The Auto Weight & CoG Estimation window calculates weight-group estimates using estimation methods, coefficients and historical project data. Use it to compare alternative estimation approaches, save named estimates and transfer selected results to the project. Open Estimate > Auto Estimation, or use the Auto Estimation button in the main window.
Prepare the estimate
Check the project parameters and select suitable Project Types and Reference Projects. Choose a Sister Project when using sister-project scaling, and check the Main Weight Group when using methods based on that group. The result depends on the available methods, coefficients, reference data and parameter values; missing inputs can prevent particular groups from being estimated.
Ask for Undefined Parameters allows the program to request missing parameters during calculation. Use the VCG and LCG checkboxes under Estimate to include estimates of those centres of gravity along with weight. Labels and units follow the project configuration.
Choose the detail level
Auto compares estimates at different levels of the weight-group hierarchy using their standard deviations to determine the estimation level. It does not simply choose the most detailed available level.
User Def. lets you select the weight groups to estimate using the adjacent ... button. Second, Third and Fourth Level calculate at the specified hierarchy level. Bottom uses the most detailed eligible groups. Choose a level supported by the reference data and the available methods.
Choose the estimation methods
1. Default uses the standard methods supplied with the system. 2. Main Params uses methods based on main project parameters and is useful when only a limited set of parameters is known. The ... button opens their definitions.
3. User Defined uses the configured user-defined method set; use ... to inspect or edit its definitions. 4. Main Wgt.grp. uses methods that relate the estimated groups to the selected Main Weight Group.
5. Est.Setting uses the estimation setting specified for each weight group. Open the adjacent ... dialog to inspect those settings. This is different from the named Setting used to save the complete Auto Estimation setup.
6. User Defined lets you choose a particular user-defined method set from the list below the option. The names and visibility of the first four method choices can be configured, so the labels in your system may differ. Coefficient choices that do not apply to the selected method are disabled.
Choose how coefficients are obtained
A. Default Coefficient uses a coefficient stored for the relevant project type and weight group. The ... button opens the default coefficients for inspection or editing.
B. Intersection with Regr. Line obtains the coefficient from the regression line at the current project's plot-parameter value. Choose representative Project Types and Reference Projects before calculating.
C. Sister Project Scaling uses the selected sister project as the basis for the coefficient. D. Sister Proj. Scaling With Trend combines sister-project scaling with the trend in the regression line. Select the Sister Project using ... and check that its data is suitable for the intended comparison.
Calculate and compare results
Click Calculate to run the selected method and coefficient combination at the selected detail level. Review the results and any comments or messages. Changing a selection does not calculate a new result automatically; calculate again when the settings or input data change.
The Show controls change the comparison table. All Estimates displays the calculated combinations available in the window so they can be compared. It does not itself calculate every combination. Wgt.grp. Weight adds the stored project values, Std.dev. shows the estimation standard deviations, and Deviation shows the spread between estimation results.
VCG and LCG results are included when their Estimate checkboxes are selected. Double-click a result, or use Open Estimate in the right-click menu, to inspect the applicable estimate. Use the result comments and the reference data to assess a result rather than choosing solely by its numerical value or standard deviation.
Print opens a print preview of the displayed results. The right-click Copy command copies selected result rows for use in a spreadsheet or report.
Save and retrieve a named estimate
Enter a descriptive name under Setting and click Save Estimate to save the Auto Estimation selections and the calculated results. If that name already exists, the program asks before overwriting it. Saving a named estimate does not replace the current weight-group values.
Select an existing name from the Setting list to load its settings and saved results. The ... button opens Auto Estimation Setting, where saved settings can be managed and selected. A loaded result represents the saved calculation; calculate again if project inputs or reference data have changed.
The import button beside Setting loads an Auto Estimation setting from another project. Select the source project and then the required setting. Check the imported selections against the current project, calculate the results and use Save Estimate if you want to retain the setup here. Importing settings does not transfer that project's weight-group values.
Transfer results to the project
To use calculated values in the current project, turn off All Estimates so that one method and coefficient combination is selected. Select the required rows in the result table, then click Save in Wgt.grps. Confirm the overwrite prompt only after checking the selected results.
This command transfers the selected eligible estimated values and their estimation settings to the project's weight groups. Estimated VCG and LCG values are also transferred when those options are enabled and applicable. Existing weight-group values can be replaced; the named-estimate save and this transfer are separate operations.
If no result rows are selected, no values are transferred. The Save in Wgt.grps. button is disabled while All Estimates is selected. After transferring values, check the affected groups and the resulting totals in the main window.
Close and get help
Close leaves the window. If the estimate setup or results have unsaved changes, the program can ask whether to save the named estimate. Closing the window does not undo values already transferred with Save in Wgt.grps., or changes accepted in separately opened settings dialogs.
Press F1 or click the Help button at the bottom left to open this topic.