Glossary

This function connects individual text strings to form a single text phrase.

Syntax (“string”) & (“string”)

Examples:

“What is the area of the " & "door?" = What is the area of the door?

Q2 & Q3 where Q2 and Q3 are text questions.

This function returns the positive of any value. Syntax ABS (ß)

This function returns the positive of any value. Syntax ABS (ß)

A material supplier or subcontractor from whom quotes and/or materials are received or requested.

This function returns the arc cosine of a value between -1 and 1 as an angle from 0 to 180 degrees. Syntax ACOS (ß).

An ad hoc formula is a question formula you create as needed within a model without saving it for later use.

A type of adjustment that allows you to decrease (cut) or increase (add) the estimate total during the bidding process.

The additional cost that contractors add to their estimates. It is cost over and above the actual cost to contractors and represents their indirect costs and budgeted profit. It includes overhead, taxes, profit, and other costs.

The Sage Estimating (SQL) application used to manage vendors, subcontractors, and contacts.

The ability to modify quantities, amounts, and prices for selected cells within specific spreadsheet columns.

A property of an addon that indicates that it can be distributed among specified estimate costs. See also cost basis.

The act of distributing proportionally the cost of an addon back to the estimate costs used to calculate the addon. See also cost basis.

A property of a field or list that allows entry of letters, numbers, or both to identify specific entries.

A user (individual) who has permission to access all files and software features, including all application data files, reports, and menu commands, including security.

A material supplier or subcontractor from whom quotes and/or materials are received or requested.

This function returns the arc cosine of a value between -1 and 1 as an angle from 0 to 180 degrees. Syntax ACOS (ß).

This function returns the arc sine of a value between -1 and 1 as an angle from -90 to 90 degrees. Syntax ASIN (ß)

This function returns the arc tangent of a value as an angle from -90 to 90 degrees. Syntax ATAN (ß)

This function returns the arc sine of a value between -1 and 1 as an angle from -90 to 90 degrees. Syntax ASIN (ß)

A collection of items needed to complete a particular unit of work. Assemblies allow multiple items to be taken off in a single operation and to obtain a cost per unit for a group of items. See also database assemblies, one-time assemblies.

The calculation used to determine a quantity for an assembly as a whole.

Provide a unique name to each assembly in the database. The Assembly name determines the order in which assemblies appear in estimates, lists, reports, and so on.

The labor or equipment productivity for an assembly.

A takeoff method that sends a predefined group of items to the spreadsheet in one operation. See also item takeoff, quick takeoff.

A copy of an existing variable that has been customized for use only within a particular assembly.

The basis on which an assembly or formula is built.

This function returns the arc tangent of a value as an angle from -90 to 90 degrees. Syntax ATAN (ß)

A link to information stored in another file. Any type of file can be attached, for example, online Help topics, spreadsheets, text documents, image files, HTML files, and so on Once a file is attached, it can be viewed and edited in the application it is associated with.

A property of a building element. The values assigned to attributes define each building element. For example, attributes of a wall are length, width, fire rating, cost, and so on

An equation that uses building element attributes and operators to calculate the value of a variable during takeoff.

A record of the user actions during takeoff and the affected estimate values.

A takeoff method that automatically selects, calculates, and sends items to the spreadsheet based on their association with objects in an IFC-compliant CAD design file.

This function returns the average of all values within the parentheses. Syntax AVG (ß1, ß2, ß3, ... ßn) Example AVG (2, 4, 6) = 3

This function returns the average of all values within the parentheses. Syntax AVG (ß1, ß2, ß3, ... ßn) Example AVG (2, 4, 6) = 3

The process of making and storing a copy of data.

A copy of data that preserves information at a certain point in time.

A rough estimate that is based on historical unit costs. See also conceptual estimating.

The order quantity (including productivity factor) multiplied by the base price.

The base amount divided by the takeoff quantity. Also called base unit cost.

The amount paid or asked per order unit for an item category before applying any price factor.

The unit description for the base price (the same as order unit).

Note: This term applies only to labor and equipment.
A value used to change takeoff quantities to order quantities. This value does not include the productivity factor.

Note: This term applies only to labor and equipment.
The takeoff quantity (with waste) multiplied by base productivity.
Or
The takeoff quantity (with waste) divided by base productivity.

The unit description for the base quantity (the same as order unit).

The amount charged per unit of time for a crew resource, not including benefits.

The base amount divided by the takeoff quantity.

An additional amount, which is typically associated with a specific cost, charged per unit of time or as a percent of the base rate. See also total rate. Example fuel for a piece of equipment, FICA for an employee

Price quote for goods or services submitted to estimators to be added to the project estimate.

The item within a multiple bid item that displays the bid amount.

The person or company who submits a bid on a job.

A grid that displays multiple subcontractors' bids on an item or group of items.

The quantity and unit used to calculate the bid amount.

A list (or report) of materials and their quantities that will be used on a project. See also BOM description, material class.

A list (or report) that breaks down estimate quantities and amounts.

A list (or report) of materials and their quantities that will be used on a project. See also BOM description, material class.

An unique name for each product category that enables similar material items to be grouped together on the bill of materials. See also BOM description. Example Conc: Concrete Prod, Masonry: Brick

Industry-standard terms used to classify and order material items in the database. The BOM description appears on the bill of materials instead of the item description. Example The database items, Footing Conc 3500 psi and S.O.G. Conc 3500 psi, could be assigned to the same BOM description, Regular Concrete 3500 psi.

A list (or report) that breaks down estimate quantities and amounts.

A three dimensional object created in a CAD application, for example, slab, wall, door, window, and so on Building elements are stored in design files.

A property of a building element. The values assigned to attributes define each building element. For example, attributes of a wall are length, width, fire rating, cost, and so on

A takeoff method that sends items to the spreadsheet based on their association with objects in an IFC-compliant CAD design file.

The process used to solicit pricing and purchase materials and subcontractor services. Buyout may be done by the estimator (as part of developing the estimate) or by the purchasing department.

A Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate application used with Sage Estimating (SQL) software to perform quantity takeoff directly from an IFC-compliant CAD design file and transfer this information to an Estimating estimate.

A Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate application that enables CAD Integrator users to associate objects in a CAD design file with items and assemblies in an Sage Estimating (SQL) database.

A type of cost, for example, labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and other.

A field in the spreadsheet.

The act of decreasing the number of levels shown in the spreadsheet or a list. Collapsing the spreadsheet or a list reduces the amount of detail displayed. See also expand.

The vertical lines in the spreadsheet.

A property of the spreadsheet that summarizes consecutive identical items in a single entry on the spreadsheet.

An authorization to allocate funds to a project for materials or services.

The process of compressing unused space in data files.

Reference information about your company including name, address, and telephone numbers, which can be printed on report cover pages and headers and footers.

An element within a larger whole, such as, an operation in a formula or a resource in a crew.

This function connects individual text strings to form a single text phrase.

Syntax (“string”) & (“string”)

Examples:

“What is the area of the " & "door?" = What is the area of the door?

Q2 & Q3 where Q2 and Q3 are text questions.

The process of creating preliminary estimates using conceptual database items, which are general rather than specific. Example Conceptual items might include lineal foot of wall and square foot of slab; regular items would include 2"X4"X8' fir and S.O.G. concrete 3500 psi.

Fixed values used to set up the calculation method for a formula.

An entry in the Address Book that contains the information you need to communicate with a particular individual or business. Contact entries typically include: individual and/or company name, street address, phone number, email address, and any other information relevant to the contact.

Context-sensitive Help displays information specific to the area of the application (for example, window, command, field, and so on) for which Help is requested.

Context-sensitive Help displays information specific to the area of the application (for example, window, command, field, and so on) for which Help is requested.

Note: This term applies to material, subcontracts, and other categories.
A value used to change takeoff quantities to order quantities. See also productivity.

The unit description for the conversion from takeoff quantity to order quantity expressed as a fraction (for example, lf/hours or hours/lf).

Either:

• The process of upgrading files to a new format. See also upgrade.

• An option to convert unit quantities from imperial to metric.

This function changes the text of a string according to a format specified in the expression. You can use this function to:  remove all spaces in the string (A), remove only the beginning spaces (B), remove only the ending spaces (E), remove all commas (C), convert all characters to lower case (L), convert all characters to uppercase (U).

Syntax STRCVT(“string”, “format”)

Examples:

• STRCVT(  This value is the depth, in feet  ., A) = Thisvalueisthedepth,infeet.
• STRCVT(  This value is the depth, in feet  ., B) = This value is the depth, in feet  .
• STRCVT(  This value is the depth, in feet..., E) =   This value is the depth, in feet.
• STRCVT(  This value is the depth, in feet  ., C) =   This value is the depth in feet  .
• STRCVT(  This value is the depth, in feet  ., L) =   this value is the depth, in feet  .
• STRCVT(  This value is the depth, in feet  ., U) =   THIS VALUE IS THE DEPTH, IN FEET  .

This function changes a ratio to a percentage value. If the denominator equals zero, the return value is 0.0. Otherwise it returns (100.0* value / denominator).

Syntax PRCNT(x, y)

Examples:

• PRCNT(50, 100) = 50
• PRCNT(3, 12 ) = 25

This function returns the cosine as a ratio of the angle measured in degrees. Syntax COS (ß)

This function returns the hyperbolic cosine as a ratio of the angle measured in degrees. Syntax COSH (ß)

This function returns the cosine as a ratio of the angle measured in degrees. Syntax COS (ß)

A property of an addon that determines which information in the estimate will be used to calculate the addon. Example If you calculate profit as a percentage of labor and material amounts in an estimate, you could use the labor and material categories as the cost basis for a profit addon.

Separate tasks that are part of a job. The combined totals for all of the job cost phases in a job equal the job's totals.
Examples: Site work, excavation, foundation.

The price per takeoff unit for each item in an estimate.
Example: Item Amount / Takeoff Quantity = Cost per Unit.
Also referred to as unit cost.

A type of cost, for example, labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and other.

The optional first page of a report or printed estimate that can be customized with company information, free-form fields, and page layout options.

A collection of labor and equipment resources needed to construct an item.

The total number of hours for an entire crew. See also person hours.

An item that has a crew assigned to it.

A spreadsheet layout that has been changed to reflect personal preferences. Custom layouts can make working in the spreadsheet more convenient by displaying only information that applies to the task at hand. Example You could create an executive review layout that showed only the Takeoff Quantity, category amount, and Total Amount columns.

A type of adjustment that allows you to decrease (cut) or increase (add) the estimate total during the bidding process.

A Database Editor tool that automates the process of updating database prices.

A collection of files that store the information used to prepare an estimate, including category (labor, material, subcontractor, equipment, and other) items and prices, takeoff formulas, and assemblies.

Assemblies that are stored in the database and can be used in any estimate based on that database. See also one-time assemblies.

A database model is a model record stored in the database. It acts as a template; you can take off the same database model several times and revise it as needed for your estimates without changing the original.

A predetermined value or preselected option that is used by the application unless you specify otherwise. See also prefill.

The predetermined values for location and work breakdown structure that are prefilled on items during takeoff.

The mapping automatically selected to use for taking off a building element. Default mappings are determined by the mapping selection rule.

A free-form field that is used to enter additional information about an estimate and that can be printed on the cover page of the estimate. The label and usage of these fields is determined by the user.

A fully functional version of Estimating that limits estimates to about 100 lines (about 50 items) each.

A fully functional version of Estimating that limits estimates to about 100 lines (about 50 items) each.

A file created by a CAD application that stores the relative location and defining attributes of the building element in the CAD design. CAD Integrator is compatible with design files using an .IFC version 2.0 file format.

The bottom pane of the Items window. This pane displays detailed information about the item currently selected in the Items window.

A property of formulas, formula tables, and item tables that represent values that are not fixed.

A property of a phase that defines it as a heading used to group phases with similar characteristics together.

A function that returns the value of the Duration field from the Estimate Information window. Syntax DURATION

Data source names (DSNs) are stored in the Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) Administrator application.

A property of the estimate that allows the temporal scope of a project to be specified in the selected unit (for example, days, months, years, and so on).

A building element that is part of another building element. For example, a door is an embedded building element of a wall.

A list of the hourly and benefit rates used to calculate the cost of the resources in crews.

A collection of labor, materials, subcontractors, equipment, and other costs associated with a construction project. Estimate information is presented in a spreadsheet.

An estimate model is a copy of a database model. Each time you select a database model for takeoff, Sage Estimating (SQL) creates a copy of the model for your estimate; the original remains unchanged.

The ability to multiply item quantities in an estimate when it is merged into another estimate.

A Sage software program that can be used to automate the process of estimating.

The process of determining the anticipated cost of labor, materials, equipment, and other resources for a project.

A program that lets you manage reports and view estimate data through custom report designs that have been created in Crystal Reports.

The person who estimates the amount of labor, equipment, materials, and other resources that it will take to complete a project.

The act of increasing the number of levels shown in the spreadsheet or a list. Expanding the spreadsheet or a list increases the amount of detail displayed. See also collapse.

A combination of attributes, functions, operators, and values used to specify a criteria or perform a calculation.

A group of estimate properties that includes the takeoff quantity, waste percentage, conversion/productivity, productivity factor, order quantity and unit, price factor, unit price, and extended amount by category.

Additional job costs that you want to track separately from the regular cost codes and categories. Extras are maintained at a level immediately below the main job. Each extra has its own levels of cost codes and categories.

The ability to copy the contents of one cell to selected cells.

The act of copying the contents of a cell to selected cells.

The act of making a pending adjustment permanent.

The ability to locate a specified item on the spreadsheet. See also Go To, Go to Detail.

Selected columns, which display on the left side of the spreadsheet, that remain in place when scrolling horizontally.

The information that is printed or displayed across the bottom of a page. See also header.

This function adjusts the appearance of a numeric value in a specific string.

Syntax FORMAT("string", value)

Examples:

• FORMAT("$#,###.00.", 1200) = $1,200.00.
• FORMAT("(###) ###-####", 5551234567) = (555) 123-4567
• FORMAT("###-##-####",111223333) = 111-22-3333
• FORMAT("$#,###", Q2) where Q2 is a numeric question.

This function adjusts the appearance of a numeric value in a specific string.

Syntax FORMAT("string", value)

Examples:

• FORMAT("$#,###.00.", 1200) = $1,200.00.
• FORMAT("(###) ###-####", 5551234567) = (555) 123-4567
• FORMAT("###-##-####",111223333) = 111-22-3333
• FORMAT("$#,###", Q2) where Q2 is a numeric question.

Equations used to convert variables, such as, length, width, and depth, into takeoff quantities.

Example: The formula used to calculate the takeoff quantity for a fill sand item might be: Length * Width * (Sand Depth / 12) / 27

See also operators.

Formula tables are a group of one or two conditions (in the form of variables or formulas) with a range of values for each condition and the quantity that corresponds to each value. Formula tables are a component of formulas and item tables.

Example: To return the weight of rebar, the variable for rebar size could be used with input values: 3, 4, 5... and return values: 0.376, 0.668, 1.043... In this example, when 3 is entered during takeoff for the variable rebar size, the takeoff quantity of 0.376 would be returned.

See also Smart Assemblies.

A mathematical operation available when creating or editing formulas that performs a prescribed calculation on a set of values. Example SQRT, COS, ROUND

A tool that allows commands that start other applications to be added to menus in Estimating applications.

This function returns numeric values it finds in an Excel spreadsheet.

Syntax GetCellNumber(spreadsheet location, cell location)

Examples:

• GetCellNumber(Q2, "D4") where Q2 is a lookup question that returns the file name of an Excel spreadsheet.
• GetCellNumber(Q2, "Sheet1!D4") where Q2 is a lookup question that returns the file name of an Excel spreadsheet, and Sheet!D4 defines the worksheet and cell location.
• GetCellNumber(Q2, “Location”) where Q2 is a lookup question that returns the file name of an Excel spreadsheet, and Location is a cell reference.

This function returns text values it finds in an Excel spreadsheet.

Syntax GetCellText(spreadsheet location, cell location)

Examples:

• GetCellText(Q2, "D4") where Q2 is a lookup question that returns the file name of an Excel spreadsheet.
• GetCellText(Q2, "Sheet1!D4") where Q2 is a lookup question that returns the file name of an Excel spreadsheet, and Sheet1!D4 defines the worksheet and cell location.

This function returns numeric values it finds in an Excel spreadsheet.

Syntax GetCellNumber(spreadsheet location, cell location)

Examples:

• GetCellNumber(Q2, "D4") where Q2 is a lookup question that returns the file name of an Excel spreadsheet.
• GetCellNumber(Q2, "Sheet1!D4") where Q2 is a lookup question that returns the file name of an Excel spreadsheet, and Sheet!D4 defines the worksheet and cell location.
• GetCellNumber(Q2, “Location”) where Q2 is a lookup question that returns the file name of an Excel spreadsheet, and Location is a cell reference.

This function returns text values it finds in an Excel spreadsheet.

Syntax GetCellText(spreadsheet location, cell location)

Examples:

• GetCellText(Q2, "D4") where Q2 is a lookup question that returns the file name of an Excel spreadsheet.
• GetCellText(Q2, "Sheet1!D4") where Q2 is a lookup question that returns the file name of an Excel spreadsheet, and Sheet1!D4 defines the worksheet and cell location.

The ability to locate a specified resource in a rate table. See also Find/Go To, Go to Detail.

The ability to generate one-time items to an estimate and then enter detailed information about that item.

Spreadsheet-like windows that simplify the entry and editing of data. These entry grids are divided into columns and rows. Each column contains fields, or cells, in which data is entered or displayed.

See also spreadsheet.

The lines that form the horizontal and vertical divisions between columns and rows in a grid.

A property of an assembly that defines it as a heading used to group assemblies with similar characteristics together.

A property of a crew that defines it as a heading used to sort crews with similar characteristics together.

A property of a phase that defines it as a heading used to sort phases with similar characteristics together.

A special connector that must be attached to the parallel port of a computer in order to run Estimating software. The device prevents unauthorized use of the software.

The information that is printed or displayed across the top of a page. See also footer.

A type of user assistance that is incorporated into the software and includes contextual, task-oriented, and reference information.

A property of a variable that displays user-defined information for a variable in a popup window during takeoff.

A property of a variable that displays user-defined information for a variable in a popup window during takeoff.

This function returns the hyperbolic cosine as a ratio of the angle measured in degrees. Syntax COSH (ß)

This function returns the hyperbolic sine as a ratio of the angle measured in degrees. Syntax SINH (ß)

This function returns the hyperbolic tangent as a ratio of the angle measured in degrees. Syntax TANH (ß)

This function returns one of two values depending on the state of the conditional parameter. Syntax IF (condition, ß1, ß2) Example IF (Length LE 6, 6, Depth)

The ability to share information between two applications.

A model is a set of instructions for taking off everything for a specific building element. You might think of a model as a complex or super assembly includes items and assemblies along with any default values you have set up for them. Or you might think of the model as a template where you answer questions and fill in the blanks to provide the information necessary for your estimate.

The unique code assigned to an inventory item in Purchasing. This code is used to identify and track inventory items.

A group of one or two conditions (in the form of formulas, formula tables, or variables) with a range of values for each condition and the item that corresponds to each value. Item tables are a component of Smart Assemblies.

A takeoff method that sends individual items to the spreadsheet one-by-one or in batches. See also assembly takeoff, quick takeoff.

The items grid is the top pane of the Items window. It contains all the items from the estimates you imported into the work file.

A Sage 300 Construction application that is used to accumulate, track, and report costs associated with projects.

The process of accumulating, tracking, and reporting costs associated with a project.

Additional divisions of cost codes that allow estimates, costs, and other information to be tracked at a level below cost codes.

Separate tasks that are part of a job. The combined totals for all of the job cost phases in a job equal the job's totals. Example: site work, excavation, foundation.

The process of transferring estimate information from an estimate to a job cost application. Example Estimating can generate transaction files for the Medallion and Accounting Job Cost applications and text files for other job cost applications.

Separate tasks that are part of a job. The combined totals for all of the job cost phases in a job equal the job's totals. Example: site work, excavation, foundation.

The unique number assigned to a project or job.

A property of the estimate that allows the scope of a project to be specified in user-defined units, for example, square feet.

This function returns the value of the Job size field from the estimate. Syntax JOBSIZE

This function connects individual strings to form a single phrase. Enter a separator (shown as a comma below) after each value.

Syntax JOIN(value1, value2, value3, . . .)

Examples:

• JOIN(Wall, Conc) = Wall Conc
• JOIN(Wall, Conc, 2000 psi) = Wall Conc 2000 psi
• JOIN(Q1, Q2, Q3) where questions 1-3 are text questions.

A special connector that must be attached to the parallel port of a computer in order to run Estimating software. The device prevents unauthorized use of the software.

Keyboard equivalents for menu and toolbar commands and other actions, such as navigating in windows and grids.

Example: The keyboard shortcut for the Cut command is [Ctrl]+[X].

A list of the hourly and benefit rates used to calculate the cost of the resources in crews.

A property of the spreadsheet that allows the contents and appearance of the spreadsheet to be customized and saved for future use.

This function returns the number of characters in a string.

Syntax LENGTH("string")

Examples:

• LENGTH("123456789") = 9
• LENGTH("SF_Building_Area") = 16
• LENGTH(Q2) where Q2 is a text question.

A property of items that determines the order in which items appear in estimates, reports, and so on Example: group phase, takeoff order, location.

A model is made up of a series of lines or rows. Each line contains a single element such as an item, assembly, or text (a line that contains an item is called an item line, a line that contains an assembly is called an assembly line, and so on). A new model appears with a series of blank lines. You build a model by selecting a line and defining its type.

In a model, a line use formula determines whether a selected line is included during the interview.

Abbreviation for labor, material, subcontractor, equipment, and other. See category, categories.

The language specified in the Regional Settings of the Control Panel.

A label that associates a specific area of the job with each item. Locations determine the order in which items appear in estimates, reports, and so on Example: first floor, room 3B, east wing.

The predetermined values for location and work breakdown structure that are prefilled on items during takeoff.

A special connector that must be attached to the parallel port of a computer in order to run Estimating software. The device prevents unauthorized use of the software.

Selected columns, which display on the left side of the spreadsheet, that remain in place when scrolling horizontally.

A value entered, such as, a quote from a subcontractor, to replace a calculated amount in the estimate.

A type of addon that uses a lump amount to calculate the addon amount.

The act of associating one component with another.

A combination of items, assemblies, and logic stored in an Sage Estimating (SQL) database and used to take off objects directly from a CAD design file.

The expression included in a mapping that automatically determines whether to use the mapping when taking off a building element.

The additional cost that contractors add to their estimates. It is cost over and above the actual cost to contractors and represents their indirect costs and budgeted profit. It includes overhead, taxes, profit, and other costs.

Items that have the same setting or value for a specific set of fields.

An unique name for each product category that enables similar material items to be grouped together on the bill of materials. See also BOM description. Example: Conc: Concrete Prod, Masonry: Brick.

This function returns the largest of all parameter values. Syntax MAX (ß1, ß2, ß3, . . . ßn)

This function returns the largest of all parameter values. Syntax MAX (ß1, ß2, ß3, . . . ßn)

The process of combining two or more estimates into a single estimate.

This function returns the middle of a string starting with an exact character position and continuing for a specific number of characters. If the specified number of characters is not available, all remaining characters after the starting character appear.

Syntax MID("string", value1, value2)

Examples:

• MID("1_5/8_Sheetrock_Nails", 7, 15) = Sheetrock Nails
• MID("1_5/8_Sheetrock_Nails", 17) = Nails
• MID(Q2, 3) where Q2 is a text question

This function returns the middle of a string starting with an exact character position and continuing for a specific number of characters. If the specified number of characters is not available, all remaining characters after the starting character appear.

Syntax MID("string", value1, value2)

Examples:

• MID("1_5/8_Sheetrock_Nails", 7, 15) = Sheetrock Nails
• MID("1_5/8_Sheetrock_Nails", 17) = Nails
• MID(Q2, 3) where Q2 is a text question

This function returns the smallest of all parameter values. Syntax MIN (ß1, ß2, ß3, . . . ßn)

This function returns the smallest of all parameter values. Syntax MIN (ß1, ß2, ß3, . . . ßn)

This function returns the integer remainder after dividing the operands. Syntax MOD (ß1, ß2) Example MOD (10,6) = 4

A model is a set of instructions for taking off everything for a specific building element. You might think of a model as a complex or super assembly which includes items and assemblies along with any default values you have set up for them. Or you might think of the model as a template where you answer questions and fill in the blanks to provide the information necessary for your estimate.

This function returns the integer remainder after dividing the operands. Syntax MOD (ß1, ß2) Example MOD (10,6) = 4

A bid that applies to more than one item.

Selected columns, which display on the left side of the spreadsheet, that remain in place when scrolling horizontally.

This function returns the numeric value of a string. When used in combination with the Middle of String or Part of String function, this function can derive a needed numeric value from text.

Syntax NUM("string")

Examples:

• NUM(BP200) = 0
• NUM(MID(BP200,3) = 200
• NUM(MID(Q10,3)) where Q10 requires a string value that contains numbers starting with the third character.

This function returns the average of all non-zero values within a string. Enter a separator (shown as a comma below) after each value.
Syntax NZAVG(value1, value2, value3, . . .)

Examples:

• NZAVG(2, 4) = 3
• NZAVG(length 1, length 2)
• NZAVG(length 1 * width 1, length 2 * width 2)
• NZAVG(Q1, Q2) where Q1 and Q2 are numeric questions

This function returns the numeric value of a string. When used in combination with the Middle of String or Part of String function, this function can derive a needed numeric value from text.

Syntax NUM("string")

Examples:

• NUM(BP200) = 0
• NUM(MID(BP200,3) = 200
• NUM(MID(Q10,3)) where Q10 requires a string value that contains numbers starting with the third character.

This function returns the average of all non-zero values within a string. Enter a separator (shown as a comma below) after each value.
Syntax NZAVG(value1, value2, value3, . . .)

Examples NZAVG(2, 4) = 3

• NZAVG(length 1, length 2)
• NZAVG(length 1 * width 1, length 2 * width 2)
• NZAVG(Q1, Q2) where Q1 and Q2 are numeric questions

The Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) driver used to read and write data.

Special or unusual assemblies that are created for a specific estimate. One-time assemblies cannot be used in other estimates.

An item that does not already exist in your standard database. It be an unusual item that you want to include in an estimate without first having to set it up in the standard database.

A vendor that you want to include only in an estimate instead of storing in Address Book. For example, these may be vendors that you receive quotes from, but don't wish to add to Address Book because you will not be buying from them.

A type of user assistance that is incorporated into the software and includes contextual, task-oriented, and reference information.

Mathematical functions used to set up the calculation method for a formula. Example: +, AND, >.

A list of choices in which only one option can be selected at a time. OR A set of preferences that can be made in order to customize the software.

The calculated amount of an item that is needed for a project.
The order quantity (including productivity factor) multipled by the price (including the price factor).
The amount and unit of measure may differ from the takeoff quantity.

The calculated quantity of an item that will be ordered for a project.
This is the takeoff quantity (with waste) multiplied or divided by Conversion (for material, subcontract, or other categories) or Productivity (for labor or equipment categories). The latter includes the productivity factor, if applicable.
This quantity and unit of measurement may differ from the takeoff quantity.

The unit of measurement used when pricing an item.
Example: You might take off vapor barrier in square feet (the takeoff unit), but order and price it by the roll (the order unit).

A property of items that determines the order in which items appear in estimates, reports, and so on. Example: group phase, takeoff order, location.

The act of changing a default value on a one-time basis.

The values upon which mathematical calculations are performed. The parameters must follow immediately after the function abbreviation and must be enclosed in the function parentheses.

Like the Middle of String function, this function returns a segment of a string starting with an exact character position and continuing for a specific number of characters. If the specified number of characters is not available, all remaining characters after the starting character appear.

Syntax PART("string", value1, value2)

Examples:

• PART("1_5/8_Sheetrock_Nails", 7, 15) = Sheetrock Nails
• PART("1_5/8_Sheetrock_Nails", 17, 25) = Nails
• PART(Q2, 2, 10) where Q2 is a text question.

Like the Middle of String function, this function returns a segment of a string starting with an exact character position and continuing for a specific number of characters. If the specified number of characters is not available, all remaining characters after the starting character appear.

Syntax PART("string", value1, value2)

Examples:

• PART("1_5/8_Sheetrock_Nails", 7, 15) = Sheetrock Nails
• PART("1_5/8_Sheetrock_Nails", 17, 25) = Nails
• PART(Q2, 2, 10) where Q2 is a text question.

A set of variables entered for an assembly or group of items during takeoff.

The number of the last calculation of quantities in the takeoff grid.

A unique identifier used to limit access to computers, databases, estimates, and so on

The total number of hours for each member of a crew. See also crew hours.

The numbers at the end of phase codes. A decimal point separates suffixes from the rest of the phase code format. Example CONC3100 (no suffix), CNC3100.0 (one suffix), CN3100.00 (two suffixes)

A unique identifier for each phase in the database. Phase codes determine the order in which phases and group phases appear in estimates, lists, reports, and so on

Similar types of work or tasks. See also group phases.

The quantity of an item in the unit sold by the vendor. The piece count prints on quote sheets and purchase orders if you choose to include it.

This function returns the first parameter raised to the power of the second parameter. Syntax POWER (ß1, ß2)

This function changes a ratio to a percentage value. If the denominator equals zero, the return value is 0.0. Otherwise it returns (100.0* value / denominator).
Syntax PRCNT(x, y)

Examples:

• PRCNT(50, 100) = 50
• PRCNT(4, 12 ) = 25

A predetermined value or preselected option that is used by the application unless you specify otherwise. See also prefill.

The act of automatically filling in information during setup using existing data. See also default.

A rough estimate that is based on historical unit costs. See also conceptual estimating.

The amount paid or asked per order unit for an item category. This value includes the price factor, if applicable.

Identifying labels that are attached to items and used to update prices of items in the database. See also price update.

An alphanumeric code in the first field of a price update record identifying the database or type of record being updated. Example: db, pi, pc, or wbs.

A value used to increase or decrease the base price per item category to reflect local pricing.

The ability to connect the prices of multiple items together, such that updating the price on one item automatically updates the prices on all other items linked to that item.

The ability to update prices on items in a database by price code. Prices can be adjusted by a percentage or updated using a pricing service.

A file that Data Importer uses to reprice the database based on phase and item codes, price code, or WBS code and WBS value.

The supported file formats that are used when creating a price update file: *.csv (Microsoft Excel comma separated value file), *.txt (text document), or *.xls (Microsoft Excel worksheet).

A list (or report) that prints unit prices for items by category.

The process of updating prices on items in an estimate.

A company that provides updated industry pricing.

The first estimate imported into a work file.

The rate at which a quantity of work is performed for a given length of time.

Note: This term applies only to labor and equipment
A value used to change takeoff quantities to order quantities. This value includes any productivity factor that is specified. See also conversion.

Note: This term applies only to labor and equipment.
A value used to increase or decrease the base productivity per item to reflect local working conditions.

Attributes or characteristics of an object that define its appearance or behavior.

A written commitment to a vendor to purchase materials or services from that vendor.

This function returns the quantity multiplier entered in the dimensions window by the user.

Syntax QUANTITY

The amount or number of an item included in the estimate. See also takeoff quantity, order quantity.

The sum of quantities having the same unit of measure.

In a model, a question is a type of line used to obtain input for takeoff. Answers to questions can be used to feed values to all or some of the fields in items and assemblies. For example, your reply to What is the garage length in feet? could be used to prefill all length variables that relate to the garage.

In a model, a question formula, or Q formula, performs calculations using the responses from one or more questions. For example, the answers to "What is the garage length in feet?" and "What is the garage width in feet?" could be used to calculate any wall area variable for items that relate to the garage.

A takeoff method that allows items to be moved from a list directly into the spreadsheet. See also assembly takeoff, item takeoff.

A price or value associated with particular services or goods rendered. See also bid.

A list (or report) that prints material items with the takeoff quantities and rounded order quantities.

A table (grid) containing a group of related estimate items that have quantities and amounts from Sage Estimating (SQL) and quotes from vendors who are bidding to supply those items. Quote summaries usually represent general categories of items; for example, lumber or plumbing.

The ability to control and specify the records that are to be included in a report or process.

A list of the hourly and benefit rates used to calculate the cost of the resources in crews.

The act of computing prices in an estimate again.

Similar types of work or tasks. See also group phases.

The act of changing the unique name or number of a record in the database.

The act of changing the unique name or number of a record in the database.

The ability to specify how labor and equipment hours with crews are calculated on reports. See also crew hours, person hours.

The act of updating the prices in an estimate by a percentage or with the current database prices.

A request for a quote (bid) to supply the specified materials or perform the specified work.

Individual laborers and pieces of equipment that make up a crew. Example labor: carpenter, foreman, brick layer, and so on and equipment: truck, cement mixer, scaffold, and so on

The result of a function on a parameter.

The ability to review and change passes generated during assembly takeoff.

The ability to review and change passes generated during assembly takeoff.

You assign a unique name to each security role. A security role identifies and distinguishes different groups of users with different levels of responsibility and access to features in Sage Estimating.

A rough estimate that is based on historical unit costs. See also conceptual estimating.

This function returns the first parameter rounded to the unit specified in the second parameter using the method specified in the third parameter. Syntax ROUNDTO (ß1, ß2, ß3) Example ROUNDTO (345.71, 0, .25) = 345.75

This function returns the first parameter rounded to the unit specified in the second parameter using the method specified in the third parameter. Syntax ROUNDTO (ß1, ß2, ß3) Example ROUNDTO (345.71, 0, .25) = 345.75

The act of incrementing numbers up or down based on a specified method.

Amounts for combined items that have been totaled and then rounded.

This function returns the first parameter rounded to the unit specified in the second parameter using the method specified in the third parameter. Syntax ROUNDTO (ß1, ß2, ß3) Example ROUNDTO (345.71, 0, .25) = 345.75

The horizontal lines in the spreadsheet.

The size of a representation (that is, a drawing) in proportion to the size of what it represents (a building, parking lot, and so on). See also autoscale, known scale.

The act of determining or setting the scale of a drawing. See also autoscale, known scale.

The ability to check the spreadsheet for incomplete items to help ensure that it is complete. An item is considered incomplete if any cell contains a zero or is blank.

The ability to use an item in an assembly as a placeholder for an item that varies from job to job. This feature allows you to set up an assembly that prompts for an item selection during takeoff. You can also specify a default selection to be used at takeoff. Example You could set up a paving assembly without specifying the grade of asphalt. Later, when you take off that assembly for a particular job, you can choose the appropriate kind of paving.

The expression included in a mapping that automatically determines whether to use the mapping when taking off a building element.

A property of the spreadsheet that groups items and determines the order in which estimate information is displayed on the spreadsheet. Spreadsheet sequences are made up of one to ten levels or WBS codes.

The tabs on the bottom of the spreadsheet that provide different ways to view items in the estimate. Each tab displays a spreadsheet sequence. Example Phase/Item, Takeoff Order, Assembly, Location/Phase, Bid Item/Phase, and so on

This function returns the sine as a ratio of the angle measured in degrees. Syntax SIN (ß)

This function returns the sine as a ratio of the angle measured in degrees. Syntax SIN (ß)

This function returns the hyperbolic sine as a ratio of the angle measured in degrees. Syntax SINH (ß)

Assemblies that use item and formula tables.

A property of items that determines the order in which items appear in estimates, reports, and so on. Examples: group phase, takeoff order, location.

A property of items that determines the order in which items appear in estimates, reports, and so on. Examples: group, group phase, takeoff order, location.

The grid that displays data about the estimate.

A crew that has been assigned to an item in the spreadsheet.

A property of the spreadsheet that allows the contents and appearance of the spreadsheet to be customized and saved for future use.

A property of the spreadsheet that groups items and determines the order in which estimate information is displayed on the spreadsheet. Spreadsheet sequences are made up of one to ten levels or WBS codes.

This function returns the square root of a value. Syntax SQRT (ß)

This function returns the square root of a value. Syntax SQRT (ß)

A type of cost, for example, labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and other.

The item price previously specified by a vendor. You can save standard prices by vendor for use on subsequent quote summaries.

A collection of standard prices stored by item and vendor.

This function changes the text of a string according to a format specified in the expression. You can use this function to:  remove all spaces in the string (A), remove only the beginning spaces (B), remove only the ending spaces (E), remove all commas (C), convert all characters to lower case (L), convert all characters to uppercase (U).

Syntax STRCVT(“string”, “format”)

Examples:

• STRCVT(  This value is the depth, in feet  ., A) = Thisvalueisthedepth,infeet.
• STRCVT(  This value is the depth, in feet  ., B) = This value is the depth, in feet  .
• STRCVT(  This value is the depth, in feet..., E) =   This value is the depth, in feet.
• STRCVT(  This value is the depth, in feet  ., C) =   This value is the depth in feet  .
• STRCVT(  This value is the depth, in feet  ., L) =   this value is the depth, in feet  .
• STRCVT(  This value is the depth, in feet  ., U) =   THIS VALUE IS THE DEPTH, IN FEET  .

An alphanumeric code that can be used to organize subcontractors into specialized groups for reports.

A class of estimate information that is used to accumulate dollars and units for reporting purposes. Subcategories break down further the estimate costs for labor, material, equipment, subcontract, and other. Example You might set up subcategories to get totals for both owned and rental equipment.

A written commitment to a subcontractor to acquire services from that subcontractor.  

A secondary contractor who performs some part of the prime contractor’s obligation under the contract.

The numbers at the end of phase codes. A decimal point separates suffixes from the rest of the phase code format. Example CONC3100 (no suffix), CNC3100.0 (one suffix), CN3100.00 (two suffixes)

This function returns the total of a series of values.

Syntax SUM (ß1, ß2,... ßn)

This function returns the total of a series of values. Syntax SUM (ß1, ß2,... ßn)

A property of items that determines the order in which items appear in estimates, reports, and so on Example group phase, takeoff order, location

Surrogate keys are used in the Price Code field for items generated by the Means Integrator. Means Integrator can use them to identify items to reprice, so you can use them to factor item prices that are not included in the Means database. Surrogate keys remain constant even if items' phase/item codes change in a subsequent Means release.

The process of selecting items needed for a particular estimate and calculating the necessary quantities.

The procedure used to select the items needed for a particular estimate and calculate the necessary quantities. See also assembly takeoff, item takeoff, quick takeoff.

The measured amount of an item entered during takeoff. This amount can be the result of a formula or an entered amount.

A section of the Item Takeoff window that displays the items that have been taken off.

The measured amount of an item entered during takeoff. This amount can be the result of a formula or an entered amount.

See unit cost.

The unit of measure (that is, square feet, squares, and so on) used in the takeoff process. Takeoff units are not necessarily the same as order units by which the item is priced.

This function returns the tangent as a ratio of the angle measured in degrees. Syntax TAN (ß)

This function returns the tangent as a ratio of the angle measured in degrees. Syntax TAN (ß)

This function returns the hyperbolic tangent as a ratio of the angle measured in degrees. Syntax TANH (ß)

A collection of different tax rates grouped together based on location, or some other relationship, under a unique ID.

Individual taxes used in conjunction with tax groups during invoice entry to automatically calculate taxes on an invoice.

The optional first page of a report or printed estimate that can be customized with company information, free-form fields, and page layout options.

A column on the spreadsheet that displays the total of the labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and other amounts for a line item or level.

The base rate plus any benefits charged for a given crew resource per unit of time. This term is used in reference to the cost of a labor or equipment crew resource.

A type of file that is used to store individual entries.

A fully functional version of Estimating that limits estimates to about 100 lines (about 50 items) each.

This function returns the first parameter truncated to the decimal position specified by the second parameter. Syntax TRUNC (ß1, ß2)

This function returns the first parameter truncated to the decimal position specified by the second parameter. Syntax TRUNC (ß1, ß2)

A unit of measurement, such as foot, square foot, meter, each.

The ability to convert quantities in an estimate from imperial to metric and vice versa.

The price per takeoff unit for each item category in an estimate.
This is the amount divided by the takeoff quantity.
Also referred to as cost per unit.

A unit of measurement, such as foot, square foot, meter, each.

The process of installing a new version of the software.

Identifying labels that are attached to items and used to update prices of items in the database. See also price update.

The process of converting files or software to a new format. See also convert.

A free-form field that is used to enter additional information about an estimate and which can be printed on the cover page of the estimate. The label and usage of these fields is determined by the user.

The unique ID assigned to a user (individual). This code is used to identify and distinguish privileges for different users.

The upper right part of takeoff windows that lists all variables used by the formulas attached to the items or assembly items being taken off. See also variables.

A property of formulas, formula tables, and item tables that represent values which are not fixed.

The difference between the estimated total cost per unit and the value entered as an adjustment.

A secondary contractor who performs some part of the prime contractor’s obligation under the contract.

A separate edition of Estimating that allows you to display and report on estimates.

The difference between the amount of material used and the amount purchased.

A quantity added to items in an estimate that reflects the amount of building material that is discarded. This value is entered as a percentage of the total material.

A quantity added to items in an estimate that reflects the amount of building material that is discarded. This value is entered as a percentage of the total material.

A property of items that allows additional information to be attached to each item in the estimate to organize the estimate in other sequences and report on items in other ways. Example bid item number, estimator, department

An unique identifier that allows estimate items to be sorted in any user-defined order. Example By estimator, department, customer, and so on

The individual identifying codes within each Work Breakdown Structure.

Context-sensitive Help displays information specific to the area of the application (for example, window, command, field, and so on) for which Help is requested.

An interactive tool that automates complex or infrequent tasks.

A property of items that allows additional information to be attached to each item in the estimate to organize the estimate in other sequences and report on items in other ways. Example bid item number, estimator, department

The method used by an individual to complete a task, such as, estimating.

A spreadsheet containing all the quote summaries and quotes for the current work file. The worksheet shows the vendors, prices, and status associated with each quote summary.

The ability to manipulate the display of information on the screen by making it appear larger or smaller.