Getting Started with Estimating on CUBE

Recommended first steps

Goal: Implement a structured, efficient, and repeatable estimating process using CUBE.

Phase 1: Set Up Your Core System (1-3 Days)

Step 1: Establish Your Template Library

Leverage CUBE Marketplace – Select pre-built templates to standardize estimating.
Customize Your Templates – Modify components, BOM, scope of work, controllers, and materials.
Optimize for Efficiency – Use bulk purchases to maximize value and speed up setup.

Outcome: A ready-to-use template library for consistent, scalable estimating.

Phase 2: Configure Cost and Labor Data (1-2 Days)

Step 2: Define Labor & Cost Codes

Set Labor Rates – Define hourly costs for each labor type.
Configure Cost Codes – Categorize labor types for precise budgeting.
Establish Labor Ratios – Set task-to-I/O count ratios to ensure accurate cost allocation.

Outcome: Accurate labor cost integration for all estimates.

Step 3: Set Up Material and Wiring Costs

Input Wiring Components – Add wiring materials in the Parts Section.
Map Wire Types – Link each part to a specific wire type for structured cost tracking.
Configure Raceway Costs – Review and customize conduit kits for accuracy.

Outcome: Complete material and wiring cost structures for reliable project pricing.

Phase 3: Validate and Optimize (1-3 Days)

Step 4: Test Estimates & Train Your Team

Run Sample Estimates – Compare outputs with past estimates for accuracy.
Conduct a Team Review – Align processes and address questions before full deployment.
Outcome: A tested and refined estimating process ready for live projects.

Phase 4: Deploy and Optimize (Ongoing)

Step 5: Implement CUBE in Live Projects

Apply Your Templates & Cost Data – Use CUBE in real projects.
Monitor Performance – Identify gaps or inefficiencies in estimates.
Refine Part Associations – Optimize frequently used components.

Step 6: Scale & Automate

Minimize Data Imports – Use Alps Store to selectively integrate key components.
Continuously Improve – Adjust labor rates, wiring, and raceway costs based on project insights.
Expand Template Library – Add new systems over time for increased efficiency.

Outcome: A fully optimized, automated estimating process that improves accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.

Summary: A 6-Step Path to Success

Set Up Your Template Library – Standardize estimating.
Define Labor & Cost Codes – Ensure precise labor allocation.
Configure Material & Wiring Costs – Accurately price components.
Test & Train – Validate and refine your process.
Deploy CUBE in Live Projects – Start estimating with confidence.
Optimize & Scale – Improve efficiency over time.

By following this structured approach, your team can implement CUBE quickly, reduce manual effort, and improve estimating accuracy.

Start today and transform your BMS estimating process with CUBE!

Download the Customer Implementation Roadmap

We’re excited to welcome you to CUBE, the platform designed to transform your estimating and engineering workflows. With powerful tools, intuitive features, and automation at your fingertips, CUBE is here to help you work smarter, faster, and more efficiently.

To ensure you get the most out of your experience, we’ve prepared a step-by-step guide to help you get started. By following this guide, you’ll be using the platform and gaining efficiency in no time. Let’s begin this journey to elevate your estimating and engineering processes to the next level!

Step 1: Initial Setup

Account Confirmation and Onboarding

To confirm your account and access CUBE, start by locating the account creation email in your inbox. Click on the "Verify Email" link within the email to validate your account, which will open a new window confirming successful validation. Then, click "Go to Login" and enter your email along with the credentials provided in a separate email. After logging in, you’ll be prompted to review and accept the terms and conditions. Once accepted, you will gain access to CUBE. From there, proceed to review the rest of the onboarding guide and complete the straightforward steps to finalize the process.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating Users

In this webinar, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on creating and managing users within the Cube platform. You’ll learn step-by-step how to navigate the User Management module, register new users, and assign them to specific employees or subcontractors. By the end of the session, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to efficiently manage user profiles, streamline team assignments, and maintain an organized database within Cube. This webinar is perfect for administrators looking to optimize their user management processes.

Connect CUBE with Alps Controls for Instant Access to Parts

This training video demonstrates the fastest and most efficient method to add new parts to CUBE by integrating your account with Alps Controls. With access to thousands of parts from nearly every manufacturer worldwide, this integration streamlines your workflow. The process begins by requesting a connection token from your Alps Controls account manager. Once you receive the token, simply navigate to the Vendor module in CUBE, locate Alps Controls, and input the token in the designated section to complete the synchronization. If you're not yet an Alps customer, the video also provides guidance on quickly registering your company through the Alps website. A link to the registration page is included in the video description for your convenience.

Step 2: Start Estimating

Create your First Estimate

Welcome to CUBE Estimating and Engineering! We’re excited to partner with you on your journey to success, helping you unlock the full potential of the platform. To get started, we encourage you to create your first estimate by following the step-by-step instructions provided. This exercise is designed to familiarize you with the correct workflow and ease any concerns about adopting a new system. While this is a quick overview, you’ll find comprehensive training videos within CUBE for deeper insights into each feature. Let’s begin your path to greater efficiency and productivity!

What is included in your account!

CUBE ensures you’re ready to estimate from day one with pre-configured accounts featuring industry-leading parts, transparent pricing through Alps Controls, and tools for seamless system design. Key features include accurate wiring and labor cost calculations, NEC-compliant conduit sizing, and pre-designed electrical kits. With flexible manufacturer options and a library of components, CUBE simplifies estimating and boosts efficiency.

Step 3: Training and Familiarization

The next step is to start getting familiar with CUBE. Click on this button to access the most relevant videos.

Access Next Step Training

Thank You!

We hope this step-by-step guide has been helpful as you get started with CUBE! Your feedback is invaluable in driving our innovation, and we’d greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to share your thoughts by completing a quick survey. Thank you for helping us improve!