MacNail Overview

NOTE-- We retired the MacNail estimating program in 2000, and replaced it with Goldenseal construction estimating software. There are still a significant number of die-hard MacNail users, so we keep the manuals online for them! Goldenseal is an integrated program that also includes accounting, scheduling and contract writing. It has all the features of MacNail, in a single software program.

MacNail Construction Software Overview

The complete MacNail project management software includes five integrated modules:

* Estimating-- produces highly detailed bids and estimates. Includes reporting features, and links to Turtle Creek's other estimating programs. Covered in the MacNail Construction Estimating manual.
* Accounting/Job Costing-- checkbook ledger, accounts payable, payroll, and job cost tracking. Covered in the MacNail Accounting manual.
* Scheduling-- schedules, material takeoffs, punch lists and reminders. Covered in the MacNail Scheduling manual.
* Customizing-- automatic updating of material unit prices from supplier price lists. Automatic updating of labor unit prices from job cost records. Also an 'estimator construction kit'. Covered in this manual.
* Spec Writer-- converts a MacNail estimate into a spec sheet-- useful for attachment to bids, or as an attachment to (or a part of) contract documents. Covered in the MacNail Spec Writer manual.

Most of MacNail's work takes place in Excel worksheets (see pages 160-193). While you have the worksheets open, you can use all of Excel's data entry tricks such as Fill Down, Copy, and Paste.

The MacNail construction management software also includes special macro sheets, known as Managers (see page 196). They provide custom menus, transfer information between worksheets, and simplify some of the more complex worksheet tasks.