Client Data Import Guide - Automatic Estimation
Overview
This guide explains how to format your project data so that NEXTNET can automatically generate complete project estimations including:
- ✅ Automatic card selection based on I/O requirements
- ✅ Automatic cost calculation (cards, enclosures, sensors, cables)
- ✅ Complete BOQ (Bill of Quantities) generation
- ✅ Project dashboard with total cost breakdown
Quick Start
- Download the Excel Template from the Import Project page
- Fill in your project data following the format below
- Upload the file - The system will automatically:
- Create your project structure
- Select optimal cards for each system
- Calculate all costs
- Generate complete estimation
Excel File Format
Option 1: Simple Format (Recommended for Quick Estimates)
Sheet 1: Project
| Field |
Value |
| Project Name |
Your Project Name |
| Card Wire (meters) |
3 |
| Sensor Wire (meters) |
15 |
| Info |
Project description |
Sheet 2: Floors
| Floor Name |
| Ground Floor |
| First Floor |
| Basement |
Sheet 3: Zones
| Floor Name |
Zone Name |
| Ground Floor |
HVAC Zone |
| Ground Floor |
Electrical Zone |
| First Floor |
Fire Safety Zone |
Sheet 4: Systems ⭐
KEY SHEET FOR AUTO-ESTIMATION
| Zone Name |
System Name |
AI |
DI |
AO |
DO |
Extra % |
Card Type |
| HVAC Zone |
HVAC System |
8 |
12 |
4 |
4 |
10 |
with_enc |
| Electrical Zone |
Lighting Control |
0 |
20 |
0 |
10 |
5 |
with_enc |
| Fire Safety Zone |
Fire Alarm |
0 |
16 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
with_enc |
Important Columns:
- AI, DI, AO, DO: Input/Output point requirements
- AI = Analog Input points needed
- DI = Digital Input points needed
- AO = Analog Output points needed
- DO = Digital Output points needed
- Extra %: Buffer percentage (e.g., 10 = 10% extra capacity)
- Card Type:
with_enc (cards with enclosures) or without_enc (standalone cards)
Sheet 5: Sub Systems (Optional but recommended)
| System Name |
Sub System Name |
Quantity |
| HVAC System |
AHU Controller |
2 |
| HVAC System |
Chiller Control |
1 |
| Lighting Control |
Dimmer Module |
5 |
Sheet 6: Parameters (Optional - for detailed sensor assignment)
| Sub System Name |
Parameter Name |
Points |
Type |
Sensor Name |
| AHU Controller |
Temperature |
4 |
AI |
Temperature Sensor |
| AHU Controller |
Pressure |
2 |
DI |
Pressure Switch |
| Chiller Control |
Flow Rate |
2 |
AI |
Flow Sensor |
Option 2: Detailed Format (For Complete Automation)
If you provide the Parameters sheet with sensor information, the system will:
- ✅ Automatically aggregate I/O points from parameters
- ✅ Automatically assign sensors
- ✅ Calculate sensor costs
- ✅ Generate complete BOQ
What Happens After Import?
When you upload your Excel file with "Automatically calculate card selections" enabled:
1. Project Structure Creation
- Creates floors, zones, systems, and sub-systems
- Links everything together
2. Automatic Card Selection
- Analyzes I/O requirements (AI, DI, AO, DO)
- Selects optimal card combinations
- Considers cost efficiency
- Handles enclosures automatically
3. Cost Calculation
- Cards cost
- Enclosures cost
- Sensors cost (if provided)
- Cables cost (based on points)
- Soft integration cost (if applicable)
4. Complete Estimation
- Total project cost
- Cost breakdown by category
- Ready-to-export BOQ (XLSX/PDF)
Example: Client Data Format
Scenario: HVAC Control System
Client provides:
Location: Building A
Zone: HVAC Zone
System: HVAC Control
Requirements:
- 8 temperature sensors (AI)
- 12 pressure switches (DI)
- 4 valve controls (AO)
- 4 fan controls (DO)
Excel Format:
Sheet: Systems
Zone Name | System Name | AI | DI | AO | DO | Extra % | Card Type
HVAC Zone | HVAC Control | 8 | 12 | 4 | 4 | 10 | with_enc
Result:
- System automatically selects best card combination
- Calculates total cost: Cards + Enclosures + Sensors + Cables
- Generates complete BOQ
- Shows total project cost on dashboard
Tips for Best Results
- Be Specific with I/O Requirements
- Provide exact AI, DI, AO, DO counts
- Include Extra % for future expansion
- Include Sensor Information
- If you know sensor types, include in Parameters sheet
- System will automatically assign and price sensors
- Use Standard Names
- System and Sub System names should match database entries
- Check available systems before importing
- Check Results
- After import, review the dashboard
- Verify card selections
- Check total cost breakdown
- Export BOQ for client presentation
Common Questions
Q: Do I need to specify card models?
A: No! The system automatically selects the best cards based on I/O requirements and cost.
Q: What if I don't know exact I/O counts?
A: Provide approximate values. You can adjust later in the project dashboard.
Q: Can I override automatic selections?
A: Yes! After import, you can manually adjust card selections in the project dashboard.
Q: How accurate are the cost estimates?
A: Costs are based on current card, sensor, and cable prices in the database. Always verify with suppliers for final pricing.
Q: What if my Excel format is different?
A: Use the "Single Sheet Format" option if your data is in a different structure. Contact support for custom formats.
Next Steps
- Download the template from Import Project page
- Fill in your project data
- Upload and let the system generate automatic estimation
- Review and export BOQ for your client
Need Help? Contact support or refer to the detailed documentation in the application.