Key Features
- Automated cost calculations
- Drag-and-drop project templates
- Real-time risk analysis
- Export to Excel/Word/MPP/CSV
Project Initialization & Global Assumptions
GECE works through structured estimation logic, combining modular input blocks with embedded cost engines.
Proposal Information:
- Captures metadata (Proposal Number, Customer, Dates)
- Critical country selections determine:
- Engineering rates (from “World Cost tables”)
- Currency conversions (from “World Currency Table”)
Industry & Toolkit & WPA Selection:
- Industry-specific factors adjust effort calculations
- Toolkit selections modify efficiency assumptions
- Driven by internal Excel tables for maintainability
Documentation Features:
- Dedicated assumption/note fields for auditability
Modular Data Entry System
GECE quantifies project scope using dedicated input modules, each reflecting a specific engineering activity:
| Module | Key Inputs | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Control Processor | I/O counts, loop estimates | Quantifies core automation hardware |
| Device Integration | Protocol interfaces, point counts | Measures integration complexity |
| SIS / ESD | Safety system components | Specialized safety calculations |
| TMC | Regulatory/logic loops | Control strategy effort |
| Reports | Standard/custom reports | Documentation workload |
| Site Services | Personnel-days, trips | Field effort & travel costs |
| Testing | Test days, test types | Validation effort |
| Free Format | Custom activities | Flexible estimation |
| Documentation | BOM, Architecture, Logic, Tag list | Planning document scope |
| Meetings | Kickoff, review, progress meetings | Coordination and review effort |
| System Components | Workstations, IOs, Cabinets | Defines scope of automation hardware |
| Travel & Living | Trips, persons, daily allowance | Travel & accommodation cost estimation |
Calculation Engine
GECE converts scope quantities into engineering effort and cost using model-driven logic and global adjustment factors.
Model-Driven Calculations:
- Converts quantities to hours via embedded algorithms
- Applies industry/toolkit factors
- Splits local/remote effort automatically
Costing Logic:
Technical Features:
- Dynamic I/O Estimation Logic: Calculates based on system type, complexity, and integration.
- Role- and Region-Specific Cost Calculation: Uses country profiles and task-based modeling for accurate labor costs.
- Automated Risk/Variant-Based Cost Scenario Simulation: Analyzes cost variability.
- Modular Structure for Engineering Activities: Supports task-based, duration-based, and application-based logic.
Algorithms:
- Custom Formulas and Logical Trees: Estimates hours and costs per role and system.
- Rule-Based Estimation Algorithms: Distributes engineering workload efficiently.
- I/O-to-Hours Transformation Logic: Specifically for DCS, SIS, and PLC architectures.
Rate-Adjusted Cost Modeling: Applies global cost factors and regional multipliers.
Export Logic: Includes an XML generator with structured data mapping for interoperability.
Output Generation System
GECE generates structured outputs for both client-facing proposals and internal project integration:
Primary Outputs:
- Proposal Summary:
- Client-facing cost breakdown
- High-level schedule
- CQA Output:
- Detailed internal analysis
- Engineering phase costing
- ERP Export:
- Structured data for ERP integration (CSV)
- Standardized activity coding (XML)
- Schedule:
- Phase-by-phase resource loading
- Duration estimates
Supporting Features
- Best Practices: Embedded estimation guidelines
- Metrics Dashboard: KPIs like cost/I/O point
- Audit Trail: Complete calculation transparency
Key Differentiators
- Dual Estimation Modes:
- Component-based: Bottom-up from I/O counts
- Duration-based: Top-down from timeline
- Global Workforce Model:
- Explicit remote engineering calculations
- Industry Adaptation:
- Oil & Gas factors ≠ Pharmaceutical
- Toolkit efficiency adjustments
- Enterprise Integration:
- ERP-ready outputs
- CQA compliance built-in
GECE 