BMS Estimating and Engineering
PART II: Estimating: From Concept to Cost
SessionĀ 4:Ā Creating a New Estimate
Course Code: CENG-04
Goal: Learn the complete step-by-step process for creating a new estimate in CUBE—from setup and documentation to client-facing outputs like quote letters.
Session Overview
Duration: 1 Hour
Format: Instructor-led (Microsoft Teams or in-person)
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Resources Provided:
- Accessing Estimate Page.
- Creating an Estimate.
- Adding Scope of Work (SOW).
- Adding Scope of Performance (SOP).
- Generating Quote Letters.
- Estimate Setup Checklist.
- Sample Estimate + Quote Package
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Navigate the Estimate List Page to manage new and existing estimates.
- Create a new estimate and associate it with a project.
- Define a clear and professional Scope of Work (SOW) using CUBE’s built-in tools.
- Attach supporting documentation to ensure estimate completeness and transparency.
- Generate and customize a client-ready Quote Letter with pricing and system summary
Session Agenda
4.1 Navigating the Estimate List Page
- Introduction to the Estimate Dashboard.
- Overview of filtering, search tools, and list views.
- Accessing recent estimates and starting new ones from within the dashboard.
4.2 Creating a New Estimate
- Step-by-step guide to starting a new estimate.
- Linking the estimate to an existing project or creating a new project record.
- Entering core estimate details:
- Estimate Name.
- Client / Contact.
- Project Location.
- CRM and Sales Info
- Importance of consistency in naming and client data for filtering and reporting.
- Setting initial estimate margins and team access
4.3 Creating a Scope of Work (SOW)
- Defining the Scope of Work as the narrative that outlines what’s being delivered.
- Key elements of a clear SOW: Deliverables, Assumptions, Exclusions.
- Using CUBE’s SOW editor: formatting text, inserting system references.
- Saving and reusing SOW templates to reduce repetitive writing.
- Aligning your SOW with internal standards and customer expectations
4.4 Adding Scope of Performance (SOP) (if applicable)
- Differentiating between SOW and SOP.
- Outlining technical or performance criteria (e.g., signal requirements, coverage areas).
- Documenting constraints or minimum standards for execution.
- Linking SOP notes to estimate systems where applicable.
4.5 Attaching Supporting Documents
- Types of documents typically attached to an estimate:
- Floor plans, system layouts, specifications.
- Compliance forms, internal reviews, client-provided documents
- Uploading and organizing files within the estimate workspace.
- Tagging and versioning documents for easy access and future reference.
- Maintaining document history for audits, revisions, or field coordination
4.6 Generating Quote Letters
- Using CUBE’s built-in quote letter generator to create a polished client proposal.
- Pulling in dynamic data such as:
- Estimate summary.
- Pricing totals.
- System titles and descriptions
- Adding custom disclaimers, payment terms, or legal language.
- Formatting and previewing for client delivery.
- Exporting to PDF or sharing internally for review
Hands-On Exercises
Participants will:
- Navigate to the Estimate List Page and locate a recent estimate.
- Create a new estimate linked to a training or test project.
- Input project, client, and sales data.
- Write a simple Scope of Work using the built-in editor.
- Upload at least two supporting documents.
- Generate and review a draft quote letter
Post-Session Action Items
To reinforce learning, participants are encouraged to:
- Practice creating estimates for both real and mock projects.
- Review previous scopes and standardize frequently used SOW and SOP entries.
- Set up an internal quote letter template to align branding and formatting.
Develop a checklist for estimate creation that includes naming, documentation, and approval flow
Note: When scheduling, make sure to include this session code: CENG-04.
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