04 - MATRIX CREATION

OBJECTIVE

Create the working ZUCOST estimate file that will be used for the new project.

At this stage, the project information moves from the document-review phase into the actual estimating environment.

The objective is to start from a clean ZUCOST workbook, load the new Bid Document structure, and save the file using a clear project-related name.


RECOMMENDED PROCEDURE

1. Copy a clean ZUCOST workbook into the main project folder.

2. Open the copied workbook.

3. Use START NEW ESTIMATE to remove any operational information that may belong to a previous project.

4. Confirm that the main working tables are ready for the new estimate.

5. Paste or import the new Bid Document structure into Base.

6. Review the item order, descriptions, units, quantities, and item types.

7. Save the workbook using a short and recognizable project name or alias.


FILE NAMING

Use a file name that is easy to identify and easy to manage during future revisions.

Avoid excessively long names.

Examples:

Project_A.xlsm

Plant_Expansion.xlsm

Pipeline_North.xlsm

Warehouse_2026.xlsm


If several revisions will be issued, consider adding a revision identifier or date.

Examples:

Pipeline_North_R01.xlsm

Pipeline_North_R02.xlsm

Pipeline_North_2026-09-17.xlsm


START NEW ESTIMATE

The START NEW ESTIMATE command should be used when beginning a new project from an existing ZUCOST workbook.

This process is designed to:

• Create a backup of the current workbook before cleaning.
• Clear the operational data from the previous estimate.
• Reset Base, Matrix, and Inventory.
• Remove previous derived reports.
• Prepare the workbook for new project information.
• Create a new ZUCOST estimate identity and serial.
• Preserve reusable information according to the selected options.


LOAD THE BID DOCUMENT

Once the workbook is clean, load the new Bid Document into Base.

At this stage, verify that the structure reflects the source document correctly.

Review:

• Item numbering.
• Section titles.
• Item descriptions.
• Units.
• Quantities.
• Item type.
• Criterion.
• Sequence and grouping.

Do not assume that copied information is automatically correct.

Formatting, merged cells, hidden rows, copied formulas, or inconsistent source data may require review before continuing.


WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT

This phase formally establishes the new estimate inside ZUCOST.

From this point forward, the workbook becomes the main working file for:

• Resource assignment.
• Productivity analysis.
• Cost development.
• General factors.
• Sensitivity analysis.
• Reporting.
• Historical revisions.


IMPORTANT

Do not begin detailed estimating work in a workbook that still contains operational data from another project.

Mixing data from two estimates can create serious errors in quantities, resources, costs, reports, and project identification.


RECOMMENDATION

Create the ZUCOST project file only after the Bid Document has been reviewed and the project folder has been organized.

Once the clean workbook has been saved with the correct project name and the new Bid Document has been loaded, the new estimate can be considered formally created.