Converting a Presto File to BC3
Presto is a budget management software widely used in the construction sector. It allows industry professionals to plan, control, and analyze project costs efficiently. Presto also offers a variety of tools for site management, including detailed estimating, progress billing control, time and resource planning, and report generation. Its ability to integrate and handle large volumes of data makes it an indispensable tool for construction companies and architecture firms.
What is a .PHZ file?
Files with the .PZH extension are native Presto files that contain all the information related to a project, including estimates, measurements, unit prices, and other important data for project management. These files are designed to be used exclusively within the Presto environment, allowing for detailed and accurate management of project data. However, to facilitate interoperability with other software systems, it is possible to convert these .PZH files to the BC3 standard format, which is widely accepted in the construction industry.
How to convert a .PHZ file to BC3 from Presto
Converting a .PZH file to BC3 from Presto is a straightforward process that can be done directly within the software. The step-by-step procedure is described below:
- Open Presto: Launch the Presto software on your computer and open the .PZH file you want to convert.
- Select the project: Navigate to the specific project that contains the .PZH file, or open your .PHZ file with Presto. Make sure all the necessary data is complete and correct.
- Go to File > Export: In Presto's main menu, select the "Export" option. This will open a drop-down menu with several available export options.
- Choose the BC3 format: In the export menu, select the "FIEBDC" option. This option will convert the .PZH file to the BC3 format.
- Configure the export: Presto will allow you to configure various export parameters. Be sure to review and adjust these parameters according to the specific needs of your project.
- Export the file: Once the parameters are configured, click "Export" to start the conversion process. Presto will generate a BC3 file containing all the project information originally stored in the .PZH file.
- Save the BC3 file: Choose the location where you want to save the new BC3 file on your computer. Be sure to name it appropriately to make it easy to identify later.
Import your BC3 file into Trowel
Remember that once you have your BC3 file, you can import it and start working on your estimate directly in Trowel. We explain how to do this in the following article on our blog: Import your estimates with BC3 files.
