Schedule of Values Variance Report

At Ediphi, we are pleased to announce that we have recently introduced the option to download Variance Reports. This feature empowers users to compare estimates within their project, thereby enhancing visibility and facilitating a clearer understanding of the modifications that have been implemented between them.

With the Variance Report, users will have the ability to effectively communicate the project's cost analysis to clients and readily pinpoint the specific areas where cost discrepancies occurred. This promotes a higher level of comprehension and transparency between all involved parties.

Our Variance Report facilitates this process by comparing Schedule of Values (SOVs) between two different estimates or different versions of the same estimate within the same project through an Excel file. This enables estimators and owners to identify and understand the specific areas where costs have changed.

In this article

• FAQ
• Using the Variance Report feature

FAQ

• Does the Variance Report solely compare the most recent iteration of the estimates?

For your baseline estimate, the platform will automatically use the current version you are working on (also known as "live"), however when selecting the other estimate you’d like to compare it to, you’ll have the option to select the specific version of that estimate you want to compare, if applicable.

You can always load up an older version of your baseline estimate so that it becomes your "live" one, prior to opening the Variance Report export feature if desired.

• Can I compare estimates from a different project?

No. The Variance Report only works within the same project where you select your baseline estimate from.

• Can I download a PDF version of the Variance Report?

The Variance Report is available for download exclusively in Excel format. However, if you prefer a PDF version, we suggest utilizing Excel's functionality to convert workbooks into PDFs.

• Can I set the specific Grouping I want to see in the Variance Report?

Yes! The grouping for the Variance Report is extracted from the baseline estimate in the user interface (UI) - the estimate from which you are generating the report. Therefore, the grouping you have defined in that estimate will be reflected in the Variance Report export.

• How do we determine which use groups are equivalent?

If there are multiple of the same use groups, we will match equivalence as follows:

• If 1 of a certain use group,
  • We will align the corresponding use groups between Estimate A and Estimate B. For instance, if there is an Apartments use group in Estimate A but not in Estimate B, we will display the Apartments columns and totals for Estimate A in the Variance Report. Similarly, we will present the Apartments columns and totals for Estimate B in the variance report, with all values set to 0.
• If 2 or more of a given use group,
  • If 2 or more use groups with no labels:
    • The equivalence will be determined based solely on the order of use group 1 in Estimate A and use group 1 in Estimate B.
  • If 2 or more use groups with labels (or a mix of some with labels and some without):
    • If they have the identical EXACT label name, including case sensitivity, across both estimates, then they are considered equivalent and will be compared.
    • If they don’t have a label, we'll match the use groups that are the same without the label and they will be equivalent.

Using the Variance Report feature

Obtaining your Variance Report is easy. Simply follow these steps:

1. Proceed to the particular estimate you wish to use as the baseline for your Variance Report. Once you are in your estimate, under the Estimate tab, select Schedule of Values. Locate the Exports option at the top right of the screen. You will find the option to Export Variance Report. Click on it.

2. A pop-up window will appear displaying two sections: the Baseline Estimate section and the Comparison Estimate section. The Baseline Estimate section will always present you the "live" version (meaning the current estimate you have loaded in your screen), and here you'll want to ensure that the Schedule of Values option is selected.

   Within the Comparison Estimate section, you will be able to choose the particular Estimate and Version you wish to compare with your Baseline.

3. Once you select the specific estimate and version you’d like to compare your Baseline to, click Export.

A Schedule of Values (SOV) file will be generated and downloaded to your computer. You can then open and view it in Excel. The SOV will juxtapose your Baseline Estimate with your selected Comparison Estimate, allowing for a side-by-side comparison. Additionally, it will include a Delta section for you to analyze the discrepancies between the two estimates.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our support team and we'll be happy to help!