Using Excel with MacNail Estimating

NOTE-- In 2000 we retired MacNail and BidMagic (our previous estimating programs), and introduced Goldenseal construction estimating software. There are still die-hard MacNail users out there, so we keep the manuals online for them! Goldenseal is an integrated program that also includes accounting, job costing and project management features. It does not use Excel, so the interface is different than what you'd see in a spreadsheet program.

Using Excel with MacNail Construction Estimating Software

This manual assumes that you have some experience with Microsoft Excel.

If you are new to Excel, we recommend that you work through the Welcome and Learning Excel sections of the Excel manual before you start out with the MacNail construction estimating software. Be sure to go through the tutorial included in this manual before attempting an actual bid. (Users of Excel 2.2 or greater, see also page 166.)

There are several excellent books on Excel--plus many sources for hands-on training. Give us a call for our latest recommendations.

Excel is an extremely useful program for any kind of list management or number crunching.

With a little practice, you can create your own specialty worksheets to solve the need of the moment, such as cut-and-fill calculation, financial projections, or tool inventory.

Sources such as Heizer's Excellent Exchange also offer templates for general business tasks such as income tax, advanced payroll, and depreciation tracking. Doing it all in Excel has some big advantages, since you can transfer information from one worksheet to another very easily.

Excel is a very powerful program that can do many good things for you. We think you will find that the effort to master it is worthwhile!