Estimate Types

Overview

Estimate Types provide a framework for creating estimates. This framework makes creating estimates faster and more accurate.

An unlimited number of Estimate Types can be created. For example:

Field Description
CustomUsers set a custom set of input values.
Flexo EngineeringFixed Input values for use in the Flexographic Tooling industry.
EngineeringFixed input values for use in metal/steel manufacturing.
Navigation Example

Main Menu > Setup > Estimate Types

User Settings

Navigation Example

Main Menu > Setup > Settings > Users (tab)

Note

The defaults are the values for new databases, new users and new Transaction Types. Your database may have different values.

Setting Description Default
Setups > Estimate Types - Access AllowedCheckbox. If checked, access is allowed.Unchecked

Estimate Type Screenshot

The full Estimate Type edit screen for Signage – Products, with every field and button numbered 1 to 19, referenced throughout this page.
The Estimate Type edit screen – every numbered field and button below refers back to this screenshot.

Top Row Buttons (5)

Button Description
ArrowsNavigates through Estimate Types.
EditEnables editing.
NewCreates an Estimate Type.
CopyCopies an Estimate Type to create a new one.
SaveSaves any changes.
Menu
  • Test Estimate: Tests the Estimate Type.
  • Open Notes: Opens a rich-text editor where notes can be entered or viewed.
  • Link Transaction Types:
    • Opens a list of Transaction Types that can be used with estimating.
    • Select the ones that the Estimate Type can be used on (e.g. Costing, Quotations, Work Orders).
    • Only linked Estimate Types can be selected when creating a transaction.
  • Load from File: Allows a parameter file to be loaded.
  • Save to File: Saves the parameter file.
  • Create selectable Stored Procedure: Creates a selectable stored procedure and copies it to the clipboard.
  • Delete Estimate Type: Deletes the Estimate Type.
  • Save Grid: Saves the column configuration.
  • Restore Grid: Restores the default grid layout.

List View

Info

(1) Lists all the Estimate Types. Click any entry to display the details on the right.

The Estimate Types list panel (1), listing Signage Billboards, Printing – Reels, Printing – Sheets, and Products.
The Estimate Types list (1).
Field Description
Field Chooser (*)Add or remove columns.
IDThe system-generated number for the Estimate Type.
StatusThe Estimate Type's status.
VerThe Estimate Type's version number.
RevThe Estimate Type's revision number.
GroupThe Estimate Type's group.
DescriptionThe Estimate Type's description.
The Estimate Type's Status, Group, and Description header fields, the Add/Delete/Copy buttons, and the parameters grid, numbered 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, and 11.
Header fields, buttons and the parameters grid (2, 3, 4, 8-11).

Header Fields and Buttons

Info

This section is where Estimate Types are created or edited.

  • Status (2): A dropdown list of statuses for you to select one. The options are Pending, Active or Closed. Only Active Estimate Types can be used in transactions.
  • Group (3): Enter a group name. Use groups to sort Estimate Types.
  • Description (4): Enter a description. The description is the Estimate Type's name.
  • Add (button) (8): Adds a new Parameter to the Estimate Type for completion (that is, adds a custom parameter to the grid (11)).
  • Arrow on Add (button) (8): Displays a dropdown list of Parameter Types for selection (see Parameter Types Explained below).
  • Delete (9): Deletes all the selected parameters. Requests confirmation.
  • Copy (10): Duplicates the parameters based on these fields:
    • From and To ID: Specifies which parameters must be copied.
    • Insert before ID field: Specifies where the copied parameters must be placed.

Parameter Fields Explained (11)

Info

The parameters specify the values, constraints and functions of the estimate.

Fields marked in blue (✎) can be edited.

Field Description
Field Chooser (*)Add or remove columns.
IDThe system-generated number allocated to the parameter.
TypeSelect a Parameter Type (see Parameter Types Explained below).
NameThe parameter's name that is used in expressions and other parameters.
  • The name can only consist of capital letters and numbers with no spaces.
  • Names must be unique. When a parameter is added, a unique name is automatically assigned but can be overtyped. If the name field is cleared it reverts back to its default.
  • Suggested naming convention:
    • Calculations: CALC_FIELDNAME
    • Input: INP_FIELDNAME
    • Service: PROC_FIELDNAME
    • Material: MAT_FIELDNAME
    • Error: ERROR_FIELDNAME
GroupEnter a number that groups and links parameters. Parameters with the same Group number are grouped together even if they are not listed underneath each other.
CaptionEnter a caption for the parameter that will appear on the estimate as a label.
ComponentA dropdown list of other parameters which service as a component. Used to link the parameters.
Qty FromEnter a stored procedure which specifies the quantity for Material and Service parameters.
  • Allows the SELECT_QTY_TYPE stored procedure to be selected.
Qty TypeProvides a dropdown list from which a Quantity Type can be selected. Applies to material and service parameters. If the material or service item is for specification purposes only (e.g. when the job is outsourced), set the Qty Type to blank to prevent the material or service from being added to the estimate. The available quantity types are:
  • Fixed Qty: The Qty From value sets the Material and Service quantities.
  • Estimate Qty: The Material and Service quantities are changed to the estimate quantity.
  • x Size: The quantity (Qty) that is needed per square metre.
  • Qty Up:
  • Qty Out:
  • Fixed x Estimate Qty: The Qty From value is multiplied by the Estimate Quantity to set the material and service item quantities.
VisibleThis field determines if the parameter appears on the Input tab of a General Estimate. (Because of the overhead it places on the system, the number of parameters that are set to visible should be limited to Input parameters and those performing meaningful calculations.) The options are:
  • Show: The parameter appears.
  • Hide: The parameter is hidden.
  • Group: The parameter appears as part of the Group Header.
LayoutSpecifies the location of the parameter's control. Lets multiple parameters appear next to each other. The options are:
  • Below (default)
  • Right
SizeEnter a number. Sets the Width of the Parameter's control when it appears on an estimate. 0 = Default Width; -1 = Full width (this matches the widest parameter's width). The Size field works with the following Parameter Types:
  • Input – Number
  • Input – Select Number
  • Material
  • Service
DefaultWhen the value of a Parameter Quantity is null, the Default value is assigned to the quantity. The Default field works with the following Parameter Types:
  • Input – Number
  • Input – Select Number
  • Input – Select Text Num Value.
  • Lookup
  • Service
  • Material
Decimals (0.00)Determines how many decimal places are used on numeric Parameter Types and applies to the Input – Number and Calculation Parameter Types. Max decimals = 4.
XThe quantity (Qty) is multiplied by the number of units produced (Qty x Unit Price x Number of Items Produced = Total Cost). If the item is nested X represents the quantity of the parent item.
Menu (...)
  • Test Parameter: Tests the parameters.
  • Highlight Dependents: Highlights the final column of dependent parameters.
  • Insert Parameter: Provides a dropdown list of parameter types to select one.
  • Delete Parameter: Deletes the parameter.
  • Move Up: Moves the parameter one line higher.
  • Move Down: Moves the parameter one line lower.

Stored Procedures

  • Stored Procedure (Input VATITEMID) (6): Paste a stored procedure to input information about the transaction or the Transaction Type.
  • Type (7): Option to select Custom or Ringrollers.
  • PRODUCT (12): The name of the selected parameter (in this example the name is PRODUCT).
  • Product (13): The caption for the parameter (in this example the caption is Product).
  • Set From (15): Sets the caption from another parameter such as a Calc – Text parameter.
    • This parameter can be set above the Expression Editor and lets you generate a Caption based on other parameter values.
    • If the parameter is set to visible, but the generated caption is blank, the control does not appear.
    • Example of use: Selecting ink colours that are used for each section of a job on a Printing Estimate. If two out of eight colours are selected, only two fields appear for each Part or Section and the captions are derived from the selected colours.
  • Expression Editor (16): 
    • The input for the Expression Field depends on the Parameter Type. 
    • You can add Functions, Operators and valid Parameters by clicking an entry on a list.
    • The Expression Editor is used as follows:
  • Calculation: The 'Expression' contains a formula (similar to a spreadsheet formula) in which the 'Names' of other numerical type Parameters can be embedded as variables using square brackets. For example, [PARAMNAME].
  • To prevent circular links, the 'Expression' may only contain links to numerical Parameters that are higher up in the list. When calculations are done, the Parameter Names are substituted with the linked parameter values. The Fixed parameters are:
    • [ESTIMATE.QTY], which adds the Estimate Qty to a calculation.
    • [VATITEMID], which extracts information about the transaction or the Transaction Type.
  • Parameter names (17): Displays a list of parameter types that can be used in the Expression Editor.
  • Variables (18): Displays the available mathematical functions for SQL queries.
  • Operators (19): Displays the available mathematical operators for SQL calculations.
The top-row navigation buttons (5) and a parameter's own Clear/Test/Menu buttons used to test its stored procedure.
Testing a parameter's stored procedure with Clear, Test and Menu.

Buttons (14)

Button Description
ClearClears the stored procedure.
TestTests the stored procedure.
Menu
  • cast ([NAME] as float)
  • Remove cast ([NAME] as float)
ArrowsNavigates between stored procedures.
The stored procedure editor for a parameter, with the Type dropdown, parameter name and caption fields, Set from field, the SQL expression, and the parameter names/variables/operators lists, numbered 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19.
The parameter's stored procedure editor (6, 7, 12-19).

Parameter Types Explained

Field Description
Group HeaderCreates a header which can also be used to show or hide fields in the Group. Headers can be collapsed or expanded and appear in bold on the Form tab of an estimate.
Repeat HeaderFunctions like a Group Header but repeats the fields setup under the Repeat Header.
  • The following buttons become available when Repeat Header is selected:
    • Add: Adds another set of parameters identical to the original group.
    • Copy: Lists the parameters with checkboxes. Checked parameters and their values are duplicated and placed below the original parameters.
    • Delete: Deletes the selected parameters.
    • Up: Moves the selected parameter one row up.
    • Down: Moves the selected parameter one row down.
Input – Est. QtyInputs a single Estimate Quantity. When used, the estimate cannot have multiple quantities.
Input – NumberInputs any numerical value up to a specified number of decimals (max. four). Calculations can be used to generate a default number which can be overwritten.
Input – Select NumberSelects a numeric value from a list of hard-coded values.
Input – TextInputs text values. Can be used to create text values for a lookup list. Text values can be overwritten on an estimate.
Input – MemoInputs multiple lines of text such as extra notes for the customer.
Input – Size – DxWInputs a flat size (depth x width). A lookup can also be created in the format: description, depth, width (e.g. A4,297,210).
Input – Number > Text
  • Generates a text value that is tied to a numeric value.
  • Used to hard code text lookups that determine how other parameters are calculated.
  • The numeric value is obtained from [PARAMNAME.QTY].
Input – Adj% (MAT)Generates the adjustment percentage for all the Materials on the estimate. Overrides any Adj % set on items.
Input – Adj% (SER)Generates the adjustment percentage for all the Services on the estimate. Overrides any Adj % set on items.
Input – Adj% (OWK)Generates the adjustment percentage for all the Outwork on the estimate. Overrides any Adj % set on items.
Calc – NumericalCalculates a numerical value.
Calc – Est. Qty
  • Calculates the estimate quantity.
  • Prevents multiple quantities being entered on the estimate.
  • Cannot be used with multiple Estimate Quantities or Input – Est Qty parameter.
Calc – TextCalculates and returns a text value. Can also be used to display an error message.
LookupGenerates a lookup list based on specific values from the database. The SQL must contain ID and DESCRIPTION columns.
ItemAdd items to an estimate. It replaces the Material, Material (BoM) and Service types.
DescriptionCreates values for the Description tab on an estimate. Normally a few Calc – Text fields calculate and format information before passing it to the Description parameter.
SpecificationCreates values for the Specification tab on an estimate. Normally a few Calc – Text fields calculate and format information before passing it to the Specification Parameter.
Item DescriptionSets the Item's description on an estimate transaction. Can also be calculated using a Calc – Text parameter.

Description and Specification

  • Estimates can generate a Description for customers and a Specification for production use.
  • The Specification can contain additional information that is for internal use only.
  • The procedure that calculates the Estimate Type can also be used to generate a Description and Specification directly in the Transaction Item.

Stored Procedures

Stored Procedures are the brains behind the estimating process. Stored Procedures are created in FlameRobin SQL Editor.

Contact QuickEasy Helpdesk for assistance with Stored Procedures and SQL Scripts.

For instructions on installing FlameRobin, click here.

Estimate Type Example: Signage - Products

Info

Screenshots are not included for fields with IDs 2 and 3 because they do not have any input in the Expression Editor.

The PRODUCT parameter (ID 2) selected, showing its Lookup stored procedure that selects materials from the Products subcategory.
The PRODUCT parameter's (ID 2) stored procedure.
The DESC parameter (ID 5) selected, showing its stored procedure referencing [INP_NOTES].
The DESC parameter's (ID 5) stored procedure.
The CALC parameter (ID 6) selected, showing its stored procedure calling CTM_EST_SIGNAGE([VATITEMID]).
The CALC parameter's (ID 6) stored procedure.

Tips

  • Do not use fixed ID’s in Stored Procedures. Use Item Codes that can be managed by end users instead.
  • Add Error messages to clearly inform users when Input parameters are incomplete or items are not found. See image below:
A Dimensions (mm) input group with the Depth field highlighted red and an error message reading 'Invalid values for: Depth'.
An error message shown when an Input parameter's value is invalid.

Report an issue with this page

For more useful feedback, select the text on the page you're reporting about, then click Feedback again — or continue without selecting anything.