Estimating Link Pro - Network
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      Estimating Link Multi-User Environment

      Multiple users on the same project capabilities and limitations.

      Estimating Link's Server Configuration Tool

      Estimating Link's Multi-User Environment is available with Estimating Link's Server Configuration Tool. 

      The Server Configuration Tool is standard with both Estimating Link's Enterprise Plans and Estimating Link Online (via TCLI-VM) Plans.

      Estimating Link & Multi-Users

      Estimating Link can be used by concurrent users up to the number of licenses issued on User Management Link. 

      This means that multiple team members can collaborate on the estimation process of a project simultaneously, enhancing efficiency and productivity in several ways:

      • Real-Time Collaboration: Team members can work on different aspects of the project simultaneously, seeing each other's changes instantly. This eliminates the need for back-and-forth communication delays and ensures that everyone is on the same page.
      • Parallel Workflows: Different team members may be responsible for various sections or components of the project estimate. With concurrent user capabilities, these individuals can work on their respective sections concurrently without waiting for others to finish. This parallel workflow accelerates the overall estimation process.
      • Reduced Duplications and Errors: The concurrent user feature minimizes the chances of duplicated efforts and errors. Team members can view and edit the estimation data in real-time, avoiding the creation of conflicting versions. This ensures data accuracy and consistency throughout the estimation process.
      • Increased Responsiveness: In a dynamic project environment, quick decision-making is crucial. With concurrent users, your team can respond promptly to changes, updates, or client requests. The software allows for swift adjustments and modifications, enabling your team to adapt to evolving project requirements efficiently.
      • Centralized Data Storage: All project data is stored centrally, accessible to authorized users. This centralized approach ensures that everyone is working with the latest information. It eliminates the need for manual data synchronization and prevents confusion caused by outdated or conflicting versions.

      Please note, that some limitations do apply so that users do not over-write each other.  See below for more information on limitations.

      Current Estimating Link Users

      Users have access to see who else is using Estimating Link, which project each users is on, which module of the program each user is in (Rates, Items, Bid, SMC, RTC), which Item each user is in and the status that user has in the respective module (Edit Mode or Display Mode).

      To see who is currently in Estimating Link, go to Setup > User List.  This window displays the Current Estimating Link Users:

      In the above example, I am the only one currently using Estimating Link and I am in Edit Mode on Item 201.01.1 on MAIN_ST.

      Due to the complexity of Estimating Link, there are scenarios in which modification capabilities are only granted to one user at a time.  This is to keep users from over-writing each other.

      For instance, using the above example, if a second user opened MAIN_ST and went to Item 201.01.1, they would see Display Only in red on this Item.  This user would not be able to make modifications to this Item until I'm done with it.

      Simultaneous Users on Same Project

      Below lists the limitations when simultaneous users are on the same project.  

      Bid Sheet

      • Only 1 user can edit the Bid Sheet at a time.
      • First user to enter the Bid Sheet can edit it.  Second user to enter is in Display Only mode.

      Item Sheet

      • Only 1 user can edit an Item at a time.
      • First user to enter the Item Sheet can edit it.  Second user to enter is in display only mode.
      • Existing Items cannot be over-written during an import operation if another user is currently editing the record.

      Rate Tables

      • Only 1 user can modify a Rate at a time.
      • A user cannot delete a Rate if another user is working on it.
      • Existing Rates cannot be over-written during an import operation if another user is currently editing the record.

      SMC and RTC Tables

      • Only opened by 1 user at a time.
      • To Post an SMC or RTC Table, user must have access to the Item Sheets.