Importing Estimates

NOTE-- In 2000 we replaced MacNail with Goldenseal construction estimating software. There are still plenty of die-hard MacNail users, so we keep the manuals online for their use! Goldenseal is an integrated program that also includes accounting, scheduling and contract writing features. This page covers the importing of estimates between two different retired estimating programs-- HyperEstimator and MacNail. Both contributed interface design ideas to Goldenseal, but are long since replaced.

Step Three: Import the estimate to MacNail Estimating

To import project dimensions and specifications to the MacNail construction estimating software:

1. Double-click to open the Transfer MANAGER. From Excel, choose Open from the FILE menu.
2. You will be asked if you want to run the transfer. Click OK. You can also click Cancel and start the transfer later by holding down the option and command (cloverleaf) keys and typing a T.
3. The transfer macro will automatically open all necessary documents. It will make the transfer of dimensions and specifications, and then save the file with a new name. The file will be saved using the name first entered during the export from the Hyper*Estimator. If you typed in 'Smith", it will be named 'Smith Estimate'.

WARNING: Bold code numbers in the Specifications list in MacNail are used by the transfer. If any bold code numbers are erased, the corresponding item will be lost.

The Transfer MANAGER has a 'housekeeping' section immediately below the instructions. Use it to change file names, or modify the transfer.

1. If you change the name of any of the necessary documents, be sure to also change them in the 'housekeeping' section.
2. To see the transfer in action, type TRUE into the box labeled 'Screen Updating'. It will let you watch the transfer. For speed, keep screen updating set to FALSE.