Importing the Bill of Quantities (BoQ) into Estimate

A Bill of Quantities (BoQ) can be created in Estimate through the following methods:

1. By manually typing the Bill directly.
2. By using Copy from Master and importing items from a previous BoQ (referred to as a “Master”).
3. Bringing in an entire BoQ from an Excel file or a document provided by the client or QS.

Accessing Your New Project Estimate

To begin, access your project estimate in Methvin from one of the following options:

1. Recently Accessed Menu.
2. App File Structure.
3. Search Console

Understanding "Masters"

A "Master" in Methvin refers to any previous project estimate that can be used as a template for a new estimate. It allows for the transfer of bill items, resources, pricing worksheets, and other essential details into the current estimate. Creating and using a Master can significantly streamline the estimating process. Read here to import from a master.

Import a BoQ from an Excel Spreadsheet

1. Open your Excel file and select all the data using Ctrl+A.
2. Right-click on the selected range and choose Copy (or use Ctrl+C).
3. Navigate back to the Methvin Application.
4. From the Pricing Table tab, open the context menu by right-clicking within the table.
5. Select Paste (or use Ctrl+V).
6. The Bill of Quantities Column Selection Mapping Tool will appear.
7. Identify the corresponding fields (Item Number, Description, Unit, Quantity) and map them to the appropriate Excel columns using the dropdown options.
8. Once mapped, click the Import button to bring the BoQ data into the Pricing Table.

⚠️ Ensure your browser has access to the clipboard for this process to work smoothly.

Section headings (WBS)

Changing comments to section headings

In a Methvin Bill a hierarchy of headings (WBS) can be created, allowing easier navigation of the Bill by opening and closing sections and generating summary pages in reports.

All non-Bill items imported from an external file, will have its Description highlighted red marking it as a comment. Many of these can be converted to meaningful headings to improve the readability of the Bill.

Setting Section Levels

1. Select the Range of Items:
• Identify the range of items below the comment line that you want to convert into a Level heading.
• Use the context menu or Tool bar to indent the selected items.
• This converts the comment into a section header.
2. Creating Section Level 1:
• The first item in a Bill is often the Project name.
• Select the entire Bill using Ctrl+A.
• Hold Ctrl and click the first line item to unselect it.
• Indent the remaining selection to make the Project Name your Section Level 1.

Reporting and Account Export

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) 

• Level 1: Use the Project Name or Separable Portions names.
• Level 2: Use Project Trades or Project Scope.
• Further Levels: Continue to break down the project into unlimited packages of work as needed.