Q: I am using the program and I need to switch the default currency that is Euro to US Dollar. Is it possible to use a different currency with PriMus-DCF ?

A: In PriMus-DCF, the currency is a property of the Document you are working on. At the bottom of your open Document, next to the “Price List” tab, you have the “General Data” tab. Click on “General Data” >> “Configuration” and then select the SubMenu “Configuration”. Here you have various settings relating to digit precision and in the lower part of this page, you can also switch to your desired currency in the “Currency” field.
You may set the Currency every time you open a new document.

Q: I am using PriMus-DCF, what are the differences between this one and the professional version, PriMus Revolution ?

A: PriMus Revolution is the professional version of PriMus, the software solution for Bills of Quantities and Estimates. With the professional version, you also have all the basic features of PriMus-DCF and, in addition you have:

• Advanced editing functions (user formulas, steel tables, item references, spell checker, in place editor for chapters and categories, ...)
• Advanced Import/Export facilities
• Contracts and other technical documents (automatic production starting from BoQ's and Accounting data)
• Preparation of variations
• Personalised printouts
• Printout repository
• Advanced search options for descriptions, BoQ's items
• On-line Tendering and Procurement
• Accounting functions
• Price Analysis facilities (Composite Costs, Bills of Materials)
• Plants facilities (Electrical and Sanitary materials and works)
• Version Control and integration between different BoQ's versions
• Measurement Book functions, Re-measurements, final accounts
• Internet Technical Support services

Comparative table:

Q: Are there any PriMus-DCF demos, templates and examples of Price Lists, Bills of Quantities and documents to quickly get an idea of the features and functions of the program ?

A:  To get started with PriMus-DCF there are different alternatives:

1. The best way to get started with the program is to have a look at the video presentations available in the www.accasoftware.com website. There are several video tutorials each of which last about 3 minutes.
2. You can use the on-line Help which provides a Quick Start guide that quickly explains the main functions of the program resulting as a very helpful way to understand the program and its various features.
3. You also have in the C:\ACCA\PriMus-DCF\ folder, various examples of documents created with PriMus-DCF too. Just go to "File" >> "Open..." >> "Open..." and select an Example file in "C.\ACCA\PriMus-DCF"

Q: I am a surveyor/contractor working in . . . . . . . . . . , where can I get up to date building Industry Price Lists for my field of interest and my region ?

A: Acca software provides a specific on-line service for accessing on-line services for their users. Click on File>> Open...>> Open Internet Price Book... and you will access a list of servers and Price Lists divided by geographical regions and categories of Price Books. To access this services you just need to Logon with your password provided in your e-mail of the Product Activation. Of course you need to have an internet connection available on your PC.
If the Price Book you are looking for is not available or you region is not covered, please send an e-mail to info@accasoftware.com explaining what you are looking for exactly.
Acca Software can also convert your own Price Lists/Books, and other useful files (xls, db, doc, ...) that you normally work with in your area, into the DCF format for use within PriMus-DCF.

Q: I am a new user of PriMus-DCF. How can I import descriptions and prices from my old projects which were created with Excel or other programs used to build up BoQ's with ?

A: At the moment, the easiest way to import Price Books and descriptions in PriMus-DCF is by using PriMus Revolution import functions or just selecting blocks of a price list or a bill of quantities and drag and drop them into a PriMus Revolution empty Price List document. To import other DBF, TXT, XLS files, simply contact the ACCA Software Helpdesk services.

Q: Each time I close the document, the last measurement in editing is deleted and disappears from the document. Is there something wrong with the program ? Why does this happen ?

A: The PriMus-DCF editor has been designed to enhance the productivity and avoid waste of time when typing in large amounts of measurement lines. In the edit mode, when typing "Enter" on the last column, the row is confirmed, the cursor returns to a new line which is called the "OVERFLOW LINE". This row is a simple clone of the previous line, and by pressing the "Enter" key you can shift through the various columns confirming the values. In fact, you need to confirm the entire measurement row to save the entry in your document.

Q: What do I need to setup PriMus-DCF to work with AutoCAD to take-off measurements from the CAD drawings ?

A: You don't need to do anything special. This fantastic feature for taking off measurements directly from a CAD drawing, PriMus for CAD, will do everything automatically.

Q: I am using Price data and want to adjust the prices or I am issuing a bid on a job and want to apply an overall price correction. How can I adjust all the prices in a BoQ's or a Price Book applying increase/decrease percentages?

A: You can apply an overall percentage in "General Data", this option is available on the second line of the main window with all the project main properties.

Q: Is it a freeware program ? How is PriMus-DCF licensed to the user ? What does it mean that I need to activate it after 90 days of free evaluation ?

A: Yes, PriMus-DCF is a FREE program. You can simply download and install it on your PC or Laptop completely Free of Charge. The evaluation period will last 90 days and only a few functions are locked until you complete the activation process. You can use the activated product without any limitations whatsoever.
The Activation consists in just compiling a Code Request Activation Form at www.PriMus-DCF.com/en/Activate.aspx  filling in the personal info form and then typing the activation code you received by E-mail. The Activation process of PriMus-DCF is completely FREE OF CHARGE.

Q: How do I check that amounts, and totals are updated in the Bills of Quantities and Estimates I am printing and sending to a client of mine ?

A: With PriMus-DCF all the calculations are updated automatically in realtime. The editor is conceived for contractors, surveyors who need to get the amounts and totals recalculated immediately. All the calculations are updated on the fly while editing avoiding any possibility of mistake.

Q:  Why are there different types of descriptions (Concise/Brief/Extended) ?

A: When editing and managing your BoQ's and Estimates with the PriMus editor, you can work with three different kinds of descriptions in order both to simplify editing, enabling you to be more accurate and quicker, and to make your printouts more easier to read depending on your specific purposes. Open the ToolBox in the left side and simply select: View Options >> Concise Description, Brief Description or Extended Description.

Q: I want to publish an Estimate through the Internet or make it accessible using Internet Exlorer for a colleague of mine. Can I do this ?

A: PriMus-DCF allows users to create and publish a bill of quantities directly through the Internet from anywhere in the world using the PriMus technology. Export your Documents in HTML format by simply clicking File >> Export to HTML.
The DCF technology will bring to your Internet Browser specific BoQ's functions, with viewer and editor capabilities. Furthermore the program can be automatically installed on your client browsers who can open the DCF document from within the browser. A very easy way for transferring, publishing and reaching colleagues, clients and customers.
Users can save documents in a personal web space and share them with other engineers\architects working with the same technology, on the same data, anywhere. To publish in your private Internet area simply click File>> Save on the Internet, then to open it remotely, File>> Open from Web.
NB: You need your personal UserID and password provided with the product activation.

Q:  What is the Document Computation Format ?

A: Document Computation Format is a unique file format with all the BoQ's related data included in one document. Combined with PriMus-DCF, the free program that allows anyone to open and browse DCF files, your project files can be easily shared with anyone adding import/export functionalities in the most popular formats such as: .doc, .xls, .dbf, .pdf, .html. This gives enormous flexibility in terms of data compression, and usability.
The free program, PriMus-DCF is about 15MB, and with a broadband Internet connection, requires roughly 2-3 minutes for complete download and installation.
No more Database filetype Structures with different tables to manage, now everything in your poroject, starting from the Estimates passing through to Work Variations Surveys, all the interim Payment certificates, down to the final Accounting documents are contained in one unique file. A compressed archive easy to manage, save, and transmit.
It is a result of Acca's long time experience allowing the Building Industry professional to obtain higher control and lower complexity when working with BOQ's, Estimates and Work Accounting documents.