IMPORT/EXPORT

Fast Estimate has been designed to allow a flow of data into the pricing process (supplier prices, price libraries etc.) and also to allow an easy flow of data to other applications (spreadsheets, project management, accounts etc.). This flow is normally controlled through the Import / Export menu.

You can also create copies of your libraries and schedules (along with their items/resources) and save to a selected folder. These can then be imported by anyone with a copy of Fast Estimate.

Main Features

• Import supplier price lists and price libraries
• Import bills from Excel
• Import libraries and projects from other Fast Estimate users
• Import, price and export schedules in CITE format and from scanned bills
• Export documents and reports to Excel (for editing or mailing) and other standard formats
• Export libraries and projects for access by other Fast Estimate users

Important Notes when importing Composite Items:

1. The import routine will check for the existence of the library items that make up the composite (these could of course be held in any library subsection). If the library item is not already present (based on a top-down test of the item description and item structure within the subsection) then a new item is added in the appropriate library subsection. If an identical item already exists in the specified Subsection (at all item levels) then that one will be used as part of the imported composite item.
2. If a library item used in an imported composite item already exists elsewhere in the master library (i.e. not in the library subsection the import routine expects to find it) then a duplicate item will be added during the import process. This is most likely to occur if library items used in composite items have been moved between the export/import of the composite library.
3. Use the Library Item Replacement function to make sure the correct items are being used within the composite items and to free up items currently being used in composites that you may want to delete.

General Notes:

1. If the library/schedule being imported already exists then a 3 digit number will be appended to the name of the imported file.
2. If existing, identical resources are found during the import process, the existing one will be used.
3. Files are archived in a standard .ZIP format.