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PM Import Estimates

PM Import Estimates brings third-party estimate data into Project Management. The hub form is a five-step flow (under Product Guides → Import Project Estimates, not under Projects). Import loads a temporary work file; Upload moves data into the PM module. Job Cost still requires a later PM Interface — the form intro’s “interface with accounting” wording means the overall PM lifecycle, not this import step alone.

There are no Field Definitions on the hub topic.

Before you start​

  • Estimate file is comma-separated (CSV).
  • Each line’s leading number is a record type (maintained on About the PM Import Estimates Detail Form).
  • An import template exists in PM Import Estimates Template (how columns map). Predefined templates for common estimating packages and a generic layout are typical.
  • Know whether you are targeting a new or existing project (upload warnings may apply for existing numbers).

Steps — overall flow​

  1. Estimate Import File — open the CSV and confirm it is ready.
  2. Template Master — define import layout in PM Import Estimates Template.
  3. Import Data — load the file into work tables (PM Import Estimates Data).
  4. Edit Work Tables — review/fix in PM Import Estimates Edit (also called PM Import Edit in the procedure).
  5. Upload to PM — post work-file data into the PM module (PM Import Estimates Upload).

Import Data (step 3 detail)​

Menu: Project Management → Programs → PM Import Estimates → Import Data.

  1. In Template, Browse to the CSV (procedure labels this field Template even though you pick the data file).
  2. Enter a new Import ID, or F4 an existing one. Reusing an ID replaces all work-file data for that ID — only if the old data is invalid or no longer needed.
  3. Enter Default Retainage Percent (applied to contract items and subcontract detail in the work file).
  4. Import. Counts show for item, phase, cost type, material, and subcontract records, plus any errors.
  5. Fix errors on PM Import Estimates Edit. No errors → upload is allowed without review, but review is still recommended.
  6. Run Upload when the work file is clean.

What is created at import vs upload​

StageResult
ImportTemporary work file only (items, phases, cost types, materials, subcontract rows + default retainage)
UploadData into the PM module (phases/estimates/etc. as mapped)
LaterPM Interface to Job Cost / related modules

Notes​

  • Related: PM Import Estimates Template / Data / Edit / Upload / Detail (record types), Template Copy, VFE Auto Import, CSV layout and cross-reference topics, Schedule of Values, Standard Item Codes, Managing PM Project Phases, Using the PM Interface.