Overview
Rather than exporting each document separately, you can combine your tender summary, quantified schedule of rates, prelim breakdown (if applicable), and any pre-set documentation into a single merged PDF. This is the most common way to produce your final quotation — a single professional document containing everything your client needs.
Generating a merged PDF
- 1
On the bills page (Stage 6), click the Merged PDF button. This is typically located alongside the other export options on the bills page.
- 2
Select which documents you would like to include in the merged file. You can choose any combination of:
- Tender summary
- Quantified schedule of rates (sectioned or unsectioned)
- Prelim breakdown
- Pre-set client documentation (cover letters, terms and conditions, etc.)
- 3
The software generates a single PDF containing all selected documents in sequence. The save dialog opens automatically.
- 4
The file is saved to your Ensign cloud storage. Rename the file if needed, then click Save.
- 5
Your cloud storage window opens so you can copy the merged PDF to your local machine or company network. Right-click the file, select Copy, minimise the cloud window, and paste it onto your desktop or preferred folder.
The merged PDF is the quickest way to produce a complete, professional tender package. Rather than sending multiple files, you provide your client with a single document that flows from cover letter through tender summary, prelim breakdown, and schedule of rates.
Document order in the merged PDF
When you generate a merged PDF, the documents are assembled in a logical sequence:
- Pre-set client documentation (cover letter, terms and conditions, etc.)
- Tender summary
- Prelim breakdown (if set to appear)
- Quantified schedule of rates
This order ensures your client reads the introductory material first before reaching the financial detail.
Exporting individual bill documents
If you prefer to export documents individually rather than as a merged PDF, each bill document can be exported separately from the preview window. The export process is the same as for reports — you select your file format, click export, and save to cloud storage.
Bills can be exported in all the same formats available for reports, including PDF, Word, CSV, and Excel. For full details on file formats and the export process, see Exporting and File Formats.
For Excel exports intended for data handling purposes, choose the Data Only option. This produces a cleaner spreadsheet without report formatting, making it much easier to work with in external systems.
Transferring files to your local machine
After saving any export (whether a merged PDF or individual document), Ensign automatically opens your cloud storage window. From here you can copy the file to your desktop, company server, or any mapped network drive.
- 1
After the export completes, your cloud storage window appears showing the folder where the file was saved.
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Right-click the exported file and select Copy.
- 3
Minimise the cloud storage window to return to your desktop.
- 4
Right-click on your desktop (or navigate to your preferred folder) and select Paste.
If your company network drives are configured within the cloud environment, you can drag and drop files directly without using copy and paste. To set up mapped drives, contact the Ensign support team.
For more details on cloud storage and file transfer, see Exporting and File Formats.