To use a bid

The objective of the estimate process is to prepare a proposal, a quotation, or a bid consisting of the sales price information of elements, the project schedule, and invoicing information.

For the preparation of a bid, you must select an estimate version. To store the documents that are relevant for an estimate in Infor LN, use the standard document management functionality. These templates can include Project Plan, CAD drawings, Spread-sheets, or any other documents related to the estimate.

A bid contains the details of the estimate process and the deliverables for the customer, such as:

  • Scope documents
  • Summary sheets
  • Agreements
  • Schedules
  • Sales price estimates

The documents result from:

  • Reports
  • Spread-sheets
  • Text documents
  • Microsoft Project plans

In Project, you can link all documents to a bid.

An estimate version can have one or more bids. You can use multiple bids to:

  • Provide alternative offers.
  • Bid for multiple customers in the project.

You can also define bid lines. Bid lines are the selected estimate lines for a given bid. The estimate lines are generated by the Prepare Bid (tpest3210m000) session or inserted manually using the Insert Bid Lines option.

To view the Bid Structure

You can view the bid lines in a graphical browser framework (GBF). The bid lines are displayed based on the defined Primary Structure. You can select a part of the structure to view the data of the bid lines linked to the structural elements. The related amount, that is, the bid total or the total of the selected structural element is also displayed.

To convert a Bid to Contract

You can use the Convert Bid to Contract (tpest3200m000) session to convert a bid to a contract. A contract, contract line, or both, is created for the selected bid, if the Bid Status is set to Accepted. The bid number is copied to the Contract Lines (tpctm1110m000) session and the contract (line) is defaulted to the Bid (tpest3600m000) session. The Bid Status is set to Contract Award.

To compare Bids

You can use the Bid Comparison (tpest3100m100) session to compare the calculated bid totals and the specified target bid amount of two bids. The comparison is based on the total sales amounts, cost amounts, and profit margin, which can be done at the total ( estimate) level or the structure level (for example, activity structure).

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