Part 1 · Initial Setup
Currencies, systems, categories, tax rates, and the rest of the reference data your estimates depend on. Do this once, first. Start Setup →
The Darwin User Manual
Your company already knows how to price this. This manual shows you how Darwin keeps that knowledge inside the company — from initial setup to an approved baseline and beyond.
How to Use This Manual
Section titled “How to Use This Manual”Darwin turns a request for work into a governed estimate, then an approved baseline you track real costs against — and the differences between estimate and reality flow back to improve the modules. Every project teaches the next one. That’s why it’s called Darwin.
The golden path is simple:
request → clarify → estimate → review → approve → track → learn
This manual is organized the same way you’ll actually use Darwin: set up your reference data once, then walk the golden path on your first project, then use the rest as a reference as you go.
Where to Start
Section titled “Where to Start”Part 2 · Your First Project
Walk the golden path start to finish: request, project, estimate, review, approval. Begin the Journey →
Introduction
Understand Darwin’s operating model before you touch a screen. Read the Introduction →
The Golden Path
Section titled “The Golden Path”Request
Start with intent: what needs to be estimated, clarified, reviewed, changed, or approved. Start From a Request →
Clarify
Keep drawings, files, comments, assumptions, and missing context attached to the work. Project Documents →
Estimate
Pull the modules your company already has, load the quantities, apply today’s prices. Build the Estimate →
Review
Challenge pricing, assumptions, quantities, and revision history before commitment. Review Prices →
Approve
Record the decision that turns an estimate into a committed cost-control baseline. Request Approval →
Track & Learn
Capture actual costs, compare against baseline, and use variance to improve future estimates. Cost Control →
Reference
Section titled “Reference”Catalog
Materials, labor, expenses, modules, bundles, and price lists — your Cost DNA. Browse Catalog →
Projects & Collaboration
Documents, Darwin Drive, clients and suppliers, approvals, and activity history. Explore →
3D & 2D Inputs
Upload BIM models or 2D drawings, inspect geometry, and map quantities into cost logic. Import a Model →
Proposals & Bidding
Package approved estimates into client proposals, manage bid packages, and run what-if scenarios. Explore Proposals →
Workflows
The full request-to-baseline journey, work requests, approvals, and revisions in depth. Explore Workflows →