To add an alternate to a project

An alternate is a group of parts that identify a specific aspect of the project with an associated cost that a customer may choose to accept or decline. An alternate is created with all the same features that apply to a project.

Alternates are shown in the Alternate/Component List. Information shown in the list includes a sequentially assigned alternate reference number, the alternate description, the alternate status (Undecided, Declined, or Accepted), and the alternate cost. To add an alternate follow these steps:

1. Load the project to which you want to add an alternate. This is done within the Customers Manager.
2. Click the Add Alternate button beneath the Alternate/Component List. The screen is now occupied with your new alternate. Notice that the screen contents are very similar to that of the project; the bold font saying, "Alternate" in the top left of the screen denotes the difference. There is also no Alternate/Component List within the alternate screen, for it is not allowed to create an alternate or component within an alternate. If you want to do this you must create a new alternate from scratch.
3. Type in an alternate description in the Description Box and click the Save button to save this text.
4. Enter all of the desired parts into the alternate just as you would a typical project.
5. Define the status as Undecided, Declined, or Accepted. Declined alternates will not show up on any reports nor have their costs incorporated into any figures. Accepted alternates will appear in Cost Status Reports with its cost incorporated into the project total cost. Undecided and Accepted alternates will be appended to the project specifications section within the proposals.
   
   
   
6. Click the Close button to view the project with the new alternate displayed in the Alternate/Component List. If the alternate status was defined as Accepted, then its associated cost will be incorporated into the Project Costs ("Total + Acc. Alts.", "Markup + Acc. Alts.", "Base Bid + Acc. Alts.") displayed in the Summary Mode.