ACTIVPLAN will begin offering Esti-Plan, a software product, that works in combination with Microsoft Project® during the fourth quarter of 2007.

With Est-Plan, the user can create hierarchical work breakdown structures in a graphical user interface, quickly and accurately generate task estimates using recognized cost engineering methodologies as well as using actual cost history from past projects, then automatically create the project structure complete with task durations and resource requirements in Microsoft Project.

After resource leveling and task scheduling is completed in Project, Esti-Plan completes the planning process by performing finite capacity planning, creating shop schedules and routings and actual versus estimate cost variance reports during project completion and follow-up.

Our applications are designed for Microsoft Windows XP®  Vista® and Project® 2000, 2003 and 2007.

The Esti-Plan software solutions are designed specifically for project-based manufacturers and anyone involved in project management and engineering.

What are some of the characteristics that make a project-based manufacturer different? The following definition is presented by the ETO (Engineer-To-Order) Institute.

“The term engineer-to-order (ETO) denotes a style of manufacturing rather than a specific industry segment. Other synonymous terms are “project-based” or “custom” manufacturers. ETO companies typically have distinct characteristics about the way they conduct business that differentiate them from discrete or repetitive manufacturers".

"ETO companies build unique products designed to customer specifications. Each product requires a unique set of item numbers, bills of material, and routings. Estimates and quotations are required to win business. Products are complex with long lead times, typically months or even years. Unlike standard products, the customer is heavily involved throughout the entire design and manufacturing process. Engineering changes are a way of life. Material is purchased not for inventory but for a specific project."

Typically the evolution of manufacturing software applications through MRP (Materials Requirement Planning), MRPII (Manufacturing Resource Planning) and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) has embedded a lot of features in areas project-based companies don’t care about and few in areas they do.

The project-based manufacturer does need to know about estimating, actual costing, project management, and engineering change control; these are the essential requirements for project-based manufacturers.

For a description of how Activplan software solutions address the essential requirements of the project-based manufacturer go to the menu selections Software Overview and Esti-Plan Software.

From “Why Do Companies Choose the Wrong System?", ETO Institute 2004