09 - MASS CLONING (OPTIONAL)

OBJECTIVE

Once representative Matrix Items have been created, the CLONE RESOURCES command can be used to transfer resource structures from one item to many other similar items.

This optional tool is designed to accelerate estimate development when multiple items share common labor, equipment, support resources, or execution characteristics.

Mass cloning can save a significant amount of repetitive work.


CLONING OPTIONS

Cloning may be performed in two ways:

• Partial cloning.
• Total cloning.

The appropriate option depends on how similar the destination items are to the source Matrix Item.


PARTIAL CLONING

Partial cloning is useful when only selected resources should be copied.

Examples:

• Supervisors.
• Vehicles.
• Mobile offices.
• Common equipment.
• Permanent project staff.
• Safety resources.
• Inspection personnel.
• General support equipment.

This method allows the estimator to transfer only the resources that are common to several items while preserving the individual characteristics of each destination item.


TOTAL CLONING

Total cloning is appropriate when the destination items use essentially the same resource structure as the source Matrix Item.

In this case, the complete resource composition can be transferred and later adjusted as required.

This is especially useful when several bid items differ mainly in:

• Quantity.
• Location.
• Diameter.
• Size.
• Length.
• Area.
• Minor technical variations.

while maintaining a very similar execution method.


HOW TO PREPARE FOR CLONING

Before cloning:

1. Select a representative Matrix Item.

2. Verify that its resource structure is technically correct.

3. Confirm that the resources intended for cloning are complete.

4. Identify the destination items.

5. Use the Criterion field when helpful to group similar items.

6. Decide whether Partial or Total cloning is more appropriate.


EXAMPLE

Suppose several mechanical items require the same general support resources:

• Supervisor.
• Pickup truck.
• Mobile office.
• Common tools.
• Safety equipment.
• Permanent support personnel.

Instead of adding these resources individually to every item, they can be cloned to the selected group.


ANOTHER EXAMPLE

If several concrete items share the same basic construction method, a complete representative Matrix Item may include:

• Concrete crew.
• Laborers.
• Concrete vibrator.
• Small tools.
• Concrete material.
• Pumping equipment.
• Testing services.

The complete structure can be cloned and then adjusted item by item for quantity, productivity, duration, or specific requirements.


WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT

In large estimates, manually repeating the same resource structure across many items can consume a significant amount of time.

Mass cloning can:

• Reduce repetitive data entry.
• Improve consistency.
• Reduce omissions.
• Accelerate Matrix development.
• Standardize common resource structures.
• Allow hundreds of items to be populated much faster.


CLONING DOES NOT REPLACE REVIEW

After cloning, each destination item must still be reviewed.

The estimator should verify whether any resource must be:

• Added.
• Removed.
• Replaced.
• Increased.
• Reduced.
• Reclassified.

Cloning provides a starting structure, not a final technical decision.


IMPORTANT

Do not clone resources simply because item descriptions appear similar.

The destination items should have reasonably comparable construction methods and resource requirements.

An incorrect cloning decision can multiply the same mistake across many items.


RECOMMENDATION

Use Mass Cloning only after representative Matrix Items have been carefully developed.

Clone common resources first, then review the destination items individually.

When used correctly, this tool can transform hours of repetitive resource assignment into a much faster and more controlled process.