Cost Type dropdown list - Add Equipment Accessories

The request is to enhance the Cost Type dropdown list in the estimating system by:

• Adding a new entry specifically for Equipment Accessories to differentiate from Equipment proper.
• This would help categorize items like, e.g., 450mm diameter augers or 300mm buckets as attachments rather than lumping them under generic Equipment or Other.
• Additionally, this approach could extend to other cost areas such as Reinforcing & Accessories under Material cost type.
• Alternatively, to improve flexibility, allow users to manually type and add new cost type options on demand in the dropdown menu.

Recommended Approach

1. New Dropdown Entry: Add an explicit "Equipment Accessories" option under Cost Type dropdown.

• This clearly segregates accessories from primary equipment.
• Facilitates better cost tracking, reporting, and estimating accuracy.
• Supports consistent categorization for equipment, equipment attachments and accessories.

2. Extend to Other Categories

• Consider similar accessory subcategories for other cost types (such as materials), e.g., "Reinforcing Accessories" under Material cost type for clarity.

This will Enable User-Defined Entries

• Allowing direct typing and adding of new cost types enhances adaptability.
• Supports uncommon or project-specific accessory types without system admin intervention by separating core equipment from its accessories.
• Helps keep the cost coding system dynamic and responsive to evolving needs as required, and this will improve cost categorization granularity, enhance estimator workflow efficiency, and support clearer, more accurate project cost management.