RELEASE NOTES

TRIMBLE® AUTOBID® MECHANICAL 2017V1 This document provides basic information about new features and modifications in release

2017 v1 of the Trimble® AutoBid® Mechanical software. More detailed information can be

found in the online help system as well as in the Video Presentations accessible from the Help

menu and autorun screen.

The What’s New Video Tutorials command allows you to view a demonstration of the new

features and modifications included in this release.

The Release Notes cover the following topics:

► Introduction

► New Features, Enhancements, and Modifications

► Essential release information

► Update installation instructions

► Product assistance

► Legal Notices

Introduction These Release Notes describe the new features and modifications that are new in version 2017 v1 of the Trimble® AutoBid® Mechanical software.

What you receive with Release 2017 v1

● One Trimble AutoBid Mechanical Installation DVD

● One AutoBid Mechanical Let’s Get Started foldout

Upgrade Procedure See the Update installation instructions section of this document for requirements to install this update. Trimble recommends that you print these instructions to help ensure proper operation of the software application after installation.

Version 2017 v1 Revision A_ENG June 2017

Compatibility

Operating Systems

This version of the AutoBid Mechanical is compatible with:

● Windows 10

● 32-bit and 64-bit Windows® 7

Please note: We do not support Windows 7 Home Edition, Windows 8.x or Windows 10 S

For a complete listing of System Requirements/Technical Specifications, please go to our website:

http://mep.trimble.com/products/estimating/trimble-autobid-mechanical/trimble-autobid-mechani

cal-system-requirements

Trimble® Quick Link The AutoBid Mechanical software includes an interface with Trimble Quick Link licensing and communication system. You must install the updated Quick Link software to ensure that you have the latest functionality.

New Features, Enhancements, and Modifications

Improvements to Takeoff functionality The following enhancements have been added to Takeoff in order to navigate the takeoff process even faster and more efficiently.

Display scope names in the audit trail

With AutoBid Mechanical 2017v1 it is now possible to add additional columns with the project

scope information for each detail line in the Audit Trail. This gives the estimator more

visibility on how the different items and assemblies are broken out when looking at the data

again after the initial takeoff.

From the Takeoff screen go into Tools – Options – Audit Trail Column (All views) in order to

turn additional columns with the scope information on or off. The scope information columns

are available in the Audit Trail, OSV (On-screen view) and the GTO (Graphical Takeoff screen).

Enabling these fields can impact the take-off speed depending on the system & network

performance.

When showing elevations in Audit Trail view for an existing project, you may need to

scroll the audit trail in order to update existing lines and make the elevations visible.

Symbol schedule count

It is now possible to see if a certain symbol has already been used in the takeoff or not.

Symbols that have been used will get a flag in the symbol detail tab called “Used in TakeOff”.

Symbols that have not been used will be flagged as “Not used in TakeOff”. This allows

estimators to go through the list of symbols in order to make sure the takeoff is complete and

if the quantity here matches the quantity on the paper schedule.

From the Takeoff screen go into Tools – Symbol Schedule and select a symbol. The flag will be

displayed in the symbol details tab.

Symbols inside assemblies will not be flagged at this stage

End takeoff run with item A new field has been added to the “Add Drop/Rise” screen called “End with item:”. AutoBid

will now remember the last selected item in order to end takeoff runs with the same item

instead of having to re-select it from the list of items until the user leaves Take-off.

Improvements to Reporting

The following improvements have been made to the reporting functionality in AutoBid

Mechanical 2017v1 and to the Rapid Reports.

Missing Price & Labor Reporting

When creating reports with the Report function in AutoBid Mechanical 2017v1 we are now

highlighting any warnings about missing price or labor information at the bottom of the

message tab to draw more attention to items that still need to have their price or labor filled

in on the Missing Price and Labor screen.

To open the Missing Price and Labor Worksheet" click on the icon in the toolbar.

Rapid Reports

With the Rapid Report function in AutoBid Mechanical 2017v1 we have added a shop labor

column to the RAW data tab which allows users to export shop labor into their company

accounting system. Additionally, AutoBid now exports the total hours and dollar amount for

each of the 8 possible labor categories.

With Rapid Reports (RapidRep-Revision 2017v1.xlsm) we now also added the possibility to

unlock the cell protection for the Excel worksheet temporarily in order to customize the

worksheet and make changes to the template. This option can be found at the customize tab

under “Protect workbook after filling?”

Improvements to SIP (Short-Interval Planning) calculations

The processing speed for SIP (short-interval planning) calculations has been improved.

Customers with projects that contain a huge number of line items in the audit trail will see a

significant improvement in the time it takes to execute SIP project calculations.

Source Audit trail line with the SIP (Short-Interval Planning) tool

It is now possible to use the SIP (Short Interval Planning) to look-up the Audit trail number of

a particular item or item inside an assembly.

1. Click on the first line of your audit trail (with filtering enabled or not, as you

wish.)

2. Select all items in the Audit Trail by hitting CTRL + SHIFT + END

3. Right-click the selection and hit “Show SIP Details”

Tip- Requires the option “Save Calculation Details for SIP (Short Interval Planning) to be

turned on when calculating the takeoff report.

4. Select View – Source Audit trail lines

The report shows all matching lines of this item in the Audit trail:

Tip- It is also possible to limit the selection with the box in tool and only search inside a

certain area.

Convert all hot spots with the box-in tool into an item

With AutoBid Mechanical 2017v1 is now possible to use the box-in tool to box in a certain area

and convert all remaining hot spots into a certain item in order to clean-up and finish a

takeoff.

General improvements We appreciate the feedback and are continuously improving and evolving the product to meet the needs of our customers. Various smaller improvements to features and functions that have been requested from the field have been made with this version that will further improve the user experience and customer satisfaction.

Navigating the Specification Schedules

Navigating the spec schedule and master specs under Project Specs – Specification Schedules

has been improved making it is 3 to 5 times faster to scroll through the list than in previous

versions, especially for users with very large specification sets.

In addition a new Quick Jump option has been added at the top of the list which allows to

type & search an item in the list and jump to that particular item. Either click in the box, or

use Ctrl-F. Users can type as much as they wish to match the automatically opening pull-down

list and then press <Enter> to confirm.

Copy Systems & Specifications between Projects

The ability to copy/merge systems & specifications from another estimating job has been

improved. Merging the specifications will overwrite the existing specs and replace the existing

spec with the spec being copied from. This will allow users to manage and clean-up their spec

tables and copy them back into the master job with the company standards or simply re-use

specifications from a previous job.

From the main menu navigate to Project Specs – Setup Project – Merge.

It is now possible to copy the following spec categories:

After selecting the spec category and the project that should be copied it is possible to select

certain or all specs and copy it across into the current job.

Merging an entire spec schedule:

1. When merging an entire spec schedule we will overwrite all existing sub-specs except for valves.

2. Merging a spec schedule that already exists in the target project will completely delete the selected existing spec schedule including all the size breaks and replace it with the selected spec schedule merged from.

3. Deleting a size break that uses a hanger/valve/material spec that is used by a spec schedule the user is merging will overwrite that hanger/valve/material spec even if it is used by a spec schedule that is not being merged.

4. The spec schedule only contains valve installations associated with each spec schedule size break. The merge will “import” missing valve installations. There is no valve reference or valve spec directly associated with a size break and these will not be merged. The user must manually select valve references to merge.

Merging Material Specs:

For material specs we will not merge any joint information e.g. the “Joint to Joint reference for connected automatic joints” will not be changed and none of the “Joint Configuration for manual & non-connected automatic joints” will be changed. If the Joint information should be copied from another project, the Joint to Joint reference needs to be merged in before merging Material Specs.

Improvements to Managing Global Piping Items

When trying to delete valves from the piping items tree in the Master Piping Library (Master

Price – Piping Items) that are being used in the specifications of the current or other projects,

a warning will indicate in which projects this particular valve was used and what impact

deleting this item will have.

Deleting Projects

It is now possible to select multiple projects from the project list in AutoBid Mechanical

2017v1 (Recent Projects – Open Project) and delete them in the background while continuing

to work with the software.

The background delete option can be disabled or enabled by going from the main screen into

“Tools – My Preferences and Toggling “Delete Projects in the background (faster)” on or off.

Customize “Set Elevation” in the Mouse Menu

It is now possible to customize the “set elevation” option in the mouse menu in order to

access the function faster. This allows an estimator to customize elevation set points and

remember a certain setting. The following options are available:

The mouse menu can be customized by going from the takeoff screen into: Tools - Customize

Mouse Menu Items - Set Elevation

Tip – For new features and functions in previous version please refer to ther release notes

on our website: http://mep.trimble.com/support/release-notes?product=1401

Enhancements to “find radius” when using the branching from command

We have improved the ability for the user to display a hot spot/fitting box based on the “Find

Radius”settings in OSV Tools - On-Screen View customization and the ability to show the “box”

as a circular “target”. If the user touches inside the “target” we find/branch from this

otherwise, we find/branch from the pipe/duct. This will help users visualizing the search

radius and find the items more accurately inside the area.

Optimizing the database

We have added two functions to optimize the database in order to speed up the

performance. It is now possible to optional run an indexation routine and a defragmentation

routine. If it becomes necessary the functions can be accessed via Start - AutoBid Mechanical

Utilities. Please contact Trimble MEP support with any questions or concerns.

Storing Drawings in the cloud

Some customers have experienced performance problems when storing large amounts of

drawings in their database. We have added the option to store the drawings in the Internet

cloud.

In order to store all drawings in the cloud by default, a new checkbox has been added to the

company settings. From the main screen go to Tools - Company Settings and check the option

“New project default to store OSV background drawings in the cloud”.

When creating a new project under Files - Add New Project a new checkbox “Store OSV

background drawings in the cloud” has been added to the third screen of the New project

Wizard which allows one to change and overwrite the company settings.

For new projects it is possible to store all drawings in the cloud. Under Project Specs - Setup

Project - TakeOff a new option called “Store OSV background drawings in the cloud” has been

added. Depending on if the box is checked or not AutoBid Mechanical will store all drawings

in the cloud or the local database.

’

In scenarios where a user needs to work locally and temporarily without the Internet, the user

can move the drawings between the local database and the cloud by going to File - Open

project - Tools. Two options called Move all drawings to the cloud and Move all drawings back

into the database are available.

Tip – Depending on the network performance the initial upload of the drawings will be

slower compared to leveraging a local database but performance of the system will be better

long term. When copying a project with multiple drawings stored in the cloud, the drawings

will be downloaded from the cloud to the local machine in order to use them; please allow

time for the files to be copied. An Internet connection is required.

It is not possible to access the drawings directly through a web browser, but only through

AutoBid Mechanical 2017 v1. Deleting a project will remove the drawings from the cloud.

There is not a space limitation on how much data a customer can store in the cloud.

Warning: Drawings in the cloud are stored project specific but are not tied to a database. If

drawings are stored in the cloud and the database is backed-up and restored on other

computers, all database instances will be accessing the same file in the cloud. Changing a

drawing in one project will affect all computers that access the drawing in their project. It is

imperative when storing drawings in the cloud that for all database restores the

backup/restore utility is being used.

Switching drawings in OSV

Users reported speed issues when switching drawings in the OSV (on-screen view). The issue

occurred because AutoBid Mechanical was always re-downloading the drawing from the

database to the local drive. We optimized this and will now only download from the database

if there is no drawing available locally or if the drawing has changed.

To benefit from this new optimization also previously used background drawings will have to

be re-download one more time in order to make sure the latest drawings are available locally.

It is expected that re-downloading a drawing will take a moment but switching between

drawings that got re-synced will then be significantly faster going forward.

“Branching from” in OSV:

Users reported issues with the “branch from” command in OSV where AutoBid Mechanical

connected to a fitting/hot spot when it should not have, or inserted a hot spot and started

from a run of duct when it should have branched from the closest fitting. The issue was

related to the search radius that was applied in the background which was smaller than the

actual box indicating the fitting/item/hot spot.

We have added a new option in OSV to show the “fitting/hot spot” boxes based on the “Find

Radius” and the ability to show the search area as a circle. Using this option and visualizing the

search area as a circle will allow users to more accurately determine the target for the “branch

from” command. If the mouse is clicked inside the circle, we will branch from the circle (hot

spot) otherwise we branch from the closest pipe. Regardless of the zoom level the circle will

always reflect the true “find radius”. Zooming in will enlarge the circles/boxes. It is

recommended that users enable this option as it is more accurate and will provide better

results.

Database updates

The database for the US and Canada has been updated. The following product line additions

have been included for the US:

● Transair Compressed Piping and Fittings

● Mueller Industries Copper Press Fittings

● Victaulic Steam Fittings

● Aquatherm SDR9 Product Line

● Holdrite Supports

The following additions have been made for Canada:

● Crane Valve Allpriser codes

● Generic Copper fitting Allpriser codes

● Hundreds of other Allpriser gaps filled across multiple product lines

Essential Release Information

Windows Operating System Updates To successfully install this AutoBid Mechanical software update, your system must be up-to-date with all Windows updates. If a reboot of your system is necessary after Windows updates have been installed, you must perform this function before starting the AutoBid Mechanical installation procedures outlined in this document.

Trimble® Quick Link Software

The Trimble® AutoBid Mechanical software requires Trimble® Quick Link licensing and

communication software. This software is included on the AutoBid Mechanical Installation media.

This installation may require a restart of your computer. Trimble recommends that you do this

during a non-busy time or after hours to minimize disruptions in your company’s workflow.

Compatible Versions for this Update Release 2017 v1 of the AutoBid Mechanical software can be updated from release 2016 v1 or 2014 v3. Installing the 2017 v1 release does not affect your current 2014 v3 installation or database. The two releases can run on the same computer. This allows you to finish jobs in 2014v3 software and also allows access to the older projects if you need to convert them later.

Tip – If you are not currently on release 2014 v3 or 2016 v1, you must update to 2014 v3

before upgrading to 2017 v1.

Worksheets Since release 2016v1 the following worksheets have been replaced by functionality in Rapid Reports. If you are currently working on a project in 2014 v3 that uses either of these worksheets, you will need to finish the project in 2014 v3.

● Subcontractor Summary

● G&A Summary

New installation instructions

Please follow the instructions in the Lets Get Started Foldout and the Trimble AutoBid Mechanical Installation Guide which can be found on the product DVD as well as on our website http://mep.trimble.com/support/trimble-autobid-mechanical

Update installation instructions The information below outlines the update installation requirements for Trimble® AutoBid® Mechanical 2017 v1.

AutoBid Mechanical version verification

1. Open the AutoBid® Mechanical application currently installed 2. Go to Help / About AutoBid® Mechanical to see which version you are currently

running.

3. If you have Release 2016 v1 installed, close the About Trimble AutoBid® screen. Proceed to the installation procedures under the topic Updating from Release 2016 v1 to 2017 v1

If you currently have Release 2014 v3 installed close the About Trimble AutoBid® screen. Proceed to the installation procedures under the topic Updating from Release 2014 v3.

If you do not currently have Release 2014 v3 installed, you must install it before you install the 2017 v1 update. Earlier versions of the software do not allow the conversion to the new SQL database. Please refer to the 2014 v2 update instructions or contact technical support for assistance with your update.

Updating from Release 2016 v1 to Release 2017 v1

Make sure all Microsoft Windows® based applications are closed, including e-mail software

before you start the update.

Quick Link Hub IP Address Before you can install the AutoBid Mechanical 2017 v1 software release, the installation routine must validate installation and communication with the Quick Link Hub. You must have the TCP/IP Address and TCP/IP Port information available to proceed. To obtain this information open the Quick Link Hub application already installed on your system.

Installation & Validation Procedures 1. In the Software Installation Links area, click AutoBid Mechanical.

Trimble has several built-in validations to ensure Trimble® Quick Link and AutoBid Mechanical communicates properly. Your Quick Link Hub must be validated before you can continue the installation. – If the validation is successful, the installation continues. Go to the Continue Installation topic below. – If the validation is unsuccessful, a message displays. Click OK and then proceed to step 2. 2. In the Check Quick Link Installation dialog, enter the following information: Hub Address This is the TCP/IP Address assigned to the Quick Link Hub. Port This is the TCP/IP Port assigned to the Quick Link Hub. Note: The default Port must always be 31958. Click Continue. – If the connection is validated, click OK in the message and then proceed to the Continue Installation topic below. – If you have entered the correct information and the data still cannot be validated, you may need to update QuickLink Hub and QuickLink Management Studio to the latest version. Please refer to the Update QuickLink Hub and QuickLink Management Studio instructions below.

– If you updated to the latest version of QuickLink Hub and Quick Link management Studio and you have entered the correct information and the data still cannot be validated, you will need assistance from your IT professional. Trimble has provided an Installation Checklist document on the product DVD to step through some troubleshooting procedures in order to make sure your environment allows the proper required communication. This document can be found in the manuals folder on the installation media.

Continue Installation The InstallShield Wizard prepares to install the software. Please be patient. This procedure may take a few minutes. The Welcome to the InstallShield for AutoBid Mechanical screen displays. Click Next.

Note – If you are installing in a central/network environment, you must install the server module first (either Stand-Alone or Database) and then the Workstation. You will be unable to connect your workstation until there is a data server available.

Running AutoBid Mechanical v2017 v1 for the First Time

Database Connection (Stand-Alone/Workstation Installations)

When you open the AutoBid Mechanical workstation module for the first time, you are presented with a database connection screen. Refer to the AutoBid Mechanical Conversion document for detailed instructions on creating the database connection. Login – You may either log in using your Windows login, or use SQL Authentication. The login information below pertains to the Trimble installed instance of the Microsoft SQL Server. The default login is: Login: sa Password: Trimble*10368

Installing ABMC onto a server with existing instance

When installing AutoBid Mechanical on a computer that already has a “non “Trimble: Microsoft SQL server instance, the installer will allow you to select to which instance you would like to install the Database. If a "Trimble" instance is present, the installer will install it to the "Trimble" instance. When installing workstations, users will need the information to connect to the database. The connection information can be found in this file: C:\ProgramData\Trimble\ABMC\AfterInstall\InstalledServer.txt

Updating from Release 2014 v3

General Recommendations

The update installation in this release includes a procedure that verifies your database.

Depending on the size of your database, the installation may take several hours to install.

● Trimble recommends that you install this update during a non-busy time to avoid work

stoppage during the time the update is being installed

● Before you install this update, Trimble recommends that if you have not already

completed a backup, you do one now. To safeguard against data loss or computer

failures, performing a backup of your AutoBid Mechanical database prior to installing

any update is advisable.

● To ensure proper operation of the AutoBid Mechanical software after installation,

Trimble strongly suggests that you print, review, and follow the procedures in this

document carefully.

Note – The AutoBid Mechanical software update installs only program modifications and enhancements. Your existing tables, specifications, and estimates are not impacted in any way.

AutoBid Mechanical Database Backup

Trimble recommends that you perform a backup of your AutoBid Mechanical 2014

v3 database prior to installing the 2017 v1 update.

Note – Do not rely on a server-type backup.

1. Open the AutoBid Mechanical, release 2014 v3 software. 2. In the main AutoBid Mechanical window, choose File / Backup. 3. In the AutoBid Mechanical Backup window, click Browse and navigate to

the backup file location. Enter a File name and then click Save. Trimble recommends that you save the backup file to a folder outside AutoBid Mechanical, for example, a DVD-RW or a network drive. Click Next.

4. Select Full (AutoBid Mechanical System). Click Next. A progress indicator

displays on your screen during the backup process. When complete, the backup window closes and your system returns to the main AutoBid Mechanical window.

Note – Do not click Cancel at any time during the backup process or your backup will not be

created!

5. To close the AutoBid Mechanical, release 2014 v3, application, choose File

/ Exit. OR

Click in the upper right corner of the main window.

Tip – Refer to the Database Maintenance topic in the online help system or the Masters and System Maintenance online manual for more information on backing up your AutoBid Mechanical database

Enable .NET Framework Features

● Server 2008 and Server 2008 R2: You may need to enable the .NET Framework 3.0 Features in the Server Manager.

● Server 2012: You may need to enable the .NET Framework 3.5 Features in

the Server Manager.

Tip – Contact your IT Professional if you need assistance with this process. Note – This is required for The Quick Link software as well as SQL Server Express.

Close Windows Applications

When you have completed the steps outlined in the topics above, make sure all

Microsoft Windows® based applications are closed, including e-mail software before

you proceed.

Note – If you are currently using Trimble® Quick Link for any other Trimble application, you will need to also close the Hub and Management Studio while updating the Quick Link software. Any Trimble application using Quick Link will not have access to licensing during this time. Trimble recommends that you do this during a non-busy time or after hours to minimize disruptions in your company's

workflow.

Trimble Quick Link Update

Tip – You must install the Quick Link software update in order to ensure that you have the latest functionality.

Insert Installation Media

1. On the computer where your Trimble Quick Link software is installed,

insert the AutoBid Mechanical installation media into the appropriate drive of the computer. Wait a moment.

If the installation does not start a few seconds after you insert the installation DVD, proceed as follows: ● Double-click on the Computer Desktop icon. ● Locate the drive containing the AutoBid Mechanical installation media. ● Click on it to display the contents of the media. ● Double-click autorun.exe to open the AutoBid Mechanical main

installation screen. Note – Depending on your computer settings, the .exe extension may not display.

2. In the Software Installation Links area, click Trimble Quick Link. The Quick Link installation screen displays.

Hub Installation 1. Click Quick Link Hub. 2. The welcome screen displays. Click Next. 3. Click Finish.

Management Studio Note – You must update all computers that currently have an installation of the Management Studio software. 1. Click Quick Link Management Studio. The routine prepares the files for

installation.

2. The welcome screen displays. Click Next.

3. When the installation is complete, click Finish. No further action is required at this time.

Return to Main Page In order to install the AutoBid Mechanical software update, click Back to Main Screen and then refer to the next section for instructions.

AutoBid Mechanical Installation

Update Installation

Quick Link Hub IP Address

Before you can install the AutoBid Mechanical 2016 v1 software release, the installation routine must validate installation and communication with the Quick Link Hub. You must have the TCP/IP Address and TCP/IP Port information available to proceed.

Installation/Validation Procedures 1. In the Software Installation Links area, click AutoBid Mechanical.

Trimble has several built-in validations to ensure Trimble® Quick Link and AutoBid Mechanical communicates properly. Your Quick Link Hub must be validated before you can continue the installation.

● If the validation is successful, the installation continues. Go to the

Continue Installation topic below.

● If the validation is unsuccessful, a message displays. Click OK and then proceed to step 2.

2. In the Check Quick Link Installation dialog, enter the following information: Hub Address This is the TCP/IP Address assigned to the Quick Link Hub. Port This is the TCP/IP Port assigned to the Quick Link Hub. Note: The default Port must always be 31958. Click Continue.

● If the connection is validated, click OK in the message and then proceed to the Continue Installation topic below.

● If you have entered the correct information and the data cannot be validated, you will need assistance from your IT professional. Trimble has provided an Installation Checklist document to step through some troubleshooting procedures in order to make sure your environment allows the proper required communication. This document can be found in the manuals folder on the installation media.

Continue Installation The InstallShield Wizard prepares to install the software. Please be patient. This procedure may take a few minutes. 1. The Welcome to the InstallShield for AutoBid Mechanical screen displays.

Click Next.

2. The Software End User License Agreement screen displays. Read the

Agreement. Click I accept the terms of the license agreement. Click Next.

3. The Trimble Support and Maintenance Policy screen displays. Read the Agreement. Click I accept the terms of the license agreement. Click Next.

Note – You must accept the terms of each agreement to proceed with the installation. If you want a hard copy of the agreement, click Print. 4. In the Select Install Type screen, click the option button based on the type

of installation you are doing.

Workstation

Tip – If you are installing as a workstation, you must install the software on the server as well. See DataServer: Database and Tools section below. Selecting this option provides access on the installation computer to both the AutoBid Mechanical and Takeoff modules in AutoBid Mechanical.

● If this is the type of install you wish to perform, select the radio button and then

click Next.

DataServer: Database and Tools This option is for network installations where multiple users will be accessing the application. With this option, you cannot use the application at the server.

● If this is the type of install you wish to perform, select the radio button and then

click Next.

Stand-Alone: Installation of all Features This option installs all features on the computer.

● If this is the type of install you wish to perform, select the radio button and then

click Next.

Note – If you are installing in a central/network environment, you must install the server module first (either Stand-Alone or Database) and then the Workstation. You will be unable to connect your workstation until there is a data server available.

5. The Choose Destination Location screen displays., Trimble recommends

that you install the software in the default location displayed on the screen. Click Next.

6. In the Ready to Install the Program screen, click Install. The AutoBid Mechanical software installation routine begins installing the required files. During the installation process, the progress indicator may periodically appear to pause. This is normal behavior.

Microsoft® SQL Server® Express The AutoBid Mechanical application requires Microsoft SQL Server to manage your data. The installation routine will attempt to locate the Microsoft SQL Server application on your computer. If the necessary application is not found, the install will automatically launch the Microsoft SQL Server Express install. Please be patient as this process will take some time to complete. Do not discontinue this installation.

Microsoft SQL Server Express should be able to accommodate most databases. If you keep a very large number of projects and your database exceeds the maximum size allowed by Microsoft SQL Express, you will need to upgrade to Microsoft SQL Server. Please contact Trimble MEP Client Services if you believe that you need to upgrade.

Tip – Microsoft SQL Server are only supported with 64-bit operating systems.

Additional Steps for Stand-Alone and Server Installations

You will be presented with a dialog to choose whether you will be converting your 2014v3 data or starting with 2017v1 new user data. 1. Select the I will be converting data from AutoBid Mechanical 2014 v3 option

button.

Tip – Do not select the install options. Those are intended for new customer installations only.

Note – You must make a selection in this dialog to proceed! 2. Click Continue. A progress indicator displays during the restore process.

3. When the restore completes, click OK in the message.

Tip – Make note of the database connection information in the dialog.

● If installing on a network, your employees will need this information to connection to the database.

● You can also click Copy Server Information to the Clipboard and then paste it into the connection screen.

4. Click Close. The installation routine adds the remaining required files.

5. When installation is complete, click Finish.

Running AutoBid Mechanical for the First Time

Database Connection (Stand-Alone/Workstation Installations)

When you open the AutoBid Mechanical workstation module for the first time, you are presented with a database connection screen. Refer to the AutoBid Mechanical Conversion document for detailed instructions on creating the database connection. Login – You may either log in using your Windows login, or use SQL Authentication. The login information below pertains to the Trimble installed instance of the Microsoft SQL Server. The default login is: Login: sa Password: Trimble*10368

Project Conversion (Stand-Alone/Workstation Installations) If during the install you selected the option to convert your 2014v3 data, the first time you launch AutoBid Mechanical 2016v1 or 2017v1, you will be prompted to convert your 2014v3 data. Please refer to the AutoBid Mechanical Conversion document.

Product Assistance Trimble offers several avenues to obtain help using the AutoBid Mechanical software program.

Accessing the Online Help

The online help is easy to use and is accessible through any of the following methods:

● Press the [F1] key at any time while using the program to display help for

the current screen or dialog.

● Click the Help menu and then select the appropriate option from the

menu. You can scan the Table of Contents, use the Index, or the Search

function to find the information you are looking for.

● Use the Index tab to locate key words throughout the help system.

● Use the Search tab to find specific words used in the help system; for

example, you might search for the word delete for instructions on deleting

certain data from your system.

Videos

Update Videos

The What’s New Video Tutorials command on the Help menu allows you to view a

demonstration of the modifications and enhancements included in this release of AutoBid

Mechanical. You have the option of installing the videos directly to your hard drive or viewing

them from the AutoBid Mechanical Installation DVD.

Video Libraries

The Video Library command on the Help menu provides you with demonstrations of many of

the features in AutoBid Mechanical. You can view these as a refresher to training classes you

have attended. You can also use them to become more familiar with the application prior to

attending Training.

Trimble MEP Client Services

You can send a message directly to MEP Client Services by going to Help / Send message to

Technical Support. This feature allows you to describe your issue, as well as attaching a

screenshot.

● Before calling Client Services, we suggest that you consult the online help. Many of

the common procedures and questions are covered in this system.

● Trimble MEP Client Services is available during regular business hours Monday through

Friday.

Note: We are not available on major holidays.

Toll-free Telephone 1-800-234-3758

Internet e-mail mepsupport@trimble.com

Website mep.trimble.com

Legal Notices Trimble Inc.

116 Inverness Drive East, Suite 210

Englewood, Colorado 80112

800-234-3758

Copyright and Trademarks

©1999-2017 Trimble Inc. All rights reserved. Trimble, the Globe & Triangle logo, AutoBid, DuctDesigner 3D, and PipeDesigner 3D, are trademarks of Trimble Inc., registered in the United States and in other countries. Microsoft, SQL Server, and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

This publication, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form, by any method, for any purpose, without the written consent of Trimble Inc.

Release Notice This is the Trimble AutoBid Mechanical Software Release Notes (Revision A). It pertains to the release 2017 v1 of the Software. The topics within this manual:

• Are subject to change without written notice.

• Companies, names, and data used in any examples are fictitious.

• Screenshots included in the help topics may not be exactly as in the software application.

Edition

Trimble® AutoBid® Mechanical Release Notes. Release 2017 v1.