05 - BID DOCUMENT PREPARATION

OBJECTIVE

Run the PREPARE BID DOCUMENT command to transform the imported bid structure into a format that ZUCOST can interpret consistently.

This phase organizes the Base structure, distinguishes section headings from executable items, applies the required formatting, and prepares the estimate for the next stages of resource assignment and calculation.


WHAT THE COMMAND IDENTIFIES

The procedure automatically identifies and classifies the main structural elements of the bid document, including:

• Main titles.
• Chapters or sections.
• Normal executable items.

This classification allows ZUCOST to distinguish between organizational rows and actual cost items.


AUTOMATIC PREPARATION

When PREPARE BID DOCUMENT is executed, ZUCOST prepares the imported structure by applying the formatting and internal organization required for later processing.

Depending on the structure of the document, the procedure may:

• Identify title rows.
• Identify section or chapter rows.
• Identify normal estimate items.
• Apply the corresponding visual formatting.
• Preserve the required order of the bid document.
• Prepare the item structure for resource assignment.
• Prepare Base for later interaction with Matrix.
• Facilitate navigation and filtering.
• Reduce manual formatting work.


WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT

A bid document is normally created for contractual or presentation purposes, not for cost-engineering calculations.

For that reason, its original structure may contain:

• Titles.
• Subtitles.
• Chapters.
• Blank separators.
• Numbered sections.
• Normal cost items.
• Mixed formatting.
• Inconsistent indentation or hierarchy.

Before detailed estimating begins, ZUCOST needs a clear distinction between structural rows and executable items.

This phase creates that distinction.


VERIFY THE RESULT

After running PREPARE BID DOCUMENT, review the Base sheet carefully.

Confirm that:

• Titles are correctly identified.
• Chapters or sections are correctly identified.
• Executable items are classified as normal items.
• Item numbering remains correct.
• Descriptions remain associated with the proper items.
• Units and quantities have not been displaced.
• The original bid sequence is preserved.


IMPORTANT

Automatic classification reduces work, but the estimator remains responsible for reviewing the result.

Bid documents may contain unusual numbering systems, special titles, mixed structures, or inconsistent source formatting that require manual correction.


DO NOT CONTINUE IF

Do not proceed to detailed resource assignment if:

• A title was classified as an executable item.
• An executable item was classified as a title.
• The item sequence is incorrect.
• Descriptions, units, or quantities were shifted during the import.
• Important bid sections are missing.


RECOMMENDATION

Run PREPARE BID DOCUMENT immediately after loading the bid structure into Base.

Then perform a quick visual review before continuing.

A correctly prepared Base becomes the structural foundation for the rest of the ZUCOST estimating process.