The estimating module is designed to:

• Support the rapid and accurate entry of hollow metal products.
• Catch inconsistencies (such as an opening being too large for a specified fire rating)
• Automatically calculate prices based on a range of methods, including price book approach, formulas, and more.
• Offer flexible customer discount structures.
• Support manufacturing categories – such as ‘quick ship’.
• Support direct as well as agent/distributor sales.
• Provide reports that give management a true picture of the job’s margin so they can negotiate from an informed position.
• Evaluate shipping conditions, including skids, capacity of trucks, etc.
• Support different views: an extremely efficient expert view for experienced users, as well as views that offer more guidance through the process for users that use the system less frequently.
• Accept door and frame schedules and hardware sets from a variety of programs that may be used by our user’s distributors and customers.
• Be deployable both as in in-house application and for distributed use over the Internet and via CD.
• Support customer options, such as flexible “adds” and “deducts”.
• Allow automatic conversion into an order, preserving all information for engineering of job.
• Integrate with accounting, planning, sales and other systems.
• Document exceptions and assumptions, operating with only partial information when necessary. Produce deviation reports and updated pricing as additional detail becomes available.
• Preserve existing pricing resources and techniques while supporting migration to more accurate methods.

The estimating system is highly configurable, and may have a significantly different appearance and function in different installations. Different forms may be available, depending on whether the user is a distributor, in-house estimator, field estimator, or customer.

However, whichever form is used, the information is always stored in the same way in the same data structures, and can be reviewed and manipulated using any of the approaches.

Estimators are among the most difficult of our users to convince to switch to computerization. They argue that they are spending time on orders they may not even get, and have to be quick. They typically have worked out methods of short hand squiggles that allow them to quickly summarize a job and develop a price book.

We had to develop forms that would allow them to enter in a similarly efficient way. This way they would use the system, and derive all its benefits, including:

• The system does all the math.
• The system generates all the letters and documents.
• The system reduces error.
• The system makes changes quick and easy.
• The system will track quoting activity.
• The system will expose the true margin on a job enabling better negotiation.
• The system will eliminate any re-entry by back-office personnel.
• The system will preserve all information when the system is converted into an order for listing and detailing.

Here is an example of forms developed for this quick “click-click” approach by experts doing take-offs. The forms can even be manipulated using a hands-free, voice recognition approach when working on large architectural drawings occupying the whole table.

Figure   Example of DRI's Hollow Metal EstiQuick with Door Detail Form in Expert Mode

The form has a lot of intelligence.  For example, put in any two of the frame/door width or height variables and the system computes the rest.  Specify a particular rating and elevation style, and the system displays the opening sizes that are legal and for which there are standard window kits. Wherever defaults and calculations can speed the entry process and enhance accuracy, they are used.

Figure Sample Door Summary Spread Sheet

The details in the forms and spreadsheet would vary to match the customer’s products and standards.

The estimate can also be generated from an opening schedule. This approach is useful, for example, when front-end software is used by the customer or distributor. DRI can supply such front end software that you can offer your customers and distributors, and we can also accept data from other software packages used in the industry.

The information and rules used to drive the system are managed by a database, and can be manipulated in formats that in-house personnel are comfortable with, such as spread sheets. The number of elevations, sections, material types, and other references that can be supported is unlimited.

The system can prepare estimates, cover letters, accompanying notes and exceptions, and other documents in any format.