Setting up a new cost index

Cost indexes are used to store adjustment factors that Sage Estimating can apply to an estimate. You might want to create an index that determines the item costs for various locations or currencies, for example.

To set up a new cost index:

  1. Select one of the following options to open the Cost Index window:

    • On the ribbon, from the Other Pricing group on the Data tab, click Cost Indexes.
    • In classic view, select Database menu > Cost Indexes.
  2. Accept Database as the Source option. (You cannot add a new cost index to the estimate.)

  3. Click [Add].
  4. Complete the fields at the top of the window.

  5. In the Cost Index table, enter the ID of the first and last record for each range you want to multiply by a certain factor. You can click image\list.gif to choose from a list of phases.

    Note: When you add a new phase range, Sage Estimating automatically enters *Last Phase* in the To column for the last item in the standard database. You can edit this.

  6. Enter the adjustment or productivity factor for the desired category: Labor, Labor Productivity, Material, Subcontractor, Equipment, Equipment Productivity, or Other. Sage Estimating will multiply the original amount by the factor you enter here.
  7. When you finish setting up the cost index, click [OK] to save it.
  8. Set up additional cost indexes in the same manner. When you finish, click [Close].

Tips:

  • Sage Estimating displays factors in decimals, not percentages. A factor of 98.1%, for example, appears as 0.981.
  • You can assign a new cost index to an estimate on the Main tab of the Estimate Information window (Home tab, or in classic view, Takeoff menu).
  • Cost indexes that are created in Sage Estimating are marked as modified.
  • When you enter a group phase in the To column, Sage Estimating applies the cost index up to the last item that falls within the group.