Importing a named .est file from WinEst

Before importing a WinEst estimate file

Install the Skybridge application. Skybridge enables BidMatrix to communicate with the WinEst desktop application.

For more information for on the Skybridge application, see Installing Skybridge.
In WinEst, make sure the items in the estimate are assigned to both a bid package and a bid package phase that is associated with the bid package. This is typically done by using WinEst WBS codes to represent bid package and bid package phase.
In BidMatrix, create the project into which you want to import the WinEst estimate.

You cannot import an estimate into a project where an estimate was previously uploaded. However, you can add items and modify existing items in the Estimate Sheet. Any changes you make on the estimate sheet automatically update the Summary Sheet.

To import an estimate :

In BidMatrix, open the project into which you want to import the WinEst estimate.
On the Summary Sheet toolbar, select Import Estimate.
Select Trimble/WinEst and then select Next.
Navigate to and then select the estimate you want to import.

BidMatrix displays a list of all the WBS descriptions it finds in the estimate.
From the Bid Package list, select the WBS description that represents the bid package descriptions.
From the Phase list, select the WBS description in the WinEst estimate that represents the bid package phases.
Select Next.
If this is the first time you import an estimate or new cost category names appear in the imported file, for each category in the file select the relevant BidMatrix cost category from the dropdown.
If no relevant cost category exists in BidMatrix, 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.
Select Finish.

After importing an estimate from WinEst

When the import is complete, the Summary Sheet displays a bid package for each bid package included in the WinEst estimate. You can expand a bid package in the Summary Sheet to see the phases for that bid package. Each phase also displays the budget for that phase. By default, the budget is the cumulative total of the items that were assigned to the phase in WinEst.

The Estimate Sheet is populated with every item that was in the WinEst estimate, including all item quantities, item category costs, and item WBS assignments.

The WinEst import included the item scope for each bid package phase. This is helpful as a reference, and can also help you when you are in a bid package entering a subcontractor bids and want to make sure a bid includes coverage for the entire scope of the phase.

To view the item scope for each bid package phase:

Right-click the bid package phase code or the bid package phase description.
Select Scope.