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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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