Defining work breakdown structures (WBS)

Work breakdown structures (WBS) are special codes that enable you to attach additional information to each item (say, a code to store a bid item number, estimator, or department). You can use these codes to organize the estimate in other sequences and report on items in various ways. Example

You can define work breakdown structures (WBS codes) for the standard database and for the current estimate.

To define work breakdown structures:

1. Open the Database WBS Settings or the Estimate WBS Settings window.

   • On the ribbon, click the Data > WBS.
   • In classic view, click Database > WBS…

   Note: If both an estimate and a standard database are open, the Estimate WBS Settings window appears initially.

2. Select the source.

   • To display Database WBS Settings, select the Database option.
   • To display Estimate Settings, select the Estimate option.

   (If only an estimate or a standard database is open, you cannot switch to the other option.)

3. For each work breakdown structure you want to set up, fill in the WBS values.

   • The WBS Code is the number that identifies each WBS. You can click [Move] to change the number for a WBS.

   • For the Name, enter the label (up to 10 characters) that displays with each WBS throughout Sage Estimating (SQL). Your entry appears in the spreadsheet sequences and as a sorting option for some reports.

   • The Type determines how to assign WBS values to items.

     • The Takeoff type assigns values only during takeoff or in the estimate (spreadsheet and Detail window). Use this setting if the WBS values assigned to items are usually different. Example
     • The Item type assigns values only in the standard database (Edit Items window). Use this setting if the WBS values assigned to items are always the same. These WBS values come into the estimate with the items at takeoff but cannot be changed in the estimate. Example
     • The Detail type assigns values any combination of the Takeoff and Item methods. Use this setting if the WBS values assigned to items are usually the same, but might change in certain situations. Example

     Tip: To choose the type, click or enter the first letter of the desired type.

   • The Unit is the unit of measure (up to 8 characters) used to prefill the Unit field when you enter values for each WBS. The WBS unit applies to the takeoff quantity at the WBS level in the spreadsheet and prints on reports.

     To select a unit, click .

   • For the Size, enter the maximum number of characters (up to 50) allowed when entering values for each WBS.

   You can define up to 40 work breakdown structures in the grid.

   For more information, click on the title bar of the window, and then click a field or button.

4. When you finish setting up your work breakdown structures, click [OK] to save them.
5. Click [Close].