Estimates

Accurate and specific estimates set the stage for profitable work in the shop.  Weak estimating processes are a huge liability for any shop and can be a massive drain on profitability. ProShop’s estimate module allows you to create specific and detailed estimates in minutes. Estimates can be created from scratch, or via our Rapid Estimate Template system. You can define any process flow for the part or assembly that you are estimating, including labor time for set-up and cycle time, out-of-pocket costs for raw materials, BOM items, and outside vendor processes. You can specify preferred vendors, lead times, markups, include detailed process instructions and more. You can completely customize hourly resource rates for every process, establish and modify overhead rates, profit margins, and sales commissions. When the estimate is finalized and you’re ready to send a quote to the customer, you can generate a professionally formatted quote document with a single click which includes your specific terms and conditions.

The information that you define in the Estimate Record will flow seamlessly into the Part Module and serve as the basis for the Part Record unique to that part number. From here, process information can be confirmed and edited as needed before a Work Order is generated for the shop floor..Information initially defined on the estimate pertaining to raw stock, bill of material items, and outside processing information will also flow forward into the part record once the work has been won. With the information defined on the Estimate Record serving as a starting point for production planning, finalized production information can be added and edited to the Part Record as required prior to production.

• Estimates are more detailed and accurate.
• Less time is required to complete a detailed estimate.
• Quicker RFQ response times. 
• Increase in awarded jobs.
• Reduced risk of under-quoting a job.
• Setting accurate targets for the shop. 
• Estimates calculated per the production process.
• Configurable run rates for each resource.
• Defined costs for raw stock, commercial items, and outside processing.
• Information flows through to production. No double entry.
• Accurately estimate multi-component assemblies with fully featured BOMs

Successful jobs begin with a detailed estimate. Getting the details right at this early stage of the job is crucial in order to stay profitable. When critical details are missed at the estimating stage, the consequences are magnified down the line. Depending on the quantities being estimated, even the smallest oversight could mean thousands of dollars lost for the company. You need a system to quickly determine the specific steps of the production process so that all time, equipment, and material costs can be accurately accounted for. More than that: consumables markup percentages, scrap rates, sales markups, and outside processing costs all need to be accurately defined and managed. Including well-defined terms and conditions with the estimate goes a long way to managing risk factors and customer expectations. When done correctly, these risk factors are minimized and the customer will know exactly what to expect in doing business with your shop. 

Responding quickly to customer RFQ’s is extremely important to increase the odds of being awarded the job. It’s been estimated that 50% of buyers go with the first quote received.