CostOS for Beginners Update (by Cost-OS LLC)

Costos for beginners







This guide is designed to acquaint construction takeoff specialists and cost estimators with the functionality of the CostOS estimating system and provide further training for the software. For amendments, additions, or suggestions to better this guide please email agreen@cost-os.com and it will update as soon as possible.


Cost-OS LLC

This document contains examples of data and reports used in the construction industry. To illustrate them, the examples may contain the names of individuals, companies, brands, and products. All these names are fictitious and any similarity to the names and addresses used by an actual person or business enterprise is entirely coincidental.
Similarly, the examples contain cost data (tax rates, wage rates, material costs, labor man-hours, productivity values, and so forth) which are for demonstration purposes only. The CostOS data should not be relied upon for any purpose other than demonstration. Other product names may be used in this publication which are for reference only and may be trademarks of other companies.
All CostOS Licensed software is provided on an "AS IS" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, except as may be set forth in the License Agreement. This publication could contain technical inaccuracies or typographical errors.
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Table of Contents
Cover Page …….……………………………………………………………………………….... 1
Cost-OS LLC ………………………….………………………………………………………… 2
Introduction to CostOS and the Enterprise Project Structure (EPS) …………………………….. 4
Toolbar: The Home Ribbon ……..………………………………………………………………. 8
The Side Navigation Panel ……………………………...……………………………………….. 9
Global Properties ………………………..………………………………..……………………. 12
User Properties ………………….……………………………………………………………… 14
Customizing the Enterprise Project Structure (EPS) View …………………………….………. 19
The Assignment Panel …………………………………………………………………………. 26
Creating Layout ……...………………………………………………………………………… 29
Changing Between Group Views ………………………………………………………………. 32
Hiding Items ……………….…………………………………………………………………… 32
Filtering Items ………………………………………………………………………………….. 33
Overview of Databases, Tables, and Other Options ………………………………………..….. 36
Group Codes and Their Functions …………………………………………….……………….. 37
Tools & Help Ribbon ……………………………..……………………………………………. 39
Creating a Project ………………………….…………………………………………………… 41
The Estimate Ribbon …………………………………....……………………………………… 44
Manual Takeoff ………………………………………………………………………………… 50
Assembly Takeoff ……………………………………………………………………………… 52
Importing Takeoff from Excel …………………………………………………………………. 56
2D Takeoff …………………...………………………………………………………………… 60
Assigning Quantities to Existing Items ………………………………..………………………. 72
Assigning 2D Takeoff with Assemblies ……………...…………………………….…………. 71
Assigning Existing 2D Takeoff Quantities to an Assembly …………………………...………. 72
Creating Blank Items using 2D takeoff …………………………..……………………………. 74
2D and 3D Takeoff .…………………….……………………………………………………… 77
World Map Takeoff …………………….…………………….…………………………………83
BIM Takeoff .…………………………...…………………………………………………....… 87
Assigning Resources ……………………………...……………………………………..…..…. 91


Introduction to CostOS and the Enterprise Project Structure (EPS)
When starting CostOS the Get Started window (Figure 1.1) is displayed. On the right side of the window are three tabs: Welcome, Learn and Support. The default tab displayed is Welcome where the user can choose to Create a New Project, which is covered later in the guide, and Web Console that opens the login screen to the CostOS web console in the user's default browser that is also covered later in the manual. The Learn tab contains three hyperlinks: Help and Manual, What's New and Training Videos (Figure 1.2). Each will open a new window with information pertaining to that option. The user can utilize these to review and troubleshoot features within CostOS. The final tab is Support (Figure 1.3) that has one option to Open A Support Ticket which opens the user's browser to the service desk login screen of Nomitech, the developers of CostOS.
Figure 1.1








Figure 1.3
Figure 1.2

After closing the Work/Get Started window the user will have access to the main CostOS window with the Enterprise Project Structure (EPS) tab (See Figure 1.4) open. The layout of the EPS tab may differ depending on the version of CostOS, or modifications made. The EPS tab is used almost exclusively to select a project already created. This is done by selecting the desired project to open and double-clicking or right-clicking and using the Open Selected option of the context window. There is also a shortcut bar at the tab level on the right hand side (Figure 1.5). opens the Create New Project window, deletes the currently selected item in the EPS tab, expands the hierarchal tree of the EPS tab, collapses the hierarchal tree of the EPS tab, and refreshes the EPS window to show newly added projects since its opening. There is also an icon that allows the user to select the Event Log (Figure 1.6). Here is a catalog of all recent changes made within CostOS, when they happened, and who they were by. Finally, is a search bar for finding projects within the EPS tab.
Figure 1.4









Figure 1.5

Figure 1.6

Figure 1.7 Right-clicking within the spreadsheet opens a context menu (Figure 1.7). When clicking, the project on the line the user's mouse clicked will become selected automatically. There are many options to chose from that reference the selected project within the context menu:

1. Zoom Map to Selected: Will relocate the World Map Visualizer to the selected project's location should it have one. The World Map Visualizer is detailed later in the guide.
2. Open Selected: Opens the project selected from clicking within the EPS tab.
3. Project Properties: Opens a window where the user may edit the selected project. This function is detailed later in the guide.
4. Delete Selected: Perminately deletes the selected project. There is no way to recover a project that has been deleted this way.
5. Hide: Hides the selected project from view within the EPS tab temporarily. This is only for the current user's view of the EPS tab.
6. Hide Others: Hides all other projects in the EPS tab other than those currently selected. Only for the current user's view.
7. Close: If the project tab is currently open, this option closes that tab.

*Figure 1.6*The other options have broader functionality for the EPS tab. Hide All will hide each project from view within the EPS temporarily for the currently logged in user. Using Load All will refresh each hidden project back into view. Close All closes all open project tabs, and Show Item(s) History has no function inside of the EPS tab.

The final option available, Edit Enterprise Project Structure opens a new window to modify the overall EPS of CostOS (Figure 1.6). Here EPS hierarchal structure may be modified and navigated through the familiar shortcut bar in the right hand corner. The icon part of the allows for second level additions to existing selected codes. There is also an additional icon that allows for excel imports of EPS structures. Designing these excel documents and importing them is covered later in the guide.
Figure 1.7 *Figure 1.8*There are four other sections on the main CostOS window. On the top-left is the toolbar (Figure 1.7), the left side holds the Navigation panel (Figure 1.8), the right section is the World Map Visualizer panel (Figure 1.9) and at the bottom of the window is the Assignments panel (Figure 1.10). Each are detailed further later in the guide.



Figure 1.9







Figure 1.10
Toolbar: The Home Ribbon
The Toolbar is located at the top-left of the CostOS window. The Home ribbon (Figure 2.1) is the default tab open on startup. Access to certain features are restricted based on the user logged in. The CostOS administrator can limit access to these features by user or user team basis within the web portal which is detailed later in the guide.
Figure 2.1
From left to right the functions of the Home Ribbon are:

1. Figure 2.2
   New Project - Opens the Create New Project window that allows the user to create a new project and enter necessary information about the project including location, type of construction, currency used, etc.
2. Enterprise Project Structure - Returns the user to the EPS spreadsheet detailed previously. While in the EPS tab this button has no use.
3. Close All Projects - closes all open projects for the user.
4. Group Codes - Calls a drop-down menu showing the nine Group Codes that are available contained within CostOS. These codes are usually setup during initial installation and can include: CSI 16, Masterformat, Uniformat, Accounting codes, and custom codes setup during implementation by the CostOS administrator (Figure 2.2).
5. Assemblies - Opens the Assemblies tab. Allows for creating, managing, and viewing of assemblies during takeoff. This option is typically Administrator specific. Assemblies are detailed later in the guide.
6. Line Items - Used to create and manage line items in the local CostOS database. This option may be restricted based on administrator privileges. Opens the Line Item Table tab. Also changes the selected ribbon of the toolbar to Table & Layouts ribbon and the navigation panel to the Resource Database window. These are detailed later in the guide.
7. Equipment, Subcontractor, Labor, Companies, Materials, Other costs - Represent the CostOS resource rate tables. Combined these resources can create items that are used to produce rates for the Projects. Each table is covered later the guide.
8. Import/Export from Excel - Used to import the database or export for an excel spreadsheet. Import/Export of Excel files are detailed later in the guide.
9. Global Properties – Administrator specific location with details that allow altering of information in CostOS. Includes Project specific details, database settings, Group Code names, currencies, unit of measurement aliases, team assignments user control, and plug-ins. This is detailed further later in this guide.

The Side Navigation Panel

Below the Home ribbon to furthest left of the CostOS window, the user will see the Navigation Panel with either the Project Cost Estimates (Figure 3.1), the Resource Database (Figure 3.2) open, or the Navigation Panel is collapsed (Figure 3.3). If the panel is collapsed a button at the top that will expand the menu (red box in Figure 3.3). Figure 3.1 and 3.2 have a similar icon wrapped in a red box that will collapse the panel.
Figure 3.2

Figure 3.3

Figure 3.2

Figure 3.4
At the bottom of the Navigation Panel are two buttons for Cost Estimating Projects and Resource Database Tree in the default settings. The currently selected menu's button will be highlighted (Figure 3.1 and 3.2). Selecting Resource Database Tree option will minimize the currently selected navigation menu and open Resource Database Tree (Figure 3.2) and the Line Item Table tab or the last resource tab that was opened.
There are other shortcut icons at the very bottom of the Navigation Panel. With the Navigation Panel collapsed these icons will be vertical like in Figure 3.3. There is a button that can be clicked and dragged up to change the icons into text buttons like Cost Estimating Projects and Resource Database Tree (Figure 3.4). These represent different tables inside CostOS: Assemblies, Line Item Database, Equipment, Companies, Labor, Subcontractor, Materials and Other Costs.
Figure 3.5

Figure 3.5
The icon at the bottom of the panel (red box Figure 3.4) opens a context window used to modify the buttons within the Navigation Panel (Figure 3.5). The remaining hotkeys available in this section are displayed in this context window if their icon is not already displayed or the button was not used to drag into display. Show More Buttons, Show Fewer Buttons, and Add or Remove Buttons are all available to edit the buttons within the Navigation Panel to the user's preference.
Selecting Option… opens a new window that offer a dynamic view for modifying the Navigation Panel buttons. There is also a Reset button available should the user desire to return to default settings.
Returning to the Cost Estimating Projects section the user can use it to access the Bill of Quantities or Project Data tab for currently open projects. Selecting Bill of Quantities returns the user to the project's main spreadsheet, which is detailed later in the guide. Clicking on the project title opens the Project Data tab (Figure 3.6).
Figure 3.6
This tab is a visual add for understanding the recourses used within a certain project. A chart appears in the bottom half of the panel that displays a pie chart based on the count of each recourse type currently within the selected project.
Figure 3.7
!worddavbe551e500030c82f26fe9dcf866345b8.png|height=67,width=215!Right clicking on the project name within the Navigation Panel opens another context window (Figure 3.7). There are three options available, but only Project Options has further functionality. This selection opens the Project Options window (figure 3.8). Project Options is detailed further later in the guide.
Figure 3.8

The final tool for a project is the Cost Visualization selection. If the project has used 3D takeoff the 3D model for those elements appears in this screen (Figure 3.9). These elements can be selected as in Figure 3.9, and details of that element appear in the BOQ Item Assignments window at the bottom of CostOS. The same navigation functions for viewing a 3D model are used in this tab, which are covered later in the guide.
Figure 3.9

Global Properties
Figure 4.1
A review of the Global Properties is recommended before beginning use of CostOS. Administrators should select the Global Properties icon on the Home ribbon. This will open a Global Properties window (figure 4.1) where viewing and editing of properties can occur. The Project Default Settings section is opened on first view with collapsible tree of settings including General, Default Energy Prices, Decimal Precision & Calculation Accuracy, Conformities for Auto-Match, and Assemblies & Takeoffs.


Figure 4.2
On the left of the Global Properties window is a navigation pane. Select Database to review the database properties in the same collapse style as in Projects (See figure 4.2). Some of these properties are administrator restrictive. This section is most useful to locate things such as a Database Name or to modify the decimal settings for that database.





Figure 4.3

Grouping is the next menu of Global Properties (figure 4.3). This is where administrators can edit fields pertaining to group codes such as the display settings and coding style of the selected group code. Coding style must match the format the group code uses.





Selecting Currencies shows some default currency types already created within CostOS (Figure 4.4). At the bottom right of the screen are two icons: and . Administrators may select the to open the Select Currency window (Figure 4.5). Here they may add other necessary currency from sixty world currencies. Adjusting the currencies exchange rate is discussed later in the guide. The is used to remove the highlighted currency in the window
Figure 4.5
Figure 4.4









Selecting the Unit Aliases icon opens a menu where administrators can manage measurements used in CostOS (Figure 4.6). Unit names are not changeable, but the Alias of the unit can be modified. There are nine custom units of measurement by default. The same and are available for adding and removing units of measurement as are in Currencies. Selecting the will open the Select Units of Measurement (Figure 4.7).
Figure 4.7
Figure 4.6












Time Units (Figure 4.8) is used for defining the hours of each unit used in CostOS. Each row within Time Units has a text field next to it that allows the user to modify the hours for that unit to the desired amount. At the bottom of the section is a descriptor of each row.
Figure 4.8

Team Alias has similar structure to the Unit Aliases and Currencies sections of Global Properties. The name of a team may be modified in the right column for that line (figure 4.9) by double clicking in that field. The symbols in the bottom right share similar functions, including the function calling a new window to add new teams (figure 4.10).
Figure 4.9


Figure 4.8






Figure 4.10

The final option Global Properties is Plug-Ins where administrators may manage third party plug-ins such as JasperServer. At least one plug-in appears in the list if CostOS was licensed with reporting software (figure 4.10). Figure 4.H has each addon tree collapsed to hide certain settings information for this example.





Clicking Apply in the bottom right hand corner while in any of these sections will apply all changes the user has made while in Global Properties and choosing OK will apply any changes and exit Global Properties. Cancel will exit Global Properties without making any changes.
User Properties

Figure 5.1
In the upper right-hand corner of CostOS is the username. Clicking on that name opens a drop-down box that contains the User Properties, Web Console and Sign Out options (Figure 5.1).
The User Properties option opens a new window of CostOS of the same name. Here, like Global Properties before, there are multiple sections of User Properties that may be accessed from the navigation icons on the left most side of the window. The options are:

1. General - Default selection when accessing User Properties. Used to view profiles (sectioned by teams) and change the current user's password for accessing CostOS (Figure 5.2). A New Avatar may be selected by clicking the current displayed in General Properties as well.
2. Network - Used for viewing properties and configuration of the network.
3. Panel Events - Used to configure refresh settings.
4. Appearance - allows for limited configuration of visual and language settings within CostOS.
5. Map - used to change settings for the visualization map such as the source of the map generated within CostOS.
6. Quotes - Altering of the Request for Quotation (RFQ) automated email may be done here.
7. Plug Ins - Settings for BIM 3D module will be here if purchased with CostOS.

Figure 5.3
Figure 5.2

Figure 5.4

Figure 5.5
!worddav98bfed515f7465b395ebfbddfb157f05.png|height=232,width=566!Returning to the user drop-down box and selecting Web Console will open the default web browser window and navigate to the CostOS Web Management Console (Figure 5.3). The console is utilized for viewing project information without access to a CostOS workstation or license. There are two tabs in the web console located in the left side of the header: Dashboard and Projects (Figure 5.4). Dashboard is a summary of the EPS and all estimates (Figure 5.5). The Projects tab is used to view the Enterprise Project Structure (Figure 5.6). It is controlled and navigated the same as within CostOS, but only displays projects that the logged in user has access to.
Figure 5.6

Figure 5.6
There are also access to Global Settings (figure 5.6) by clicking the icon on the right side of the header. The icon opens User Management (Figure 5.7) to add or edit users for CostOS. will access Column Customization (Figure 5.8) for viewing created columns within CostOS. Different functions of the web console may only be available to administrators.


Figure 5.7

Figure 5.8

Figure 5.9
Should the user need to sign out of the current user logged in to the Web Console click the username in the right corner of the header to generate a drop-down menu with a Sign Out option (Figure 5.9).

Customizing the Enterprise Project Structure (EPS) View

When initializing CostOS the Enterprise Project Structure (EPS) window is opened by default (Figure 6.1). The EPS gives the user an overview of all projects available. The displayed information within the columns of the spreadsheet can be modified to user preference which is covered later in this guide.
The World Map Visualizer on the right-hand side displays the project's location on the map if a project was giving a location at the time of creation. If the World Map Visualizer is not visible the user may either expand the visualizer to a comfortable size by clicking and dragging between the left edge of the visualizer panel and the EPS window's scroll bar.
Figure 6.1

If the World Map Visualizer is not showing with the EPS window use the icon above the scroll bar that will expand the panel. The icon above the scroll bar will collapse the panel if it is not needed.
The World Map Visualizer can be used to navigate between projects as well. The icons in the visualizer are clickable, and a single click will bring the EPS window to whichever project was selected (Figure 6.2). Double clicking them will open the selected project's tab.
Figure 6.2

Navigating the EPS table can be done with multiple other tools as well. Directly below the toolbar on the right-hand side are shortcut icons for this purpose (Figure 6.3). From left to right to right these options are: creating a new project, removing a project, expanding the EPS structure, collapsing the EPS structure, refreshing the items within the EPS, which opens a drop-down menu with an option to view the Event Log (Figure 6.4), and the search bar for keyword searching for projects within the database. These tools will change purpose depending on which tab the user is viewing in CostOS but are always of similar functions.
Figure 6.3

Figure 6.4









The EPS window is customizable, like most other tabs in CostOS. The columns may be reorganized by clicking the header and dragging to the left or right of other columns. Right-clicking within any of the column headers generates a context menu (Figure 6.5). This menu is throughout most of CostOS column headers with only minor changes on other tabs if any.
Figure 6.5

Most often these will be the choices from the context window:

1. Figure 6.6
   Add/Remove Columns - Brings up a window that shows available columns to add and columns already on display (Figure 6.6). On the left are the available columns and to the right are the columns already being used. The same collapse and expand icons can be utilized for the available columns to make searching easier, and a search bar in the right-hand corner lets the user find needed columns by keyword. Between both sections are and buttons. These are used to move columns from inactive to active. Clicking on a column on the right, and one on the left then clicking will bring the column to the active side set below the column selected in the right section. Selecting will bring the selected column on the right section into the inactive section on the left and place it back inside of the correct group. The and buttons above Tables Column allows the user to adjust the highlighted column's positioning relative to the other active columns.
2. Hide Column - Removes the column right clicked to bring up the context menu.
3. Freeze Column - Locks the column that was right clicked to keep it from going out of view when using the horizontal scroll bar of the EPS. This will also lock any columns to the left of the one selected and keep them from being hidden when side scrolling.
4. Figure 6.7
   Enable/Disable Column Filters - Allows users to enable and disable filtering within columns. Disabling Column filtering will remove the to the right that allows access to a drop-down menu with filter options as well as access to creating a custom filter for that column (Figure 6.7). Selecting custom will bring a small window up that has another drop down selection for the type of filter desired. Depending on the selection other fields may appear within the window to specify the filter parameters (Figure 6.8).
5. Figure 6.9
   Figure 6.8
   Enable Column Grouping - Allows for hierarchical grouping of frozen columns. After enabling an empty box will appear over the Names column (Figure 6.9) where columns can be dragged and dropped to create the desired viewing structure. The steps for this process are: Right click any column header and select Enable Column Grouping to show Figure 6.9. Right click the column desired and select Freeze Column (Note: All columns to the left of selected column not frozen will become frozen or unfrozen depending on freezing being activated or deactivated). After the columns are frozen, they will be able to be dragged into the Column Grouping section. From here the frozen columns may be dragged into the empty space in Figure 6.9 to set up hierarchal viewing. This grouping process can be used throughout CostOS on spreadsheet or database sections.
6. Show Group Column - Disabling will hide the frozen grouped columns set through Column Grouping and Freeze Column.
7. Layout - Opens the Layout Management window (Figure 6.10) where the user may choose from a predefined layout in CostOS. Layouts will be covered later in this guide.

Figure 6.10

1. Figure 6.11
   Expand to Level - Allows for quick viewing of specific leveling. Hovering over the selection will open another context window for choosing which level is desired to be viewed (Figure 6.11).
2. Expand/Collapse All - Identical options to the buttons found throughout CostOS.
3. Auto Resize this Column/Auto Resize all Columns - Resizes either the selected column or each column far enough that information is completely viewable within that column.

The EPS window's structure can be modified on many different levels to optimize the view further. Return to the EPS window and right-click within the EPS window to open a context window (Figure 6.12). Select Edit Enterprise Project Structure to begin modifying the window (Note: without a project in the EPS this option will not be available).




Figure 6.12

A new window will open labeled Edit Enterprise Project Structure (See Figure 6.13). This window has each tool necessary to manage the EPS window.
Figure 6.13

Figure 6.14
in the top right of the window organized with all other navigation tools for this window. This will create a new group code line with an in place of a title (Figure 6.14). Give the new group code the desired name in place of the icon to continue.
Figure 6.15

With the newly generated code's line highlighted click the next to to generate a drop-down menu with the option to Insert New Child Below (Figure 6.15).
Figure 6.16
Choosing this option will create the next hierarchical level for the group code that was highlighted. This will generate a .10 (Figure 6.16) second level for the code. The same is generated in place of a name for this new level. Naming the level will remove the icon.

In the toolbar there are four black arrows that allow for fast shifting of created codes: . Selecting the will move the code one level higher. Selecting the will move the code one level lower. and are used to reorder codes within the same level.
Once all necessary modifications are finished, selecting Update in the bottom right hand corner will save changes made within this window and return the user to the EPS screen. Cancel will remove any changes made and return the user to the EPS screen.


The Assignment Panel

Figure 7.1
icon between the horizontal and vertical scroll bars of the EPS window that will expand the Assignment Panel. It will then change to an icon that may be used to collapse the panel.
Figure 7.2
There are three different tabs at the bottom left of the Assignment Panel while in the EPS window (Figure 7.2). They are: Description, Projects/Sub-Projects, and User/Teams
Figure 7.3
In the Description tab project descriptions are detailed. These are originally input during their creation, but the provide information will be displayed within this tab. Right-clicking on a project within the EPS window and selecting Project Properties opens the Project Options window described previously in the guide where a Description tab is available to input or edit new information (Figure 7.3).

Figure 7.4
The next tab is labeled Projects/ Sub Projects and includes information about the project such as file location and completion percentage as columns (figure 7.4). As before with the EPS table, the user can modify the columns to show desired information by right clicking the column titles within Assignments and using the context window. This context window's options are like the EPS window's context window and utilized the same way.
Right-clicking within the field of Assignment panel will call another context menu (Figure 7.5). Within this menu is an option to Create New Sub-Project. This will open a new window (Figure 7.6) where the user may make a copy of the project for "What if" purposes (like estimates). Double Clicking within the window while on the Projects/Sub-Projects spreadsheet will also open the Create New Sub-Project window. There are also options to close the project or deleting the selected project from the context window. Creating a project is detailed later in the guide.
Figure 7.5

Figure 7.6

The final tab is Users/Teams and is for viewing the users that have access to the currently selected project (Figure 7.7) and for editing user permissions for projects. The columns can be modified as with the previous sections by right-clicking in the column title as before. Below each column is a check box for each user allowed access to this project. These enable the functions described by the column for the user in this project. Removing the check in the box will disable that function for the user.
Figure 7.7
Figure 7.8

Figure 7.9
Right-clicking in the spreadsheet while on this tab will open a context window for fast modification of this project's users (Figure 7.8). Choosing Add Project User will open a new window (Figure 7.9) where a new user may be set up to access the project.


Figure 7.10

If Edit Project User is selected, it will bring another window up that allows the CostOS administrator to adjust the highlighted user access roles of that project (Figure 7.10). Here administrators can add or remove permissions through descriptive check boxes. These are the same check boxes present in the columns mentioned earlier.
Remove Project User will remove the highlighted user after a verification window.
Figure 7.11

There is also a toolbar for the Assignments panel that performs the same function (Figure 7.11) , will remove the selected user, will edit the selected user and open the Modify Project User window, will open the Add Project User window and the search bar allows for quick key word searching of the users for the current project.
Creating Layouts

Creating a view in CostOS allows the user to customize the display of software information i.e. the font, font colors, displaying underlines, etc. Layouts may be saved as public or private depending on user preference. One way to access the Layout Editor window is to navigate to the Table & Layout ribbon (Figure 8.1).
Figure 8.1

The Table & Layouts ribbon is divided into five sections: Column and Sorting Layouts, Clipboard, Expand, Panels, Rows. Each has multiple features, some which are duplicates of other functions in CostOS. Beginning from the right side of the ribbon is the Rows section. This section is used as another way to modify the rows of the current accessed project. Add New Items, Edit Selected, Send to Excel, and Apply Filter will each open a new window for the user to utilize that modification tool in an optimal manor. Send to Excel will create an Excel datasheet out of the current selected window. Apply Filter allows the user to use already created filters within the database or create a new one. These and the other sections of Table & Layouts will be detailed further later in this manual.
Figure 8.2

Using the Save Layout As icon in Column & Sorting will open the Save Layout window where the user can design a new layout and save it for later use (Figure 8.2).
As seen in Figure 8.2 there are many options to choose from to modify the layout template. The first section to be modified is the Name at the top of the window. This will be important in the future, especially in the Enterprise version as layouts can be made public to all users. A group will need to be input in the following text box as well. After these inputs there are fields of checkboxes that are as follows:

1. Wrap Text to Multiple Lines - When checked any lines of text extending past a single line will insert into the following line and the row's height will extend as needed. If unchecked, and the text does not fit within the column, it will cut off at the edge of that column.
2. Show as Tree - This will set spreadsheet items to show in a parent/child relationship tree.
3. Show Row Header - Toggles the row headers on or off.
4. Show Vertical/Horizontal Grid-Lines - allows for removal of the default lines separating rows and columns in the spreadsheet.
5. Span Across Freezing Rows - With this option chosen text will span across frozen columns. If unchecked text will be cut off when it reaches the edge of that column.
6. Show Frozen Columns Separator - When this is check, it will display a dark line that shows where the user is attempting to place a frozen column they are drag-dropping.
7. Show Row Stripes - When chosen each line in the view will alternate between two colors. The dropdown boxes next to this field allow for modification of the two colors to be alternated.
8. Make Layout be used by a set of users - Sets layout as default for specified users. Can be single users, or teams that have already been set up.
9. Make this Layout Public to Other Users - As previously stated this option is only available in the Enterprise version of CostOS. If checked all users accessing the same CostOS database will have access to the saved layout.
10. Grid - Alters the color of the grid lines based off the two dropdown menus to the right of this option. The first menu will control almost all grid lines, and the second changes the color of lines separating the frozen columns from the rest of a spreadsheet.

Figure 8.3
At the bottom of the Save Layout menu are other fields that control the view of spreadsheet items. By column these are:

1. Levels/ Font Styles - Controls font for the code by the level declared to the left of the dropdown menu. This drop-down box will bring up a context menu that has options for modifying font choices, size, and the style (italic or bold) of the text for that level (Figure 8.3).
2. Foreground/ Background - These two columns control the colors of the cells in the corresponding levels. The foreground option will modify the text color while the background will change the cell color.
3. Underline - this check box will underline all text for the corresponding level if selected.

There are two options to access created layouts. First, the Open Layouts button within the Table & Layouts ribbon (Figure 8.1) opens a menu with all available layouts Figure 8.4). The second option is for the user to right-click a column header and choose the Layout option from the context menu (Figure 8.5) that opens the same menu.
Figure 8.4

Figure 8.5

Changing Between Group Views

There are many different group codes that can be viewed within CostOS. WBS, Uniformat, CSI Masterformat, and other custom group codes may have tabs at the bottom of the Project spreadsheet (Figure 9.1). The user may alternate views between these groups by simply clicking on the desired group code tab.
Figure 9.1

Figure 9.2

If the group code desired for viewing is not present, right click one of the tabs to bring up a context menu (Figure 9.2). This menu will list all group codes available for view, where the user may select codes to create a tab for viewing in that format. Group Codes will be detailed later in this manual.


Hiding Items

Figure 10.1
CostOS allows for users to selectively view items or objects within the software. Hiding items is one way to achieve this. Hiding items allows the user to view only preferred information and items while hiding the rest until needed. One option for hiding items is within the Table & Layout Ribbon in the Rows section (Figure 10.1).
Figure 10.2
Selecting the top half of the Hide Items icon will hide all the line items within the current window. The bottom half of the icon will open a drop-down menu with 3 different options (Figure 10.2): Hide Selected which hides the selected item(s), Hide Others which hides each item that is not selected, and Hide All Items which hides each line item regardless of selections. Right-clicking within the spreadsheet window of a project opens a context window with the same hiding options as the ribbon icon (Figure 10.3).
Figure 10.3

Filtering Items

Figure 11.1
Filtering items within CostOS is also another way to view specific information. This can be done through an icon as well within the Table & Layouts section Rows (Figure 11.1). After selecting this option, a Filter Spreadsheet window will appear (Figure 11.2). This window can modify every column available to the user. The and In the top right corner work as featured in previous windows will allow the user to add or remove filters. Adding a filter will open another window with the option to name the new filter (Figure 11.3).
Figure 11.2

Figure 11.3

Figure 11.4
!worddavc431facfa9f948835f3e785c0ff1fc45.png|height=52,width=376!After inputting a name and clicking ok the filter setting are generated. Use the scroll bar to view all available fields and locate the Quantity 1 filter (Figure 11.4) using the scroll bar to view all available fields. For practice the user can change the filter condition of Quantity 1 to locate zero quantities. First apply the filter check the box located on the right of the window under the Use column. The text box for Quantity 1 under the Condition can now be modified. Replace the > with a = to make this filter search for all quantities of 0 (Figure 11.5). Clicking on the Filter button in the bottom right hand corner will apply this filter to your currently viewed project.
Figure 11.5

Figures 11.6 and 11.7 show an example project before and after applying this filter.
Figure 11.6




Figure 11.7

Another way to filter within CostOS is to use the Column Filtering from the context window briefly covered earlier in the manual. As before the user can right-click in the column header of a window and chose the Enable Column Filters option (Figure 11.8). This will modify the appearance of the column headers adding the filter drop-down menu (Figure 11.9).
Figure 11.8

Figure 11.9

With Enable Column Filters the column headers will have icons to the right of each name. Clicking these icons will generate drop down boxes with options that vary depending on which column's filter drop down box was chosen. There are many options for filtering including a filter to view empty cells within that column.
Figure 11.10
Custom filters may be created as well through this option by choosing Custom... (Figure 11.9) and open a small Custom Filter for window (Figure 11.10). The filter window allows for filtering in a finer detail. The drop-down menu in this window are used to generate logical statements that filter the selected column to the user's desired view. After changing the condition drop-down menu to an option other than is any number a Value(s): field will be generated with another drop-down menu (Figure 11.11) with many options depending on the column being filtered.
Figure 11.11

To remove filters the load all items from option back in the Table & Layout ribbon (figure 11.12) or right clicking in the estimate spreadsheet and select Load All from the context window (figure 11.13)
Figure 11.12

Figure 11.13

Overview of Databases, Tables, and Other Options

This section of the manual is meant to be a brief overview, as advanced functions will only be performed by the CostOS administrator.
Figure 12.1

There are a total of seven databases and tables within CostOS and are accessed through the Home ribbon (figure 12.1). Most are used to house either the line items or the resources attached to the line items and the pricing information. CostOS utilizes three types of tables:
Figure 12.2

1. Figure 12.3
   Assemblies - houses all assemblies (simple, smart, models, and parametric) that are used during takeoff. This can be accessed in two ways; from the Home ribbon (figure 12.2) or the side navigation pane as discussed earlier in the manual (figure 12.3)
2. Line Item Database - The source of information in CostOS. All relational data that the project needs to create the pricing is housed here in this database. Accessed the in the same location as before (Figure 12.2 and 12.3)
3. Resource Databases- Each feed the line item database's prices but Companies. Companies is used to store information of vendors and contractors that can be used for the Quote Management function CostOS offers. (Figure 12.2) The other five tables are: Equipment, Subcontractor, Labor, Companies, Materials, and Other Costs.

Group Codes and Their Functions

Data is sorted by group codes within CostOS and make large amounts of data manageable. These may commonly be referred to as sort codes. There are also group codes programmed within CostOS that users may already be familiar with many included: WBS, CSI 16, Uniformat, Masterformat, etc. To view each available group code, navigate to the Home ribbon and click the Group Codes icon. This will open a drop-down menu (Figure 13.1).
Figure 13.1

There are nine available group codes within CostOS. These are often designed and set during implementation by Cost-OS support. After selecting the desired group code, a corresponding tab will open featuring that code's structure (Figure 13.2). Figure 13.2 is an example of the basic CSI 16 Division coding structure. Should there be a need to add or modify the coding structure it may be done so in this tab. This is done through the same interaction that other Cost-OS spreadsheets utilize.
Figure 13.2

Figure 13.2

The Grouping section of Global Properties is also another place to modify the structure of a group code. Here are General sections that effect each code, and nine different sections available for each group code to help their design. There are also three icons at the top: . The icon organizes the settings options alphabetically, the creates a hierarchal breakdown familiar to CostOS so the user may minimize sections not being reviewed, and the icon generates the box at the bottom of the screen that provides details about the setting currently selected.
Tools & Help Ribbon
Figure 14.1

Figure 14.2
The next ribbon to be covered is Tools & Help (Figure 14.1). Here the user can access many different functions of CostOS focused on dynamic functions, troubleshooting, or learning tools of CostOS. Many of these functions are meant for administrator use only. As such this section will be a brief overview and contacting CostOS any further inquiry. There are 10 functions within the Tools & Help Ribbon:

1. Function Development - This tool should be limited to the CostOS administrator. Used for developing formulas and queries that can automate cost estimating and are written using either excel formulas, SQL queries, or JavaScript. After accessing a new Functions window will open (Figure 14.2). In this window there is a view tree like others within CostOS with an icon, icon, a search bar, and an icon to load all already existing functions. In the bottom right hand corner are icons for importing and exporting functions from excel and editing the already existing functions. Hovering a mouse over these icons will show each's purpose.
2. Quotes Template - Opens the subcontractor quote template view where the user can edit the template. The quote template is used when sending out subcontractor and material price quotes within CostOS.
3. Location Factors - These are set during the implementation process and manage by the CostOS administrator. These allow the estimator to use a factoring process, based upon location, to adjust the rates of resources depending on the location of the project.
4. Columns Customization - Like Location Factors, these should be set up during implementation of CostOS. If the custom column is not set before takeoffs begin, the column calculations will not work.
5. Figure 14.3
   External Datasources - This feature allows the user to directly connect CostOS with other SQL or Oracle based databases. The user can query external SQL databases within CostOS to bring line items into the estimate spreadsheet.
6. License Manager - Only available in the Enterprise version of CostOS. Allows the user to remove the current license in use by that user.
7. Figure 14.4
   Training Videos - Opens a window where the user will see a list of training videos that the CostOS team has put together (Figure 14.3). These are very useful for a beginner or an advanced user honing their skills.
8. Tip of the Day - Generates a tip related to CostOS in a pop-up window.
9. Online Support - Opens an external page to the internet, where the user will have access to the help page (Figure 14.4). Used for help supporting advanced technical issues or researching more advanced features of CostOS.
10. Figure 14.5
    Help Contents - Opens a window where the user will have access to help articles that can answer some of the questions about the functionality and use of the CostOS platform (Figure 14.5).

Creating a Project

Figure 15.1
With the basic functions of CostOS now covered, the user can begin the basics of creating a new project. To create a project in CostOS, the user must begin on the Home ribbon and choose the New Project icon (Figure 15.1). This will open the Create New Project window (Figure 15.2).


Figure 15.2

Layout is the first field of the project users will see. User created estimate layouts will be present in the drop-down menu next to this field. Next, the user will select an option from Variable Templates. This refers to the Project Variables and can be used for a variety of functions such as affecting the cost of the project. This is another advanced function that is managed by the CostOS administrator.

After selecting a Variable Template, Code / Revision is the next field required to create a new project. This is extremely important as it cannot be changed after the creation of the project. Code / Revision may be any characters but has a maximum of nine digits available. A coding convention is suggested to standardize format and better sort the EPS. The user will then give this project a name in the Project Name field which can be changed after project creation unlike it is Code / Revision. For projects actual names standard naming conventions are also suggested for efficient sorting.
The next field will vary depending on the version of CostOS in use. For the enterprise version, it is named Database URL (Figure 15.2) and in the stand-alone version it will be named Project File. The icon to the right of the field allows the user to select the file location's save path in the stand-alone version. In the enterprise version this icon will open the New Project Database Connection window (Figure 15.3).
Figure 15.3

This is more dynamic than the stand-alone version's options. At first the user will have only three fields of choices: Data-Source, Workspace Folder, and Database Server. Data-Source determines whether the project being created is used as a single user file (CEP) or a multi-user file (Database). This choice is extremely important; changing the project to a multiuser file will change which fields are editable on the New Project Database Connection window (figure 15.4). The Workspace Folder will be faded and unchangeable after switching Data-Source to a Multiuser. This is because a database file will be saved on the SQL server's database. With a CEP file the save location can be anywhere.
Database Server will most likely not need to be changed and should read close to what is displayed in figure 15.3. When Data-Source is set to single user Database Server will be unchangeable. This field should have a SQL Server and its version selected.
Figure 15.4
that will open another window labeled Select Enterprise Project Structure window (Figure 15.4). This is the same window that was used before to create the structure of the EPS and is functional the same. Modifying the EPS can be done from here as well with the same toolbar available in the right side of the header as before.
Figure 15.5
The rest of creating a new project are optional. Clicking finish now will generate the new project for use, however some valuable information will be left out and possibly need to be added after creation of the project. Geo-Location has a familiar function to that of the Database and EPS fields with a button that will open a window labeled Select Position in World Map (Figure 15.6). There will be a search box in the upper right corner of the window. Here the user may search for a specific location. After inputting a search, the column below it will populate search results that may be clicked for immediate positioning of that location on the map (Figure 15.5). If given enough detail the search may be as specific as an address or street.
Figure 15.6

The blue pin on the World Map (red square figure 15.6) shows the established location of the project on the world map. The user can move the pin by clicking and dragging it through the map. Clicking on the map in a different will relocate the blue pin. After finding the desired location choosing Select at the bottom of the screen will return the user to the New Project window. With the Geo Location now chosen, a set of coordinates will be populated (figure 15.7). The final field of this section is Description where any noteworthy information for the project can be input by the user such as URL links.
Figure 15.7

Select Next at the bottom of the screen to navigate to the second part of the Create New Project: Set project options (figure 15.8). Using at least the first two fields is highly suggested. These two options will allow the user to select the icon displayed on the World Map Visualizer. Both Project Type Icon and SubCategory Icon have drop-down menus (figure 15.9 and 15.10). The SubCategory Icon drop-down menu options will change depending on the Project Type Icon chosen. For the examples in this manual Buildings will be chosen for Project Type Icon. The user should spend some time familiarizing themselves with the different icons before continuing further.
Figure 15.8

Figure 15.10
Figure 15.9

Job Size is the next field and is the total size of the project that is to be estimated. This field will directly correlate to the next field: Size Unit. Size Unit has a drop-down unit that shows all available measurement units within CostOS. Together these two options will allow the user to select the desired units that an estimator would use and set the overall size of the project in the unit specified.
The next field is Identical Projects. This tells CostOS how many other projects to use as What-If projects and subprojects which will be covered later in the guide.
Substructure Size is used to indicate whether any underground parts of the project are required. This is set by the user the same as Job Size. After finishing with these inputs, the user should click Next to continue to the third section of the Create New Project window.
The next section is labeled Set contractor information (Figure 15.11). This is used for general information about the contractor. This window can be skipped if the user wishes. The first field is used to identify the contractors name, and the second is for naming the estimating manager. Images may be set at the bottom of the section where the file path text field is (red square Figure 15.11). These are all used for reporting CostOS projects. If this is a multiuser project the image that is chosen must reside on a server location that all users have access to. If an image that is not available to all users is used, it will not display in CostOS or on reports. After setting each of these fields use the Next> option again to move to the fourth section.
Figure 15.11

Figure 15.12
The next section Set client and location details is for setting information about the client and about the project itself (Figure 15.12). Client Name and Client Budget are available as the first two fields for the user to set that information as needed. The next three fields, State/Province, Project Location, and Project Country are for allowing the user to set the client's location and to alter it if different from the Geo Location previously set. Payment Duration (Months) is used to help CostOS interaction with Primavera P6. Start Date is used to set beginning of the project and to interact with Primavera P6 as well. The Use Location Factors check box is for allowing the user to use location factors that have already been set up. This is an important option that should be a focus of the user. If checked the drop-down menu for Base Factors Profile below it will be accessible. These will have a list of all available location factors and their sources (Figure 15.13). After selecting the desired location factor click Next> again to move to the fifth section of the window.
Figure 15.13

Set resource prices is used to set energy prices for the project (Figure 15.13). Setting these will help determine the cost of a project more precisely. Prices should be set for each resource that are the most current in this area of the project. Click Next> again to go to the last section of creating a project.






Set other properties is the final section used to determine the base currency of the location of the project, how many decimal places the user wishes to display, the divider scale interval and the way decimals are rounded after being cut off with the Display Decimal Precision. After all necessary information has been set the user will select Finish to generate the project into the EPS. If any section needs to be modified or something has been missed the user may use the back button at the bottom of the screen to go to previous sections of the window, or simply click the title name underneath the Steps section on the left-hand side of the window.
Figure 15.13

The Estimate Ribbon
Figure 16.1

After creating a new project CostOS will generate the project window and the user's home ribbon will be at the Estimate ribbon (Figure 16.1). This is where most of the work will take place in CostOS. Here is a quick overview of each button in the Estimate ribbon:

1. Excel Worksheet - Opens a window that will allow the user to review and compare revisions of Excel spreadsheets, whether exported from CostOS or not.
2. Figure 16.2
   Add Takeoffs - Gives the user the takeoff options in a drop-down menu (Figure 16.2) if the bottom half of the button is clicked. Clicking on the top half of the button will open the takeoff window of whichever was last chosen from the drop-down menu, or the BIM takeoffs by default. Takeoffs will be detailed later in the guide.
3. Figure 16.3
   Add Assemblies - Gives access to the CostOS Assemblies window with the top half of the button. Assemblies are used to streamline takeoff. Clicking the bottom half of the icon will give the user access to all available assemblies by showing their icon as a clickable (red square Figure 16.3). Hovering over the icons with the mouse will display the assemblies name.
4. Add Estimate items - Accesses the database tables that are available in CostOS. This allows the user to add single or multiple line items to the project.
5. Set Grouping - While the user has an item(s) selected, this will open a window that lets the user set the Group Code for the item or items selected.
6. Figure 16.4
   Assign Quantities - Allows the user to use the CostOS takeoff methods to assign quantities to the selected item. Clicking the top half button will use the most recent method like with Add Assemblies. The bottom half will open a drop-down menu with different types available (Figure 16.4). Quantities will be detailed later in this guide.
7. Assign Resources - Assigns resources from a chosen resource database for all currently selected items by clicking the top half of the button. The drop-down menu bottom half will give the user the options for the source of these resources.
8. Review Resources - Displays a window that shows all resources already assigned to the line item currently selected.
9. Cleanup Assignments - Opens a window that will let the user remove resources and takeoff or reject an already accepted quote.
10. Project Variables - Opens the Project Variables window. These are used in various ways in CostOS and maintained by the administrator. A user can always display these but may not be able to edit them. Project Variables will be detailed later in the guide.
11. Modify Assemblies - While in Assembly View this allows the user to modify the selected assembly. Opens a window that gives users the ability to change the previously inputted assembly take off. Note: If an assembly is not selected or there is not an assembly takeoff in the project, CostOS will display all assemblies that are available to the user.
12. Modify Takeoffs - Like Modify Assemblies, this allows the user to change the takeoff of the selected item.
13. Synchronize Rates - Generates a window that allows the user to sync the rates of all the items currently in the project. Be wary when using this option as any rates adjusted at the spreadsheet level will be changed to the rates that are in the selected database.
14. Global Change - Allows the user to make a change to every item in the spreadsheet, a group of chosen resources, or the items that are selected. The change could be a multiplier, flat rate, or a value to divide the selected rate.
15. Exchange Rate - Gives the user access to a window that allows for the management of currencies' exchange rates either through current online exchange rates or through an Excel Spreadsheet.
16. Material Escalation - Calls a window that displays the rates at which raw materials have risen or fallen over a set period.
17. Quote Management - Manages the quotes that are sent out through CostOS. The quotes themselves, the company's quotes are sent to, and whether to reject or accept them are all accessed through this feature.
18. Request a Quote - Allows the user to do one of three things: Request a material quote, request a subcontractor quote, or open the Quote Management window.
19. Submit Received Quote - After receiving quotes that have been sent out back, the user will use this feature to enter those quotes into CostOS for use in pricing.
20. Auto Award Quotes - After entering available quotes, the user can use this option for three choices in which to award quotes: best price, middle price or best price and performance.

Manual Takeoff

Manual takeoff involves adding a single or multiple line items to the spreadsheet without calling on the database or another method of takeoff. There are two ways to manually add items to the spreadsheet. For the first as the reader may have already noticed the mouse symbol changes to a with insert text below it when inside of a project spreadsheet's empty row. Double clicking when the mouse while it is like this will add a blank item to the spreadsheet (Figure 17.1). The second way to add items to the spreadsheet is in the upper right corner that should be familiar to the user by now. This will also add a blank item to the spreadsheet. The rest of the toolbar's buttons are similar in function to the same buttons from previous sections of CostOS.
Figure 17.1


After adding a blank item to the spreadsheet, the user can now edit the desired fields by double-clicking within them. Note that since these rates are not coming from a database, a plug will appear next to any number, except for quantity, that is added to the blank item. The plug will be detailed further in this guide.
Figure 17.2
The other way to perform manual takeoff is adding items from either the Line Item or Online database. To do so, navigate to the Add Estimate Items button located on the Estimate Ribbon (Figure 17.2).
Figure 17.3

Figure 17.4

This will open a window to access the Line-Item database (Figure 17.3). If nothing is available when first opened right-click within the line items table anywhere to bring up a context window and choose Load All (Figure 17.4) or choose the in the bottom right of the window. Hovering over the icons will show their names if the user is having trouble locating the correct options.

After loading the database, the user can either navigate through manually or use the search bar in the upper right-hand corner. The + icon next to group codes expands that tree section for search and the - emblem will collapse it again. This can be done each on each level of the group code until reaching the lowest level. The search bar (red square Figure 17.3) is used to locate items by their specific title. CostOS will locate the appropriate items matching the search. After choosing all applicable items the user will click the Add Items button in the bottom right of the window. To select multiple items the user can use the Ctrl key to select multiple items that are not grouped together or use the Shift key to select all items in between the first and second item selected. Once the items are added, the user can either manually enter the quantities or use another takeoff method to fill this field. This will be covered later. Note: Selecting items in an expanded tree and the collapsing that tree will deselect the items and they will not be added to the spreadsheet.
Assembly Takeoff

Figure 18.1
Navigate to the Add Assemblies button (Figure 18.1) in the Estimate ribbon to begin working with assemblies. Once clicked the Add Estimate Items from Resource Database window will be display (Figure 18.2). This is the same window opened with Add Estimate Items but will have the Assemblies table selected. The user will select the assemblies that match their takeoff needs from this window like the way the Line Items were chosen.
Figure 18.2

Once the user selected the desired assembly or multiple assemblies, clicking the Add Items button at the bottom right of the window will generate these assemblies' Spreadsheet Generation window (Figure 18.3).
Figure 18.3

Figure 18.4
Here is where the user answers questions that are presented from the assemblies chose. The example in figure 18.C may be completely different from the assemblies chosen during actual use. Assemblies are highly customizable within CostOS and many may appear completely different. Next to some measurements a will appear for quantity takeoff. Clicking this will open a window that allows users to assign the quantities of the parameter (Figure 18.4). Takeoff modules will be covered further in this section.
As the user answers the questions in the Spreadsheet Generation, they may notice the bar graph in the bottom left of the window change. This is a graphical representation for the cost built in the assembly.


Figure 18.5

Figure 18.5 is an image of the bottom of the Spreadsheet Generation window. The functions of these buttons are as follows:

1. Cancel - Closes the window and adds no item to the spreadsheet that were not previously added.
2. Reset to Defaults - Changes all parameters back to what they were before the user began answering the assembly questions.
3. Add to Spreadsheet - Faded out and unusable if the user either has not finished the necessary information for the assembly to produce any items or there is more than one assembly being used. Adds all items generated by the assembly and closes the window.
4. Add to Spreadsheet and Continue - This will function like the Add to Spreadsheet button except it will not close the window.
5. Previous and Next - Tabs through multiple assemblies that may have been selected.

After entering all parameters into the assembly, the user needs to choose one of these options. After successfully finishing the assemblies will generate items and add them to the spreadsheet (Figure 18.6).
Figure 18.6

Notice in figure 18.F the items are all clumped together, and the user has no way to differentiate where the items have come from. At the bottom left corner of the spreadsheet is a cube shaped icon (red square figure 18.6) next to the other cost resource table navigation tabs. Clicking this will change its color and the view of the spreadsheet (figure 18.7). All the items are group together under the heading of the assembly that generated it. The user may hover their mouse over the cube icon to see what function clicking will perform.
Figure 18.7

While in the assembly view, the Modify Assemblies button can be used without calling all the available assemblies. To do this, click on the assembly's title row and click the Modify Assemblies button on the Estimate Ribbon. Note: The assembly title must be clicked not an item. Modifying an assembly will call the selected assembly's Spreadsheet Generation window and all the answers the user input to generate the items. Here the user can change the answer and review the cost changes.
If for some reason the user needs to delete all items generated by an assembly, click on the assembly's title row while in the assembly view, and use the to delete all items within that assembly. If the user wishes to remove just a single item from an assembly, select the item and either click the or push delete on the keyboard. Note: if the user deletes items from an assembly and then modifies the assembly the deleted item will be added back to the project and must be deleted again.


Importing Takeoff from Excel

Sometimes an estimator receives an Excel spreadsheet with items that needs to be moved in to the CostOS project. This process can be achieved with a simple copy and paste. Figure 19.1 is an example of an Excel spreadsheet the user may acquire from another department. While in Excel, highlight the cells only that need to be imported into CostOS then either right- click and select copy or press ctrl + C. Using the select all function will select empty cells and vastly increase the amount of information used for this import which can cause issues with this process. Once the information from Excel has been copied onto the computer's clip board open CostOS and go into the Project's Spreadsheet. Now paste the copied information, to do this either right-click and select past or press ctrl + V. After pasting, the user will see a window familiar to Figure 19.2.
Figure 19.1

Figure 19.2

Figure 19.2 is where the user will map the columns. This gives CostOS know what the information is and the corresponding column in which it will be placed. At the top of this window, there are six fields that need to be addressed (red square figure 19.2) the six fields are:

1. Group Column - This will tell which column is to be used for grouping purposes. This can be a Group Code that has been previously set, like a WBS code.
2. Group to Use - Using this field the user will select the Group Code that will correspond to the Group Column field.
3. Decimal Separator - The user will need to select whether CostOS uses a decimal or a comma to separate the digits.
4. Match Column - Allows CostOS to match items in the database to the items in the Excel import. This function will call the items if they in one of the available databases.
5. Match Type - Use this field to let CostOS know which database to query for finding the items that are in the Excel import.
6. Match Field - This field will tell CostOS which field to query when it searches the database for the items to find pricing.

Figure 19.3

Next, the user must finish mapping the Excel column themselves. To do this click on the column headers and a dropdown menu will show. Select the column that corresponds with the information from the import (Figure 19.3).
When the user arrives at the unit of measurement column, another window will be called by CostOS. In this window, CostOS will now need the user to verify that the units of measurement from the import match what is available in the program (figure 19.4).


Figure 19.4

In this window the fields to the left correspond with the units of measurement from the Excel import and the fields on the right are the measurements that are available in CostOS. The user will need to double-click the right field to activate it so that it can be edited to match the unit of measurements in the software. Once activated, the user can select the unit two ways, either by using the drop-down menu and scrolling through the options or typing in the unit. If typing the unit CostOS will not allow the user to choose a unit of measurement that is not already predefined. These are managed in the Global Properties under the Unit Aliases section.
Figure 19.5
In some cases, it is necessary to edit data that is being imported. CostOS has tools already in place to perform these functions keeping the user from needing to revisit the Excel spreadsheet. To access these tools, the user will need to right-click on the offending row and a pop-up menu will appear (Figure 19.5).

In this menu the user can perform tasks that make the information from the spreadsheet readable for CostOS. The most typical row that needs to be removed is the row that houses the column headers from the Excel import. To perform this action the user will select the row, and right-click while hovering the mouse over the last option of the menu: Remove Rows. This will show the user a pop out menu containing further options (Figure 19.6). The options are self-explanatory within this menu.
Figure 19.6
This may not be the only action needed. The Merge in one Row option from the original drop-down menu will allow the user after selecting multiple rows to merge them into a single row.

Figure 19.7
From the same drop-down menu, the user may also need to utilize the Auto-Migrate All Rows function. This will open another pop-up menu (figure 19.7) with three more options. Remove all empty rows will automatically remove all rows that do not hold any information. Merge multi-line rows will search through the imported data and locate rows that should logically be merged and combine the into a single row. It is recommended that the user checks the import after using this option to verify CostOS performed this function correctly. Last, reset rows to original state will remove the actions that have been performed on the imported data.
After performing all necessary tasks and the imported data is prepped and ready to be moved into CostOS click the Add Items button in the bottom right corner of the Paste Table: Identify Columns and Group Codes window (Figure 19.2). CostOS will then process the items and attempt to match them to existing items in the selected database. Once that process is complete, all items should now be placed inside of the Project Spreadsheet (Figure 19.8).
Figure 19.8

Figure 19.9
If the CostOS databases do not have the items present, the user can add them to the database and use them for future imports. Select the items to be moved into the Line Item database and right-click. This will open a context menu (Figure 19.9) where the user will see the option Transfer to Line-Items Database. After selecting this option another window will open (Figure 19.10).


Figure 19.10

For this example, the user would need to select the options Convert Missing DB References to Local DB References and Automatically set the status for all items to 'Completed'. Then click Transfer in the bottom right hand corner. Once CostOS has finished processing the information the new items will be displayed inside the Line Item database. Here the user can assign resources or adjust the pricing. Now that the items are in the database they can be used in future imports and their rates will automatically be set according to the information in the database. Click on the Estimate ribbon to return to the spreadsheet. Note: The user may not have permissions to perform these actions. If this is the case, please notify the CostOS admin to add these items to the database.
2D Takeoff

The next method of takeoff available is the CostOS 2D Takeoff. CostOS recently made major updates to the 2D Takeoff module and process. To begin using 2D Takeoff open an existing project. With the project sheet selected navigate to the Estimate tab and select Add Takesoffs' dropdown menu (Figure 20.1). From there select 2D Takeoffs. CostOS will take time to process this feature and open the Add 2D Takeoffs window (Figure 20.2).
Figure 20.1


Figure 20.2

If no takeoff exists on a project the window will appear blank like in Figure 20.2. A drawing needs to be added to the project. Click on the icon located in the top left corner of the window. After a moment, a file browsing window opens.
Figure 20.3

While in this window it is recommended that the user become familiar with the types of files that CostOS supports. To do this click on the drop-down field next to Files of type. Navigate to the drawing file you wish to use and click OK to load the image (Figure 20.3). After selecting the drawing, the Add drawings window is shown (Figure 20.4). This window allows the user to set a predefined scale, change the DPI resolution, or convert based on vector for the selected drawing.
Figure 20.4



Figure 20.5
!worddav89c415045f29c2752f4bdc0f4277460f.png|height=78,width=186!The user now needs to select the units of measurement type in the Units type drop down menu: US Architecture, US Engineering, or Metric (Decimal) (figure 20.5). After choosing the unit type the user needs to click the drop-down menu on the right side under the Scale column to select the scale.
Figure 20.6

The user then can apply the scale to multiple drawing by selecting the Fill Down button. The user can learn each icon's purpose by hovering the mouse over them in this window. Locate the Preview Current icon and click it to open a drop-down menu (Figure 20.6). Previewing using PDF reader will allow the user to preview an image to find the predefined scale if needed.
After clicking OK in the Add drawings window a loading message appears until CostOS finishes loading the drawing. A row is created for the drawing in the Add 2D Takeoff window (Figure 20.7). When selected a preview is seen on the right-hand side of the window (figure 20.8).
Figure 20.7

Figure 20.8

Figure 20.9


Before moving on from the Add 2D Takeoffs window there are a couple of icons the user may need before moving to performing actual takeoff (Figure 20.9). These are in the header of the left-hand column, and from left to right the choices are:

1. Add Drawing - Adds drawings to the project. This was detailed in previously in this section.
2. Drawing Properties - Opens the Drawing Properties window.
3. Add New Measurement Sheets - Adds additional sheets to the project
4. Open Drawing - Opens the selected sheet; functions like double-clicking the row of a drawing.
5. Delete Sheet - Deletes the currently selected sheet from the project
6. Explore Measurements - Exports the measurements in the currently selected sheets to Excel.
7. Edit Measurements - Allows the user to edit the currently selected measurement.
8. Measurement Analysis - Opens a window with detailed information about the selected measurements including an image of the measurement on the drawing.
9. Duplicate Measurement - Copies the measurement that the user can move around the drawing and uses it for other takeoff.
10. Delete Measurement - Removes the selected measurement from the project.
11. Continue Measurement - Allows the user to activate the measurement and add additional length, area, count, etc. to it.
12. Continue Measurement (Subtract) - Like the above option this will activate the measurement, but instead removes parts from the measurement.
13. Show all Measurements - If the user has hidden any measurements, this will display them.
14. Hide all Measurements - This will hide all takeoff that has been input into the program.
15. Copy Visible Measurements - Copy all currently visible measurements onto the computer's clipboard.
16. Paste Measurements - Works in conjunction with the previous function. Pasts the copied measurements into the currently active sheet.

Figure 20.10

There is one other toolbar that is above the drawing itself (Figure 20.10). These are used for takeoff as well as other functions. Each function is explained below.

1. Print - Enables the user to print out the project with the takeoff that has been measured. Best used with an oversized printer to get the most amount of detail.
2. Measurement Analysis - Produces a small drop-down menu where the user can print, plot or export to Excel. This will open a new window depending on the function chosen.
3. Drawing Layers - Allows the user to hide or show a layer of the drawing.
4. Count, Length, Area, Volume, Custom Measurements - The means in which the user performs takeoffs. This will be covered further in this section of the manual (page # reference)
5. Recording - Remains faded and unusable unless the user is actively performing takeoff. This will end the current takeoff measurement if clicked.
6. Annotations - Allows the user to highlight a specific area using a color and add notes to the drawing.
7. Define Analysis Area - Identifies an area in a red dotted line. This tool works with the Measurement Analysis tool. When the analysis is used only the measurements inside the area will appear in the analysis.
8. Export Drawing - Enables the user to export the drawing with takeoff to a different format for viewing.
9. Magnifier - Only available when using the Define Analysis Area Tool. Clicking while the icon is active will show a circular area that is zoomed into the drawing.
10. Duplicate Selection - Makes a copy of the selected measurements that can be moved to another part of the drawing.
11. Move Selection - With a measurement selected clicking this will allow the user to move the current to another area in the drawing.
12. Rotate - With a measurement selected this tool gives the user the capability to rotate the measurement, either by a user defined amount or a predetermined setting.
13. Zoom in and Out - reduces or enlarges the viewing area.
14. Zoom Extents - Displays the entire drawing within the boundary of the window.
15. Zoom Window - Allows a user to click in a location the drawing and create a box in which the program will establish the confines of the zoomed in area.
16. Refresh - Refreshes the view and shows any changes that have been made and are not yet being displayed in the user's view.
17. Black and White - Only used with vector images that are in color. Clicking it will change a colored drawing into a black and white image for display purposes.
18. Ortho - Allows the user to only make horizontal or vertical lines when activated.
19. Osnaps - Opens a window a new window with options that will tell CostOS which symbols to look for in the drawing and automatically snap to them when the measurement comes close to them. Done through check boxes in opened window.
20. Show Zoom and Pan window - Opens a smaller window of the drawing in the bottom right corner that shows a small red box where the user is currently zoomed on a full size of the drawing.
21. Compare - Used to compare the current drawing with another of the user's choice.
22. Show Versions Comparison - Will overlay the drawings comparison version so that the user can see what has changed.
23. View 3D - If 3D is being used in the area takeoffs, the user can click this button and view the 2D model in 3D.

Figure 20.11

There is one more tool bar that needs to be covered. This is located at the top of the window in the left-hand corner above the Drawings column title (Figure 20.11). The functions are explained below the image.

1. Refresh Project - Allows the user to display changes other users may have made that are not currently displaying for the user.
2. Drawings Management - Opens a window that allows the user to remove, add or change the drawings' properties.
3. Measurement Categories - Also opens a window. This will allow the management of the categories in which the measurements can be placed.
4. Project Measurement Parameters - Opens another window that allows the user to see the parameters that are available in the project already through assemblies or other options.
5. Recalculate - Adjusts the current selected takeoff and update it in the project.
6. Library - Gives the manager choice the choice to manager the parameters or the custom measurements.
7. Settings - Allows the user to manage the display language of the 2D takeoff interface or Measurement Analysis Parameters.

It is now time to add measurements to the drawing. This can be quickly done from the preview window on the righthand side of the Add 2D Takeoffs window. Select one of the measurement types defined from Figure 20.10. In the remainder of this section a quick overview of the functionality for each measurement type is available. Please contact Cost-OS support for additional support on advanced questions.
Figure 20.12
To create a Length, select the from the navigation bar above the drawing (Figure 20.12). The first available fields to setup for this measurement are naming the measurement in the Measurement field, including it in a specific category if needed, setting the color, factor, and line weight. There is also an additional note field for any further details or descriptions that might be needed. The last option available is to select the way the measurement is taken on the drawing. In Figure 20.12 the select points option is chose. For a length measurement there is also the ability to use a rectangular region generator and to take a measurement from counts of objects. After completing these fields click OK to begin adding the measurement.






Figure 20.13
The user is then returned to the Add 2D Takeoffs window with the Length measurement set to be recorded. This is apparent in the preview section's navigation bar. All other options are faded out of selection and the Record function is selected (Figure 20.13).





Figure 20.14
Use the magnify and minimize icons, or use a mouse scroll, to locate the section of the drawing that a measurement should be taken on. Make an initial left click where the length should begin, and then left click to set the second point. A measurement does not need to be a straight line. There can be multiple points in the measurement should there be a need to change the line direction on the image (Figure 20.14). Press the Record icon to stop the measurement once complete and it will appear underneath the drawing's hierarchal tree on the left-hand side.

Figure 20.15

Area, opened with the icon, is setup much like a Length (Figure 20.15). The drawing function is very similar to before, but with the purpose of creating an object that covers a portion of the drawing. Left click each time a new edge needs to be generated for the shape. A shaded area between points can be seen while taking this type of measurement (Figure 20.16). This represents the area that is covered within the measurement.

Figure 20.16

Figure 20.17

Area measurements can take 3d details within a 2D drawing. Returning to figure 20.15 the 3d details are available when first setting the measurement details, or a measure area labeled vertically to drawing allows you to set heights on the drawing after first click (Figure 20.17). This is useful when needing to create area measurements that may have different heights without needing to modify a measurement setup continuously.

Figure 20.17

Area also has a rectangular region method of drawing that is very easy to use. After choosing this method the first click sets the where the rectangle's first corner appears. From there a mouse can be dragged to create a square or rectangle for however small or large the measurement desires (Figure 20.18). Click again to add the adjacent corner. The rest of the rectangle is populated. Deselect record again when finished measuring.
Figure 20.17

Volume is setup like Area and Length measurements, but mainly uses the on the drawing's level function. As before, the height may be set before setting the drawing lines, or after completing an edge of the measurement. If the base height is not set each time the user left clicks to shape out a volume measurement CostOS prompts for a height input.
Using the rectangular region is again like other measurements that use this method. Rectangular region requires a preset height input for a volume.







Figure 20.17


Figure 20.18

After completing each measurement, they appear in the Drawings section as different rows beneath that drawing's hierarchal tree (Figure 20.17). Right click on a measurement and select edit measurement to reopen its setup window and modify any of the fields completed before recording the drawing.
There are many useful functions in the context menu of a measurement (Figure 20.18). Within this menu are quick functions for more detailed analysis of measurements, and the ability to modify, duplicated, or edit the measurement by continuing or subtracting from the existing drawing.









A project is also capable of having multiple drawings with different scales and measurements to be used for takeoffs. Simply follow the same steps for adding a drawing to add another. After completing the new drawing setup, it appears in the Drawing section of Add 2D Takeoffs below all previous drawings (Figure 20.19).
Figure 20.18











Figure 20.19


A drawing's hierarchal tree may also be used to organize multiple sheets for the drawing. This is useful when considering a set of drawings, or two different types of measurements needing comparison on the same drawing. Highlight the highest level of the drawing's tree and use either the icon or right click and choose the new measurement sheet option. An unnamed window opens where the drawing for the new sheet may be chosen (Figure 20.19). Select the desired drawing and fill in the Title field then select OK. The new sheet will be added into that drawing's tree, and measurements may now be added to it in similar fashion (Figure 20.20).


Figure 20.20



Once all measurements required are created, they can be added to the project spreadsheet. Simply select the row for the measurement and click Add Estimate Item and Close or Add Estimate Item and Continue in the bottom right corner of the Add 2D Takeoffs window.
There are multiple ways 2D Takeoff in CostOS can function and it may be included in multiple processes. The user can add items to the spreadsheet first and then use the 2D Takeoffs tool to assign the quantity, open an assembly and use the 2D Takeoffs to enter the parameters, or perform the 2D Takeoff and then create the items. There is no correct step process and users are encouraged to become accustomed to 2D Takeoffs to understand its robust functionality.
Assigning Quantities to Existing Items

Figure 21.1
!worddav6d97aa78e292c6d4b865d11af056d51e.png|height=210,width=285!2D Takeoffs may be used to assign quantities. The user must first add items to the project spreadsheet using Add Line Item menu in the main navigation. The From Master Resource Database option is the most common selection, but a line item from any of the available databases may be used. (Figure 21.1). Add line items needed to the project and return to the spreadsheet window. Locate the assignments panel and select the Quantity Takeoffs tab (Figure 21.2)



Figure 21.2

Figure 21.3
Locate the item that is needing 2D takeoff input and select it in the spreadsheet window. Hover the mouse in the Assignments – Quantity Takeoff tab and double click to open a Takeoff Quantities window. From this window select the 2D Takeoff option (Figure 21.3). This takes opens the Assign 2D Takeoff window which is functionally the same as the Add 2D Takeoff window described previously.
Select the drawing desired. Then, select the desired measurement to add as a takeoff for this line item. Be sure to match the condition the line item unit of measurement i.e. count, length, area, etc. Select Add Estimate Item and Close to see the measurement added in the Assignments - Quantity Takeoff panel (Figure 21.4).
Figure 21.3

The user can move onto other items as needed by selecting another item and repeating this process. Multiple measurements may even be used for the takeoff of one item by simply using Add Estimate Item and Continue rather than closing the window after the first selection. When all takeoff is finished close the window and the quantities that were just created using the 2D takeoff will be in the spreadsheet.
Volume and Area measurements have an additional dimension that are used: height. Before creating takeoffs, the user will notice height fields in the measurement window. By entering these details, the user can use the 3D View button detailed earlier in the guide.
Note: CostOS 2D can record areas and perimeters with one pass through by selecting SF and LF line items in the spreadsheet those quantities can be assigned at the same time.
Assigning 2D Takeoff with Assemblies

Figure 22.1
The next function of CostOS's 2D Takeoff is producing quantities during takeoff with assemblies. The user will first need to select an assembly as detailed earlier in this guide. All assemblies can integrate with 2D Takeoff, but without the assembly being built to do so it may not be available. Fill out the assembly inputs as desired and use the Add to BOQ table and Continue option to stay in the BOQ Table Generation window.
To now use 2D Takeoff to make measurements based of the assemblies' generation select the icon. From there select the 2D Takeoff option available in the Quantities Takeoff window (figure 22.1).
Figure 22.2

Assign 2D Takeoffs opens in a tab for the assembly (Figure 22.2). From here measurements can be added to each part of the assembly. For instance, in Figure 22.2 Length of Paving is available. This can be highlighted for takeoff.
Like in the previous section after choosing the measurement type and clicking OK that measurement window will open allowing the user to modify the design for this takeoff. After confirming the settings click OK. The user will then perform the required measurements and then terminate the measurement. This will close the 2D Takeoff window and the user will be returned to the Spreadsheet Generation – Interview window to complete answering the rest of the parameters of the Assembly.

Assigning Existing 2D Takeoff Quantities to an Assembly

Figure 23.1
If the user has already defined quantities through the 2D Takeoff module, they can assign these existing quantities to a new assembly as well. Once navigating to the Add 2D Takeoff window from an assembly as previously described there is another tab for previously set drawings and measurements (figure 23.1).
From the Drawings tab the user can select the measurement that they are going to assign to the assembly. Right-click the Measurement and select Assign measurement to items. CostOS opens a basic window labeled Associate the measurement with WBS items. Should an item be available for this type of measurement it will appear in this window. Click the icon in the upper left corner.
This opens a window titled Select work item. From here, highlight the item that was originally mean to be assigned to the measurement to and click the Select button (figure 22.6). This will return the user to the Associate measurement with WBS item window with the measurement now present in the window's table.


Figure 23.6












To assign the quantity in the Spreadsheet Generation – Interview page, the user will click OK in the Associate measurement with WBS items window. Then exit the 2D Takeoff module and continue answering the parameters of the assembly as needed.
Creating Blank Items using 2D takeoff

The last way to produce quantities with 2D Takeoff is to measure with the tool, then add the measurement directly into the spreadsheet and assign the resources to the newly created items. To do this, open the 2D Takeoff window using the Add Takeoffs button on the Estimate ribbon.
Figure 24.1
Next, choose one of the drawings in the left column and double click and navigate to the measurement icons above the loaded drawing (Figure 24.1). Quickly reviewing these buttons from left to right they are: Count, Length, Area, Volume, and Custom.
Add as many measurements as needed. Once finished performing the measurements, click the Add Estimate Items and Close button at the bottom right of the window. This will return the user to the Project spreadsheet and the new item will be displayed (Figure 24.2).
Figure 24.2

If the title of the item is not correct, or the user omitted the title when first creating the measurement it can be adjusted by double-clicking the field. To complete the item there are two options: Plug the costs of the item directly to the line item or assign resources from the databases. To plug in costs, double-click on the desired rate field and the field will become editable. Input the rate and then press enter. The field will now have the desired rate, but it will also have a plug icon next to the rate the user manually entered. The plug indicates to the user that this rate does not come from a database. This plug will appear in all rate columns if the cost is manually entered. Assigning recourses will be covered later in the guide.
2-D and 3-D Takeoff

Figure 25.1

!worddavb79da7cbf495f94604b1064d9021f480.png|height=86,width=226!There is an additional section where both 2-D and 3-D Takeoff may be used together and alternated between. To access this module click the dropdown menu available on the Add Takeoffs button in the main navigation menu and select 3D/2D Takeoffs (Figure 25.1).

The 3D/2D Takeoff window is now available. Users should familiarize themselves with the navigation menu available at the top of the window (Figure 25.2). There are 3 sections available: Models/Drawings, Selection Mode, Pick & Measure Elements, and Add Takeoff Elements. Each of these are used at different times during the 2D/3D process and each can offer users who perform 2D and 3D takeoff often a way to expidite the process in this module.
Figure 25.2




The user needs to add a drawing as the first step. Under the home tab in the navigation menu for this window select the Add Design Files button to access the Open BimCT Design Files window (Figure 25.3). Locate the folder that holds the necessary image files. Image files are located in the bottom right section labeled BimCT Models.
Like in Figure 25.2 a folder may have multiple images; be sure to verify the name of the one highlighted in blue is the desired model before selecting Open. CostOS will take some time to load the image before returning to the 3D/2D Takeoff window with the model available in the 3D section and a row available in the Model Tree section (Figure 25.4).

Figure 25.3

Figure 25.4


On first load the model may be zoomed very far out like Figure 25.4. While hovering the mouse inside the graph of the 3D section the user may use a mouse wheel to zoom in and out of the model. The mouse location is where the model will zoom into closer, so be aware of its placement inside the graph. Clicking the mouse wheel down also allows the user to scroll across the model on a horizontal plane. Hold down left click and drag around to rotate the model in a full 360 rotation of a 3D model. While changing the view in the 3D section a cube in the top right is available (Figure 25.5). Clicking on any of the the sides of the cube will set the model viewing from that angel. Click Top to return to a top-down view, clicke front to view the model in a front-facing view, etc. Selecting the cube's sides expands the 3D section view to the furthest available distance zoomed out.
Figure 25.5

Figure 25.6

In figure 25.3 there is also a 3D/2D switch bar with 3D currently selected. Click on 2D to switch the model to the 2D version (Figure 25.6). Users can now use the options available in the Add Takeoff Elemenst of the navigation bar. As an example the Add Linear Element is used below.



Figure 25.7


Click Add Linear Element to open a Add Takeoff Element window (Figure 25.7). From here complete the necessary fields to create this linear element, such as name, its material and layers, and the dimensions required. For this example a height of 10 LM is set to show the generation of height for elements when viewing the model back in 3D. While in this window take time to review each field available especially the dropdown menu with Solid currently selected. This menu shows all designs for the element in 3D view.

Figure 25.8


Select Add after completing the settings for this element. The window will close and a red square now appears along with the user's cursor as an intial point for the element (figure 25.8). A X appears instead if the cursor's current position is not a valid place to begin the measurement. Once the initial point is set by double clicking on the desired spot drag the mouse toward where the next point should be. A line with the current distance in a context box is present between the existing point and the cursor until the user double clicks again to place a second point. Multiple lines may be included in one measurement.

Figure 25.9













While designing the element users can right click and see that the context menu has hotkeys associated with certain functions (Figure 25.9). These enable those who perform 2D/3D takeoff to expedite the process in many ways. There are hotkeys available at other points during the takeoff process that are covered below, but those available during the initial creation of an element are:

• P - Insert Point
• M - Move Point
• R - Remove Point
• E - Set Point Elevation
• Space - Move Takeoff
• D - Duplicate Takeoff
• Delete - Delete Takeoff
• Shift + Delete - Delete All (Element) Takeoff

Some of these hotkeys require specific interaction with parts of the element to apply. For instance, those effecting points need a point selected to work. For users who perform Takeoff with 2D or 3D models should familiarize themselves with these hotkeys quickly. Writing these hotkeys down somewhere to quickly reference is highly recommended. When ready to complete the element hover the mouse over the existing line, right click and select Terminate from the context menu.

Figure 25.10

Use the 3D/2D switch bar again to return to the 3D version of the model. The linear element with its heigh is now present in the same location on the 3D model (Figure 25.10).

The element is now also present in the Model Tree (Figure 25.11). From here the element can be quickly modified by right clicking its row and selecting Edit Takeoff Element to return to the Add Takeoff Element window where it was orignially setup. From this context menu there are also other options available like Hide Other Elements to see isolate one element for view, and Duplicate Takeoff Element to make copies.
Figure 25.11

Figure 25.12


Once an element is added to the drawing the user can select it within on the drawing and right click to open another context menu for manipulating and copying that element. The user can directly edit, duplicate, move, or otherwise change the element or the takeoff associated with that element. There are also functions that allow the user to quickly soom to view the selected element easier or ways to hide and show elements to help viewing the model. Finally, there are hotkey functions available when a selected element described within this context menu. These are:

• P – Insert Point
• E – Move Edge
• D – Duplicate Takeoff
• Delete - Delete Takeoff
• Shift + Delete – Delete All (Selected) Takeoffs
• Mirror Takeoff Horizontally – H
• Mirror Takeoff Vertically – V
• Rotate Takeoff 90 degrees – Shift + 1
• Rotate Takeoff 180 degrees – Shift + 2
• Rotate Takeoff 270 degrees – Shift + 3

When a element is selected, these are quick ways to modify the model elements and takeoff without needing to go through the setup for recording a new element. For instance, a combination of Duplicate Takeoff (D), Move Edge (E), and Insert Point (P) could let users needing to make linear elements such as walls with similar measurements but different poistioning with a few clicks. While editing elements there are other hotkey functions as well.
World-Map Takeoff
Figure 26.1

The next method of takeoff to be covered is the GIS Takeoff. This feature allows the user to perform takeoff on an online map. To open this takeoff type, click on the drop-down menu of Add Takeoffs on the Estimate ribbon once again this time choosing the GIS Takeoff feature which will open a new window (figure 26.1).

If the user assigned a geo location when first creating the project the map will automatically be set to that location. If not, the user can still search for the area in which the project is taking place. The process of locating the site is identical to the process during project creation.
Figure 26.2
There are now icons that are used in this window that need to be examined. The first set to be looked at are in the top right corner of the window directly to the left of the search field (figure 26.2).
A quick description of these from left to right are:

1. Select/Move Shapes - This is the default cursor. It allows the user to select takeoff and move it around the map.
2. Navigate Map - Allows the user to move the map in all directions. In most instances using the right mouse button will perform the same function.
3. Quantity Takeoff - Allows the user to add takeoff to the map.
4. Text/Legend - Opens a window that will call a window that the user can use to add text to the map.
5. Takeoff Backout Area - Deducts a selected area from the current takeoff to account for openings or holes.
6. Takeoff Distance and Autoroute - Enables the program to automate some takeoff by following roads and lines already on the map.
7. Unit of Measurement System - Toggles between Metric and Imperial units of measurement.

Figure 26.3
These are the main tools the user will need to perform takeoff using the World-Map Takeoff tool. To begin measuring using this tool a blank measurement must first be added. To do this, the user will need to look to the right of the World Map in the field labeled Map Takeoffs and locate the (Figure 26.3). This will open a new Add Map Takeoff window for the user to input information about the measurement (Figure 26.4).
Figure 26.4

The user will need to first enter a name for the measurement. This can be the name of the item that will correlate to the measurement or anything in general. In the Type/ Color/ Pattern field the user will define what type of takeoff needs to be performed: linear, area or count (Figure 26.5). After the type of takeoff is selected the user can choose how the takeoff will display on the map by selecting the color and pattern.
Figure 26.5

The Elevation check box is the next option and should not be glanced over by the user. If checked this will tell CostOS to record the elevation of the measurement. Depending on the item that will be assigned to the measurement this can influence the length of that measurement. Along with this option is the Samples per Distance line. This will determine how many times during the measurement CostOS will record the elevation. Note: This option is only available with the Linear Distance Takeoff.
The Grouping field is used to create or select a group for the measurement that will only be referenced in the World-Map Takeoff. This will group together similar measurements as assigned by the user.
The last field allows CostOS to gather more information about the measurement. The Height refers to the height above ground of that item that correlates to the measurement. Thickness is for the thickness of this item, and the next three options will tell CostOS how to report the units of measurement. This is a very important field. If the unit of measurement for one of the quantities does not match the item's unit of measurement, then CostOS will not allow that item to be assigned to the measurement. For instance, an item that has cubic yards as its unit of measurement cannot be assigned to a measurement that is set to linear feet.
This field is used for notes about the measurement. Once all information has been input into the window to the user's satisfaction click the Add button at the bottom right of the window and the user will be returned to the World-Map Takeoff window. Once the information has been filled out, the user will see the measurement in the Map Takeoffs field (Figure 26.6).

Figure 26.6











If the user needs to make changes to the measurement's settings clicking the icon will call the takeoff's setting window.
Now that the measurement has been added, takeoff can be performed. The user will notice that the Quantity Takeoff tool is already activated. Move to the map and click on the first point of the measurement. When the user arrives at the last point of the takeoff double-click the point to the end and record that section of the takeoff. If there are multiple pieces that need to be measured using the same measurement, repeat the preceding process. Once all areas/sections are measured an item can be assigned to the spreadsheet.
Once the user has selected the proper database, they must now choose the items needed for this takeoff. Click the icon associated with the desired database and search for the needed items. After all items are selected, the user's takeoff window should appear.
If the user chooses to do so, they can set the WBS code by double-clicking in the column associated with the desired WBS code. If they choose not to, CostOS will display a warning sign when adding items to the spreadsheet. If everything is satisfactory on this page, click the Add Items and Close button in the bottom right corner of the window to return to the project spreadsheet.
BIM Takeoff

The last form of quantity takeoff the user can perform in CostOS is the BIM Takeoff tool. This allows the user to import an IFC format 3D BIM model into the platform. Once the user has imported the model CostOS can read the file and extract the information from the model and assign resources to the elements. To open the BIM Quantity takeoff tool the user will first need to click the Add Takeoffs drop-down icon and select the Building Information Modeling (BIM) option. This will open the Building Information Modeling Takeoff (Figure 27.1).
Figure 27.1

When first opened, the window will have little in it unless a model has already been added. To begin using this tool the user will first need to add an IFC file containing a model. Before this is done the user will need to become familiar with the icons in this window. The toolbar is in the upper right-hand corner of the window (Figure 27.2).
Figure 27.2

The functions in order from left to right are:

1. Reload Files - Renews the page and updates the information that it holds.
2. Filter Model Elements - Like the column filters explained earlier in this guide. They allow the user to remove information from the field and only see the desired information.
3. Unit of Measurements Systems - Gives the user the options between the Metric and Imperial Systems.
4. Grouping - Produces a drop-down menu that gives the users options of how to use Group Codes, but not assign them.
5. Expand/Collapse - Expands or collapses the elements tree.
6. Show All Unused Elements - Shows any items which have not been added to the project or assigned items from the database.
7. Show All Used Elements - Shows any items which have been added to the project or assigned items from the database.
8. Hide - Hides all selected objects from the user's display.
9. Load All- Shows all hidden elements of the model.
10. Search Elements - Enables the user to use the search field to find elements that are in the model.
11. Remove BIM Model - Deletes the selected model from the project.
12. Add BIM Model - Opens a window for the user to select an IFC file from a location on the user's computer or server.

There is also a smaller toolbar under these icons, but these are used for navigating within the model and will be covered later in this section.
Figure 27.3

Click the Add BIM Model button in the furthest right corner of the window. This will call the Windows file selection window for the user to locate and select an IFC file from their computer or a server location. Once located click the Open button in the bottom right corner of the file selection window. After clicking open CostOS will process the file and the window will now be populated (Figure 27.3).
The tree needs to be expanded by either selecting one element group and clicking the + to the left of the group title or clicking the which will expand all trees in the window. Double-clicking the item on the left will make CostOS zoom in to the selected item in the model. This also works in reverse; when clicking an element in the model CostOS will highlight the item on the left in which it correlates.
Figure 27.4
This is not the only way to access the model on the right. In the top right corner of the models window the user will see the next toolbar to be covered (Figure 27.4). From left to right these are:

1. Lock Pin - Toggles whether the axis of the model is locked or can be placed by clicking on the model.
2. Enable Transparency Effect - Changes the model from solid colors to opaque.
3. Enable Grid - Turns on the grid that symbolizes the ground level in which the model resides.
4. Change Model View - Produces a dropdown menu that allows the user to change the view that is currently displayed. The options are: Wireframe, Shaded and Outline.
5. Auto Adjust Camera - Another drop down menu that gives the user the ability to reorient the camera to a predefined location such as Top, Bottom, Right, etc.
6. Game Navigation - Allows the user to move the camera in a first-person view inside the model window. Using this will move the user's view rather than the model.

After becoming acquainted with this toolbar, the user should locate the items in the left pane and the quantity and unit of measurement columns within the Model Elements section. They will be labeled Qty 1,2,3 and UoM 1,2,3. Examine the items and the units of measurement carefully. CostOS will automatically select a unit of measurement to use for takeoff, and the user should verify it is correct. If the items are not using the correct measurements highlight all items in that group and right-click on the selected group and a context window will appear (Figure 27.5).
Figure 27.5

Select the correct quantity option to use as highlighted in the image above. A green checkmark will now be next to the quantities that were selected.
After verifying the correct quantity is being used the user will need to choose one of two paths in which to use the information. Either adding the items to the spreadsheet without assigning items to the selection or to assign items from a database to automate the rates.
To add items to the project without using any information from a database highlight the preferred items and click either Add to Spreadsheet or Add to Spreadsheet and Hide Used. The only difference between the two is the Add to Spreadsheet and Hide Used button will hide the selected items from the list of displayed elements. Note: selecting items with different titles will group them together under a single line item using the Group Title and the number of items selected. This will also be true of items in different groups as well. Even though the items are grouped together if the units of measurement match, they will retain the correct quantities.
Figure 27.6
After adding all needed items from the BIM model, the user may now return to the spreadsheet and either "plug" rates into added items or assign resources. To assign resources or line items to the BIM Takeoff the user will select the items and then use the familiar set of icons covered earlier located at the bottom left of the model visualizer (Figure 27.6).
Select the desired database and assign the resources that will produce the correct rates for the selected items. After the resources have been selected click either Add to Spreadsheet or Add to Spreadsheet and Hide Used.
Assigning Resources

Assigning resources is the main tool which the user will incorporate into all forms of takeoff. If the user performs takeoff and the rates do not come from one of the available databases a plug will appear next to the rate the user has manually entered a number into. To avoid having a "plugged" number the user will need to assign resources to the line item. To do this right-click on the items that need the resources assigned. This will open a context window (Figure 28.1) look for the option Assign Resources from Local Databases or Assign Resources from Online Databases.
Figure 28.1

Figure 28.2

Once selected any of these options will open the Assign Resources to selected Estimate Items window except the Predict Resource Rates function (Figure 28.2).
Select the appropriate choice for the rate or rates that are needed. Clicking the wrong option will still enable the user to access the proper database for the desired resources expect for the Predict Resource Rate option (Figure 28.3)
The reader can see from figure 28.3 seven available databases (red rectangle Figure 28.3). Assign Assemblies enable the user to assign multiple lines items or resources to the selected item using the parameters in the assembly. This is almost identical to Assembly Takeoff.
Figure 28.3

The Line Items database contains all the items within the main database. Many of these items will have resources already attached to them as well as a coding structure. These can be assigned to an item as a resource to build up the rate of another line item. Typically, in CostOS line items themselves do not have rates. The rates come from assigned resources. Equipment, Subcontractor, Labor, Material and Other Costs contain the resources that build up the rates of the line items.
The user now needs to identify a resource that needs to be assigned to the line item. Select the desired category of resources: labor, equipment, etc. Click on the corresponding database at the top of the window after deciding the category. Expand the tree in which the desired resource resides or use the search option in the top right corner. The user can select multiple items using the Shift and Ctrl keys as covered earlier in this guide. If a select resource is in a tree and the user collapses it the item will be deselected as before.
Once all the needed resources have been selected, click the Assign Resources button in the bottom right corner. After completion, a new window will open (Figure 28.4).

Figure 28.4

Here the user will review the assigned resources of the item(s). If everything is correct click the Confirm button in the bottom right corner of the window. This will not close the database window. If more resources need to be assigned, click on the corresponding database at the top of the window and repeat this process until all needed resources are assigned. Once finished close the database window and return to the spreadsheet or Quantity Takeoff tool.