Give every estimator the same approved rate card

Specify what a charged hour means

List setup and run rates separately when the shop prices them differently. Record whether an operator is included, whether unattended time uses a different rate and which overhead pool the rate recovers. A rate described only as machine time can mean ownership cost to one estimator and a selling rate with labor and return to another. The workbook’s basis column makes that decision visible. Put an approver, effective date and version at the top so a saved job retains the pricing assumptions that were used.

Keep purchased-cost policies beside the rates

Material markup, hardware handling, freight treatment and outside-processing markup should be explicit fields rather than personal habits. The policy tab includes an example Type II anodize lot charge and per-piece amount, with space for a supplier quote reference and checked date. Replace those entries with the actual processor offer before quoting work. A lot minimum is not the same as a lot charge plus piece price; record which rule the supplier uses so small quantities are priced correctly.

Approve changes and test a familiar job

When updating a work-center rate, run one known routing at the old and new values and compare the resulting part price. Check that no quote-wide markup duplicates return already contained in a selling rate. Keep minimum line charge and default setup minutes distinct: one is a pricing floor, the other is a time assumption that changes with the job. Archive superseded cards with issued quotes, then use the current approved version for new estimates. The workbook is a manual control document; editing it does not update any live software settings.

• Calculate a machine-specific cost basis