There are  several key considerations when developing a “living” database for construction cost estimating.  Please review and add to the list!
1. General organizational structure:  Portfolio, Contracts, Projects, Estimates
2. Robust naming conventions and data hierarchy for cost information and related information – Masterformat, Uniformat, Divisions… Material, Equipment, Labor (category, hourly rate, hours), Productivity, Local Cost Indices… line items, assemblies, subsystems, systems, sq. ft., buildings
3. Automation – Automation enables collaboration, data reuse, data updating, and ability to transfer knowledge/information in a consistent manner.
4. Experience, Experience, Experience – Field knowledge of actual conditions, techniques, workforce,