Material estimates and variance
Plan quantities and rates by stage, then compare them with recorded issue costs.
Create a buying reference before work begins
An estimate records the material quantity and rate expected for a project stage. It supports procurement planning and later comparison; it does not order stock, reserve it or change a project budget by itself. Material Estimation is an optional feature. Prepare the project, stage and material catalogue before creating lines.
Step-by-step walkthrough
- 01
Choose a project and stage
Open Material Estimation and select the work you are estimating. Make sure the materials exist in the catalogue.
- 02
Enter planned material lines
Add each material, its planned quantity and rate using the shown unit. Review the estimated line amounts and total against the scope.
- 03
Compare after work is recorded
Return to the comparison after relevant material issues are posted against the same material and stage. Investigate missing links before treating a low actual figure as a saving.
Enter and check the estimate lines
Open Estimation, choose the project and stage, add the material, estimated quantity, rate and notes, then save. Check the resulting totals and stage summary. Use notes for the basis of the allowance, such as the drawing revision or measured work. Enter an agreed estimate rather than treating a default or reference rate as a supplier quotation.
Example
120 bags at PKR 1,400 produce an estimated line cost of PKR 168,000. This is a planning example; use your own agreed quantity and rate.
Understand what the actual column measures
The current comparison uses recorded material-issue costs linked to both stage and material. It is not a direct physical-stock count or a total of every DPR material mention. A missing stage link can therefore leave an estimate without a matching actual. Variance bands use the company’s consumption-variance setting.
For the example above, 130 issued bags at the same rate are 10 bags and PKR 14,000 over the estimate. Investigate scope changes, entries and wastage before concluding that the site wasted ten bags. See consumption and Change Orders.