Setup Data

Cost presets

A cost preset saves the cost rows from one takeoff item so you can reuse that cost pattern elsewhere.

It is useful when the same combination of materials, labour, equipment, subcontract work, or allowances appears repeatedly.

When to use a cost preset

Use a cost preset for a repeatable group of costs inside a larger estimate, such as:

  • workshop fabrication labour and consumables;
  • a standard installation crew and equipment allowance;
  • coating preparation and application;
  • testing, documentation, or mobilisation;
  • a recurring bought-out service.

Use an estimate template when you want to reuse the broader estimate, including its takeoff-item structure.

Save a cost preset

  1. Open an RFQ asset and its estimate.
  2. Build and review the cost rows on the takeoff item you want to reuse.
  3. Choose the action to save those rows as a cost preset.
  4. Give the preset a clear name.
  5. Add an optional code, description, and aliases.
  6. Review the save warning and confirm.

The saved preset belongs to the current workspace.

Name presets for recognition

Choose a name that explains the included work, not the job where it was created.

Good examples:

  • Workshop fabrication pack
  • Standard site installation crew
  • Galvanising preparation
  • Mobilisation and closeout

Use the description to record what the preset is intended to include. Add aliases when your team uses other names for the same work.

Apply a preset

When adding or editing a takeoff item, select the preset as a reusable cost source. Review the inserted rows before relying on the result.

After applying it, you can adjust job-specific quantities, rates, units, notes, and links without changing the saved preset.

Keep presets reliable

  • Build the source takeoff item carefully before saving it.
  • Remove customer-specific wording that should not appear on future jobs.
  • Check whether linked workspace rates still represent current commercial values.
  • Keep one clear preset for each recurring pattern instead of creating near-duplicates.
  • Mark an obsolete preset inactive when it should remain in history but should not be selected for new work.

Example

A fabrication takeoff item regularly needs cutting labour, welding labour, workshop equipment, and consumables.

Save those reviewed rows as Workshop fabrication pack. On the next RFQ, apply the preset and change the quantities and any job-specific rates rather than rebuilding the same rows manually.