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Manufacturing Estimation

Micro Estimating

ShouldCost provides bill of material estimation for product assemblies in the fabrication and general manufacturing sectors via our Enterprise software – Micro Estimating. We also offer 2D and 3D feature recognition.

What are the unique differences between ShouldCost and Micro Estimating?

Micro Estimating can handle complex assemblies and bills of material. It has stock and component libraries so you can store what vendors charge for Commercial of the Shelf (CotS) parts and include in the estimates.

Micro Estimating Systems also contains over 40 manufacturing styles, including screw machines and fabrication processes such as Wire EDM and laser cutting. Micro Estimating runs behind your company firewall, so your IT department is responsible for keeping it available and updated while ShouldCost is online.

Any connected device may be used to work on your estimates so last minute adjustments are possible.

ShouldCost DEEP: Revolutionizing 3D Estimations

Step into the next dimension of estimations with ShouldCost DEEP. Our platform offers an in-depth approach to 3D estimations, integrating seamlessly with top CAD/CAM platforms for an unparalleled user experience.

Discover the power of ShouldCost DEEP, a tool that is revolutionizing the industry with its capabilities in 3D analysis and machine shop quoting. Explore the integrations and compatibility that make ShouldCost DEEP a leader in the industry.

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What is the Difference Between Quoting, Cost, and Estimation?

  • A quote is how much the other party will pay for parts. However, is that enough to cover your overhead? If the customer accepts your quote, that price is what they are willing to pay, but it doesn’t ensure the job is profitable for you.
  • The cost of producing a part is determined by examining the features of the part, understanding how to produce it, and adding up the time and materials.
  • Having a true cost-based estimation for producing a part as opposed to a quote based on historical data, can be the difference between a profit and a loss. Our cost-based estimation software is highly advanced and stays up to date with the ever-changing costs of raw materials and labor.

Some of our competitors rely on historical data or they rely on you to provide your time and costs. Instead of being a time sheet for your shop and verifying that your speculations were correct, would you not rather know what your time and expenses should cost?

Contact ShouldCost today

Learn how we can help you control costs and shorten lead-times for your customers!

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Who we serve

For 40 years, Micro Estimating Systems has provided many fortune 500 companies with state-of the-art-technologies. Utilizing our decades of experience and the latest in technology, we created ShouldCost, a cutting-edge “quote” software that helps machine shops quote faster and more accurately.

Micro Estimating Systems has a strong reputation and proven track record for providing the highest quality products and services for manufacturers who work in CNC machining processes such as fabrication, automatic screw machining, general manufacturing including grinding, gear hobbing, deburring, inspection, and many others.

We specialize in metal, but we also have some capabilities for plastics. Our secondary target are engineers who want to know how their design changes affect price.

We serve the following industries but not limited to:

  • Aerospace
  • Automotive
  • Construction
  • Consumer Products
  • Defense Manufacturing
  • Energy
  • Engineering Services
  • Fluid Power
  • Hydraulics
  • Industrial Equipment
  • Injection Molding
  • Machine Shops
  • Machine Tooling
  • Manufacturing
  • Medical and Surgical Equipment
  • Mining Equipment
  • OEM
  • Oil & Gas
  • Power Equipment
  • Solar Power
  • Wind Power