Select the Calculations tab to calculate the material and labor costs associated with a job.

When you calculate a job, the system pulls the appropriate information from various parts of the program and creates all reports.

How Calculations are Generated

You can generate a job calculation as follows:

1. It is best to calculate the entire project using the Database pricing.
   
2. To do so, make sure the button next to Database is selected, and then click .
   The progress of the calculation is illustrated by the blue band that moves across the Calculating Labor and Material Summaries window. (It depends on how fast your computer runs whether or not you see this window.)

The calculation of labor and material estimates is one of the most complex (and important) steps performed by QuoteSoft Pipe. Although it is not essential to understand this process in detail, each step is documented here in order to aid in understanding how the estimates are computed.

The following steps are performed for each Zone included in the calculation to determine material costs and quantities of labor hours:

1. All Zone takeoff items (from the Takeoff Screen) are sorted and merged into a single list. Common items (such as Pipe, Fittings or Valves) having the same size are combined and quantities are summed up in order to reduce the overall computation time. This is done for each Zone.
2. Each item in the merged takeoff list from Step #1 is converted into a detail record by pulling information from both the Spec and Database. For instance, if the takeoff item was 1″ 90 Elbow, the system looks in the Spec for that Zone for the Group and Class of fittings in the 1″ size. The information you entered there (such as Wrought/Cast Copper) will be read to locate the exact item from the Database.
3. Each detail record created in step #1 is processed to determine the total labor hours for each Zone for the active labor source as set up in the Configuration. The Global Labor Discounts are provided for each of four sets of labor factors, so that multiple options of labor factors will be available for the job.
4. Each detail record created in step #1 is processed to determine the total material cost for each discount set (#1 through #4). Note that the material cost is normally taken from the Database, but quoted costs may also be used.
   
   When “Quoted” is selected, all Database items are copied to the quoted price list. The system then refers to the quoted price list for all calculations (bypassing any global or job discounts). The quoted price list may then be updated with actual supplier costs in order to compute accurate material costs.
5. A detail record list is built for each Material Discount Group (Copper Pipe, Steel Pipe…) so that these may be viewed or printed.

Each type of takeoff item in the Takeoff List is converted to a detail record as follows:

 Pipe

Each takeoff item that is Pipe is resolved against the spec to determine the Group and Class of Pipe in this size. This Group and Class are used to locate the specific Database item. The Database information is added to the detail record list. If either AutoJoint or AutoHanger were specified, these are also processed. Quantities are determined by Hanger Spacing and Joint Length in the Spec. These are added to the detail record list (see AutoHanger andAutoJoint on the following pages).

 Fitting

Each takeoff item that is a Fitting is resolved against the spec to determine the Fitting Group and Class for that size. This Group and Class are used to locate the Database item. The Database information for this is added to the detail list. The joints for a fitting are resolved by using the Joint Group and Joint Class fields of the fitting’s Database entry. If these are set to a specific Joint Group and Class, this will be used to determine the type of joint. If these are set to SPEC, then the Joint Group and Joint Class are taken from the Spec for the fitting.

 Valve

Each takeoff item that is a Valve is resolved against the spec to determine the Valve Group, Class, and accessories for that size. This Group and Class are used to locate the Database item. The Database information for the valve (along with all joints) is added to the detail list. (Note that the Joint Group and Class are taken from the Spec definition for fittings of the same size, if they are not specifically defined in the Database). If accessories were defined, these items are also added to the detail list.

 Joint

Each takeoff item that is a Joint is resolved against the spec to determine the Joint Group, Class, and accessories for that size. This Group and Class are used to locate the specific item in the Database. The Database information for the joint is added to the detail list.

 Flange

Each takeoff item that is a Flange is resolved against the Spec to determine the Flange Group, Class, and accessories for that size. The database information for the flange (along with all joints) is added to the detail list. (Note that the Joint Group and Class are taken from the Spec definition for fittings of the same size, if they are not specifically defined in the Database). If accessories were defined, these items are also added to the detail list.

 Specialty

Each takeoff item that is a Specialty is resolved against the spec to determine the specialty Group, Class, and accessories for that size. The Database information for the Specialty (along with all joints) is added to the detail list. (Note that the joint Group and Class are taken from the Spec definition for fittings of the same size, if they are specifically defined in the Database). If accessories were defined, these items are also added to the detail list.

 Hangers

Each takeoff item that is a Hanger is resolved by searching the Spec for the Hanger Form (i.e., Suspended, Base Mount,…) corresponding to the size taken off. Each component, as defined in the Spec, is resolved against the Database based on the component Group.

For components in hanger groups Base Plate, Base Stand, Base Support, Dbl Rod Hanger, Guides/Anchors, Hanger, J-Hooks, Pipe Extension, Saddle Support, and Shield/Saddle, the takeoff size plus insulation thickness (if required by the Spec) is used when searching the Database. In order to assure that an adequate sized hanger component is chosen, the system will select the first Database item that is at least as large as required for the given size. If more than one catalog item has the same size, then the item having a second size at least as large as the pipe size is chosen.

For the remaining hanger groups (such as Rod, Coupling,…) the takeoff size without the insulation thickness is used when searching the Database. Again, in order to assure that an adequate sized hanger component is chosen, the system will select the first Database item that is at least as large as required for a given size.

 AutoJoint

The joints for a Zone of pipe are resolved by using the Joint Group and Joint Class fields of the pipe’s Database entry. If these are set to a valid Joint Group and Class, this will be used to resolve the specific type of joint. If these are set to SPEC, then the Joint Group and Joint Class are taken from the Spec for the pipe. The quantity of Joints is determined from the Joint Length defined in the Spec for this size and length of Pipe. If the joint for a pipe connection is a coupling, which requires joint material for installation, both the coupling and associated joints will be added to the detail list.

 AutoHanger

The AutoHangers for a Zone of pipe are resolved in the same method as normal Hangers (see above), except that the pipe size is used as the takeoff size and the quantity of Hangers is determined from the Hanger Spacing defined in the Spec for this Hanger Size and Hanger Form.

Database Items

When items (not in the Spec) are taken off from the Database, they also are added to the detail list. NO joints associated with these items will be taken off.

Calculate Pricing

Under normal circumstances, you will calculate each job using pricing provided in the Database.

However, if you prefer, QuoteSoft Pipe can also force all items in the job to a Quoted price list that will allow you to enter exact prices from your supplier. To force all items to a Quoted price list, select Quoted (rather than Database). Q = Quoted.

Should you wish to return to Database pricing, click Database and .

NOTE: If you typed QUOTED for an item on the Quotes tab, the item will still have Q for Quoted on the Reports tab. To bring in all Database items (not quoted) simply delete all quoted prices under the Quotes tab, select Database pricing, and then recalculate.

If you would like “Some Quoted”, click the circle next to Some Quoted. You will be asked to confirm this change. When you say Yes, a window appears where you can select specific items as Quoted.

Add or remove Material Groups that are set to Quoted.

NOTE: You can also open the “Select Quoted Material Groups” window by clicking “Set Quoted.”

Calculation by Selected Zone

Reports in QuoteSoft Pipe can be calculated for selected Zones within a job. This provides a convenient method of selecting a small group of Zones for calculation.

1. Go to the Zones tab.
   
2. Select (check mark) the desired Zones using the left-hand column of the screen.
3. Go back to the Reports tab.
4. Click 

The program will now calculate only the Zones that have check marks on the Zones tab.

Calculate Pattern

Reports in QuoteSoft Pipe can be calculated for the entire job or for any portion of job.

1. Click on .
   
   Note that if multiple selections are made within one category (e.g., Specs), all Zones with any of the selected Specs will be included in the calculation. If selections are made across two or more categories, all Zones that satisfy all selected categories will be included in the calculation.
2. When the selection has been made, click . The program will now calculate only the Zones that meet the selections made.

Material Summary Report

When you click  on the Report tab, the Material Summary Report appears.

All materials for the job are arranged on the Material Summary by Material Groups, which are stored in Global Material Discounts Table.

Adjusting Multipliers on the Material Summary Report

You can adjust multipliers globally and by group name.

Click on the Multiplier Set box. A pulldown list appears. Select the Multiplier Set you would like.

Material Details

An itemized list of the items contained in a specific Material Group can be viewed by clicking on the Group Name and then on .

The Material Detail Screen shows the name of the Material Group across the title bar and also contains the following information:

The values on the Material Detail Screen can be viewed, but cannot be altered. Click  to get a printed Report of the Material Detail Screen. (Make sure your printer is on and the paper is ready.) To return to the Material Summary Screen, click .

Printing the Material Summary

The Material Summary has two print options which can be viewed by clicking .

• The Material Summary Report will print the Material Summary arranged by Material Group (similar to what appears on your computer screen).
• The Material Detail Report will print each and every item from every group in the list.

To select the report you want, click the appropriate check box and click . (Make sure your printer is on and the paper is ready.)

Labor Hours Report

Click  on the left side of the screen.

All items will be sorted into the Labor Hours by Zones. This allows for adjustment of labor factors of any Zone on a job.

The Labor Hours report contains the following information:

Features of the Labor Hours report are as follows:

1. The discount set can be changed by clicking on the Set name or down arrow and selecting the appropriate set.
2. Both the Job Factor and Job Hours can be adjusted by clicking on the appropriate box and keying in either a new factor or the total hours. The Job Factor is always 1.0 unless changed on this screen. This factor can be adjusted upward or downward to reflect job conditions. The Job Hours can also be changed by overriding the quantity of hours. When either value is adjusted, the other is automatically recalculated. Total values at the bottom of the screen are also revised.

Editing the Labor Hours Report

The yellow fields allow you to modify your labor by Zone and Assembly breakout.

You either can do it internally in the program at this screen or you can change it later in the Excel report. The following screen shows the Excel report. Use the Sort Key to change how you want it sorted.

NOTE: If changing of the job factor is desired within the spreadsheet, Quote Software’s Consulting Group can customize your spreadsheet.

1. On the Labor Hours screen, click on the Job Factor title for the Fittings. Type in .5.
2. Click on the Job Hours title for Fittings and type in any number you would like. Notice the multiplier changes.

Labor Hour Details

An itemized list of the items contained in each Spec can be viewed by clicking on the Spec and then on .

The Labor Detail Screen shows the following information:

The values on the Labor Detail Screen can be viewed, but cannot be altered. Click  to get a printed Report of the Labor Detail. (Make sure your printer is on and the paper is ready.)

Printing the Labor Hours Report

The Labor Hours report can be printed by clicking . (Make sure your printer is on and the paper is ready.)

Exception Report

During calculation, exceptions may occur resulting from the takeoff, Spec, or Database items. When this occurs, the system flags the offending takeoff item and continue on with the remaining items.

To view exceptions, click  on the button of the Reports tab. Your exceptions will be displayed in Summary form or By Zone based on your preference.

WARNING! No data for exceptions will be incorporated into the Material Summary and Labor Hours until they are resolved.

The following is a list of possible exceptions and steps required to correct them.

• Material price quote required
  An item was encountered that requires a quoted material price. These items are automatically added to the Quoted Price List.
  Resolution: Enter the quoted material pr
  • Labor group not defined or
  • Material group not defined’
  ice using the  option of the Reports menu.
• No spec definition for size
  A takeoff size was encountered that did not have a definition in the Spec. The takeoff screen will not allow takeoffs of invalid sizes; however, if you switch Specs for a Zone, or modify a Spec after you have performed the takeoff, it is possible that existing takeoffs may no longer be valid.
  Resolution: Locate the offending takeoff item and make certain that there is a corresponding size for it in the Zone Spec.
• Spacing not defined in spec
  AutoHangers were taken off (with Pipe), but no hanger spacing was defined in the Zone Spec.
  Resolution: Define the hanger spacing in the Spec.
• Accessory not found in Database
  An accessory item for a valve, flange, or specialty was not found in the Database. This will only happen if items were deleted from the Database (strongly discouraged).
  Resolution: Add the deleted accessory item back into the Database or remove the accessory from the Zone Spec.
• No corresponding fitting spec
  A joint for a valve, flange, or specialty requires a fitting definition in the Spec.
  Resolution: Add the fitting definition to the Spec in the size of the offending item.
• Item not found in database
  A resolved takeoff item was not found in the Database. This should only happen if the Spec for the Zone has been changed, or items were deleted from the Database (strongly discouraged), or unusual size combinations are encountered.
  Resolution: Add the item to the Database.
• Joint length not defined in spec
  No joint length was specified in the Spec definition for pipe, but AutoJoints were requested. This will only occur if the Spec is modified or replaced after the takeoff is complete.
  Resolution: Set the joint length in the Spec definition for pipe.
• Labor group not defined or Material group not defined
  A Database item's labor or material group was not defined. This should not occur unless entries in the global labor or material table have been deleted or new items have been added without defining labor or material groups.
  Resolution: Define the correct labor group or material group for the Database item.
• Labor rate not available
  The labor for an item is defined as N/A in the Database. This should not occur if you are configured to use a valid labor source (such as Quote Software Inc., MCAA, PHCC, or USER).
  Resolution: Make certain the labor source is set correctly in the configuration screen or add the appropriate labor hour estimate to the item in the Database.
• No acceptable item size
  An item was requested for which no acceptable size was found in the Database. This will only occur on unusual hanger component sizes.
  Resolution: Adjust the Spec hanger definition to use the next larger size for this component or add an appropriately sized item to the Database.
• Type not defined in Database
  A family Type could not be resolved through the Database. This should only occur if Types have been deleted from the Database (strongly discouraged).
  Resolution: Add the required Types back into the Database.
• Insulation spec required
  A hanger definition required insulation thickness but no Spec definition was found.
  Resolution: Add the definition for insulation thickness into the Zone Spec or select the Use Pipe Size option in the hanger definition.