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Cubit Estimating Network Installation Guide

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Michael Dorfmueller - Head of IT and Support Buildsoft APAC

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing and configuring Cubit Estimating on a network.

Table of Contents:

Before You Begin

To ensure a smooth installation, please verify the following prerequisites:

  • Administrative Privileges: You must have administrator rights on both the server and the client machines.
  • Use Provided Installers: Only use the installer files sent to you via email. Using other versions of the software may make you ineligible for a standard update, potentially resulting in additional costs.
  • Licence Key: Have your Licence Key ready for activation. Ensure that your licence key is enabled for the versions of Cubit you are installing. If unsure, get in touch with support.
  • Review System Requirements: Before starting, confirm that your machine meets the minimum system requirements. It is important to review these for first-time installations and also when upgrading between major versions, as requirements may change. You can find the latest system requirements here:
  • Perform a Backup: Before proceeding, perform a full backup of any existing Cubit Estimating data. The update process is irreversible, so it is critical to verify that your backup was completed successfully before you continue with the installation.

Server Installation and Configuration

This section covers the installation of the Cubit Estimating Server, firewall configuration, and database setup.

Cubit Estimating Server Installation

  1. Launch the Cubit Estimating Server installer file to begin.
  2. On the welcome page, click Next.
  3. Read the Licence Agreement, select I accept the terms of the licence agreement, and click Next.
  4. Keep the default installation type, Database server and management console, and click Next.
  5. We recommend using the default installation location: C:\Program Files\Buildsoft\Cubit. 
    Click Next to continue.
  6. We recommend using the default PostgreSQL install location: C:\Program Files\PostgreSQL\16. 
    Click Next to continue.
  7. We recommend using the default PostgreSQL data location: C:\ProgramData\PostgreSQL\16\data.
    Click Next to continue.
  8. The installer is now ready. Click Install to proceed.
  9. Once the installation is complete, ensure both checkboxes for configuring users and scheduling backups are ticked, then click Finish.
  10. After installation, the Cubit Estimating Users window will open. New users can be set up at any stage. Please refer to the Cubit Estimating User Configuration section for instructions on adding users.


 

Guided Demo:

Adding a Windows Firewall Exception

To be completed on the Cubit Server only

To allow client computers to connect to the server, you must create a firewall rule. The following instructions are for the built-in Windows Defender Firewall.

Note: If your organisation uses a third-party firewall or antivirus product (e.g., Norton, McAfee, Trend Micro), these steps will not apply. Please consult with your IT provider to add an inbound rule for TCP Port 5432 to that specific product.

  1. In the Windows Start Menu, search for "windows firewall advanced" and open Windows Firewall with Advanced Security.


     

  2. Select Inbound Rules on the left, then click New Rule... on the right.


     

  3. For the rule type, select Port and click Next.


     

  4. Select TCP, then enter 5432 into the Specific local ports field. Click Next.


     

  5. Ensure Allow the connection is selected and click Next.


     

  6. Select the appropriate network profiles for your organisation (leaving all checked is standard). Click Next.


     

  7. Name the rule (e.g., "Cubit Estimating Port") and add an optional description. Click Finish.


     

Guided Demo:

Database Backup Configuration

Set up automated backups to protect your data.

  1. To configure database backups, open the Cubit Estimating Management Console by right-clicking its desktop icon and selecting Run as administrator.


     

  2. With the default database selected, click Configure.


     

  3. Set the directory paths for the PostgreSQL Bin Directory (C:\Program Files\PostgreSQL\16\bin) and the backup location.


     

  4. Select a backup Frequency (Daily, Weekly, or Monthly).


     

  5. Set the time and date for the next backup to run.


     

  6. Click OK to save the backup schedule.

For more information on backups, visit:

Cubit Estimating Backup Configuration – Buildsoft Help Center
 

Cubit Estimating User Configuration

Create a unique login for each person who will be using Cubit Estimating. You can skip this if all users were set up after installation of the server. 

  1. Open the Cubit Estimating Management Console from the desktop.


     

  2. Click the Users button.


     

  3. Click New to open the user creation window.


     

  4. Enter the user's details and click Create. Repeat this step for all users.


     

Client Installation and Configuration

This section covers creating user accounts and installing the client application on user machines.

Cubit Estimating Client Installation

Install the client application on each user's computer.

  1. Launch the Cubit Estimating client installer.
  2. On the welcome page.
    Click Next to continue.
  3. Accept the licence agreement.
    Click Next to continue.

  4. Select the Shared Network option.
    Click Next to continue.


     

  5. We recommend keeping the default installation location: C:\Program Files\Buildsoft\Cubit. 
    Click Next to continue.
  6. Click Install to begin the client installation.
  7. When the installation is finished, click Finish.

Guided Demo:

 

Activating Cubit Estimating

Follow these final steps on each client machine to activate the software.

  1. Using your mouse, double-click your Cubit Estimating desktop icon.
  2. You will be prompted to enter the following details:
    1. Name and Email of the Cubit Estimating user
    2. Company Name the licence is registered under
    3. Licence Key


       
  3. Cubit Estimating will validate the licence key. Once a valid key is entered, a check mark 
    will appear, and you’ll be able to click Next to activate the licence.
  4. When prompted, select Online Activation to automatically register your licence.
    1. Offline Activation is not available for Subscription licences.
    2. Ensure that the option "Set proxy" is unticked, unless specifically needed.

Guided Demo:

Connecting to your Cubit Database

Follow these final steps on each client machine to connect to the server.

  1. In the Login to Cubit Estimating window, click "Manage" in Connections.


     

  2. In the Server Connections window, click Add.


     

  3. Enter the server name or IP address. Click Check Connection to verify.


     

  4. A success message will confirm the connection. Click OK.


     

  5. Back in the login window, select the server connection you just added. Enter the user's login and password and click OK.
     

Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues.

Database Version Mismatch

This error occurs if the client and server versions are not identical.


 

  • For New Client Installations: You have downloaded the wrong client version. Contact support to get a link to the version that matches your server.
  • After an Upgrade: The database did not update correctly. To fix this:

    1. Open the Cubit Estimating Management Console on the server.


       

    2. Click Upgrade.


       

    3. A list of pending patches will appear. Click Upgrade again to apply them. Once complete, users can log in.


       

Connection to Server Fails

If the client cannot connect to the server:

  • Confirm the server's IP address or name is correct.
  • Ensure the firewall rule was created correctly on the server.
  • Verify that the client machine is on the same network as the server.

 

Support

If you encounter any problems, please contact the Buildsoft Support Team.

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