Object Information

Object Information Guide

Overview

Every component in the structure contains Object Information that serves multiple essential functions. This information determines how objects display on screen, controls available selection options, and enables subsequent evaluation of the complete structure. Understanding these information elements is crucial for effective system use.

Efficient Data Entry

The most effective way to enter Object Information is through ID numbers. When you enter an ID number, the system can automatically import component type, color set, and even complete profile descriptions from the component catalog. This eliminates tedious manual entry and reduces errors. Each ID number acts as a unique key that represents a specific element in the component catalog, streamlining the entire input process.

Information Elements

Identification Number

The identification number serves as the primary key for importing additional data from the component catalog. You can enter this number directly or select it through the component browser interface. For maximum efficiency, you can assign two-digit shortcuts to your most frequently used identification numbers, allowing you to enter just two digits to import all associated information.

Identification

While the identification number is designed to be as short as possible for quick entry, the identification provides a more comprehensive description. This is the long-form version of the identification number and should be a clearly legible description that helps users understand what the element represents.

Order Number

The order number functions as the identifier when obtaining items from suppliers. For construction lumber, this often indicates only the cutting or grading grade. A practical example illustrates this distinction: You might create two identification numbers in your system—"C24 Si" for visible C24 lumber and "C24 nSi" for hidden C24 lumber—while using the same order number "C24" when ordering from the sawmill. This allows internal differentiation while maintaining standard ordering practices.

Component Type

The component type plays a crucial role in program execution, determining what can be done with the component and which list it appears in. The system distinguishes between several component types: bar (appearing in the timber list), profile bar (for the profile bar list), plate (plate list), molded part (molded part list), fitting (fitting and fastener list), and auxiliary component (which is not sorted or included in list output).

Designation

The designation field allows you to describe the function of individual components, such as rafter, purlin, and similar elements. You can access predefined designations (referred to as bar types) via a number key, either by directly entering the number or selecting it through the bar type browser. The system also accommodates completely custom designations to suit your specific needs.

Delivery Location

For each component, you can specify where it should be delivered—either to the workshop for prefabrication or directly to the assembly site (construction site). This information helps with logistics planning and construction sequencing.

Color Set

The color set contains screen colors for both white and black backgrounds, as well as plot colors for documentation. Initially, this information comes from the component catalog. If you enter a bar type, the system overwrites the color set according to that specification. You can also manually select from the dropdown list to customize the visual representation.

Texture Set

For more realistic visualization, the texture set contains all the textures used for display under Direct3D rendering. This enhances the visual realism of your structural model.

Dimensions

The width, height, and length fields display the dimensions of the raw body. These basic measurements form the foundation of all structural calculations and visualizations.

Consecutive Number

After sorting, the component's sequential number appears here before the slash. The sorting process takes into account the complete geometry, all machining operations, identification information, designation, and delivery location. After the slash, you'll see the serial number of the system from which the component was imported. For example, if a rafter has serial number 23 in the classic roof calculation and number 16 in the building, it will display as 16/D23. Components imported from the Mitek nail truss program are identified with "M" (e.g., 16/M23).

Raw Body Number

This corresponds to the timber list number. When sorting, the system considers only the length, width, height, identification information, description, and delivery location. This simplified sorting focuses on the raw material rather than finished component characteristics.

Profile

For components classified as profile bars, this field displays the raw profile of the cross-section, providing essential information for structural analysis and fabrication.

Item Description

This field can display a description of the element from the component catalog. Unlike other fields, this description is not stored in the structure itself but is read dynamically from the component catalog whenever needed.

Volume Description

Here you can enter a custom description that applies only to the specific component in question. Unlike the item description, this information is saved with the structure, making it ideal for component-specific notes or instructions.

Data Storage and Sharing

All volume information (except for the item description) is stored directly in the structure. This means each structure can be shared and edited independently of the component catalog. The system only accesses the component catalog again when creating new components and lists, or when changing volume information.

When different workstations or companies share structures, coordination becomes important. If different component catalogs are available or changes have been made to catalogs, conflicting situations can arise. To prevent problems, the meaning of identification numbers should never be changed in the component catalog once established. For seamless collaboration, identification numbers should be coordinated between separate workstations or companies to ensure consistency throughout the project lifecycle.