Program AUSSCHREIBUNG

General

The program AUSSCHREIBUNG carries out cost estimation and contract specification based on standardized reference material, but can also be user-defined. Standard reference material can be saved in the program follow the scheme set forth by the German Catalogue of Service Standards (StLK), and/or after the German Book of Service Standards (StLB). The standard texts can modified using simple text editors or word-processing programs. Users may also upload original STLB-Bau, StLB, SIRADOS and StLK texts into the program for use.

The individual line items must first be assigned unique identification numbers. After completion of the specifications, the program can be set up to automatically generate further lists using a uniform numbering system. Each item`s reference material stems either from the German Catalogue of Service Standards (StLK), the German Book of Service Standards (StLB), SirAdos, or the user`s own, freely formulated text input. There is also the possibility to use a master set of specifications. Each line item is identified by its item type (eg. standard, basic, alternative, contingency, required, etc.) and the choice of wording used for each type can be customized.

Cost estimates may be prepared using multiple costs for a single item, and also allowing for an average calculated cost. A powerful pricing database is provided. Costs from previous estimates can be saved into a master directory for easy future use. The program AUSSCHREIBUNG keeps both long and short descriptions for each item, allowing for the addition of graphics in the long description.

For each item, quantity determinations can be based either a base value or on a detailed quantitative determination following formulas from the Guidelines for the Electronic Calculation of Construction Quantities (REB).

Comparing and calculating bids is easy using AUSSCHREIBUNG, as unit prices can be broken down and sorted by bidder (also by labour and material costs) and compared (in % or in Euro) directly. Additionally, changes in labour costs can be directly accounted for.

The competing bids can be displayed either side-by-side or in a paragraph form, allowing for easy evaluation. Base, alternative, contingent and required items can be chosen from lists to calculate the total project cost. The audit of partial payment invoices and the final accounting is performed using the verified bid costs for individual line items, changes in labour costs, and any discounts. Either the total cost or partial costs can then be reported. The user can then create a target performance comparison (bided vs. billed amount). The program enables the quantitative cost analysis for all items used on a given price list. Quantity calculations can carried out on groups of items to generate subtotals which together allow for the complete and thorough accounting of a construction project.

The basis for this is the "REB-Verfahrensbeschreibung 23.003" General Construction Accounting Practices Issue 1979, by the Research Association for Road Construction. The REB-VB 23.003 is a part of the collection of Guidelines for the Electronic Calculation of Construction Quantities (REB).

The freely adjustable functions allow each individual user to create their own possible solutions. Moreover, the program itself can be configured to suit the user`s individual needs through modifing the window order, adding column divisions, switching to a tree view of the data, exploring import and export options, and managing the bidder and owner address management.

The data structure is Microsoft access-compatible, guarantying a smooth exchange of data from Rehm software modules to Microsoft Office products. Multiple projects can be opened simultaneously and worked on. The tables work in the same way as those of Access and Excel, allowing columns to be turned on and off, data can be moved easily, and cell size can be changed. Column headings are also freely selectable. Various individual preferences of each user can be stored, so that with a simple click of the mouse, the user`s chosen layout can be selected.

Colored menu bars adjust themselves automatically to match to the current window. Important menu items are available as keyboard commands, as well as on the context menu (right mouse button). The most important functions are all available through the toolbar. Other characteristics typical of Windows applications are of course freely moveable windows, menu bars, status bar, formatting and ruler bars, tool list with accompanying tool tips, and on-line help.

All installed specification references are shown in both the Explorer and in a tree view. From this view, the the item text may be selected by double clicking on the text and dragging the item to it`s desired position. During the selection process, a detailed description of the chosen item is shown.

Along with the StLK and StLB as specification references, the user may define their own or use the MDI format from SirAdos. Standard Specifications from Stuttgart are also available Stuttgarter as an auxilary module.

The dynamic design data STLB-Bau are provided for selection and display in their own separate window.

Working with raw text is easy, as a comprehensive word processing program similar to Word, is available. Graphics can be easily transferred via the clipboard and inserted into the text as well.

Application limitations

The number of projects the user can store depends ultimately on the available memory of the hard disk. Per project, the following limits exist:

• Max.    99    Lots per project
• Max.    99    Contracts per lot
• Max.    9,999    Items per contract
• Max.    300    Selected items
• Unlimited    Number of bidders
• Unlimited    Amount of text per item
• Unlimited    Header and footer data

Data exchange

The program allows data medium exchange as per GAEB 6/90 and 11/1999 (data type GAEB2000), and for DA data types 81, 82, 83, 84, and 86. Data type 23 can also be used for the standard specifications and allows for a neutral interface between bidders and contractors.