Course Description
This course aims to build on the knowledge learnt in the iTWO costX Fundamentals course. It will inform and demonstrate the principles of zone categories and zones, rate libraries and coding and sorting using iTWO costX®.
info The exercises are based around the use of example files and templates which have been developed for demonstration and training purposes only. Actual implementation of the software and templates will depend on users own resources and specific reporting requirements.
- Updated 13 June 2023
- Version 7.1
- Modules (ZC) 3
- Modules (RL) 7
- Modules (CS) 2
- CPD 7 hours
Course Features
Course Content
- Zone Categories and Zones (ZC)
- Rate Libraries (RL)
- Coding and Sorting (CS)
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Module 1 Course Setup
In Module 1 we shall import an iTWO costX® Project file, incorporating a previously created iTWO costX® Building file, which will be used as the basis for conducting this training exercise.
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Module 2 Using Zones in Dimension View
Zones are used to allocate dimensions into one of (up to) eight categories, this allows the user to isolate a section (or sections) of a project and establish the quantities and therefore costs that are associated with that section.
As a common scenario, a particular building may have a basement, podium and two towers – by utilising zones appropriately within iTWO costX® the quantities and costs for each of these elements can be presented separately with ease.
In this training course we are focusing on the use of zones with 2D drawings, however it is important to note that zones can also be configured within a Model Map for use on projects that are utilising BIM.
In this particular training example we are carrying out a costing exercise for a new Leisure Centre, and the Client wants to know the quantities and costs associated with both the physical split of the ground floor and first floor areas, and at the same time the allocation of usage between wet areas (e.g. swimming pool), dry areas (e.g. gym) and outdoor areas (e.g. climbing wall).
This training course relates specifically to the use of zones with Workbooks, the zones functionality within Databooks is covered in other courses.
All of the dimensions already measured within the imported files have been allocated into zones.
In this module we shall set up an additional zone for this project and apply it to both new and existing dimensions.
For more assistance in using the Zones functionality, please refer to process flowchart “PFC 9-2 Creating and Using Zones”.
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Module 3 Using Zones in Workbooks
In this module we will review how the zones can be utilised to easily filter quantities within the Workbooks, for example to split Cost Plans or Cost Estimates into different parts of a project as is often required by Clients.
For more assistance in using the Zones functionality, please refer to process flowchart “PFC 9-2 Creating and Using Zones”.
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Module 1 Course Setup
In Module 1 we shall import an iTWO costX® Project file, incorporating previously created iTWO 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.
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Module 2 Creating and Using Rate Libraries (PFC 3-3)
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Module 3 Locations
In this module 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. Location is not necessarily the location of a project but more so the location of the rate library. We shall then import this library into CostX® and use it to compare pricing across the different locations.
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Module 4 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.
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Module 5 Rate Library Maintenance in System Administration
In Module 5 we shall look at how to export information from iTWO costX® to Excel®, how to generate reports from existing templates and how to create and edit your own report templates. In this we shall look at selecting what data appears on the report and how it is grouped, amending the page layout and adding a logo, and how to preview, save and filter your report.
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Module 6 Default Rate Libraries
We will now create a copy of the ‘Rate Libraries Training Rates (-followed by your name)’ rate library and use it to introduce the concept of default rate libraries.
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Module 7 Generating a Workbook from Dimension Groups
Throughout this exercise we have looked at creating workbooks by dragging-and-dropping the available content from the various libraries within iTWO costX®. Alternatively, it is possible to generate a workbook automatically based on the contents of the Dimension Groups. This is a powerful function, especially when the Dimension Groups have been generated from a BIM Template or Model Map import.
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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.
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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.
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Appendix Coding Overview & Reference
This section is intended as a reference for coding features and functionalities.
