Working with Snapshots

Snapshots enable you to save a read-only copy of a cost estimate at any point in time to allow for later review and identification of scope change. Each cost estimate can have multiple snapshots taken at different stages of the estimation process. The system can automatically create snapshots as a result of system events and agency option settings, and you can manually create a snapshot at any time.

A snapshot includes all of the information contained in a cost estimate, including all of its associated child records. If any of the following are associated with the cost estimate, the system saves copies of the records as part of the snapshot: variables, ad hoc pricing, non-construction costs, markups, annualization, categories, items, item task groups, item bid price tasks, item reference price tasks, item cost price tasks, typical sections and typical section child records, contingency assignment profiles, and file or URL attachments.

Note: Consider file size and the available storage capacity when deciding how frequently snapshots should be created.

The Snapshot Overview lists all of the cost estimate snapshots in the system. You can access the Snapshot Overview by clicking the Snapshots link in the Estimation component. You can locate a specific snapshot by typing criteria in the Quick Find search box. You can also filter the list to show snapshots for cost estimates associated with either a concept, project, or proposal by selecting a value in the Entity Type field.

Each snapshot row includes an Actions button and read-only values in these fields:

To delete a snapshot from the system, select Delete from the Actions menu on the snapshot row. To reverse the deletion, click the Undo button. To save your changes, click Save. The system displays a message to confirm that your changes were saved in the database.

To view additional information saved as part of a snapshot, click the Snapshot link or select Open from the Actions menu on the snapshot row. The system takes you to the Cost Estimate Snapshot Summary. For more information, see Maintaining a Cost Estimate Snapshot.

To create a snapshot, navigate to the Cost Estimate Summary and select Create Snapshot from the Actions menu on the component header. The system takes you to the Add Snapshot component. For more information, see Creating a Snapshot of a Cost Estimate.