Define the first exchange
Choose a specific task: receive an estimate from a consultant, submit a bid to a contractor or distribute a product catalogue. Note the source and destination programs and what the recipient expects. Not every exchange needs measurement lines, resource breakdowns or valuation information.
- Who prepares and receives the file
- Which data must be retained
- How often the exchange will happen
- Who will check the result
Prepare a representative sample
Choose a chapter with several items and different units. Include a long description, decimal values and a resource breakdown if these are part of normal work. Keep the original and a reference for quantities and amounts. A small sample helps identify issues before transferring a complete estimate.
Choose a tool for the task
A compatible viewer may be enough to read the file. Editing quantities and prices requires estimating features. Using those items in procurement or accounting also requires a link to your management system. Ask the provider which format version and data types your particular software edition supports.
Check the complete round trip
Import the sample and review codes, units, hierarchy, quantities and totals. If you need to return a file, export it and ask the recipient to open it. Opening without errors does not prove that all data survived. Document differences and agree on the required information before accepting the workflow.
Decide what to automate
An occasional delivery may need only a controlled manual export. If your team copies the same columns or fixes the same codes every week, consider a template, converter or integration. CADT can help define that first step around the tools your company already uses.