Got your estimate ready in Excel? You can import the whole estimate into the project instead of entering the lines manually. This article shows you how.
Import the production codes first if you haven't done so already. That way the estimate lines are linked automatically to the right production code. See the article Importing production codes in AIMZ.
Watch the video on importing production codes and estimates, or read the guide below.
1. Create an estimate
Open Import data in the project, and select step 3. Import estimates.
Before you can import, you need to choose which estimate the lines go into. Click + Estimate to create a new one.
Give the estimate a name and choose a status:
Draft — use this while you're working on and quality-checking the figures. The estimate doesn't affect the project figures yet.
Production — use this when the estimate should apply as the basis for the project. If the estimate has already been quality-checked, you can choose Production straight away.
Click Save, then select the estimate you just created.
2. Download, copy and fill in the template
Download the estimate template. It has its own columns for resource, item, production code, unit, quantity, unit cost, surcharge, work hours and hourly rate.
You'll find the same template in AIMZ under the Download template button.
The rules are listed in the helper text on the right-hand side of the sheet:
Numbers and percentages must use number format in Excel — not text.
Quantity × Unit cost becomes material cost in AIMZ.
Work hours × Hourly rate becomes labour cost in AIMZ.
Prod. code should match the production codes you've already imported.
You can edit the estimate lines in AIMZ after the import.
Save the file when you're done.
3. Upload the file
Drag the file into the upload area, or click to select it from your computer.
4. Match the columns
AIMZ asks you to confirm which Excel column belongs to each field. If you used the template unchanged, AIMZ suggests the right column — you just click Next through them.
5. Check the preview
You now see how the estimate lines will look in AIMZ. Pay particular attention to the icon next to Prod. code:
Checkmark — the production code exists in the project, and the line is linked automatically.
Exclamation mark («No match») — the production code doesn't exist in the project yet. The line is imported, but ends up without a production code.
If you get «No match», you have two options: import the production code first, or import the estimate now and link the line manually afterwards.
You can also remove individual rows you don't want to import by clicking the bin icon.
6. Import
Click Import. It usually takes just a couple of minutes before the estimate is available in the project.
The result
In the production code plan you now see the estimate already grouped, with budget and final forecast per production code. Lines without a production code are collected under Without prod. code — you can link them manually there.
Done! The estimate is imported and linked to the production codes.
Need to import more later? You can always go back to Import data in the project.