Estimation Setup
Before you start creating estimates, the Material Management module must be configured.
In the Setup section, you will define your material categories, units, sourcing types, pricing, and other foundational data. Completing this setup ensures accurate takeoffs, smooth estimation workflows, and consistent pricing across all projects.
Defining Status
Defining status fields helps categorize and track the progress of tasks or projects. It allows you to automate workflows, monitor progress, and ensure consistency across operations.
Why Define Status Fields?
Clarity: Understand task or project status at a glance.
Workflow Automation: Streamline transitions between stages.
Tracking: Easily monitor and assign responsibility.
By setting up status fields, you can improve task management and team collaboration.
Navigate to Define Status Fields:
Go to Setup > Customized Fields > Define Status Fields.
Click + ADD:
Click the + ADD button to add a new status.
Select the Module:
Choose the Module (e.g., Estimation).
Select the Sub Module:
Choose the Sub Module (e.g., Estimation).
Choose Status:
Select the desired Status from the dropdown.
Enter the Status Value:
Enter a Status Value for the new status.
Click CREATE:
Click CREATE to save the new status.
Declaring UoM (Unit Of measurement)
To define and edit Units of Measurement (UoM) for materials in your BLDON software, follow these steps.
Define and Edit Unit of Measure – Steps
1. Click on Setup from the left side menu. 2. Under Material, select Define and Edit Material Unit of Measure. 3. Click on the Create button to add a new Unit of Measure. 4. Enter the Name for the Unit of Measure. 5. Enter the Value for the Unit of Measure. 6. Click Update to save the changes.
Adding Identifiers
Identifiers help you tag materials with specific attributes for better organization, filtering, and selection during material creation.
1. Click on Material under the Setup menu. 2. Click on the Create button to add a new identifier. 3. Enter the required details such as Name, Type, Group, and Visibility. You can also add multiple values by typing each one on a new line. 4. Click Update to save the identifier.
Adding Characteristics
Characteristics allow you to define specific traits or attributes for your materials. By adding characteristics, you can create more detailed classifications, improve material accuracy, and support better filtering and selection during estimation and project setup.
1.Click on Material under the Setup menu. 2. Click on the Create button to add a new Characteristics. 3. Enter the required details such as Name, Type, Variable name, and Description. You can also add multiple values by typing each one on a new line. 4. Click Update to save the identifier.
Adding Labor Productivity
Adding labor productivity in BLDON allows you to estimate how efficiently labor will be used in a project. Labor productivity typically refers to the amount of work a worker can complete in each amount of time. This helps in calculating accurate labor costs and ensuring that project timelines are met.
By defining labor productivity, you can determine how much labor is required to complete a specific task or assembly, taking into account the expected output for each unit of time or unit of work.
Navigate to the "Labor Productivity" Section:
From the left-hand menu go to Setup > Labor Productivity.
Create New Entry:
In the top-right corner of the "Labor Productivity" table, click the Create button
Add Subcategory:
In the popup window that appears, click the Add Subcategory button to add a new productivity entry.
Enter Basic Information:
In the fields shown in the popup:
Enter the Name (e.g., Exterior) in the appropriate field
Select the Unit (e.g., Hours).
Specify Additional Details:
Fill out the following fields:
Subcategory: (for specific productivity subcategory).
Value: Define the numerical value associated with the entry.
Productivity, Cost Code, Category, GL: Select appropriate values for each of these fields
Save the Changes:
Once all details are entered, click the Update button to save your changes.
Add Subcategories:
You have multiple rows where you can add subcategories for this productivity item.
For each subcategory:
Enter the Subcategory Name (e.g., "Barn and Fence", "Door", "Trim").
Specify the Value for each subcategory (e.g., 0.5, 1, 0.25).
Select the Productivity Unit (e.g., "Hours").
Choose the Cost Code, Category, and GL (General Ledger) for each subcategory.
Add More Subcategories:
You can click the Add Subcategory button (shown at the top-right corner) to add new rows for more subcategories.
Defining Labor Cost & Crew Members
Setting up labor cost and crew details ensures accurate calculation of project expenses and productivity. By defining hourly rates, roles, and crew compositions, you enable the system to generate precise estimates, scheduling inputs, and labor allocations across all project workflows.
Navigate to Labor Cost:
Go to Setup > Customized Fields > Define and Edit Labor Cost.
Click + CREATE:
Click the CREATE button to add a new labor cost entry.
Fill in the Details:
In the "Create Labor Cost" window, enter the following information:
Name (e.g., Labor type like "Painter").
Is Non-Labor: Check this if it's a non-labor cost.
Unit: Select the unit (e.g., hours).
Regular Cost, Overtime Cost, Double Overtime Cost, Nightshift Cost: Enter the relevant cost values.
Click CREATE:
After entering the details, click CREATE to save the labor cost entry.
Defining non-Labor
Non-labor costs include all project expenses that are not tied to manpower—such as equipment, accessories, consumables, permits, transportation, rentals, and other operational charges. Defining these costs ensures that every estimate reflects the full scope of project expenses, improving accuracy and preventing overlooked charges.
Navigate to Labor Cost:
Go to Setup > Customized Fields > Define and Edit Labor Cost.
Click CREATE:
Click the CREATE button to add a new labor cost entry.
Fill in the Details:
In the "Create Labor Cost" window, enter the Name (e.g., "Cleaner").
Check Is Non-Labor if it’s a non-labor cost.
Select Unit and Quantity:
Choose the Unit (e.g., hours) and enter the Quantity for the cost.
Enter Regular Cost:
Enter the Regular Cost value.
Click CREATE:
After filling in all details, click CREATE to save the labor cost entry.
Defining Labor Cost Template
A Labor Cost Template is a predefined structure that helps manage and standardize labor costs for different tasks or roles within a project. It allows businesses to efficiently calculate the cost of labor, track expenses, and ensure consistency across various labor categories.
Navigate to Labor Cost Template:
Go to Setup > Customized Fields > Define and Edit Labor Cost.
Click CREATE:
Click the CREATE button to add a new labor cost template.
Enter Template Name:
In the "Create Labor Cost Template" window, provide a Name for the template (e.g., "Wood Flooring Materials").
Add Description:
Enter a Description for the template (e.g., "To source as Rent").
Click CREATE:
Once the details are entered, click CREATE to save the labor cost template.
After the template is created click on the template name to add the details
Click CREATE:
Click the CREATE button to add a new labor cost item.
Fill in the Labor Cost Item Details:
Enter the Name (e.g., "Pry Bar").
Select the Labor Cost and Indirect Cost.
Add the Formula for calculating costs (e.g., using conditions and variables for dynamic cost calculations).
Set Operations and Variables:
Define the necessary Operations (e.g., +, -, *, /) and select variables (e.g., quantity, labor_sell_price, working_days) for the cost formula.
Click CREATE:
After entering all details, click CREATE to save the labor cost item.
Email
Please ensure that the email configuration is properly set up so that we can receive all notifications without interruption. Refer to the Email Setup section below for detailed instructions and additional information.
Email And Notifications - SetupLast updated