On the homepage, click on Databases on the main menu or top navigation menu.
Image 1: Accessing databases from the homepage.
To select a database to work with;
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Click on the drop down menu to view all the databases you have subscribed to.
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Click on a database to select it
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Click on Select Database to apply the database
Image 2: Selecting a database.
Each database consists of categories of information which are organised in folders.
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Category: A category is indicated by a folder icon. Categories are arranged in order of a typical construction sequence.
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Component: A component is indicated by the C icon. A component consists of the following rates: labour, material, plant or subcontract. Components are the individual supply cost of items in the price list:
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Labour: displays the item description for the individual labour cost per hour compiled in two groups – standard and specialised.
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Material: displays the item description for the individual material component at a conservative rate.
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Plant: displays the item description for plant hire components and is usually based on a day rate from the distributor.
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Subcontract: displays the item description for subcontract fee usually for example a supply and fix rate by an operator, dumping costs or carpet laying, etc
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Heading: A heading breaks up the information within a category for easier viewing.
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Recipe: A recipe is indicated by the R icon. A recipe (i.e. unit rate) is the combination of each component, all labour, all material, all plant, and/or any subcontract fee to complete a fixed cost. Recipes then are the activities required to complete any task on a project and some activities are broken up into smaller individual tasks; therefore there will always be several recipes required to complete the job. For example, install rates.
Expanding each category reveals both headings displayed in the order; components for labour then material then plant and any subcontract fee; then followed immediately by the group headings for unit rates that make up all the recipes of system databases.
Select an item from the menu by clicking on the folder name. After clicking on an item, you will see additional tips about related activities, components and recipes.
Image 3: Viewing tips.
Click on a component (C) or recipe (R) to view its description and cost breakdown. The description and the recipe detail can explain what is included or excluded in pricing.
Image 4: Viewing a recipe's description and cost breakdown.
Click on the green plus icon to view recipe details. You can also do this on the estimate page and add to estimate reports.
Image 5: Viewing a recipe's description and cost breakdown.
Tip: After updating a database, refresh your browser or database page before creating a report. To do this, click on the refresh icon in your browser.