This modest cost-estimating system can be learned within an hour. It comes with a nationwide database that can be accessed through keywords. The program is targeted to contractors, architects, engineers, and to environmental estimators for asbestos abatement and dig and haul site work. Suppliers provide their own database, which is updated yearly. It is ZIP code oriented with 31,000 items. The database includes construction costs, as well as costs for asbestos removal/abatement. Environmental costs such as costs of well installation and soil tests are included. The database can be updated and customized.
The program downloads into Primavera. Data can be exported to any program that can read dBASE formats, including dBASE, Lotus, and Oracle.
The program comes with a complete (actual) demonstration project that people can use to build their own projects. Additional cost categories can be added by users. This includes repair and maintenance costs. An unlimited number of activities and projects can be defined. WBSs of up to 4 levels can be defined per project.
The program was first introduced in 1985, with updates released once a year. The current (1995) release is version 7.1. DOE has tested this program in West Virginia, and Federal agencies have used it for all projects in New York City. In addition, the company offers an international database with quantities in metric units. Users can generate estimates using foreign currencies since it factors in exchange rates. The supplier offers phone and consulting support, and on- and off-site training.
The approximate cost of the program is $495, plus $495 for the database. The metric database also costs $495.
Minimum Hardware: IBM PC, using DOS with hard disk or equivalent; will not run on a Macintosh. The program can also be run on a network. The Windows version is expected in 1996.
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