Understanding how Made2Manage determines estimated and actual costs

Article • 6/8/2026 • 1 min read

This table helps you understand how Made2Manage calculates estimated costs for a job and actual costs for a job.

Cost ElementEstimated Cost Calculation MethodActual Cost Calculation Method
MaterialsItem master (quantity of material for all item types is on the detailed bill of material)For make items: job orders For stock items: item master (quantity is actual quantity issued) For buy items: purchase orders and receipts (quantity is actual quantity)
LaborJob routing: (Estimated production hours + setup) × labor rateLabor reporting: (Actual setup + production hours) × labor rate
OverheadItem master Job routing: (Estimated production hours + setup) × overhead rateOverhead: (Actual setup + production hours) × standard overhead rate

Estimated and actual cost calculations also depend on your company’s costing setup. When your company sets up Made2Manage, it specifies how the system calculates costs for inventory, estimates, and orders.