window displays. 30 JUMPSTART GUIDE

34 TakeOff 4 On-Screen View TakeOff Window On-Screen View TakeOff contains all the automatic functions present in Graphical View and Audit Trail View TakeOff. For example, the software calculates the following items: When Hangers are turned on, the type and length required is automatically calculated using elevations. Insulation is automatically calculated when this option is turned on. Correction Factors Elbows, Branches and Tees If you are using the On-Screen View method, the Audit Trail View TakeOff window can be used as a management and editing tool after completing a TakeOff. Window Tools The On-Screen View TakeOff window includes tools that make taking off your runs easy. Floating command and setting windows are available. Simply click on what you need. You can hide many of these dialogs to allow for more work space. The toolbars are located along the top of the On-Screen View window (directly below the menus). The toolbars provide access to most of the commands you will use in On-Screen View TakeOff. Preliminary Steps Load Background Drawing Before you can begin using On-Screen View TakeOff, you must first import your drawing into the AutoBid Mechanical database. JUMPSTART GUIDE 31

35 4 TakeOff 1. In On-Screen View TakeOff, choose OSV Tools > Load background drawing. 2. In the The Load background image window, navigate to the location of your saved drawing. Double-click on it. The drawing now displays on-screen. 32 JUMPSTART GUIDE

36 TakeOff 4 After you have imported your drawing, you are ready to start using On-Screen View TakeOff. Verify Settings Settings pull from how you created your project. Verify the following settings are selected. Scale: 1/4 Drawing: M-1 System: CHWS Specs: CU LxA53BW AutoJoints: [Checked] Insulate: CHW Structure: Concrete. JUMPSTART GUIDE 33

37 4 TakeOff Hanger: On You are now ready to start taking off a drawing. Take Off Drawing Once your drawing is loaded and all settings are verified, you can begin to take off the drawing. In On-Screen View TakeOff, pipe is taken off from a starting point and then through the run. For example, if you are taking off a 4" run of pipe in the CU LxA53 BW specification, the AutoBid Mechanical software application automatically knows that the pipe is carbon steel based on the diameter. You can then proceed through the drawing in a sequential manner: Take off pipe, 4" diameter, starting at this point and going to the next point. Tip All fittings are generated automatically. There is no need for you to take B them off individually. Take Off Main Run 1. In the Start new run OR Change dims in run dialog click on Click Start New Main with Pipe. 3. Click on TouchPoint Click on TouchPoint In the Start new run OR Change dims in run window, click on 6 and then click Change size in current run. 6. Click on TouchPoints 3, 4 and In the Start new run OR change dims in run window, click on 4 and then click Change size in current run. 8. Click on TouchPoints 6, 7, 8, 9 and Click End Run on the toolbar. 34 JUMPSTART GUIDE

38 TakeOff 4 Take Off Branches You can now take off branches in the drawing. There are five branches in this drawing, each a different size. 6 Branch (from Point 2) 1. Choose Branch from in the commands dialog. 2. In the Branch from dialog, click in the Branch with diameter field and then click on Click on TouchPoints 2, 11, 12 and Click End Run on the toolbar. JUMPSTART GUIDE 35

39 4 TakeOff 4 Branch (from Point 21) 1. Choose Branch from in the commands dialog. 2. In the Branch from dialog, click in the Branch with diameter field and then click on Click on TouchPoints 21, 22, and Click End Run. 4 Branch (from Point 19) 1. Choose Branch from in the commands dialog. 2. In the Branch from dialog, click in the Branch with diameter field and then click on Click on TouchPoints 19 and Click End Run. 4 Branch (from Point 5) 1. Choose Branch from in the commands dialog. 2. In the Branch from dialog, click in the Branch with diameter field and then click on Click on TouchPoints 5, 14 and Click End Run. 2 Branch (from Point 7) 1. Choose Branch from in the commands dialog. 2. In the Branch from dialog, click in the Branch with diameter field and then click on Click on TouchPoints 7, 16, 17 and Click End Run. 36 JUMPSTART GUIDE

40 TakeOff 4 Take Off Counted Items You have completed the run of pipe and all branches. You must now take off the counted items. Counted items (such as plumbing fixtures) are taken off using the button on the toolbar. B-1 1. Click. 2. Click anywhere on B-1 in your drawing. 3. Click End Run. The Items window opens. 4. Click the Symbols radio button and then double-click on B-1-15 HP in the item list. 5. Close the Line# window by clicking OK. JUMPSTART GUIDE 37

41 4 TakeOff UH-1 1. Click. 2. Click anywhere on UH-1 in your drawing. 3. Click End Run. The Items window opens. 4. Click the Symbols radio button and then double-click UH-1 in the item list. 5. Close the Line# window by clicking OK. Gate Valve 1. Click. 2. Click on the Gate Valve (above point 5). 3. Click End Run. The Items window opens. 4. Click the Valves option button and then double-click Gate Valve in the item list. 5. Enter 4 in the Dims field. 6. Close the Line# window by clicking OK. Convert HotSpots A HotSpot is a mark in the pipe run that indicates you have touched a place in the run, but did not change direction, elevation, or size. By default, a HotSpot is placed at the end of a run in On-Screen View takeoff. These items must be changed or converted to end caps. In this exercise, all HotSpots will be converted to end caps. 1. Go to the Search menu. 2. Click Convert HotSpots to Cap. 3. In the Warning message, click Yes. A confirmation message displays indicating the number of items converted. 38 JUMPSTART GUIDE

42 TakeOff 4 When you are done, your screen will look similar to the following graphic. JUMPSTART GUIDE 39

43 4 TakeOff Review To better view the Audit Trail, choose View > Audit Trail View Window. This opens an expanded view of the audit trail in the Audit Trail View. Your audit trail will look similar to the graphic below. Print the Audit Trail You may want to print the Audit Trail so that you can more easily verify the results in the reports that you need. 1. Choose File > Print. 2. Verify that All Lines is selected. 3. Choose Print. 40 JUMPSTART GUIDE

44 TakeOff 4 Close TakeOff Close the TakeOff window by selecting File > Exit or click on the corner of the window. in the upper HINT Tip B Tip When closing the TakeOff window, you may get a message asking if you want to save or discard changes. For purposes of this exercise, select the option to save your changes. Conclusion You have now learned the basics of the AutoBid Mechanical estimating system. Setting up projects Taking off pipe runs Adding counted items You are now ready to create reports for your take off. Refer to the next chapter for detailed instructions. JUMPSTART GUIDE 41

45 4 TakeOff 42 JUMPSTART GUIDE

46 CHAPTER 5 Reports 5 In this chapter: Open Reports Calculate Project Generate/Print Reports In the AutoBid Mechanical software, the actual bid is created by generating reports from TakeOff data. This chapter covers the procedures for creating reports based on the Graphical project from the previous chapter. JUMPSTART GUIDE 43

47 5 Reports Open Reports B Tip TakeOff must be closed before the Reports module can be opened. See page 41 for instructions. All calculations and reports are generated from the Reports Menu screen. To access reports, proceed as follows. 1. Click on the Reports button. 2. Click Launch Reports. The Reports - Profile window opens. In this exercise, only a basic report is generated. When you attend an implementation class in our training facility, more detail is provided for creating various reports and profiles. 44 JUMPSTART GUIDE

48 Reports 5 Calculate Project 1. Click on the icon. The Calculate Summary window opens. 2. By default, the Apply Material Multipliers and Apply Correction Factors are both selected. For this exercise, do not change these settings. 3. Choose OK. The AutoBid Mechanical software begins processing calculations based on your TakeOff. When calculations are complete, the Messages tab displays with calculation results. JUMPSTART GUIDE 45

49 5 Reports Messages The Messages screen for this takeoff should contain no errors. If yours does, you can ignore them at this time. Error messaging and corrections will be covered when you attend our resident class. Completion/General Information You have completed the calculations for the takeoff and are now ready to run reports. The AutoBid Mechanical software offers additional features such as worksheets and summaries to help you complete your estimate. These features will not be used in this exercise. When you attend training classes, detailed instructions are provided on using these features in conjunction with your bid. 46 JUMPSTART GUIDE

50 Reports 5 Generate/Print Reports The AutoBid Mechanical software provides several reports that allow you to analyze the data from TakeOff. For purposes of this exercise, only the Recap Report with total cost will be generated. Crystal Reports Generator The AutoBid Mechanical software uses Crystal Reports, which is a third party application. In order to generate reports, proceed as follows. In the Reports - Profile window, click window opens. on the toolbar. The Crystal Report Generator JUMPSTART GUIDE 47

51 5 Reports Recap Report The Recap Report with total cost includes all the details of your TakeOff including material and labor cost, weight of pipe, item quantities used and additional information. Because the Recap Report contains detailed information from On-Screen View TakeOff, it is a lengthy report. To generate the report, proceed as follows. 1. In the Crystal Report Generator window, click Recap with total cost. 2. Make sure the following options are selected: Screen in the Send Report to pane Both in the Shop/Field pane Choose Run. The report displays on-screen. 48 JUMPSTART GUIDE

52 Reports 5 Print Recaps Report You can review the data on-screen and then print the report for further review. 1. Click on the icon. OR Choose File > Print. 2. Close the Report Viewer by clicking on the in the upper right corner of the window. OR Choose File > Exit. Close all the report windows. Additional reports available within the estimating system will be covered in detail during the resident AutoBid Mechanical class in one of our training facilities. Conclusion You have now learned the basics of the AutoBid Mechanical estimating system. Project Setup TakeOff Reports If you have not already done so, we recommend that you contact us at (800) to get more information and register for our AutoBid Mechanical class offerings. Evaluation The next chapter includes a self-test that you can complete. This section will help you determine how well you understand the basics of the AutoBid Mechanical software. Although not required, we strongly suggest that you complete the evaluation. This can be done as many times as you feel necessary until you are comfortable with the system. JUMPSTART GUIDE 49

53 5 Reports 50 JUMPSTART GUIDE

54 APPENDIX A Self Evaluation A In this Appendix: Review (Multiple Choice) Answer Key JUMPSTART GUIDE LI

55 A Self Evaluation Review (Multiple Choice) 3. You can open a Windows-based program using which of the following methods? a. Clicking in the taskbar b. Clicking the right mouse button on an icon, then selecting Open from the menu c. Double-clicking an icon d. Both B and C 4. When you start a new project, which of the following fields are required in the first screen of New Project Wizard? a. Project Name b. Bid ID c. Bid Date d. Both A and B 5. Specifications for a new project are copied from the: a. AAA job or your company default job b. Specifications Schedule c. Project Specifications d. Project Scopes LII JUMPSTART GUIDE

56 Self Evaluation A 6. On-Screen TakeOff requires use of a: a. Mouse b. Stylus c. Digitizer 7. Before you can take off a drawing in On-Screen View TakeOff, you must do this. a. Verify the MouseMenu is active b. Load the drawing c. Hide the drawing 8. When you take off a run of pipe in On-Screen View TakeOff, you click on: a. Straight lines b. TouchPoints c. Digitizer 9. Which toolbar button do you use to take off a symbol? a. Add New b. Calculate Project c. Counted Item d. End Run JUMPSTART GUIDE LIII

57 A Self Evaluation 10. This must be closed before you can open Reports. a. The main menu b. The Projects folder c. TakeOff d. Open projects 11. Before running reports, you must: a. Run calculations b. Open Excel c. View Message Maps 12. Recap Reports are created in which window: a. Excel Report Generator b. Crystal Reports Generator c. Reports - Profile LIV JUMPSTART GUIDE

58 Self Evaluation A Answer Key The following provides answers to the Evaluation questions. We provide these to give you a quick way to check the accuracy of your answers. If you did not accurately answer the questions pertaining to AutoBid Mechanical, you might want to go back and review the procedure for additional information. Note: We have included some basic Windows commands that may not be covered in this Guide. 1. D (see page 14) 2. D (see page 23) 3. A (see page 24) 4. A (see page 35) 5. B (see page 39) 6. B (see page 42) 7. C (see page 45) 8. C (see page 52) 9. A (see page 53) 10. B (see page 55) JUMPSTART GUIDE LV

59 A Self Evaluation LVI JUMPSTART GUIDE

60 APPENDIX B Terms B In this Appendix: Windows Terminology AutoBid Mechanical Terminology JUMPSTART GUIDE LVII

61 B Terms Windows Terminology Button An area of a display that can be selected by clicking with a mouse button. A mouse button. Desktop The opening display in a graphical software program such as Microsoft Windows. Double-click To make a selection on the display by clicking the left mouse button twice in rapid succession. Drag-and-drop To move an item to another location by clicking the item and then dragging to another location, such as a different folder. Drill-down To select a table or display by selecting successive displays, usually by clicking an ellipsis or by double-clicking through a series of displays. Ellipsis [button] The button in a software window that, when selected, displays a list of choices that often can be edited. Ellipsis refers to the three dots that indicate this type of button. File A computerized document. A file may be, among other things, a text document, a program, or a segment of a program. Folder An organizational segment of a computer operating system; folders may contain files or other folders. Highlight To indicate a file, folder, text, or some other displayed item by selecting it (typically) with the left mouse button; when highlighted, the item changes color to contrast with non-highlighted items. LVIII JUMPSTART GUIDE

62 Terms B Icon A symbol on the desktop or in a folder that represents a file or program. The program or file can be opened or activated by clicking or double-clicking with the mouse. Maximize (a window) To increase the size of a window so it fills the monitor screen. Menu A list of commands or software selections. Minimize (a window) To cause an open window to be reduced to an item on the taskbar; the program continues to run, but the display is not open. Mouse A device used to navigate a display by moving the device and clicking control (mouse) buttons. Mouse Button One of the two (sometimes three) keys on a mouse that are depressed to select an item or portion of a display. Mouse-click, Click [left-click] To make a selection on the display by clicking the left mouse button one time. List A list of choices in a program; the list is typically displayed by clicking a button containing a downward-pointing triangle. Restore (a window) To set a window back to the default size. Right-click To display a context-sensitive shortcut menu by clicking the right mouse button one time. JUMPSTART GUIDE LIX

63 B Terms Scroll bar A vertical or horizontal bar on the left side or along the bottom of a window that contains a button; clicking then dragging the button displays other items that were not visible because the information is outside the window. Taskbar The bar, usually along the bottom of the desktop, that shows which programs or files are open and accessible to the user. Toolbar A bar that provides easy mouse access to popular features in the program. Tree A graphical display of folders and files. LX JUMPSTART GUIDE

64 Terms B AutoBid Mechanical Terminology Audit Trail The table of items taken off in a bid; the audit trail displays the names of the items, sizes, quantities, and other information. Bid-specific Applying only to a specific job; not available to other jobs. Flag A letter or symbol in a line of the audit trail that indicates information about that line. For example, an H flag indicates that hangers are turned on for that line of takeoff. Master Applying to all jobs; available to all jobs. JUMPSTART GUIDE LXI

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