Import an estimate from an Excel file

You can import estimates from a Microsoft® Excel® file, making it easy to work with Sage Estimating (cloud), formerly Sage BidMatrix, even if your estimating system does not integrate directly with it.

  • The Excel file must contain the required columns, including bid package, phase, item, quantity, unit, total amount, and alternate information.

    The column names do not need to be identical and the columns can appear in any order. During the import, Sage Estimating (cloud) attempts to map spreadsheet columns to the appropriate fields automatically. Before completing the import, you can review the mappings, correct any mismatched fields, and map any fields that have not been matched automatically.

  • Use work breakdown structures (WBS) to assign each item to the appropriate bid package and bid package phase in the Excel file.

  • Create a new project in Sage Estimating (cloud) and select the(WBS for the project bid packages and bid package phases.

  1. Go to Projects.

  2. On the Projects page, open the project by selecting Enter on the project tile or the enter icon (Enter project icon.) next to the project row.

  3. Select Import Estimate from the toolbar.

  4. In the dialog, do the following:

    1. Select Excel, and then select Next.

    2. Drag and drop the XML file into the designated area, or select Browse to find and upload the file from your local drive.

      After the file is uploaded, Sage Estimating (cloud) displays a mapping of all the headings found in the XML file with project fields.

    3. Review the field mappings and verify that Sage Estimating (cloud) correctly matched each field to the appropriate column in the Excel file.

    4. If a field is unmatched or mapped incorrectly, use the dropdown to select the correct column from the Excel file.

      The field and column names do not need to be identical, provided the selected column contains the data for that Sage Estimating (cloud) field.

    5. Select Next to import the file.

      Sage Estimating (cloud) cannot import the Excel file if the budget or totals columns contain blank values. Ensure that all rows in these columns contain valid values before importing.

    6. If this is the first time you import an estimate or new cost category names appear in the imported file, do the following:

      1. For each category in the file, select the relevant Sage Estimating (cloud) cost category from the dropdown.

      2. If no relevant cost category exists in Sage Estimating (cloud), Admins and Librarians can create a new one by selecting Add New Category from the dropdown.

        This allows them to define a cost category and link it to the corresponding name in the imported file. Each cost category can only be mapped to one name in the file.

      3. Select Finish.

Next steps: When Sage Estimating (cloud) finishes importing the file, it displays the base bid along with all the phases included in the imported estimate. Review the imported data in Sage Estimating (cloud) to ensure that all bid packages and phases are displayed correctly and the budget totals are accurate.

The Import Estimate option will no longer be available for the project.

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