A computer system for estimating the cost of a future project is disclosed. The computer system has a console, at least one input device, and a central processing unit in communication with the console and the at least one input device. The central processing unit is configured to receive one or more parameters of a future project via the at least one input device and determine an equipment solution that satisfies the parameters of the future project. The central processing unit is also configured to analyze historic data automatically collected by equipment encompassed by the equipment solution and estimate a cost of implementing the equipment solution to complete the future project, based on the analysis. The central processing unit is further configured to calculate the cost of the future project based on the estimated cost of implementing the equipment solution.