First, set up your preferences by selecting 'Preferences' on the File menu. There is a full description of the various fields in the Preferences Dialog in the section 'File Menu'. Once you have set up your preferences select 'Presses' under the 'PrintQuote Pro' menu to input the various rates for the presses you are running.

To set a Press as the default Press that will be selected each time you create a new Quote or Job click on the 'Default' checkbox and then click 'Update Press'.

Type in the maximum number of colours the press will print. You have two options for the cost of Plates, Metal (M) and Paper or Plastic (P).

Input the minimum run to be charged, the quantity per hour and the Press rate per hour. If you wish to have a minimum price for running the Press enter the minimum cost and PrintQuote Pro will calculate the minimum number of pieces in a run.

To include all runs in the minimum quantity click the 'Include all runs' checkbox. If this is not selected then the minimum quantity will apply to each run of the Press.

Minimum Run = Quantity per Hour / Hourly Rate x desired minimum charge.

Consumables /1000 allows you to add a charge per thousand pieces through the press to allow for consumables other than ink.

Enter the Press Print Area and Grip.

Once you have typed in the number of colours that can be printed with the Press, the fields, Make Ready and MR Time will appear. Fill in all the details of the particular press then click on the button 'Add Press". You will be asked to name the press and then click 'OK'.

Depending on the colour of colours you type in for 'Max. Colours per run', a number of fields will be displayed to input the Make Ready costs and Make Ready time.

The Percentage for the the 'Make Ready' cost for additional pages allows you to charge a percentage of the initial Make Ready for additional runs e.g. when you are printing a book and it casts more to set up the first run than the additional runs, which may only require a change of plates not a complete setup.

'Washups', 'Make Ready' and 'Plates' are only calculated if you choose an ink to print on the quote input screen.

To allow for ink costs you can choose to add a percentage to print running cost or an amount per 1,000 sheets of A4 stock run through the press. The rate is modified to take into consideration of the size of the stock. If you are running e.g. A3 then the ink rate per 1,000 sheets is doubled. If you are running A5 then the ink rate per 1,000 is halved. Add a minimum ink amount to charge if you wish. Click on the 'Use %' check box to charge ink costs as a percentage of the press running cost as the default for ink charging for ink when you select the press in the quote input screen.

If you are numbering and perforating at the same time PrintQuote Pro will average the make ready and running rates for numbering and perforating.

Include Num/Perfs in Setup

Include 'X' Num/Perfs in setup - Some printers do not count the first number or perforation in the run as it is included in the setup cost. Here you can nominate how many numbers you wish to include in the setup cost.

Include First Colour in Make Ready

When the 'Include First Colour in Make Ready' checkbox is selected and a colour is printed at the same time as the numbering and/or perfing, then the Make Ready of the colour is included in the Numbering/Perfing Make Ready.

The 'Impressions' section allows you to charge a different running rate depending on the number of sheets being printed. If the number of sheets being run is lower than the first 'Impression Count' then that number overs and rate are used. If the number being run is above the first 'Impression Count' but less than the second 'Impression Count' then the second rate is used, and so on for the third 'Impression Count'.

Time values are not used in the costing calculations they are simply added together to give you a rough idea of how long a job will take to complete. If you wish to use this facility you will need to fill in the times for each process in PrintQuote Pro so they are all taken into consideration.

If you wish to change the details of an existing press select the press in the popup at the top left of the screen and then change the values you wish to change and click on 'Update Press' to save the new values.

To delete a press select it in the popup and then click on 'Delete Press', this will delete the record and remove it from the popup list.

If you wish to create a new set of press preferences that are similar to another press, select the press in the popup and then click on 'Duplicate Press'. This will duplicate the values of the current selected press and ask you to give it a name.

IF YOU HAVE MADE CHANGES AND HAVE NOT SAVED THEM AND WISH TO REVERT TO THE PREVIOUS VALUES JUST SELECT THE POPUP AGAIN AND THE SAVED PRESS PREFERENCES ITEM VALUES WILL BE LOADED.

Click the 'Create New Quote' button on the bottom of the Quote output screen.

The 'Create New Quote' screen will be displayed. Enter the name of the job, in this case 'Futuremode' and then tab to the client. Here you can set, modify and create the status of the current quote. You can also add, modify and select the salesperson who is associated with this quote.

Type in the name of the Client's company for whom you are preparing this quote and hit the 'Tab' key. If the company does not exist in your database you will be presented with the following dialog box.

Click on the 'Yes' button and you will be presented with the client input screen. An ID number for the client is created, all client IDs begin with the letter 'C'.

Fill in the Client's company details and click the 'Save' button. You will be returned to the Quote input screen. These details will have been loaded into the quote. If you wish to edit the client details select 'Edit' from the 'Client' popup.

You do have the option of importing your customers from a data file. To import customers you click on the 'Clients' button on the 'Dashboard'. The following list is displayed.

To import stock list click on the 'Import' button. You will be presented with the following dialog box. click on the 'Select File' button to open the file you wish to import. The first row of data will be displayed.

Select the fields you wish to import into from the 'Available Fields' list by double clicking them or using the arrow buttons. Once you have the correct fields aligned to those in the file being imported click 'OK' and the data will be imported straight into PrintQuote Pro.

When you open the selected file and the fields do no appear in a list check the field and record delimiters of the data. Other options are available from the popups below the field lists. When you open the selected file and the fields do no appear in a list check the field and record delimiters of the data. Other options are available from the popups below the field lists.

The 'Update existing records' will find records with the same name as those being imported and add the data of the other fields. If this checkbox is not selected existing records will not be modified.

The 'Format Email and Web addresses' option will make all email and web addresses lower case.

You will be returned to the Quote input screen. Fill in the job description and the quantities required. Then click on the 'Printing' tab.

To add a new 'Print Item', first select the press for the Quote and fill in the 'Pieces Required', then select the colours for side one and side two if applicable.

You can choose whether to use a percentage Quote markup or a markup based on throughput. These values will be loaded from your press preferences.

Artwork Cost

Type in the cost of artwork and the number of numbers if numbering and the number of perfs if numbering and/or perfing is required.

Books, Pads and NCR

If you are printing a book or NCR click the checkbox of your choice and type in the pages, sections or choose in the popup the number of pages in a set if an NCR print Job.

If the book has one page per section type in '1' for the pages per section.

Minimum Run

The default for the 'Minimum Run' checkbox is set in the 'File' preferences. If this is selected in a 'Print Item' then the minimum run rate as set in the Press preferences is used in calculate Jobs. If the number being printed is less than the 'Minimum Run' as set in the Press preferences then the Rate for the minimum run amount is used.

If you wish to say print a two colour job in two separated runs using a two colour press, click on the checkbox the right of the 'Runs' popup, and then you can select the number of runs you want. i.e. this could be used if you for some reason wanted to run to metallic colours or a shellac separately.

Colours per run are those set in the Press preferences. The 'Runs' are selected automatically when the number of colours set in the job. You can force the number of runs by clicking on the checkbox next to the 'Runs' popup and selecting a run number. This will cost the Job out with additional running time and running cost.

Markup

'Mark up' gives you the opportunity to markup the press costs of a Job. This is particularly useful when you wish to markup a job depending on its complexity. e.g. Add a percentage markup to the press running costs for printing on card as opposed to paper.

Choose Inks

Up to six PMS colours can be chosen for a run. If you use a combination of process inks and PMS colours, there is a limit of seven inks in a run. If for example you are printing a process job with gold, silver and varnish. The spot colour popup can be used to indicate the gold, silver and varnish.

Ink Mixing and Washups

To include ink mixing and washup charges in your jobs click on the checkboxes, the 'Mixing'and 'Washups', this will activate the associated popup menus and black washup checkboxes. These menus will default to the maximum number of mixes and washups that can apply to your choice of inks. You can then choose less mixes or washups if you wish.

If you choose to use PMS, Process colours and/or Black on both sides of a job, PrintQuote Pro will set the program for only one washup for each different colour. The same applies if you are using the same PMS colours on both sides, click on the 'Same Colours’ checkbox. Then there will be only one washup for each PMS colour.

Plates

The Plates button will indicate the number of plates required for the job. This number is automatically set to the number metal plates required for colours you select and whether or not you choose 'Work and Turn' or 'Work and Tumble'. You can click on the button to make changes to the number of plates you wish to use and the type of plates you wish to use. To change the number and type of plates you intend to use in a job click on the 'Plates' button. The default is to use the same number of plates, as there are colours with the cost of type 'M' plates as set in the Press preferences.

Work and Turn/Work and Tumble

When you check the 'Work and Turn' check box the colours being run copied from side one to side two. If you choose the different colour combinations for either side of the Job, you will be unable to set the Job as a 'Work and Turn' Job. The 'Print Run' cost, 'Print Time', 'Washups' cost, 'Washup Time', 'Make Ready' cost and 'Make Ready Time' are calculated. The cost of running the press is doubled. The make ready, make ready time washups, washup time and the number of plates used for the Job is halved.

Artwork and Film Status

You can choose the 'Use Existing...' checkboxes to indicate on the Job Sheet the status of the artwork film and plates.

Detailed Artwork Costs

Click on the headings of the Artwork section; ''>> Ext. Artwork' or '>>Int. Artwork'. to open a more detailed input layout for Typesetting, Artwork, Scans, Proofs and Planning to costing Internal Artwork (prepared in your own business) and External Artwork (prepared by a subcontractor). Totals are calculated and transferred to the main input screen. These can however, be over ridden if you wish by entering values on the printing input screen. To revert back to the stored values click on 'R' the revert button.

The Art Supplied, Disk Supplied and Film Suppled checkboxes will be included on the Job Sheet for the printer.

Inks to use on run

You can choose a number of Spot Colours using the popup for each side of the Job. If the 'Choose number of spot colours to mix’ checkbox is not selected in the program 'Preferences' all spot colours will be charged for mixing. If you wish to choose how many ink mixings you wish to charge select the 'Ink Mix' checkbox and two popups will appear enabling you to choose how many colours you wish to charge for mixing.

Washups

Choose the number of Washups you wish to do for the job. PrintQuote Pro automatically chooses a washup for each ink. The 'W/Ups' popup allows you to choose the number of washups you wish to do. The 'B' checkbox is for the black ink washup deselect this checkbox if you do not wish to include a black washup for the job.

Creating a Print Item

Click the 'Add Print Item' button to save the pint item for this Job. You will be given the opportunity to name the print item. The name of your new print item will appear in the 'Printing Item' popup. If you have made changes to an existing print item click the 'Update Print Item' button to save your changes.

IF YOU HAVE MADE CHANGES AND HAVE NOT SAVED THEM AND WISH TO REVERT TO THE PREVIOUS VALUES JUST SELECT THE POPUP AGAIN AND THE SAVED PRINT ITEM VALUES WILL BE RELOADED, CLICK 'No' IF ASKED IF YOU WISH TO UPDATE THE ITEMS.

If you click on the main windows 'Cancel' button the print items you have added in the current session will not be saved.

Type in the number of plates changes required and then choose the number of colours the changes apply to the plate changes. The total number of plates required will appear below.

PrintQuote Pro defaults to printing all colours with Plates type 'M' (Metal), the nubmer of which is displayed on the Plates button. If you wish to modify the type or number of plates in a run click on the 'Plates' button for each side of the Job.

If you do not wish to charge for plates select the checkbox 'No Plates'. If you wish to choose the other type of plate, from you press preferences, just type in the number of plates type 'P' (Polyester).

If you are printing a print run with more than one plate change type the number of plates in the run in the 'Plates per Colour' field. This facilitates the printing of changes of address etc in a print run.

The costs for Typesetting, Detailed Artwork, Scans, Proofs and Film can be entered here. The prices for each section are entered and the number of pieces of which size, A5, A4, A3, A2, A1 scans, proofs and film.

The time allocated to each process can also be entered this will be added to the total time allowed for the job and is displayed on the 'Costings' tab.

When you click 'Done' the values are transferred to the main input screen to be added into the costings.

The values for 'Typesetting', 'Artwork' and 'Film' on the main input screen can be altered and over-ride the 'Artwork' screen. If you wish to reload the values that were input into the 'Artwork' screen click on the 'R' button.

When this page is first set up the 'Update Print Item' button is disabled. Click on 'Add Print Item' to create a
print item using the values you have just inserted. You will be asked to name the item, the default name is the
Job Name.

The default title is the name of the job. If you are not adding other items to this job you may choose to use this as the title for this item. Click 'OK' and the print item will be added to the popup at the top right of the screen. Then click on the 'Guillotining' tab.

Selecting Stock

Next to the 'Stock' popup the stock for the job is added. Either type in the stock's name in full or in part then press the tab key on your keyboard or make a selection from the 'Stock' popup.

If the stock already exists in the database the stock's details will be loaded.

If there are a number of options a list of applicable names will be displayed so you can make a selection.

If the stock does not exist you will then be asked if you wish to create a new record. If you choose 'OK' you will be presented with the 'Stock'" input window. After finishing entering the data, click OK and the data will be loaded and linked to the current Quote.

NCR Sets

To quote an NCR job create a stock that is the average of the NCR set. When working with combinations of NCR stock you can average the prices to make NCR quotes easy and efficient. Select the stock to be included in the set by holding down the 'Ctrl' key and clicking on the stock items.

Once the stock items that you are going to combine in the set have been selected click on the 'Average' button. You will be asked to give the combination an identifying name, name it and click OK. As the combinatin set is created you will be asked how many of each type of stock to be included in the combined set.

The Items you selected to average for the set together with the new averaged item will be displayed in the stock output list. e.g. this process will average out the cost of the stock items. Say you had a 1,000 sheets at $50 per 1,000, and the another 1,000 sheets at $65 per 1,000, it would be the same as running a job with 2,000 sheets at $57.50 per 1,000.

Colours

The colours of stock can be set by clicking on the button 'Colours'. If you have created a combination of stocks for an NCR job for example you can then use this option to allocate colours to each of the stock items comprising an NCR set.

The selected colours will be printed on the 'Quote Sheets' and the 'Job Sheets'.

End Rate

The 'End Rate' check allows you to choose which rate (of the two you can input in the stock prices) you wish to charge for the paper.

Stock Markup

You can also type in a markup on the paper if you wish. Both values are loaded from the preferences file, which can be modified under the file menu at startup. The final field in this section is for a stock markup, this is loaded from the 'File' preferences when you create a new quote. You can, however, modify the value, which will be added to the rate price of the stock.

Document Layout

Next you type in the 'Document Layout' details, whether the sheets are going to be forced to run long edge to long edge or best fit for the number of pieces.

The size of the 'Main Sheet' is loaded when you select the stock you are using. The Grip is loaded with the Press preferences. You can modify this value if you need to increase the grip to perhaps run the sheet through a die cutting process later. The new value is saved with this particular quote.

There is facility to type in two sheet sizes. Sheets areoften pre-cut to more manageable sizes prior to them being printed. PrintQuote Pro counts the guillotining of both stages into the job.

If the Grip is on the long edge of the sheet click on the checkbox 'Grip on Long Edge'. This will take this into consideration when calculating the cuts. Space for cut one and cut two are for including double cuts between pieces. The 'Cuts' or lifts per sheet are calculated and displayed.

If a client supplies stock and it is only guillotined do not load a stock name, type in the size of the main sheet they are supplying into 'Sheet 1' and the final stock size into 'Sheet 2' fields. These fields have popups to the left of them for fast entry of dimensions. You can enter standard running sheet and finished product sizes into the 'Sheet Sizes' tab of teh 'PrintQuote Pro Setup' dialog boxfound under the 'File' menu. These will then appear on the popup menus in both Quotes and Jobs so you can choose sheet sizes. Type in the stock weight next to the stock name popup, this will then decide on the number of sheets per lift as set in the preferences under the 'File' menu. Then guillotining without a stock cost will be calculated.

To the right of the values a description of the cut is displayed if there is Sheet 1 and Sheet 2 then the description will apply to the way Sheet 1 is cut out of the Main Sheet. If only Sheet 1 and Sheet 2 are filled in then the description will apply to how Sheet 2 is cut out of Sheet 1.

If you wish you can type in the quantity you need out of the sheet and PrintQuote Pro will calculate a sheet size based on the number you type into the 'Pieces' value, taking the grip into consideration.

Spaces between cuts

You can designate the space between cuts by typing a value into the 'Space' field. This will calculate the additional double cuts in the job.

You can change the number of cuts if you wish. You may wish to have a double cut running only one way on the job, or butt the job up againts one edge of the stock. e.g. you may need a space for a guide roller on the press. In this instance type a value into the 'Space' field and click on the checkbox next to the 'Cuts' field and type in the number of cuts you require.

You can also modify the pieces required on this screen as well as the 'Printing' screen. Below the 'Pieces Required' row of values the overs are listed. These are calculated using the values set in the Press preferences multiplied by the number of runs. You can overwrite these values if you require additional overs for a job. To revert back to the Press preferences just type a '0' into the field. This will recalculate the number of overs based on the Press preferences.

Manually Set number of Cuts and/or Number of Pieces out

To manually set the number of 'cuts' click on the checkbox next to the number of 'cuts' field and then type in the number of cuts you require - this will be retained and PrintQuote Pro will recalculate the guilotining.

To manually set the number of 'pieces out' of a sheet click on the checkbox next tot the number of 'pieces out' field and then type in the number of pieces you require - this will be retained and PrintQuote Pro will recalculate the guilotining and sheet numbers and cost.

Stock Required

'Stock Required' is the number of main sheets required for the job including overs.

Overs

'Overs' values are loaded from the Press preferences when the press to used is chosen. These values can be modified; there modifications are saved with the quote. If you wish to reset the 'Overs' value to the original press preference value just type in a zero '0' then the press preferences will be loaded for that quantity.

Include or exclude Stock and Guillotining Costs

You have the option of including or excluding the cost of both guillotining and stock in the quote if you wish by clicking on the checkboxes under the cut description.

Add New Print Item

To add a new 'Printing Item' type in the values and click on 'Add Print Item', you will be asked to name it and it will be saved and added to the 'Printing Items' popup.

Update Print Item

To edit a 'Printing Item' select it on the 'Printing Items' popup, change the values and then click on the 'Update Print Items' button at the bottom of the screen. The enter key on your computer keyboard will also activate this button. You will be given the option to change the name of this print item just press the enter key again without modifying the name to save it with the same name.

IF YOU HAVE MADE CHANGES AND HAVE NOT SAVED THEM AND WISH TO REVERT TO THE PREVIOUS VALUES JUST SELECT THE POPUP AGAIN AND THE SAVED PRINT ITEM VALUES WILL BE RELOADED, CLICK 'No' IF ASKED IF YOU WISH TO UPDATE THE ITEMS.

To delete a 'Printing Item' select it on the 'Printing Items' popup, and click on 'Delete Printing Item', the request will be confirmed and then deleted.

To import stock list click on the 'Import' button. You will be presented with the following dialog box. click on the 'Select File' button to open the file you wish to import. The first row of data will be displayed.

When working with combinations of NCR stock you can average the prices to make NCR quotes easy and efficient. Select the stock to be included in the set holding down the 'Ctrl' key and clicking on the stock items. Once the stock items that you are going to combine in the set have been selected click on the 'Average' button. You will be asked to give the combination an identifying name, name it and click OK. The averages will be calculated. The Items you selected to combine in the set and the new averaged item will be displayed in the stock output list. e.g. this process will average out the cost of the stock items and say you had a 1,000 sheets at $50 and the another 1,000 sheets at $65 per 1,000, it would be the same as running a job with 2,000 sheets at $57.50.

Select the fields you wish to import into from the 'Available Fields' list by double clicking them or using the arrow buttons. Once you have the correct fields aligned to those in the file being imported click 'OK' and the data will be imported straight into PrintQuote Pro.

When you open the selected file and the fields do no appear in a list check the field and record delimiters of the data. Other options are available from the popups below the field lists.

The 'Update existing records' will find records with the same name as those being imported and add the data of the other fields. If this checkbox is not selected existing records will not be modified.

If the paper you wish to use has not been entered click on the 'Add' button. You will be presented with the input screen for the stock items.

Then click on the tick button to save the record and return to the stock list. Select the stock item you have entered
and click on the 'Select' button. Select the 'Costings' tab to see the cost of the job.

The next values you will have to enter are the sheet sizes. PrintQuote Pro allows you to cut down large sheets to smaller sheets to run then cut them further on completion of the printing process. e.g. Cut large sheets down to 210mm x 140mm to run business cards four up, cutting them to size after printing. Type in the sheet 1 and the sheet 2 sizes. The grip value is taken from the Press preferences entered earlier.

The configuration of the sheets can be controlled by clicking on the checkboxes, 'Sheet 1 - L to L with main sheet' for sheet 1 and 'Sheet 2 - L to L with sheet 1'. You may also choose to run the grip on the long edge of the running sheet.

The overs are calculated for the Press preferences based on the number of colours being printed. These can
be modified if required for each job.

IMPORTANT: Click on the 'Update Print Item' to store these values with the Item already created.
Every time you modify values you must click on the 'Update Print Item' button to store them.

For this example we will not add any finishing, we can now go to the 'Costings' tab to see PrintQuote Pros calculations.

If a client supplies stock you can enter the sizes for Sheet 1 and Sheet 2 without choosing a type of stock. In this way you can calculate the run without costing in the price of stock. In any case you can choose to include the cost of guillotining or stock by selecting the checkboxes at the bottom right of the screen. If you do not have any other specialised finishing you can now select the 'Costing' tab to see the cost of the job.

To add packaging to the quote you will need to move to either of the 'Finishing' tabs. The packaging option is repeated on both screens.

The quantity per carton and the cost of the carton may be entered in here. The default setup in the preferences under the 'File' menu is automatically loaded when you create a quote. To enter more options with packaging click on the heading'>> Packaging for all items...' the following dialog box will open.

If you a wrapping a number of items such as reams of letter heads prior to putting them in a carton you can cost that out here. Type in the sheets or pieces per package and then the number of packages in a carton together with their rates. There default rates set in the Preferences under the 'File' menu are automatically loaded when you create a new quote. When you click 'Save' the cost of wrapping the packages together with the number of packages required is calculated. A rate per full carton is calculated but on the final costings screen the exact cost of packaging is calculated and displayed with the rate per full carton.

Click on the 'Details' button to view the list of Outside Work items.

Click on 'Create New Item' to add another Outside Work item. Enter contact details, order number, description of the work required and the amount. Click 'OK when you have finished to return to the Ourside Work screen.

You can recalculate the quote and/or text by selecting one of the checkboxes 'Text' and/or 'Value' and clicking
'Build Quote' button. 'Load Saved Values will load the last saved values of the quote.

The 'Quote Text' tab displays the details that will be printed on the quote.

The 'Quote Text' field is large enough to display 21 lines of text. The exact number of lines of text is displayed on the right hand side above the text. The line count will update as you type, as you add a line of text the counter will update the count.

The selected quantity on the previous screen is displayed in Yellow on this screen.

All Quantities/Chosen Quantity

You can choose to have the prices for each of the quantities you have input included on a quote by selecting the 'All Quantities' radio button, or the quantity selected on the 'Costings' screen by selecting 'Chosen Quantity'.

When the text is constructed for a quote, the quote text begins with the job title, to this is added the description you typed in on the 'Job Details' screen. Then the printing description and finishing descriptions are added. At the bottom is added the details of the 'Outside Work' field if the 'Show text in Quote' checkbox of teh 'Outside Work' Screen is checked.

You can type additional information into the Job. This will be saved with the Job, however, if you click on the 'Build Job' button with the 'Text' checkbox checked the text will be re-written. The values for the Job will be re-calculated if the 'Values' checkbox is selected prior to clicking the 'Build Job' button. If only the 'Values' checkbox is selected then the text will not be rewritten.

Modifying Quantities and Outside Work

You can change the quantity number on this screen and the values will be recalculated. You can also modify the 'Outside Work' values on this screen as well. When you tab out of the field the quote is recalculated.

A quote can be printed from any screen on the quote input layout by selecting 'Print' from the 'File' menu.

Email Quote

The quote can be emailed to the client by clicking on the Email Quote' button. Fill in the email account details add any attachments you wish to send with the quote. If you wish to apply a keyword to the quote for easy retrieval at a later date click on 'Apply Keyword'.

Convert to Job

To convert the Quote to a Job click on the 'Covert to Job' button. This will save the current quote and convert it to a Job and open it to the Job input screen. Once the Quote is converted to a Job you can modify and of the variables associated with the Job.