Choosing an overall game plan for building a standard database

There are a number of ways to approach the task of building your own standard database. Choose the plan or combination of plans that best meets your company's needs:

$image\redbox.gif$ Build-As-You-Go Plan
Build your standard database as you do takeoff using one-time items or using the Items command on the Phase/Item group of the Data tab.

Typically, you use the same items in your jobs. So, by using this approach, your standard database will contain about 90% of the items you need after taking off just a couple jobs.

$image\tealbox.gif$ Modular Plan
Build one group phase (division) at a time. Select a group phase and set up the phases and items for that group.

For example, you could set up the Concrete group phase first and then you can use it to do your concrete takeoff. Later, you can set up another group phase and continue in this manner until you have set up the entire standard database.

$image\yellbox.gif$ Complete Plan
Although it requires a lot of work up front, you might be more comfortable building the entire standard database before you start creating estimates.

Tips:

Use a combination of the Build-As-You-Go and Modular plans to build your standard database. Start with the Build-As-You-Go plan and create a couple estimates, setting up the items, phases, and group phases as you do takeoff. Then, review your standard database for missing groups of items and fill in the gaps using the Modular plan.
No matter which approach you choose, be sure to lay a good foundation for your standard database by developing a scheme for organizing it. Careful planning ensures that your standard database is consistent and easy to use.
We have included standard database setup forms to help you plan your standard database before you begin building it. These forms make it easier to plan the structure of your standard database as a whole, as well as to focus on the important details.