Cost Report

What is a Cost Report?

A cost report is a structured document that provides a comprehensive overview of the financial status of a project or company. It itemizes costs based on various dimensions – such as cost groups, contracts, titles, or building components – and presents them within a consistent, recurring structure. Typical contents of a cost report include budget values, contract values, billing values, and forecasts. The objective is the transparent provision of cost information to enable early detection and management of deviations and financial risks.

Significance of the Cost Report in Project and Real Estate Controlling

The cost report is one of the central tools in controlling construction and real estate projects. It enables:

• Transparency regarding financial developments and cost data: All costs and expenditures are presented in a clearly structured and traceable manner.
• Early Detection of Deviations and Risks: Budget overruns or underfunding can be immediately identified and analyzed.
• Informed Decision-Making Basis: Project managers receive reliable figures for controlling costs, measures, and resources.
• Portfolio Comparability: Recurring reporting structures enable efficient comparison of individual projects or entire portfolios.
• Efficient Risk Management: Forecasts and billing data proactively identify potential financial risks and opportunities.

Structure of a cost report

A professional cost report features a clear structure that delineates various types of information and aspects. Typical components include:

1. Budget Values

The originally planned costs of a project or project phase, which serve as the basis for cost control.

2. Contract Values

The contractually committed costs based on commissioned services and agreements.

3. Settlement Values

The actual incurred or settled costs, which reflect the current status of cash expenditures and cost data.

4. Forecasts

Projections of estimated total costs based on current project status and historical performance.

5. Dimensions and Structuring Levels

Cost reports categorize data along relevant dimensions, such as:

• Cost Groups according to DIN 276
• Contracts and Contractors
• Building Components
• Titles and Trades
• Phases or sections of a project

This structuring provides clarity, facilitates in-depth analyses, and supports adaptation to diverse user requirements.

Related Terms

• Cost Management
• Budget Report
• Project Controlling
• Cost Analysis
• Financial Status Report

Cost Report in PROBIS

PROBIS offers a powerful system for the automated generation and evaluation of cost reports. Key features include:

• Multidimensional Analyses: Reports can be filtered and customized by cost groups, trades, building components, or contracts.
• Dynamic Reporting Structure: Budget, order, billing, and forecast values are presented within a consistent and coherent structure.
• Real-time data: Changes in budgets, orders, or billings are immediately incorporated into the cost report, ensuring up-to-date information.
• Portfolio Capability: Cost reports can be generated for individual projects or for multiple projects simultaneously.
• Transparent Visualization: Diagrams, tables, and KPIs ensure maximum clarity and facilitate the understanding of cost data.
• Export Functions: Reports can be exported directly to Excel or other formats to facilitate further processing.

PROBIS thus supports all stakeholders – from project developers and controllers to banks – in the efficient evaluation, documentation, and communication of the financial project status.

Conclusion: What is a Cost Report?

A cost report is a pivotal analysis and control instrument in real estate and project controlling. It systematically presents budget, order, billing, and forecast values across various dimensions, thereby establishing transparency, comparability, and reliability. PROBIS facilitates the automated and precise generation of these reports, supporting the successful management of projects and portfolios through robust cost information and insightful results.