Working with Big Estimating Spreadsheets

NOTE-- In 2000 we replaced MacNail with Goldenseal construction estimating software. Some people still use MacNail, so we keep the manuals online for them! Goldenseal is an integrated program that also includes accounting, scheduling and contract writing features. Goldenseal is a stand-alone program that does not require Excel.

Coping with Big Spreadsheets

MacNail is a 'power' worksheet: it includes a great deal of information, and contains over 4000 formulas. It can sometimes be annoyingly slow, especially on the Mac Plus and SE.

NOTE-- These instructions were written for computers that were much slower than modern machines.

We have come up with a few tips for the use of large spreadsheets:

* OPEN AN ESTIMATOR BEFORE YOU NEED IT: it gives you just about the right amount of time to make a quick phone call or visit the throne room.

* BE SURE TO SAVE WHENEVER YOU TAKE A BREAK: lean back and look elsewhere than the screen every half hour or so--and save the estimators while you do so. It will prevent data loss, eye strain, and sore muscles all at the same time.

* USE COPY INSTEAD OF CUT: if you are transferring an item from one place to another, don't use cut from the EDIT menu (Command-X). Excel works much faster if you copy (Command-C), then paste (Command-V), then clear (Command-B) the old item.

* AVOID ADDING AND DELETING ROWS: you are much better off typing over an existing item that you don't need.

* TAKE ADVANTAGE OF Manual/Auto calculation: When making changes that involve many other formulas (for example, in Fixed Costs and Dimensions), choose Calculation from the OPTIONS menu, and set it to manual. When making changes that affect only a few formulas (for example, in Specifications, Clearinghouse and Summation), choose Calculation from the OPTIONS menu, and set it to automatic.

NOTE: If you use the MACNAIL menu to navigate, this change from manual to automatic will be made for you automatically.