The BidSmart Estimator 2.6 has been Updated to RC2

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Several fixes and minor enhancements have been applied to the previous Release Candidate (RC) and now we are calling the Estimator 2.6, RC2.

These fixes include:

  • Formatting errors when creating an Invoice or Change Order when there is a Signature line on the Estimate.
  • A misalignment of values on exported Comma Separated Values (CSV) files.
  • Abnormal row highlighting which occurred periodically.

Additionally many commented out lines of unused code were removed and a few spelling and grammar errors were fixed. Some error messages have also been updated for clarity.

All compatible fixes and updates made to version 3 will continue to be backported to version 2.6 until the release of the BS Estimator 3.0. Which will then be the only version receiving development attention.

Since the BS Estimator 2.6 is the last of the version 2 line, let’s talk about the new Estimator 3.0 which is the current development priority.

BidSmart Estimator 3.0

Work is ahead of schedule for the release of the BS Estimator, version 3. This release includes a new banner on the BidSheet, making it look the same as the other worksheets. The banner displays the version number, the number of line items, total job cost and the date (see the following screenshot.) Admittedly, the banner is also a branding device for the Estimator.

BS Estimator version 3, Alpha 1, BidSheet view

Because of the addition of the banner many cell references were moved down one row. This requires that most of the 38k lines of code and all of the forms must be inspected and adjusted as need. This is the main concern of the release and makes the File Format version 4. This change will make the file format 3 estimates mostly incompatible.

Backward Compatibility

The Estimator has had the option to ignore the File Format for the purposes of importing data into the current (Parent) estimate since version 2.1. Now this setting has become essential to import any data from an estimator earlier then version 3. After choosing this option the Estimator will open and allow the importation of file format versions 3 into the new version 4 layout. There will be warnings of this option selection, but the process is safe, seamless and the basically same as importing from one version 3 Estimate into another.

BS Estimator Options / Preferences form

The backward compatible importing tool should be the only new feature in version 3. However there are several ideas that may be implemented depending on the time required to update the file format to a version 4 structure.

Upgrade now…

The RC2 version can now be downloaded from this link. Or you can go the main BS Estimator webpage and find it there, along with some other information about the release.

Remember to check Excels Trust Center >> Macro Settings to allow for the running of macro enabled workbooks. If this doesn’t let you run the Estimator check out this post for the culprit…Microsoft Blocks “Internet” Macros.