What's new in ProPricer

Release date: December 20, 2024

Installing and upgrading

• The default installation folder for ProPricer 9 has been renamed from "EBS" to "Deltek".
• The Database Setup tool requires a password to be created for new databases. The default login username "sysadmin" can be changed.

Daily pricing

ProPricer 9 introduces daily-level proposal pricing, allowing for more accurate cost estimates and rate escalations for contracts with non-standard durations. This enhancement enables precise calculations for contracts starting mid-month or spanning irregular periods, improving the accuracy of proposals.

Recycle Bin

A Recycle Bin feature has been added for proposals and tables, allowing users to temporarily delete data with the option to restore it later. The Recycle Bin is accessible on the Miscellaneous ribbon.

Cost sources in proposals

Added a dialog box for users to create a new cost source at the proposal stage. This feature helps users add the cost source, validates the existence of parts, and allows the creation of new parts if they do not exist.

Deltek Open Plan integration

Direct integration between ProPricer 9 and Deltek Open Plan has been implemented, enabling seamless data synchronization between the two applications. Users can now push and pull project data directly, including tasks, schedules, and resources, without the need for manual file exports and imports.

Resource estimate direct rate override

Users can now apply direct rate overrides at the resource estimate level within ProPricer 9. This feature offers finer control over individual line items, particularly beneficial for Services-type proposals where rate adjustments are often required on a per-estimate basis.

Ask Dela improvements

The Ask Dela feature has received cosmetic updates to align with Dela brand guidelines. Changes include updated icons, conversation bubble positioning, response animations, and a new disclaimer on first launch. The chat interface now features a curved menu bar and updated background colors.

Disable resource field value lists

Users can now disable the value list of resource fields while keeping their values stored in the back end and hidden from the UI. This improvement reduces front end clutter and improves overall user experience.

Separate system settings for assembly and part name templates

Separate templates for assembly and part names have been implemented. Users can now create distinct naming conventions for parts and assemblies. This allows for more flexible and specific naming strategies.

Leave Feedback button

A new Leave Feedback button has been added to the top right corner of ProPricer 9, next to the Ask Dela icon. This button provides users with direct access to the Aha! Enhancement Portal, where they can submit ideas for future features and functionality, encouraging user engagement in product development.

Fixes

• A bug causing an error when printing a Task Text report has been resolved.
• An issue with the database setup process in silent mode has been addressed. The error related to deserializing the DbSetupData type has been resolved, ensuring smoother database setup operations.
• A problem where tables were automatically inserted around BOE content when printing to Word has been fixed. This resolves issues with text cut-off and improves the overall formatting of exported documents.
• The intermittent 'Session aborted due to network loss' errors experienced by some users, particularly with the API tool, have been investigated and addressed to improve connection stability.
• A patch has been applied to address server freeze issues.
• The issue causing freezes and disconnects when switching rate band types has been resolved, improving stability during data imports and manual updates.
• A fix has been implemented to address the Export Excel function not working due to sensitivity levels in Excel. This resolves the problem for clients using sensitivity labels in their Excel environments.
• SOW/BOE View has been corrected to properly filter resources, travels, and other details for the selected task or summary element, ensuring that only relevant information is displayed in detail grids.
• Help functionality has been fixed to show the correct topics without generating script errors, improving the user experience when accessing help documentation.

Release date: September 25, 2024

Fixes

• Fixed a bug where the ProPricer Database Setup tool failed to recognize Azure SQL Managed Instance as a valid target.
• Fixed an error in the Export Excel feature when exporting to the .xlsx and .xls file formats while sensitivity labels are applied in Microsoft Excel. The feature no longer requires Excel to be installed on the client machine, and it is independent of the settings in Excel and any behavior changes caused by Excel version updates. Additionally, the fix makes the export process much faster.

Release date: June 20, 2024

Ask Dela

The Ask Dela feature introduces a new digital AI assistant that gives logical responses to ProPricer-related inquiries. Ask Dela is powered by OpenAI and provides a simple, conversational interface for asking questions. To learn how to configure Ask Dela, see the ProPricer 9.5.104.0 Installation Guide.

.NET 8 Upgrade

ProPricer has upgraded from .NET 6 to .NET 8 to stay current with the latest technology. Microsoft will end support for .NET 6 in November 2024.

Import/Export Tool Integrated with ProPricer

The Import/Export Tool has been added to ProPricer as a feature. This prevents licensing issues, improves performance, and eliminates the need for ProPricer database connection settings in the tool.

User Login Information Separation

The login name, type, and password of each ProPricer user is now separate from their other user information. There are also different system-level associated permissions for Users and User Logins.

With separate login information, a single user can have multiple login types (ProPricer, Windows, and Azure AD). Additionally, you can quickly disable someone’s ability to log in without removing them from your ProPricer system.

You can view and edit logins in User Information and the new User Login Information feature. User Information shows the logins for a selected user, while User Login Information shows all logins and users in one grid.

Material Distribution Summary Report

The new Material Distribution Summary Report shows a proposal’s material costs by month, quarter, year, or no timescale. In the ad hoc layout options, you can choose exactly which information to include in the report.

Replicate Material Changes in Another Proposal

In proposals, the Replicate Material Changes right-click option can now apply changes to a different proposal with the same parts. This includes cost source information changes. Previously, Replicate Material Changes only applied to the same proposal.

Updated FWP Form Report

The FWP Form Report has five additional equipment subsections. In Proposal Properties, they are available as line items in the Form Mapping settings.

Proposal Metadata in Archives

When archiving proposals using any method, the archive includes metadata in a .txt file. It captures the ProPricer version that created the archive, and the earliest version of ProPricer required to restore it.

More Consolidation Rule Options

• Cost consolidation rules now have a Linear Interpolation option. It calculates the unit cost of a part when the required quantity is between two known quantity ranges from a cost source. Despite the quantity gap in the cost source details, ProPricer can still calculate an accurate unit cost in proposals.
• Cost consolidation rules now have a Closest option for the Qty Match setting. In combination with other rule options, it selects the cost source with the closest quantity. The closest quantity can be greater than or less than the required quantity.

More Link Qty Options for Associated Costs

There are two new options for linking associated costs to material quantities in proposals.

• Period: The associated cost is applied per period (month, quarter, or year) that has any quantity of the material.
• Period Qty: The associated cost is applied per the Link Qty Amount you enter. For example, if you enter an amount of 100, the associated cost applies to each set of 100 units.

ROUNDUP and ROUNDDOWN Functions in Algorithms and Report Designer

The ROUNDUP and ROUNDDOWN formula functions are now available in the algorithm formula editor and Report Designer expression editor.

Material Quantity Modifier Formula

In Proposal Properties, the Material Pricing settings have a new Qty Modifier Formula. It provides a formula editor for adjusting the manufacturing start quantity calculation in a proposal. In the formula, you have the flexibility to use your own material fields.

The Qty Modifier Formula works the same way as the existing Hours/Units/Cost Modifier in Proposal Properties. The formula functions, mathematical operators, and material fields you enter in the editor create a multiplier that is applied to the manufacturing start quantity.

BOE Source Identifies Travel and CERs

For trips and CER derivative resources that originated from a restored BOE Pro proposal, a BOE Source column indicates the source proposal’s name. Previously, the BOE Source column in proposals only identified direct resources that came from BOE Pro.

Update Current Proposal Includes Material Descriptions

The Update Current Proposal feature now allows updating the description of parts and assemblies.

Corrected Export to Excel Behavior for Pivot Grids

The default Text Export Mode when exporting a pivot grid from Print Preview to Excel has been changed from Text to Value. This restores the original default mode before it was switched in ProPricer 9.5.100.0.

Release date: January 9, 2024

AutoProtect Material Edits setting

Introduces an AutoProtect feature to proposal-specific materials that treats any edited parts and assemblies as actuals, like the way the AutoProtect Trip Edits setting works. To use the new AutoProtect Material Edits setting, go to Proposal Properties > Material > Pricing.

Timephased base unit cost for cost source materials

Enables timephased base unit cost calculations (monthly or annual) for miscellaneous or long-term agreement (LTA) parts and assemblies. To set up material pricing by month or year in the Parts or Assemblies Libraries, click a cost source tab and go to the new Timephased Base Unit Cost grid.

Cost Level setting added to Prepare for Government

Adds a setting to select the cost level when archiving a proposal in Contractor Edition with the Prepare for Government feature. This is the same setting that is already available in Government Edition with the Prepare for Contractor feature.

Right-click material consolidation in Task View

Allows quickly consolidating materials in a single task in Task View. Click the Material tab, right-click a task in the Material Input grid > Consolidate > Selected Materials.

Default Slope Percentage for Volume Adjustment setting

Allows changing the Volume Adjustment default slope percentage from 100% to a different percentage. To use the new Default Slope Percentage for Volume Adjustment setting, go to System Options > Material.

Months Expired column for material cost sources

Shows the number of months since a quote, purchase order, or miscellaneous cost source has expired, if applicable. The new column appears in the Material Input grid of Material View and Task View.

Scheduled Rate ID and Discount columns for material associated costs

Adds the abilities to apply a scheduled rate and discount to labor resources in associated costs. The new columns appear in the Associated Costs grid of Material View and Task View.

Source Type column for CER bases

Adds the primary ability to exclude or include resources that stem from other CERs. A different source type besides CER can be selected as well. The new column appears in the Bases grid of CER tables. The column options are: (Any), CER, Direct, Formula, Material, Resource Set, and Travel.

Resource field mapping and creation with Microsoft Project

Adds the ability to map Microsoft Project fields to existing ProPricer resource fields when importing from Project. If you map to a resource field that doesn’t exist, ProPricer creates it automatically during the import.

Comparison Algorithm Report

Allows comparing the details of two or more algorithms and highlighting their differences in a report.

Comparison of proposals with different algorithms

Allows comparing proposals with different algorithms in reports. After selecting the proposals to compare in the Comparison Proposals report option, the algorithm names now appear in a separate column. You can click the ellipsis button next to an algorithm name to map elements from one algorithm to another.

Replicate changes in similar materials

Adds the ability to replicate changes made to a part or assembly’s details in a proposal. After modifying a material’s cost source or quantity, for example, you can replicate your changes to all materials with the same identifier in the proposal. Go to Material View or Task View, right-click an item in the Material Input grid > Replicate Material Changes.

Database connection on Login window

Adds the Hours Decimal Places setting that is available in other reports to the Summary Cost Breakdown Report.

Row count in the Cost Source lookup

Adds a row count function in the Cost Source lookup that shows how many cost sources are available for a part or assembly in a proposal. The amount is displayed at the bottom of the lookup that appears for values in the Cost Source column.

Maximum material field limit increased to 100

Increases the maximum number of material fields allowed in ProPricer from 20 to 100.

More unit of measure options for materials

Allows using comparison operators in front of numeric or date material field values in consolidation rule sets. Now a rule can be based on a time frame before or after a specified date, or on a number less than or greater than a specified value. You can enter the following operators with a numeric or date material field value:

• <> Not equal to
• < Less than/Before
• <= Less than/Before or Equal to
• > Greater than/After
• >= Greater than/After or Equal to

Example: > 1/1/24 would mean after January 1, 2024.

ServerConfig settings

Adds the following settings in ServerConfig:

• Keep Alive Interval (sec) determines how often a signal is sent to the server to maintain a connection. The length of time is entered as a number of seconds.
• Remote Inactivity Timeout (sec) determines how long inactivity can last before a connection closes. The length of time is entered as a number of seconds.

Release date: July 27, 2023

ProPricer ServerConfig

The ProPricer installation process includes a new server configuration tool called ProPricer ServerConfig. It can quickly validate a selected SSL certificate, and automatically complete a single-endpoint configuration. To learn how to use ProPricer ServerConfig, go to the ProPricer Installation Guide.

BOE Pro source support

The following changes improve the integration of BOE Pro with ProPricer Contractor Edition:

• Task View and Summary View have a new column for showing the name of the BOE that is the source of the created item.
• The Audit Report indicates when data from BOE Pro has been modified in Contractor Edition.

Assembly/Part Name Template system setting

A new system-level setting called Assembly/Part Name Template uses variables to determine how materials are automatically named and uniquely identified in the global material libraries. After an assembly or part name is created, you can still edit it to fit your needs.

Using the variable [Part Number] will automatically create names that include part numbers. If the template also has your own material fields as variables, like [Plant Code], the field values entered for items will appear with their names. Using material fields in the template lets you have multiple items with the same part number, as long as each item has a different combination of material field values.

Look up cost source by part number

In Material View, the Cost Source lookup lets you find cost sources for materials by name or part number. Looking up by part number shows all purchase orders, quotes, etc. for the items that have the same part number combined with different material field values.

Consolidate material unit costs by part number

A new setting called Consolidate Material By lets you consolidate by the part name or number. It’s available at the system level, and it can be set differently for a specific proposal during the consolidation setup.

Consolidating by the part number is useful when the Assembly/Part Name Template system setting contains the variable [Part Number] along with variables for material fields. In this case, you could have multiple items with the same part number and different material field values. The consolidation process will ignore the material fields, and only consider the part number.

Proposal-specific material information

In a proposal, you can edit part and assembly information without affecting the material libraries. Running the unit cost consolidation process or the update material process in the proposal will replace the changes with the library information. The most advantageous aspect of this enhancement is the ability to create a fully indented bill of materials structure directly in a proposal.

Associated costs for material cost sources

Assemblies and parts can have associated costs for individual quotes, purchase orders, etc. Now you can enter those costs at the material level or the cost source level. If a source has associated costs and you select it for a part or assembly in a proposal, the source’s associated costs are applied to it.

Unit of measure conversion

ProPricer can convert dimensions of material parts from one measurement to another according to standard conversion factors. This allows easy comparison between cost sources that measure materials differently. While entering information for a part, you can select a unit of measure for it in the UM column.

Azure AD login compatibility

Users can access ProPricer with an Azure Active Directory login instead of a ProPricer or Windows login.

Copy field values down to lower BOM levels

While setting up a bill of materials, you can quickly copy material field values or resource field values from a parent item to all of its children. This eliminates repeated data entry for each child. In the Material Input grid of Material View or Task View, right-click an item > Fill Down, then select what to copy.

ProPricer auto-reconnect

If a user gets disconnected from their ProPricer session, the session will remain active on the server for five minutes, allowing the client to automatically reconnect without interruption. Additionally, when a disconnection occurs, the message that appears now indicates one of three possible causes: connection loss, server shut down, or disconnected by system administrator.

To lengthen or shorten the five-minute reconnect timeout period, go to your ProPricer installation directory, and edit EBS.ProPricer.Client.config.json and ProPricerServer.config.json. In these configuration files, change the ReconnectTimeout value from 300 seconds to the desired length of time. It is recommended that both files have the same value.

Display labor hours in the 15-2 Line Item Summary Report

In this report, the Reference Text Input options let you display labor hours along with the cost elements.

Material Field Editing what-if

The new Field Editing (material) feature is similar to the existing what-ifs for editing task fields or resource fields in a proposal. It lets you change material field values for parts and assemblies throughout a proposal quickly and accurately.

Shortcut to the ProPricer Import/Export Tool

A new button on the External Data ribbon provides a shortcut for opening the ProPricer Import/Export Tool.

Summary fields for materials

Summary fields appear for parts and assemblies in a proposal. You can now sort, filter, or distribute materials by any summary field, not just by task name.

Removed all 9.3 versions from archives up to 9.3.106

The archive process no longer allows creating proposal archives for any 9.3 version of ProPricer.

Days function in Material Unit Cost calculation

In a proposal’s unit cost formula, you can use the function Days(EndDate, StartDate) to get the number of days between two dates entered in user-defined material fields. For example, if the date material fields are named Start and End, the function would be Days([End], [Start]).

Total Definition algorithm elements in Report Designer

The fields you can add to a report layout in Report Designer now include all of the Total Definition elements in a proposal’s algorithm. In previous versions of ProPricer, only Total Fee Element and Total Price Element were available Report Designer fields.

Release date: March 23, 2023

Server Manager upgrade

• Server Manager has been upgraded to version 9.5.100.6. This version number is now consistent with the ProPricer client version number.
• Subscription licenses for ProPricer companion products no longer fail to activate.

Import/Export Tool fix

• The standalone installation of the Import/Export Tool no longer has a broken shortcut link. There are no changes to the Import/Export Tool that is installed with the ProPricer client.

Release date: February 27, 2023

Import/Export Tool fixes

• Sheets with date columns can now be imported successfully.
• Travel data can now be imported successfully.
• An issue that allowed an import or export of proposal material data to process without a selected proposal has been fixed.
• The Import/Export Tool desktop icon has been updated.

Release date: February 1, 2023

ProPricer 9.5 fixes

• After a five-minute period of inactivity in the ProPricer client or Server Manager, a user interface deadlock no longer occurs in either application.
• The ProPricer installation process no longer overwrites your server configuration files when upgrading to version 9.5.100.3.
• The following error no longer appears when attempting to start ProPricer with an Oracle connection: 'TrustServerCertificate' is an invalid connection string attribute
• The Export Grid right-click command now functions correctly.

Import/Export Tool fix

• The proposal user field values checkbox is no longer selectable before a source proposal user field is selected.

Release date: January 31, 2023

ProPricer 9.5 fix

• The Auto Shutdown (Minutes) value entered in the System Options no longer incorrectly converts to milliseconds.

Import/Export Tool fixes

• When importing data, the Replace Existing Sheets option now works correctly.
• When exporting data, checkboxes are only shown for the existing sheets.
• An error no longer occurs when importing cost source data, overrides, and CERs.
• When importing data, the base date format is now correct.
• When creating a template, after a proposal is selected, the correct checkboxes are shown.
• Improved backwards compatibility for files that were created and used with previous versions of the Import/Export Tool.
• An error with the processing of spreadsheet document properties has been fixed.

Release date: January 12, 2023

Integration with BOE Pro

ProPricer 9.5 works with our new web-based estimating software called BOE Pro. After a proposal is approved in BOE Pro, it can be seamlessly restored in ProPricer 9.5. Once the estimates and their justification are reviewed, the proposal can be archived and sent back to a BOE Pro user if needed.

Update proposals from a template

After reconfiguring proposal CERs and resource field mappings in a proposal template, you can apply those updates on-demand to any proposal. There’s no need to repeatedly make the same changes in each proposal one by one.

Shortcut for Select Columns

In any grid where columns can be hidden or shown, you can press Ctrl+N on your keyboard to quickly open the Select Columns dialog box. This shortcut is an alternative to right-clicking a grid and selecting options in the menu.

Move items to a different folder

Items that are saved in a folder, such as proposals or rate tables, can be moved to another folder all at once or individually with a new right-click option. After choosing the items, right-click them and select Move to Folder.

Summary fields in algorithm IF statements

IF statements in a pricing algorithm can now be based on summary fields and their values. This allows task-level pricing switches in a proposal by simply selecting a specific summary field value for a task.

Copy Task Data and Flex/Shift combined

The Copy Task Data process now incorporates the Flex/Shift what-if, since these two features often go hand in hand. In the settings for the copy process, you can use Flex/Shift to adjust the period of performance start and end dates.

Copy selected data from a task

While entering new estimates in tasks, the Add Copy From process will help you quickly copy a row of data from another proposal. If a parent row is copied from hierarchical data, like the bill of materials structure, all rows within it will also be copied. Not only does this save data entry time, but it also keeps your global data untouched and intact.