This unit cost estimating system is targeted to heavy construction contractors (highways, bridges, dams, demolition, water and sewer systems). It is not meant for generating conceptual estimates. Estimators can set up rate and crew libraries, historical cost data, and an account structure such as CSI to prepare the estimate. The estimate can be used to track cash flow, prepare bids, and perform risk analyses. Reports can be issued in 15 versions, including total cost, cost for each work operation, expenditure analysis, revenue analysis, and resource demand. The database is user-supplied and fits into the PICK database management system in any UNIX environment. The system supports the analysis of an unlimited number of projects.
Additional modules can be purchased from the company to perform features such as scheduling and cost control. No databases are supplied by the company. Users can create their own databases, or link the system to available commercial databases. There is no parametric estimation capability.
The program was developed in 1993, with updates offered 2-3 times a year. The current release is version 3.52, released in April, 1995.
The minimum cost of the program is $20,000, including hardware and training. The cost ranges anywhere from $20,000 to $250,000. The supplier offers training seminars. Some consulting services and on- and off-site training are offered. No demonstration disks are available.