Entering Material Costs

The MacNail construction accounting software uses Material Logbooks to itemize material costs, based on purchase orders, delivery tickets, or supplier invoices.

NOTE-- In 2000, MacNail was replaced by Goldenseal construction accounting software. Goldenseal is an integrated program that includes general accounting, job costing, payroll and project billing, plus estimating and other features. It includes Material Purchases transactions, which are similar to the Material Log.

To open the Sample Material Log, choose *Material Log from the MacNAIL menu.

For example, our latest invoice from Cayuga Lumber may include one box of framing nails at $28.50, one box of roofing nails at $42.00, and six rolls of felt roofing at $9.47. All of it will be used on the Smith job.

To enter the first item:

1. Click in the job# column of the first blank row, and type 11 for the Smith job.
2. Tab to the biz# column, and type 1 for Cayuga Lumber.
3. Tab to the date column, and type in the delivery or billing date.
4. Tab to the invc# (invoice) column, and enter the invoice number.
5. Tab to the item column, and enter a brief description of the item purchased--framing nails. This information is not necessary for MacNail's functioning, but it is helpful for your own future use.
6. Tab to the units column, and type 1.
7. Tab to the unit pr (unit price) column, and type 28.50. Notice that the total price, including sales tax or discount, is computed when you hit the Enter key or leave this cell.
8. Tab to the cat (category) column, and type F as a job code.
9. Tab to the sub (subcategory) column, and type 6. You will only need to enter this information for projects you are tracking in greater detail.