iTWO costX Online Training

This section aims to inform and demonstrate the principles of more advanced use of workbooks in CostX®.

• Module 1

  Course Setup

  In Module 1 we shall import a CostX Project file, incorporating previously created CostX Building files, which shall be used as the basis of conducting this training exercise. We shall also import a copy of the Rate Library that was used in the preparation of the building.

• Module 2

  Workbook Items

  In Module 2 we will demonstrate the principle of using one dimension group for many workbook quantities and introduce the XGetSpacedCountRND CostX function.

• Module 3

  Workbook Tools

  In this Module we shall look at some useful workbook tools and use a selection of them to identify and correct quality assurance issues within the workbook.

• Module 4

  Zones

  In Module 4 we shall set up an additional zone for this project and apply it to both new and existing dimensions. We shall then use these zoned dimensions to analyse the estimate.

• Module 5

  Locations

  In Module 5 we will review the Locations area of System Administration, then review and amend an Excel derived .csv rate library to account for different pricing in different locations. We shall then import this library into CostX and use it to compare pricing across the different locations.

• Module 6

  Rates & Rate Libraries

  In this module we shall explore built up rates in the workbook Rate sub-sheet, explore built-up rates in a Rate Library, then look at copying these built-up rates between the workbook and Rate Library.

• Module 7

  Rate Library Maintenance in System Administration

  This module will show how to update and maintain a Rate Library in System Administration including exporting and importing from Excel.

• Module 8

  Default Rate Libraries

  In this module we will introduce the concept of default rate libraries by creating a copy of the Workbook Training Rates rate library.

• Module 9

  Phraseologies

  Phraseologies allow the maintenance of standard phrases or model descriptions in a hierarchical library. In this module we will explore how to use these within CostX.

• Module 10

  Generating a Workbook from Dimension Groups

  In this module we will review how to generate a workbook automatically based on the contents of the Dimension Groups.

One of the functions within CostX^® is the ability to make a copy of workbook data re-arranging the individual items contained into alternative headings in a new workbook. In order to control how information is re-arranged Codes are assigned to items within CostX^®.

Codes may be placed at any or all levels of a workbook, within rate and quantity build-ups and within rate library item build-ups. The location for the placement of codes varies depending on the desired outcome.

Codes placed in a workbook work in tandem with an associated Code Library.

CostX^® can be used without ever having the need to insert coding. However using coding allows data to be re-sorted and hence allows a further degree of analysis and use. A simple example for the use of coding might be to use an existing workbook following a standard elemental arrangement and create a new workbook arranged by subcontract trade.

• Module 1

  Introductory Coding Exercise

  In Module 1, we will go through an Introductory Coding Exercise, which covers setting up a project, setting up and using a code library, and then generating a workbook grouped by code.

• Module 2

  Advanced Coding Exercises

  This module will cover more advanced coding exercises including trade, LPM (Labor, Plant and Material) and resource analyses, then a multiple Coding analysis.

• Appendix

  Coding Overview & Reference

  This section is intended as a reference for coding features and functionalities.

The Subcontractor Comparison feature consists of two main parts: a pre-formatted Subcontractor Comparison Workbook; and a suite of default Subcontractor Comparison report templates.

• Module 1

  Subcontractors Library

  In this Module, we will learn how to create a Subcontractor Library within the CostX System Administration area that contains the subcontractor’s company details and allocates them to specific trades.

• Module 2

  Course Setup

  In this module we will cover the creation of a new Project and importing an existing Building that contains a workbook with trade-coded items. It also covers importing the corresponding Code Library that has been used to allocate trade codes to each item in the imported workbook.

• Module 3

  Subcontractor Comparison Workbooks

  Module 3 covers how to work with the Subcontractor Comparison workbooks; including assigning subcontractors, importing quotes, entering quote values, filling from estimate or other subcontractor quote values, selecting the preferred subcontractor and more.

• Module 4

  Subcontractor Comparison Reports

  Module 4 covers the various templates provided with CostX for Subcontractor Comparison reporting, and the types of reports that can be generated from these.

• Module 5

  Generating Standard Workbooks from Subcontractor Comparison

  Module 5 covers how to generate standard workbooks from Subcontractor Comparison.