SharpeSoft Estimator 2008 is a SQL Server-based cost estimating tool. It comes with a central resource database, which stores all cost types; this way, the vendor said, all estimators use the same standard resource costs for labor, equipment and materials on jobs. The product also allows multiple rates and benefit/burden packages for the same resources, as well as different rates for different union areas, or open shop vs. prevailing wage, SharpeSoft said. The tool calls up the correct operator classification for necessary equipment and keeps records of crews, so they can reused for similar work.

• subcontractor comparisons;
• materials comparisons;
• a trench profiler for calculating excavations and fill quantities;
• haul calculations;
• what-if scenarios;
• an audit trail for tracking bid changes, and
• the ability to save bids for re-use.