Generating an Estimate from a Project
Estimates can be generated from finalized projects. The service items and billing specified on the project record carries over to the estimate. If needed, the project can be modified and additional estimates generated. After an estimate is approved, it can be converted to a sales order.
To create an estimate from a project:
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Go to Lists > Relationships > Projects.
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Click View next to the project you want to create an estimate from.
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On the project record, click Estimate from the New menu.
A new estimate form opens. The customer from the project record autofills on the estimate.
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Optionally enter a title for this estimate in the Title field. The estimate title text appears on lists, shows in search and reporting results, and shows on the Estimates subtab of records it is associated with.
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Complete the estimate form as necessary. For details, read, Preparing an Estimate.
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Click Save.
After the estimate is saved, it is linked to the originating project. When viewing a project record, you can see the related estimates by clicking the Transactions subtab under the General subtab.
Available in Customer Center Preference
You can share estimates with customers through the customer center, using the Available in Customer Center preference.
For an estimate that requires a large quantity of time to create, you can save the estimate, yet not have it available to customers until it is complete and ready for customer viewing. When it is ready, check the Available in Customer Center box on the Messages subtab on the estimate record. Only then, the estimate shows in the customer center.