D Project Data 1

Project Data In-Depth: A Dietrich’s Handbook.

Contents

Part I: General Help 5

Part II: List Editing Tool 19

Part III: Project Menu 33

Part IV: Project Management Menu 37

Part V: Extras Menu 47

Part VI: Main Dbase Menu 55

Contents

Part I: General Help

To use the main Project Data Program window: 5

Part II: List Editing Tool

list editing tool window 19

To use the main List Editing Tool window: 19

list menu 20

To save the list (‘save’): 20

To save the list as a new list (‘save as’): 20

To export the list to an external format (‘export’): 20

To unite the list with another list (‘add to existing’): 21

To exit the List Editing Tool (‘Quit’): 22

edit menu 22

To cut the marked record(s) or highlighted text (‘cut’): 23

To copy the marked record(s) or highlighted text (‘copy’): 23

To paste record(s) or text from the clipboard (‘paste’): 23

To delete the marked record(s) contents (‘delete’): 23

lines menu 23

To insert a empty record into the list (‘insert’): 23

To delete the marked record(s) (‘delete’): 24

To sort record(s) (‘sort’): 24

To delete the processes associated with the record(s) (‘delete processes’): 25

columns menu 25

To edit column values: 25

extras menu 26

To view the associated processes of a beam on a timber or profiled beam list (‘processes’): 26

To add plane processes (‘plane’): 27

To edit the ordering information (‘ordering’): 28

To specify length steps for stock materials(‘length steps’): 28

To recover the original object length of an object in a timber or profiled beam list (‘recover original length’): 29

To add lengths to timber, board and profiled beam lists (‘length additions’): 29

To specify stock sheathing lengths (‘sheathing - stock lengths’): 30

Part III: Project Menu

To create a new project (1-1): 33

To switch to the current project (1-2): 34

To open an existing project (1-3): 34

To quit the Project Data Program (1-4): 34

Part IV: Project Management Menu

To access the project information window (2-1): 37

To access the tender-order window (2-2 through 2-5): 40

To access the single piece lists window (2-6): 40

Part V: Extras Menu

To edit the designations list (3-1): 47

To edit list template settings (3-2): 47

To edit dimension takeoff area settings (3-3): 48

To edit Project Data Program settings (3-4): 48

This windows allows settings governing general Project Data Program 48

To specify clearances for cutting operations (3-5-1): 50

To specify beam size-price relationships (3-5-2): 51

To specify profiled beam size-price relationships (3-5-3): 53

To delete all control pictures in the dimension takeoff (3-6): 53

To display the database version information (3-7): 53

To check the consistency of the TOI/main database information (3-8): 53

To access special modules for the Project Data Program (3-9): 53

Part VI: Main dbase Menu

To access the address database (4-1): 55

To access the roof tile database (4-3): 62

To access the Cost centers window (4-4): 65

To access the quick calculation window (4-5): 66

To access the takeoff sets window (4-6): 67

To specify time-dependant price discounts for the main database (4-7): 67

To export positions to .TXT, .MAS and .DSA files (4-8-1 through 4-8-3): 68

To transfer data between databases (4-9): 68

Part I: General Help

To use the main Project Data Program window:

The Project Data Program’s main functions can be enacted through the main window, which appears whenever the Project Data Program is started and whenever the tools of the Project Data Program are closed. It is essential to understand the function of this window.

1. Open the Project Data Program. The window like Figure G-1 will open.

• • main Project Data Program window

j project information: This area contains the project’s information, including the file path, building project name and comment. This can be edited through the Project info tool (2-1).

Figure G-1

• material lists: This box contains all of the lists you have created using the Dietrichs design modules. They are listed by their ‘list type’ followed by the ‘list number’, and then their ‘note’. Output documents that have previously been generated will appear in the secondary level, beneath their respective list. They are listed by the document code, (list type prefix, for example ‘T’ for timber lists and the document’s two digit document designation), the date the output document was created on, and finally the document’s ‘note’. Lists are color coded to indicate their status:

- This indicates that the list has not been used to create takeoff lines.

- This indicates that the list has been used to create takeoff lines, and has not been edited since that point.

- This indicates that the list has been used to create takeoff lines, but has been edited since that point. To update the takeoff lines, recreate the takeoff lines using the button. This will color code to blue.

• settings: This allows the selection of customizable templates for displaying the material lists. A window like Figure G-2 will open.

• • ‘list template’ window

j list templates: This box shows all of the existing list templates. Only one template of each list type can be used at any given time. A checkmark indicates the list template that is currently selected.

Figure G-2

• new: This button opens a pop-up window in which you will be prompted to select a list type and to enter a designation for the new list template. In addition to the standard list types, which correspond to object types in the Material Database, there is the ‘dimension takeoff item’ list type, which allows you to design a template for dimension takeoff outputs.

• copy: This button will copy the highlighted list template, creating a new list template exactly the same as the selected template. You will be prompted to enter only the designation as the list type will be the same as the highlighted template.

• columns: This box allows you to edit the column settings for each list type. Each list type has different columns depending on material’s parameters. A window like Figure G-3 will open.

• • ‘list settings’ window

• column: This column lists all of the available parameters of the material, as listed in the material database.

Figure G-3

• column text: This column specifies the heading for each parameter when the list is outputted or viewed in the List Editing Tool.

• R: This specifies a parameter’s rank, which dictates the order in which parameters are listed in the output.

• rounding/unit: If the parameter is based on a calculated value which would use a unit, you can select the units in which it is displayed. You can also specify the number of decimal places that the number will be rounded to.

• tab: This setting sets the width of the column in the output, in millimeters. For a standard letter sized document, there are 180 millimeters available for text. The total width of visible parameters is displayed underneath the last parameter, in the bottom right corner.

• stop: This specified the position of the text in the outputted column. For example, ‘left’ will position the text at the left edge of the column. The ‘decimal’ setting aligns all of the decimal places

• L: This setting allows certain parameters to be turned on or off. A parameter will be visible if there is a checkmark in this column. If the parameter is visible, it’s tab width will be counted in the total tab width, otherwise it will not.

• T: This specifies which parameters should be included in the summary section of the output. Typically, the summary contains calculated values, such as prices.

• delete: This button will delete the list template that is highlighted. You cannot delete a list template if it is the only one of it’s type.

• layout: This button allows you to adjust settings of the list output. For a detailed description of each setting, see the ‘output’ button in the main Project Data Program window. When this window is accessed through the ‘settings’ button, you will not see and previous documents in the ‘documents’ area, nor will you be able to select a list template in the ‘settings’ drop-down box.

• default: This button returns the highlighted template to the default settings for that list type.

• project list changed: If the highlighted list has been edited, the date of it’s last editing will be appear.

• dim takeoff lines created: If the highlighted list has been used to create a dimension takeoff line, the date of its last takeoff creation will appear.

• new: This button opens a pop-up window which will allow for the creation of a new list. The new list will be completely empty. A window like Figure G-4 will open.

• • ‘create list’ window

• list type: This selects the type of list to be created. The ‘object type’ of the material you wish to list determines the list type.

Figure G-4

• main position: This selects the primary position you will be building the material list for.

• list number: This allows the list to be named. A list name can consist of letters, numbers and symbols, and can be of any length.

• text: This allows a note to be added to the list. A note is useful for any information not specified in the list name.

• edit: This function allows the highlighted list or output document to be edited. If a output document is highlighted, it will be opened in the word processor or text editor associated with .rtf or . doc files on your computer. If a list is highlighted, the ‘edit’ button will open the List Edit Tool, in which items can be added to a list, or existing item’s parameters can be changed. Please refer to Part II: List Edit Tool

for further description.

• delete: This button deletes the highlighted list or output document. You will be prompted to confirm the deletion, to prevent erroneous deletions. Once a list is deleted, it is irretrievable.

• pre-text: This allows you to edit the ‘pre-text’, text which will appear in output documents if desired. The pre-text will appear after the addresses, before the list title (called the list note). Pre-text only applies to that list type, so pre-text will have to be entered for each list type. Likewise, standards only apply to that particular list type. A window like Figure G-5 will open.

• • ‘pre text’ window

j pre-text: This box allows the pre-text to be entered.

Figure G-5

• load standard: If a standard has been saved, it will replace the text in j. If a standard has not been saved, the default standard will be loaded, which contains no text. Thus the pre-text box will be blank.

• save standard: This button saves the current text in j as the standard.

• post-text: This functions very similarly to the pre-text tool. The post-text appears at the bottom of the outputted document, below the summary. More information can be found in the ‘pre-text’ section, found above.

• info: This allow the list’s ‘text’ to be edited. The ‘list type’, ‘list number’ and ‘main position’ are also listed, but cannot be changed. The list ‘text’ appears in the ‘material lists’ box, after the ‘list type’ and ‘list number’.

• output: Lists can be outputted as Rich Text Files(.rtf) or MSWord Documents(.doc). Once you have specified the settings which will govern how the document looks, the document will be displayed in the word processor or text editor associated with .rtf or .doc files on your computer. A window like Figure G-6 will open.

• • ‘settings output’ window

• document: This allows you to enter a two digit number or letter combination for the output document’s designation. This designation will appear in the ‘material list’ section of the Project Data Program’s main window.

Figure G-6

j previous documents: This lists the previous documents outputted of this list type.

• note: This specifies the title of the output. It appears above the columned output, center justified and with the characteristics of ‘highlighted’ text.

• settings: This specifies the list template that will be used in the output. The list template can dictate how the parameters will be displayed in the output document, and

• document template: This allows you to specify a document template.

• page layout: This button opens a pop-up window that allows you to specify page, border and font details. A window like G-7 will open.

• • ‘page layout’ window

Figure G-7

• RTF-format: This specifies the file format of the output, either Rich Text File or Microsoft Word Document. The document will be on standard letter-sized pages.

• alignment: This specifies the page orientation of document, either portrait (longest dimension vertical) or landscape (longest dimension horizontal).

• Paper Size: This allows the page size to be selected among a variety of preset paper sizes.

• lines/1st page: This specifies the number of lines of text on the first page of the output document. In a portrait oriented document, there are 64 lines available with 10-point font and 15mm borders on standard letter-size paper. For landscape, there are 42 lines.

• lines/page: This specifies the number of lines per page for the pages subsequent to the first page.

• line blocks: When materials are listed in an output document, they are arranged in blocks which are separated by blank lines. This number specifies the number of items per block.

• border top [mm]: This specifies the border (or margin) at the top of the page, measured in millimeters.

• border bottom [mm]: This specifies the border (or margin) at the bottom of the page, measured in millimeters.

• border right [mm]: This specifies the border (or margin) on the right side of the page, measured in millimeters.

• border left [mm]: This specifies the border (or margin) on the left side of the page, measured in millimeters.

• font normal: This button opens a pop-up that allows you to change the font settings for ‘normal’ text, which is used for the page headers, addresses and pre/post-text.

• highlighted: This button opens a pop-up that allows you to change the font settings for

‘highlighted’ text, which is used for output document’s title, called the ‘note’.

• spreadsheet head: This button opens a pop-up that allows you to change the font settings for ‘spreadsheet heading’ text, which is used for for the heading on the material lists.

• spreadsheet line: This button opens a pop-up that allows you to change the font settings for ‘spreadsheet heading’ text, which is used for for the text of the material lists.

• length addition: This button allows you to edit the ‘length addition’ settings of the list. If check box is checked, length adjustments will be made in the output. If the box is unchecked, no length adjustments will be made in the output. For a more detailed description of the length addition tool, go to the List Editing Tool, under the ‘extras’ menu.

• currency: This allows for the selection of a currency for calculating prices. You can choose between the primary and seconday currency specified in the Project Data Program setting menu (3- 4). Costs will be calculated using the specified currency rate.

• sender: This allows you to add your own address to the output document if desired.

• recipient: This allows you to add the recipient of the output document if desired. You can select from the project’s architect, customer, supplier or sub-contractor, as specified in the project information (2-1) or in the ‘supplier/sub contractor’ drop-down box.

• supplier/sub contractor: If you select ‘supplier’ or ‘sub contractor’, you can choose their address from the address database.

• pre-/post-text: This allows you to choose whether to include the pre-text, post-text or both in the output document.

• select: The ‘select’ option allows you to select which materials you wish to have on the output document. This box allows you to select how you choose the materials to add; you may sort them by item number, building part, description, package/element, or all (each of the aformentioned parameters). When the ‘output’ button is pressed, a window like Figure G-8 will open.

• • ‘select item numbers’ window

j list of available materials: This box contains all of the materials that can be listed in the output document. Checked items will appear in the output document, unchecked items will not.

Figure G-8

• select all: This button will check all available items in j, thus adding them to the output document.

• deselect all: This button will uncheck all available items in j, thus removing them to the output document.

• deliver to: This option allows you to select where the materials listed in the output document should be delivered; to all destinations, to the shop, to the worksite, or to each individually.

• order type: This allows you to select which items to include in the output document, according to whether they are to be ordered or are in stock. You may also order all of the items regardless of whether they are in stock or to be ordered, or you can choose to list them separately on the output document.

• merge lines: This option will combine outputted items according the parameter you select. For example, if you select ‘sort no.’, all items with the same sort number will appear as one line in the output.

• summary: This option allows you to select how items are listed in the summary section of the output document. You can list by item number, order number, item number and thickness or order number and thickness

• optimization: This button allows you to output an optimized timber or profiled beam list. The optimization tool uses inputted beam length/volume cost to select the best configuration of beam lengths. The optimal configuration will then be outputted, showing which beams should be used in order to minimize cost. When the ‘optimization’ button is pressed, the ‘settings output’ window described in the ‘output’ button above will open. Once you have changed the output settings to your satisfaction, click the ‘output’ button and a window like Figure G-9 will open.

• • ‘optimization blocks’ window

Figure G-9

• order number: This lists the order number of the beam to be optimized.

• section: This lists the width and height of the beam to be optimized.

• max length: This lists the length of the longest member of the current order number.

j list of available materials: This box contains length and price/volume pair that will be used by the optimization tool. If you have entered length/price pairs previously, either though this window or through the length optimization menu (3-5-2 and 3-5-3 for timber lists and profiled beam lists respectively), they will appear here. You can also enter the information manually in this window. Once you have entered both the length and price/volume information, press the ‘Enter’ key to open a new line for entering further length/price pairs.

• save: This button will save the length/price pairs you have entered for future use.

• Optimize: This button will enable the optimization tool for this order number/section size combination. Ensure you have at least one length/price pair. A similiar window will open for the next combination, if applicable.

• Don’t Optimize: This button will disable the optimization tool for this order number/section size combination. Ensure you have at least one length/price pair. A similiar window will open for the next combination, if applicable.

• Finalize: This button will finalize the optimization settings for this order number, and move on to the next order number if there is one.

˜ (create takeoff lines from material list): This button will add the list highlighted in the ‘material list’ area and add it’s takeoff information to the project’s dimension takeoff. The information contained in the list will be listed in the appropriate category under the ‘main position’ of the list.

˜ (delete takeoff lines of material list): This button removes the highlighted list’s takeoff information from the project’s dimension takeoff.

• dimension takeoff: This tree contains the project’s dimension takeoff information, which has been compiled from the design module’s ‘dimension takeoff’ output or from the manual adding of material list’s takeoff information. Dimension takeoff information appears in the tree in the following manor. The dimension takeoff is separated into ‘model areas’, such as ‘wall’ and ‘roof’. They are then separated into ‘takeoff areas’, which divide ‘model areas’ into sections. For example, ‘wall’ is separated into interior and exterior walls, while ‘roofing material’ lists material types as well as information such as beam types. The takeoff information is then listed according to it’s position. Within the position, takeoff information is listed by it’s item number, or by ‘default’ if an item number does not apply. Takeoff information is then broken down into categories such as ‘number’, ‘surface area’ or ‘planning area’. The final level contains individual object or process information. When you have highlighted an item in the final level, any pictures or formulas attached to the takeoff information will appear in the areas to the right.

• output: Dimension takeoff can be outputted as Rich Text Files(.rtf) or MSWord Documents(.doc). Once you have specified the settings which will govern how the document looks, the document will be displayed in the word processor or text editor associated with .rtf or .doc files on your computer. A window like Figure G-10 will open.

path:

• ‘settings output’ window

This box lists the path and filename of the new output document.

Figure G-10

• • document: This box allows the entry of a two-digit identifier can be letters or numbers, and identifies the output document. This identifier is also reflected in the last two characters of the filename.

1. previous documents: This box list the two-digit identifiers of previous output documents.

   • note: This box allows you to enter a description of the output document.

2. position list: This allows you to select which positions you would like include in the output document. Only dimension takeoff from the checked positions will be listed in the output.

   • document template: This allows for the selection of a document template.

   • page feed: This allows you to choose to divide the output by model area. With ‘area wise’ selected, each model area (for example, ‘roof’ or ‘roof processes’) will start on a new page. If ‘none’ is selected, each model area will begin immediately after the previous one.

• page layout: This button opens a window which allows you to change, document type, font and border settings. See the ‘page layout’ button in the material list’s ‘output’ button for more information.

  • structure: This allows you to choose whether individual building parts will be displayed in the output. If ‘building part’ is selected, each building part will be listed. If ‘position’ is selected, the list be summarized per position, and no individual parts will be listed.

  • sender: This allows you to choose whether you include your own address at the beginning of the output document. If ‘own address’ is selected, the address listed under the ‘own address’ category in the address database will be included, whereas if will not be included in the output document if ‘none’

is selected.

• • recipient: This allows you to specify a recipient for the document. You can select from the project’s supplier, architect or customer. Select ‘supplier’, ‘architect’ or ‘customer’, respectively, or ‘none’ if you do not wish to include an recipient address in the output document.

  • Material summary: This allows you to choose whether building parts are listed individually, if you have selected ‘building part’ in the above ‘structure’ drop-down box. If ‘building part’ is selected, items will be listed by list number and building part individually, while if ‘list’ is selected only lists will be summarized individually.

• quick calculation: This option allows you to perform a quick calculation for the output. If the button is checked, the output will include the quick calculation, if it is not, it will not be included in the output. Click the ‘quick calculation’ button to open the quick calculation window in which you can enter material and process costs. Check the quick calculation tool in the Main dbase menu(4-5) for more information.

  • currency: This allows you to select the currency for the output document.

• Picture print: This button allows you to print the control pictures associated with positions in the dimension takeoff. A window like Figure G-1 will open.

path:

• ‘settings output’ window

This box lists the path and filename of the new output document.

Figure G-11

• • document: This box allows the entry of a two-digit identifier can be letters or numbers, and identifies the output document. This identifier is also reflected in the last two characters of the filename.

1. previous documents: This box list the two-digit identifiers of previous output documents.

   • note: This box allows you to enter a description of the output document.

2. position list: This allows you to select which positions you would like include in the output document. Only dimension takeoff from the checked positions will be listed in the output.

   • document template: This allows for the selection of a document template.

• page layout: This button opens a window which allows you to change, document type, font and border settings. See the ‘page layout’ button in the material list’s ‘output’ button for more information.

  • number pics/page: This allows you to select the number of control pictures in each.

• takeoff areas: This window allows you to select the model areas, takeoff areas and takeoff lines you view in the dimension takeoff area of the Project Data Program’s main window. A window like Figure G-12 will open.

• • ‘used takeoff areas’ window

Figure G-12

• Dim takeoff areas: This box allows you to select a takeoff area configuration.

˜ : This button will save the current takeoff area configuration. A pop-up window will prompt you to enter a name for the takeoff area configuration.

˜ : This button will delete the sorting configuration selected in the ‘Dim takeoff areas’ drop- down box.

1. takeoff area listing: This area lists all of the model areas and their subsequent takeoff areas

and takeoff lines. You can select sections you wish to view by putting a checkmark beside it’s name. Ensure that all of the levels above that item are also checked, or the desired item will not appear.

• all: This button will checkmark all items in all levels.

• none: This button will checkmark all items in all levels.

1. level description area: This area gives more information about the highlighted level.

2. output document list: This area shows existing dimension takeoff output documents. You can double-click on a list to open the output document in your default file viewer.

• edit: This button opens the takeoff dimension output document that is currently highlighted in k.

• delete: This button deletes the takeoff dimension output document that is currently highlighted in k.

You will be asked to confirm the deletion as deletion is final and irreversible.

1. control picture preview: This area shows the control picture associated with the takeoff line highlighted in the ‘dimension takeoff’.

• delete pictures: This button deletes control picture associated with the takeoff line that is currently selected in the ‘dimension takeoff’ area.

• formula: This area shows the formula used to calculate the takeoff line information, if applicable.

• enter: This button is a toggle which allows you to edit the ‘formula’ box. Clicking this button will make the ‘formula’ box accessible, so you can edit the formula.

1. takeoff line description: This area shows a description of the currently selected takeoff line.

• units: This drop-down box allows a preferred unit to be selected for the selected takeoff line.

Part II: List Editing Tool

list editing tool window

To use the main List Editing Tool window:

• • main list editing tool window

1. list table: This area contains all of the records in the list, with rows representing list items and columns representing parameters. You can change data simply by clicking in the box you wish to edit. A marked item appears in blue. ‘Marking’ records is useful for using the ‘edit’ menu for multiple records.

Figure E-1

˜ : This indicates that this piece of data is selected and can be edited. When data is selected, it can be directed edited with the keyboard or by using the dropdown menu () or the browse icon (). When no record(s) are marked, the ‘edit’ menu functions will operate on the record which the selected data belongs to.

• • [copy line]: This button creates a new list record on the bottom of the list identical to the record above it.

  • [new line]: This button will add a new, empty list record to the bottom of the list.

˜ : This indicates that there is at least one process associated with the list item. See the ‘processes’ option of the ‘extras’ menu for more information.

TIP: There are several shortcuts for marking records. You can select all of the records by clicking the empty box in the top left corner of j. To select a range of records, hold down the ‘Shift’ key while selecting records.

1. list summary: This area contains statistics of the current list. The statistics are recalculated every time a change is made and will reflect current data.

list menu

To save the list (‘save’):

Allows changes to the list to be saved.

1. Activate function.

To save the list as a new list (‘save as’):

Allows changes to the list to be saved as a new list.

1. Activate function. A window like Figure E-2 will open.

• • ‘save list as’ window

• list number: This allows you to specify the list number of the new list. The list type will remain the same as the original list.

Figure E-2

• text: This allows you to specify the list text for the new list. This is useful for indicating the revision of the material list.

To export the list to an external format (‘export’):

Allows the list to be exported to either .csv(Comma Delimiter) or .html(Web Page) file formats. A .csv file can be used to import material lists into an external database program. A .html file can be easily

viewed in any internet browser.

1. Activate either the ‘*.CSV’ or the ‘*.html’ function. A window like Figure E-3 will open.

• • ‘Export CSV-file format’ window

1. file tree: This area allows navigation of the hard drive, to locate where the exported file will be saved.

Figure E-3

• new directory: This button will create a new folder in the current file path (found in k).

1. file path: This area displays the current file path, and allows a filename for the exported file to be entered. The grey box after the filename indicates the file extension the new file will have.

• settings (.csv only): This allows you to select a list template to sort your material data (only visible parameters will be outputted).

• CSV-separator (.csv only): This allows you to select a delimiting character for separating data entries.

• Decimal separator (.csv only): This allows you to select a character to represent a decimal point.

To unite the list with another list (‘add to existing’):

This function will add the contents another list (of the same type) to the current list, either in the current project or from another project.

1. Activate either ‘project lists’ to add a list from the same project or ‘other projects’ if you wish to add a list from another project. A window like Figure E-4 will open.

• • ‘list from project’ window

Figure E-4

1. file tree (‘other projects’ only): This area allows navigation of the hard drive, to locate the project which contains the list you wish to add. The lists that exist in the highlighted project (of the same type as the current list) will appear in k.

2. material list catalog: This area shows lists that can be added from the highlighted project. Select the list(s) that you wish to add by placing a checkmark in the box. A pop-up window will confirm that you wish to add the list.

NOTE: Once you have added a list to another list, you will not be able to differentiate between their individual contents.

To exit the List Editing Tool (‘Quit’):

This will close the List Editing Tool and return to the main Project Data Program.

1. Activate function. If you have made changes to the list, you will be asked to save the list.

edit menu

To cut the marked record(s) or highlighted text (‘cut’):

This function will temporarily move the marked record(s) or highlighted text to the clipboard. You can then use the ‘paste’ feature to place the records or text.

1. Activate function after marking the records or highlighting the text you wish to ‘cut’. The records or text will disappear.

NOTE: If you cut a record or some text, if will be removed from the document temporarily. However, if you do not paste it back into the document before cutting or copying another item, the record or text will be lost.

To copy the marked record(s) or highlighted text (‘copy’):

This function will copy the marked records or highlighted text to the clipboard. You can then use the ‘paste’ feature to place the records or text.

1. Activate function after marking the records or highlighting the text you wish to ‘copy’.

To paste record(s) or text from the clipboard (‘paste’):

This function will move records from the clipboard to the currently selected row, indicated by blue highlighting, or will paste text to a box, indicated by a rectangle around a piece of data ().

1. Activate function after selecting the location you wish the records or text to appear. If you are pasting a record, select a row. The selected record will be replaced by the record(s) from the clipboard. If you are pasting text, select the box into which you would like to paste by clicking on it.

To delete the marked record(s) contents (‘delete’):

This function will delete the content of the marked records, leaving empty lines.

1. Activate function after marking the records you wish to delete.

TIP: Though you cannot undo changes, you can close the list without saving it if you have made an error. When the list is reopened in the List Editing Tool, none of the changes you made will be present.

lines menu

To insert a empty record into the list (‘insert’):

This function will add an empty record into the list at the currently selected row. The subsequent rows

will move down to accommodate the new line.

1. Activate function after selecting the line you wish the new record to be located at.

To delete the marked record(s) (‘delete’):

This function will delete the marked records from the list.

1. Activate function after marking the records you wish to delete.

To sort record(s) (‘sort’):

This function will sort the list according to any parameter.

1. Activate function. A window like Figure E-6 will open.

• • ‘sort list’ window

j sorting configurations: This box allows you to select a sorting configuration.

Figure E-6

˜ : This button will save the current sorting configuration. A pop-up window will prompt you to enter a name for the sorting configuration.

• : This button will delete the sorting configuration selected in j.

• criteria: This lists all of the parameters available in the list type.

• priority: This column allows you to enter priorities for parameters. Entering the number ‘1’ for the priority of a parameter means that the list will be sorted by this parameter first. If two or more records share the same value for that parameter, these records will be then be sorted according to the parameter with the second highest priority (the next lowest number). This continues as long as there are similar records or until there are no more prioritized parameters.

• rising/falling: When a list is sorted according to a parameter, if can either be arranged from lowest to highest or from highest to lowest. You can select the order of the list by using the following buttons:

˜ (ascending): This sorts a list beginning with the lowest value and goes the highest value. For example, line 1 might have a value of ‘3.0m’, line 2 might have a value of ‘3.2m’ and line 3 might have a value of ‘4.1m’.

˜ (descending): This button is a toggle with the button above. This sorts a list beginning with the highest value and goes the lowest value. For example, line 1 might have a value of ‘4.1m’, line 2 might have a value of ‘3.2m’ and line 3 might have a value of ‘3.0m’.

• recover: This button returns the window to the default configuration, which has no priorities set, and all ‘rising/falling’ buttons are ascending.

To delete the processes associated with the record(s) (‘delete processes’):

This function will delete the processes associated with the records that are currently marked.

1. Activate function after marking the records you wish to delete. If no records are marked, processes associated with the currently selected row will be deleted. You will be prompted to confirm the deletion of the processes.

columns menu

To edit column values:

This menu allows you to easily alter values for an individual or multiple marked items at once. If you wish to edit multiple records at the same time, mark the lines you wish to change. Otherwise, only the currently selected line, with the beside it, will be changed.

amount - This changes the amount (also know as pieces or quantity) by the inputted factor. For example, if the original value of 2, and you input a factor of 4, the ‘amount’ parameter will be changed to 8.

package - This changes the package number to the inputted number.

width - This gives you three options for changing the width: by entering a number (‘new width’), by entering value to increase the width by (‘addition’), and a decimal place to round to (round). Simply enter a value in ‘new width’. For ‘addition’, input a value to increase the original value by. For example, with an original value of ‘3.5’, and an entered ‘addition’ of ‘2.3’, the width parameter would be changed to ‘5.8’. In the round option, enter a rounding factor. The original value will be rounded to the nearest multiple of that ‘round’ factor. Typically, the factor would be something like ‘1’ or ‘0.001’. which will

round to the nearest whole unit and to the nearest thousandth, respectively. However if you enter a value such as ‘0.3’, the number will be rounded to the nearest multiple of that factor. For example, if the original value it ‘1.7’, and the rounding factor is ‘0.3’, the value will be changed to ‘1.8’.

height - Similar to the ‘width’ tool, see above for detailed information.

length - Similar to the ‘width’ tool, see above for detailed information.

item#() - This changes the item number. The item number corresponds to the material database. You can either enter an item number or you can use the to browse the material database. The material database will only show materials of the object type corresponding to the list type. If you select a new material, the order#, deliver to and order type.

order# - This changes the order number. This corresponds to the material selected in the item#.

designation - This changes the designation. Designation can be selected from the designations list, which can be edited in the PDP (3-1).

description - This changes the description. This corresponds to the material selected in the item#.

price - This changes the price/unit. This corresponds to the material selected in the item#. It is very similar to the ‘width’ tool, see above for detailed information.

deliver to - This changes the deliver to settings. This corresponds to the material selected in the item#.

order type - This changes the order type settings. This corresponds to the material selected in the item#.

change section sizes - This tool will swap either the ‘width’ and ‘height’ or the ‘width’ and ‘thickness’ values.

extras menu

To view the associated processes of a beam on a timber or profiled beam list (‘processes’):

This function will view the process associated with the currently selected indicated by the .

1. Activate function. A window like Figure E-7 will open.

• • ‘processes’ window

j processes listing: This area lists all of the processes associated with the list item.

Figure E-7

To add plane processes (‘plane’):

This function will add plane processes to the marked objects.

1. Activate function. A window like Figure E-8 will open.

• • ‘plane areas’ window

Figure E-8

• beam side: This allows you to select the beam sides that will be planed. A standard four-sided beam has two ‘width’ sides and two ‘height’ sides.

single height - This will plane only one side of object, on a ‘height’ side. single width - This will plane only one side of object, on a ‘width’ side. double height/width - This will plane one ‘height’ side and one ‘width’ side.

triple height/width/height - This will plane three sides; one ‘width’ side and two ‘height’ sides. triple width/height/width - This will plane three sides; one ‘height’ side and two ‘width’ sides. all sides - This will plane all four sides.

• length: This allows you to plane a certain length in the object. Enter a length, in the project’s distance unit.

• overwrite existing plane areas: If an object has existing plane processes, this will allow you to either replace or add to those processes, by selecting ‘yes’ or ‘no’ respectively.

• add process to description (plane): This will add a description of the plane processes in the object’s ‘description’. The description lists the number of sides and the length of the plane. An ‘L’ for the plane length indicates the entire length of the object is planed.

To edit the ordering information (‘ordering’):

This function allows you to edit the item number, order number and price of all of the objects on the list.

1. Activate function. A window like Figure E-9 will open.

• • ‘ordering’ window

j item number listing: This area lists all of the item numbers used by the object on the list. The ‘item number’, ‘order number’ and ‘pr./unit’ can be edited. Item number can be changed using the browse icon (), which allows a material to be selected from the material database. The changes will then be made to all of the objects of that item number.

Figure E-9

To specify length steps for stock materials(‘length steps’):

This function allows you specify the lengths that a material is supplied in.

1. Activate function. A window like Figure E-10 will open.

• • ‘length step’ window

j length step list: This box allows you enter a order number and a correspo ng length. An order

ndi

Figure E-10

number can be selected from the material database using the browse button ( ).

• [new]: This button will create a new line for entering a length step.

• sort: This button will sort the list first according to the order number (alphabetically and numerically), and then sorts by length.

To recover the original object length of an object in a timber or profiled beam list (‘recover original length’):

This tool recovers the original length of the object after it has been changed in the List Editing Tool.

To add lengths to timber, board and profiled beam lists (‘length additions’):

This function will at add a specified length to beams of a certain order number and beam type. This function is useful for processes that require additional length in order to be manufactured.

1. Activate function. A window like Figure E-1 will open.

• • ‘length addition’ window

j item number listing: This window displays all of the combinations of order numbers and beam types, and a boxes allowing length additions and rounding to be entered.

Figure E-11

• fill in addition: This box allows you to input a length which will be added list items having the same order number and beam type as the currently selected row.

• fill in rounding: This box allows you to input a rounding factor, which will be used to round off lengths, on list items having the same order number and beam type as the currently selected row.

• save length additions in current list settings: This button will save the current length addition settings. This allows length additions to be toggled on and off when outputting a timber list.

To specify stock sheathing lengths (‘sheathing - stock lengths’):

This tool allows you to specify stock lengths for sheathing materials.

1. Activate function. A window like Figure E-12 will open.

• • ‘stock lengths’ window

Figure E-12

1. material select: This drop down box allows you to choose from materials you have previously selected. The stock sheathing lengths for this material will then appear in k, if they have been previously added. To add a new material from the material database, use the browse button ( ). To

delete the stock sheathing lengths for this material, click the delete button ().

1. stock sheathing lengths: This area allows you to specify stock sheathing lengths for individual materials. In order to apply a sheathing length, you must first enter it’s length, then place a check in the corresponding check box.

• [new]: This button will add a new row to the bottom of the list of stock sheathing lengths, in order for an additional length to be entered.

• all: This button will place a checkmark in every check box.

• none: This button will remove all checkmarks.

• transfer stock lengths to material lists: This button applies the sheathing settings to the selected lines. If no lines are selected, the sheathing lengths will be applied to all list items.

Part III: Project Menu

To create a new project (1-1):

Allows a new project to be created.

1. Activate function. The window like Figure 1-1 will open.

• • ‘new project’ window

j file tree: This area allows navigation of the hard drive, to locate where the new project is to be saved.

Figure 1-1

The new project will be saved in the current directory, located above the file tree.

• new: Creates a new folder in the current directory, noted above the file tree.

• project number: This allows you to input a five digit alphanumeric designation for the project.

• Building: This allows you to input a user defined name for the project.

• comment: This allows you to add any comments you wish to add to the project.

• customer: This allows you to input the name and contact information of the customer.

• architect: This allows you to input the name and contact information of the architect.

• Tender/Order: Consult the TOI module help file for more information.

NOTE: If the customer or architect is already listed in the address book, or you wish to add a new

customer or architect to the address book, it can be accessed by clicking the icon.

To switch to the current project (1-2):

Switches to the project currently being worked upon in the Dietrich’s design module.

1. Activate function. If the Dietrich’s design software is running concurrently, the project being worked on in the Project Data Program will switch to the one being worked on in design module. If the design software is not running, no change will occur.

To open an existing project (1-3):

Opens an existing project for editing in the Project Data Program.

1. Activate function. The window like Figure 1-3 will open.

• • ‘open project’ window

1. file tree: This area allows navigation of the hard drive, to locate the project you wish to open.

Figure 1-3

• new: Creates a new folder in the current directory, noted above the file tree.

1. project information: This area shows the selected project’s information.

To quit the Project Data Program (1-4):

Exits the Project Data program after saving all the changes.

1. Activate function. The Project Data Program will exit.

Part IV: Project Management Menu

project info window

To access the project information window (2-1):

Allows the project’s details to be edited including positions, event log, and project name and comment.

1. Activate function. The window like Figure 2-1 will open.

• • ‘ProjectInfo’ window

1. path and building information: The project’s file path is shown in bold. The ‘building information’ is also shown and can be edited by clicking in the text box.

Figure 2-1

1. position listing: This area lists all of the project’s positions, listed by their position number and position info.

• new: This button allows the creation of a new position in the project. A pop-up window will open

asking you to enter a position number and position text for the position.

• change: This button allows a position’s text to be edited. Select a position in k, click the ‘change’ button, and a pop-up window will open allowing you to change the position text.

• delete: This button allows a position to be deleted. Select a position in k and click the ‘delete’ button.

You will be prompted to confirm the deletion.

1. event log: This box lists all of the events in the event log, by date, editor and action. The event log is a list of significant changes to the project, along with their dates and editors, as well as an event comment. The event log is added to by the user and automatically by some Dietrich’s modules. Events added by the modules are edited by ‘system’.

2. action comment: This box contains the event comment. The event comment is attached to an event in the event log, and can contain any information pertaining to the event. In order to add or modify an event comment, select an event in l, and click in the event comment box.

• new: This button allows a new event to be added to the event log. A pop-up window will prompt you to select a date, enter the editor’s name and the action. A date can be easily selected using the button. The month can be change using the ‘<<’ and ‘>>’ button, and a date can be selected by clicking on the day in the desired month. A box will appear around the selected date. Additionally, you can select the present date by clicking on the word ‘today’. Once you have inputted the information, the event will appear in event log, shown in l.

• change: This button allows an existing event to be edited. Select a position in k and click the ‘change’ button. A pop-up window similar to the one used to create a new event will open allowing you to change the events’s date, editor and action.

• delete: This button allows an event to be deleted. Select an event in l and click the ‘delete’ button.

• output: This button allows the event log to be printed in an output document. The window like Figure 2-1a will open.

• • ‘settings output’ window

Figure 2-1a

• path: This box lists the path and filename of the new output document.

• document: This box allows the entry of a two-digit identifier can be letters or numbers, and

identifies the output document. This identifier is also reflected in the last two characters of the filename.

j previous documents: This box list the two-digit identifiers of previous output documents.

• note: This box allows you to enter a description of the output document.

• edited by: This box lists all of the event editors. Only the events edited by the editors selected in this box will be outputted. To select an editor, check the check box.

  • all: This button will check all of the available editors.

  • none: This button will uncheck all of the available editors.

• action: This box lists all of the actions in the event log. Only the events with the actions selected in this box will be outputted. To select an action, check the check box.

  • all: This button will check all of the available actions.

  • none: This button will uncheck all of the available actions.

• sorting criteria: This box allows you to choose how the output document is sorted. ‘Date’ will sort the events chronologically, ‘edited by’ will sort the events according to their editor.

• address data: The addresses of the project’s architect and customer can be included at the top of the output document. Select ‘none’ if you do not want to include any addresses, ‘architect’ if you wish to include the architect’s address, ‘customer’ if you wish to include only the customer’s address, and ‘both’ to include both the architect and costumer addresses.

• document template: This box allows you to select a document template, from the drop-down list.

• page layout: This button allows for document type, font and border settings to be changed. See the ‘output’ section in the Part 1: General for more information on this window.

• date area: This box allows you to filter events according to their date. Choose ‘accept’ to filter by date, and ‘ignore’ if you do not wish to filter by date. If you choose ‘accept’, you can stipulate the date below.

• from( ): This box allows for the entry of a starting date for a date filter. Any events before this date will not be shown in the output. A date can be easily selected using the button. The month can be change using the ‘<<’ and ‘>>’ button, and a date can be selected by clicking on the day in the desired month. A box will appear around the selected date. Additionally, you can select the present date by clicking on the word ‘today’.

• to( ): This box allows for the entry of an ending date for the date filter. Any event after this date will not be shown in the output. See above for more detailed information.

• edit: This button opens the event log output document that is currently highlighted in l.

• delete: This button deletes the event log output document that is currently highlighted in l. You will be asked to confirm the deletion as deletion is final and irreversible.

tender-order, accounting and takeoff sets windows

To access the tender-order window (2-2 through 2-5):

For more information, please see the Tender-Order and Accounting help file. Tender/Order is an add-on Module that let’s you go one step further.

With the vast quantities of information you get from the 3D model within the Project Data program, you will be able to use this take-off information to write a quote, send and receive an order, and create an invoice. A one time set up of a template that contains all your preferences for your quote is required.

Once the template is set up in Tender/Order, you will be able to produce an accurate quote within minutes of having created the 3D model. All the pricing is drawn directly from the material database. At any time you will know exactly your production, material, labor, and overhead costs, as well as your profit.

For any further information, please contact your local Dietrich’s representative.

single piece lists window

To access the single piece lists window (2-6):

Allows the project’s details to be edited including positions, event log, and project name and comment.

1. Activate function. The window like Figure 2-6 will open.

• • ‘Item lists’ window

Figure 2-6

• settings: This drop-down box allow you to select a previously saved template.

• save as: This button allows you to save the current configuration as a template. A pop-up window will ask you to specify a name.

• columns: This button allows you to specify column widths and column justifications. The window like Figure 2-6a will open.

Figure 2-6a

j columns:

• ‘columns’ window

This box lists all of the columns will appear on the single piece list output. The

‘designation’ column contains the text that will appear at the top of the column; the ‘width’ column specifies the width of the column in millimeters. The ‘tab stop’ column specifies the justification of the data in the column. ‘left’ and ‘right’ align the text with the left and right extremes of the column respectively, ‘centered’ centers the data and ‘decimal’ aligns the decimal point with decimal points in other rows.

• Total weight: If this box is checked, the total weight will be calculated and listed on the single- piece list output.

• Total price: If this box is checked, the total price will be calculated and listing on the single piece list output.

• output: This option allows for a single piece list to be outputted to a text document. The window like Figure 2-6b will open.

• • ‘item list settings’ window

• path: This box shows the file path and the filename that the output document will be saved under. Note that the last two characters of the filename are the document designation below.

Figure 2-6b

• document: This box allows for a two-character designation of the output document to be entered. It can be numbers or letters.

1. previous output documents: This box shows the document designations of the single-piece lists that have be outputted previously.

• note: This box allows for a title to be added to the output. This title will appear at the below the output header and immediately above the data. This will also appear in the ‘item lists’ box, beside the date and designation of the output document.

1. position, area and part selector: This box allows you to select the positions, parts and areas that you wish to appear in the single piece list. The first level is position; in order for any data from this position to appear, the box must be checked. The second level contains areas like floor, roof or free construction, and the third level contains individual parts like particular walls or roof sections. In order for a part to appear, there must be a checkmark in its checkbox and all of the levels above it.

2. list type selector: This box allows you to select the list types that will appear in the output. The first level shows all of the available list types and the second level shows the positions that have list of this type. In order for a position’s data to appear, it must be checked as well at the list type above it. If a list type does not appear when it should, ensure that it is ranked in the list settings window below.

• document template: This box allows you to select a document template for the single piece list.

• page layout: This window allows for the selection of fonts and for page layout. More information can be found under the page layout section of the General Help.

• sender: This box allows for the sender’s address to be selected from the address database.

• recipient: This box allows for the recipient’s address to be selected from the address database.

• sorting: This allows you to select whether the single piece information is sorted according to list

type ‘by list’ or by position and part ‘by part’.

• subtitle: This box allows you to specify whether the position number and name appear above a set of data. ‘no’ means that there will be no title, ‘yes’ means it will appear, and ‘Yes + Page Feed’ means that the title will appear and the section will begin on a new page.

• currency: This box specifies the currency that will appear in the single piece output.

• delete: This button will delete the template selected in the ‘settings’ drop down box.

• list data: This window allows for organization of data in single piece lists. While the column headings and widths are specified using the ‘columns’ tool above, each parameter of single piece can be outputted by changing settings in the window. The window like Figure 2-6c will open.

• • ‘item list settings’ window

1. list type selector: This box allows each list type to be selected for editing in box k. When a single piece list is outputted, each list type can be outputted using different list settings. This box also contains ranking numbers for each list type, specifying the order in which they will come in the single piece output. A ranking of ‘0’ will mean that the list will not be outputted, and will not appear as an option when outputting. Lists will be outputted in order starting at ‘1’. In order to change the rank of a list type, enter the rank number you wish it to be and the other list items will reorganize to accommodate it.

Figure 2-6c

1. list parameter editor table: Each piece has important parameters that can be outputted in a single piece list. These parameters change according to the type of object being described; this is reflected in the different list types. These parameters are listed vertically. The ‘column’ column shows

the name of the parameter, which relates to the material database. The ‘rank’ column specifies the order in which the parameters will be outputted. Placing a ‘0’ in the column will mean that the parameter will not be displayed. If the rank of one parameter changes, the ranks will be reorganized so that two parameters do not have the same rank. The ‘prefix’ and ‘suffix’ columns show text or characters that will appear before or after the parameter data, respectively. If the checkbox in the ‘tab’ column are checked, the parameter will start outputting in the next tab stop. Finally, the ‘unit’ and the ‘round’ column show the pertinent units and rounding information. A preview of the output can be found in box l, with the contents of the ‘cell’ column appearing in place of the parameter data.

1. list output preview: This box shows how the single piece output will look for the list type. At the top of the output, the column text that was specified in the ‘columns’ tool above will appear. The ‘|’ character shows where columns will fall in the row while prefixes, parameter data and suffixes appear in order in which they are ranked. Note that multiple pieces of data may appear in one column unless they are forced to begin at the next tab stop, which is specified in box k under the ‘tab’ column. A list entry may take up more than one line.

j previous outputs: This area lists all previous single piece list outputs.

• edit: This button will open the document selected in j in the default editor for .DOC or .RTF files.

• delete: This button will delete the document selected in j. A pop-up window will open asking you to confirm deletion of the output document.

Part V: Extras Menu

Designations list menu

To edit the designations list (3-1):

Allows designations to be added, removed and edited. Designations are used throughout the Project Data Program for describing materials.

1. Activate function. The window like Figure 3-1 will open.

• • ‘designation list’ window

j designation listing: This table lists all of the designations currently in the database. Each line in the designation table is numbered in the ‘No.’ column. This number can not be altered. To edit a designation, click inside the box containing the designation text.

Figure 3-1

- This indicates the currently selected line. Press the ‘delete’ key to remove the selected line. All of the lines beneath will automatically be moved up one line. To add a new line, press ‘Enter’ in the last line and a new one will appear beneath it.

List settings menu

To edit list template settings (3-2):

This allows list template settings to be edited. Please see the ‘settings’ button in the General section for more information.

Dim takeoff area menu

To edit dimension takeoff area settings (3-3):

This allows takeoff area settings to be edited. Please see the ‘takeoff areas’ button in the General section for more information.

Settings menu

To edit Project Data Program settings (3-4):

This windows allows settings governing general Project Data Program

1. Activate function. The window like Figure 3-2 will open.

• • ‘settings’ window

Figure 3-2

j settings type selector: This area allows you to select the type of settings you would like to edit. They are divided into five categories, which can be selected for editing by click on the respective button in this window.

• general: This area allows for the entering of text describing who last edited the Project Data Program’s settings. This can be useful for questions regarding a settings change. The text can be comprised of letters, numbers and symbols.

• currencies: This area allows the currencies used in the Project Data Program for calculations and outputs to be changed.

  • primary currency: This allows you to enter the symbol you wish to use for your primary currency. For example, $CAN, $US, ¥ or £.

  • rounding: This value is the decimal place to which the primary currency will be rounded to. For example, 1.00 will round to the nearest dollar while 0.01 will round to the nearest cent.

  • secondary currency: This allows you to enter the symbol you wish to use for your secondary currency. For example, $CAN, $US, ¥ or £.

  • rounding: This value is the decimal place to which the primary currency will be rounded to. For example, 1.00 will round to the nearest dollar while 0.01 will round to the nearest cent..

  • currency rate: This allows you to enter a currency rate for converting from the primary to the secondary currency. The primary currency is multiplied by this factor to reach the value for secondary currency.

• Decimal separator: This allows you to specify a symbol for representing decimal numbers, including lengths and costs. Typically this is a period (.) or a comma (,).

• list settings: This area allows display settings for the List Editing Tool to be altered.

  • list font size, screen: This allows you to change the font size of the list items.

  • line height: This value specifies how much space each line takes up. Typically this value is just large enough to accommodate the font size.

• TOI position list description: Allows you to enter position list descriptions for use in the TOI module.

• List output: This allows you to alter settings for list outputs.

  • Distance right/left Tab: This setting changes the distance of the tab in output documents.

• minimum length for line blocks: These settings allow line settings to be changes for output documents.

  • material lists: Specifies the minimum length for a block in a material list output.

  • optimization: Specifies the minimum length for a block in a optimization output.

  • dimension takeoff: Specifies the minimum length for a block in a dimension takeoff output.

  • item lists: Specifies the minimum length for a block in a item list output.

• document shortcut: This area allows the letter prefix for output document naming to be changed. This letter appears in the output document as the first character in the three letter document identifier, followed by a two-digit number that automatically increments.

• Main dbase: This allows you to add a set percentage to the prices in the main database for a number of factors.

  • Add Material Cost [%]: Adds a set percentage of the subtotal onto list outputs for additional material costs, like markup or delivery.

  • Add Labour Cost[%]: Adds a set percentage of the subtotal onto list outputs for added labour costs, like transportation.

  • Profit/Risk [%]: Adds a set percentage of the subtotal onto list outputs profit or risk margin.

  • Discount [%]: Subtracts a set percentage from the subtotal, for discounts.

  • VAT [%]: Adds a set percentage to the subtotal for Tax, such as GST.

• units: This area allows you to select the units and unit settings you wish to use in the project. .

• • ‘units’ window

Figure 3-3

• unit: A concise notation for displaying units. All standard units are listed for distances, areas, volumes, time and quantities.

• long text: A longer description of the unit.

• used: Allows you to select whether you wish to use each individual unit in the Project Data Program.

• rounding: Specifies a decimal place to which the unit will be rounded. For instance, 0.01 will round to the nearest 1/100, while 1.00 will round to the nearest whole unit.

Length optimization menu

To specify clearances for cutting operations (3-5-1):

This window allows you to enter the widths required for various operations on beams and profiled beams. This information will be used in the length optimization feature.

1. Activate function. The window like Figure 3-4 will open.

• • ‘cut settings’ window

Figure 3-4

• beams: This area allows for the entering of information regarding beams.

  • cut width: Specifies the width of the material removed when making a cut on a beam. For example, the width of the saw blade.

  • end cut: Specifies the width of the material removed when preparing the end of the material. For example, the amount of material that needs to be removed to ensure the end is square.

  • min. rest: Specifies the minimum length of usable material. For example, the length of beam that would be considered scrap.

• profiled beams: This area allows for the entering of information regarding profiled beams. See above for a description of each parameter.

To specify beam size-price relationships (3-5-2):

This window allows you to enter the sizes of available beams, and their respective prices.

1. Activate function. The window like Figure 3-5 will open.

• • ‘create optim.block’ window

Figure 3-5

1. beam size tree: This table lists all of the beams and beam sizes that have been specified for the optimization database. The first level of the tree lists the order number, the second level lists the width of the beam, and the third level lists the height of the beam.

• new: Adds a new beam. A window like Figure 3-5a will open.

• • ‘create optim.block’ window

Figure 3-5a

• order number: Enter the order number or select it from the material database by clicking the browse button ().

• length: Enter the length of the beam in this area. You can enter additional lengths in the main beam optimization window.

• delete: This button will delete the level selected in j and all levels below it.

1. beam length tree: This table lists all of the beam that share the same order number, width and height. You can then specify the price of each specific length. Additional lengths can be added by pressing ‘enter’ after entering a length or price.

To specify profiled beam size-price relationships (3-5-3):

This window allows you to enter the sizes of available profiled beams, and their respective prices. See the beam blocks section above, (3-5-2).

delete all control pictures function

To delete all control pictures in the dimension takeoff (3-6):

This feature will delete all of the pictures associated with dimension takeoff. For example, wall sections. A window will ask you to confirm that you wish to delete all of the pictures.

Show data base version function

To display the database version information (3-7):

This feature will display the version of the main database, the project database, and the Project Data Program.

check data consistency function

To check the consistency of the TOI/main database information (3-8):

This feature will check to see that the TOI information is consistent with the information if the main database.

Special modules menu

To access special modules for the Project Data Program (3-9):

This menu allows you to access special modules. Consult the individual help file for each module.

Part VI: Main dbase Menu

address database window

To access the address database (4-1):

Allows the address database to be revised or added to.

1. Activate function. The window like Figure 4-1 will open.

• • ‘addresses’ window

• address type: Many categories of address are available. These types include all types of business associates, as well as customers and your own address. Ensuring these are accurate and filed correctly will help when creating projects as address information will be immediately at hand.

Figure 4-1

1. address listing: This area lists all the addresses currently in the address database. In the address listing area, three fields of each address are shown for quick identification. An address can be highlighted by clicking on it, which will bring up all the details of the address.

• new: Adds a new entry in the address database under the current address type.

• delete: Deletes the highlighted entry in the address database.

1. address detail: The address highlighted in the listing area can be edited here. In addition to typical address information, a note can be added with information pertaining to the address.

• Import from Outlook: This tool allows for addresses to be imported from Microsoft Outlook. Check module manual for more details.

• Clip board: This button copies the currently selected address and place it you computer’s clipboard for pasting into another document.

material database window

To access the material database (4-2):

Allows the material database to be revised or added to.

1. Activate function. The window like Figure 4-2 will open.

• • ‘material dbase’ window

• shortcut find / enter: This feature allows you to assign numeric codes to a material for quick reference if it is being accessed frequently. The numeric code can then be entered in the first ‘find’ text box to quickly open the desired material. To assign a shortcut, first open the material through the regular tree system. The second text box, ‘enter’, will then become accessible. Select a numeric code,

Figure 4-2

of any length, that you can remember. Now, at any time, the numeric code can be entered into the ‘find’ text box, and that material will be opened as soon as the ‘Enter’ key is pressed.

j material tree: This area allows you to navigate the existing materials in the material database through a standard tree structure. Three levels exist in a tree; the ‘main group’, for categories of material, such as ‘doors’ or ‘skylights’. The second level, called the ‘sub group’, typically separates the materials by manufacturer. The final level in the ‘object’ level, which contains all of the materials. A material is listed by it’s item number, followed by a hyphen, then it’s designation. The level is noted in bold text at the bottom left corner of the material tree. To edit or review a material, navigate to it using the material tree, and then click once to highlight it. The details of the material will then appear on the right.

• new: To add a material into one of the existing sub groups, select either the sub group or an object already in that sub group. If you wish to create a new sub group for your new material, select either the main group you wish the sub group to exist in or select an existing sub group already in the main group. Finally, if you wish create an entirely new main group for you new material, select any of the existing main groups. Once you have highlighted the correct level, press the ‘new’ button, and a window like Figure 4.2a will open.

NOTE: You must make a new material in order to make either a new sub group or a new main group.

• • ‘new material’ window

Figure 4-2a

• material main group: This contains the main group the new material will be created in. If it is not available and you wish to create a new main group, you must select one of the existing main groups before creating a new material.

• material sub group: This contains the sub group the new material will be created in. If it is not available and you wish to create a new sub group, you must first select one of the existing sub groups or the main group you wish to new sub group to be in.

• item number: This contains the item number of the new material. The item number can be any combination of letters, symbols or numbers. Ensure that the item number of the new material is different from any of the other materials in the material database.

• object type: This allows an object type to be selected from the list.

NOTE: Both the item number and the object type can be changed after the new material has been created.

• edit: This button allows you to edit main groups’ and sub groups’ names. Simply highlight the group you wish to change, click the ‘edit’ button, and enter the new name for the group.

• copy: This feature allows an exiting material to be copied. Select the material you wish to copy, click the ‘copy’ button, and specify a new item number for new material. The new material will be created in the same sub group of the copied material, with exactly the same specifications save the item number.

• delete: This button allows you to delete a material or a group. Highlight the material or group you wish to delete and click the ‘delete’ button. If you select a group, all affected materials or sub groups will be highlighted in yellow. Ensure that these are the correct items to be deleted, and confirm their deletion in the pop-up window.

NOTE: Once deleted, materials are not retrievable. If a material or group is deleted by accident, you can reverse the changes immediately by hitting the ‘cancel’ button in the material database window. However, if the material database window has been closed since the deletion, the deletions are permanent.

˜ and : These buttons allow you to reorganize materials or groups so they can be access more efficiently. Simply highlight a group or material, and click either the ‘up’ or the ‘down’ arrow to move it in their level.

• all: This button is a toggle with the ‘used’ button. It changes the material tree to ‘all’ mode, which allows you to see all of the main groups, sub groups and materials. This aids the selection of groups and materials to be either hidden or visible when the material tree is in ‘used’ mode. This is useful in that you can select groups or materials that you use to be visible and unused groups and materials to be hidden, to make navigation of the material tree more efficient. A checked group or material will be visible in ‘used’ mode, whereas an unchecked group or material will be hidden.

• used: This button is a toggle with the ‘all’ button. It changes the material tree to ‘used’ mode, which shows only the checked items shown in ‘all’ mode.

NOTE: The browse button, , opens a pop-up allowing you to quickly select from the available options.

• item number: This lists the material’s item number, which identifies each individual material. A material must have an item number, and it must be unique from all other materials. The item number appears along with the material’s designation in the material tree.

˜ : This button allows for a quick keyword search all materials’ item numbers. A window like Figure 4.2b will open.

• • ‘search object’ window

Figure 4-2b

• enter the number to be searched: This box allows a material to be searched for by keyword. Simply enter a keyword and the list of all item numbers will be narrowed to item numbers matching the keyword. You can specify how you wish the list to be searched using the drop down box:

*abc* - This will narrow the list to item numbers containing the search keyword somewhere within the item number.

abc* - This will narrow the list to item numbers containing the search keyword at the beginning of the item number.

abc - This will narrow the list to item numbers exactly matching the search keyword. NOTE: The list of item numbers can be searched manually using the scroll bar.

• designation: This allows for a more accurate description of the material. It does not have to be unique. The designation appears in the Material Tree Area, along with the item number, in the list of materials.

• order number: This box typically lists the order number of the material, typically given by the supplier of the material. To avoid confusion, it should be unique, and should follow the format of it’s particular supplier.

• object type: This box allows a type of material to be selected. The material type dictates how the parameters of the are entered; for instance, ‘beam’ requires detailed information in regards to it’s profile, whereas ‘paid work’ does not.

paid work, facilities, auxiliary and sub contractor - These materials do not need specifications.

tile - Use the ‘roof tiles’ window to add tiles to the material database.

article, ironmongery, and mold - These materials require you to specific a color and a texture for display purposes:

• • colorset: This allows you to select a color for the material from a drop-down list. The color will appear when displaying the material in the design modules.

  • textureset (): This allows you to select a texture for the material from a list of available textures. Textures appear when the material is shown in the OpenGL rendering function.

skylights - Skylights required the following parameters:

window, board, profiled beam, beam, door, and fixture - These option use some or all of the following parameters, as well as a:

• • width: This box specifies the pertinent width of the material. It must match the width specified in the ‘profile’ section for boards, beams, and profiled beams.

  • thickness or height: This box specifies the pertinent height or thickness of the material. It must match the height or thickness specified in the ‘profile’ section for boards, beams, and profiled beams.

  • length: This box specifies the pertinent height or thickness of the material.

alignment: .

• • colorset: This allows you to select a color for the material from a drop-down list. The color will appear when displaying the material in the design modules.

  • textureset (): This allows you to select a texture for the material from a list of available textures. Textures appear when the material is shown in the OpenGL rendering function.

create profile

• • profile: This box lists the coordinates of the current profile of a board, profiled beam or beam. The list begins at the origin, in the bottom right corner of the profile. ‘Y’ represents the horizontal axis, ‘Z’ represents the vertical axis. You may change the coordinates as desired, and the change will be reflected in the profile preview.

• profile: This allows for a profile of a board, profiled beam or beam to be specified. A window like Figure 4-2c will open.

• • ‘create section’ window

  • height: For rectangular profiles, this dimension specifies the overall height.

Figure 4-2c

• • width: For rectangular profiles, this dimension specifies the overall width.

  • flange: For ‘H’ and ‘Z’ profiles, this dimension specifies the height of the horizontal sections.

  • web: For ‘H’ and ‘Z’ profiles, this dimension specifies the width of the vertical sections.

  • diameter: For circular profiles, this dimension specifies the diameter of the outer circle.

  • segments: For circular profiles, this number indicates the number of sections the circle should be constructed out of. Therefore, there must be more that 2 segments.

  • thickness: For tubular and ‘L’ profiles, this dimension specifies the distance from the outer wall to the inner wall.

TIP: For a triangular profile, use the ‘circle’ or ‘tube’ profile with 3 segments .

edit profile

• edit: This allows for an existing profile’s coordinates to be altered. A window like Figure 4-2d will open.

• • ‘Edit profile’ window

Figure 4-2d

j move type: This box allows you to select the change you would like to make the coordinates of the profile.

mirror horizontally - This option mirrors the profile along a horizontal line, specified by the ‘Z’ coordinate:

mirror vertically - This option mirrors the profile along a vertical line, specified by the ‘Y’ coordinate:

rotate counter clockwise - This option rotates the profile ninety degrees counter clockwise around the specified coordinates.

rotate clockwise - This option rotates the profile ninety degrees clockwise around the specified coordinates.

move - This option moves the origin to the specified coordinates.

Origin - These option moves the origin back to the original location.

invert input sense - This reverses the direction of the coordinates. Normally, the coordinates would go clockwise around the profile; this would make the coordinates go counter clockwise. Additionally, for tubular profiles, the inner shape will be described first rather than second.

list storage: .

• deliver to: This indicates where a material should be delivered, either ‘on site’ or ‘shop’.

• order type: This indicates whether a material should be ordered or whether a material is in stock.

takeoff type: .

• weight / ref.: This allows the weight of the reference to be entered.

• weight reference: This allows the selection of a reference unit per weight, volume, area, length, board foot or piece.

• unit: This allows for the selection of a unit for entering a price per unit.

• price / unit: This allows the price per unit to be entered.

• description: This allows a description of the material to be entered, including any details that could not be described previously in the material parameters.

• info: This button opens the info document in the default program. If this button is not accessible, you have not yet added an info document.

˜ (add external info document): This button opens a file tree which will allow you to select an external document with extra information. For example, a manufacturer’s data sheet.

• delete Info: This button removes the reference to the external document. Thus, the ‘info’ button will become inaccessible.

• save: When a change has been made in the material database but you do not wish to exit the material database window, this button will save the changes

roof tile/stone database window

To access the roof tile database (4-3):

Allows the tile database to be revised or added to.

1. Activate function. The window like Figure 4-3 will open.

• • ‘roof tile/stone’ window

1. tile tree: This allows for the selection of a tile from the material database. The tile tree shows only the materials in the material database of object type ‘tile’. Three levels exist in a tree; the ‘manufacturer’ level, to separate tiles by manufacturer. The second level, called the ‘roof tile type’, separates the tiles by type, typically the manufacturer’s model name. The final level in the ‘roof tile stone’ level, which contains all of the tile. A tile is listed by it’s item number. The level is noted in bold text at the bottom left corner of the tile tree. To edit or review a material, navigate to it using the tile tree, and then click once to highlight it. The details of the material will then appear on the right.

Figure 4-3

• new: To add a tile into an existing roof tile type, select either that tile type or an tile already in that tile type. If you wish to create a new tile type for your new material, select either the manufacturer you wish the tile type to exist in or select an existing tile type already under the manufacturer. Finally, if you wish create an entirely new manufacturer for your new tile, select any of the existing manufacturer. Once you have highlighted the correct level, press the ‘new’ button, and a window like Figure 4-3a will open.

NOTE: You must make a new tile in order to make either a new tile type or a new manufacturer.

• • ‘create a new roof tile’ window

Figure 4-3a

• manufacturer ( ): This contains the manufacturer of the new tile will be created in. If it is

not available and you wish to create a new manufacturer, you must select one of the existing manufacturers before creating a new tile.

NOTE: The button will on occasion bring up the material database in ‘write protected’ mode. It will be limited to certain main groups. If you cannot see any main groups, they may not be set as visible in your material database window. In order to access that main group, you must first make it visible in the main material database (4-2).

• delete: This button allows you to delete a tile, a manufacturer or a tile type. Highlight the level you wish to delete and click the ‘delete’ button. If you select a manufacturer or a tile type, all affected tiles or tile types will be highlighted in yellow. Ensure that these are the correct items to be deleted, and confirm their deletion in the pop-up window.

NOTE: Once deleted, tiles are not retrievable. If a tile, manufacturer or tile type is deleted by accident, you can reverse the changes immediately by hitting the ‘cancel’ button in the tile database window.

However, if the tile database window has been closed since the deletion, the deletions are permanent.

• roof tile type: This lists the roof tile type. If this is changed, the change will be reflected in the tile tree,

j, and all the tiles within that tile type.

• Z2 on all eaves: This allows you to specify whether the ‘Z2’ batten spacing it to be taken on all eaves for this tile.

• tip length LL: This allows you to specify the tip length of the tile, as specified by the tile’s manufacturer.

• roof tile/stone (item number) (): This box contains the item number of the tile. It can be changed manually, or by selecting an item number from the material database pop-up window, which can be

opened with the button.

• item designation: This box contains the tile’s designation, which provides additional information about the tile.

• roof tile function: This allows you to select the tile’s function, including full, half verge, ridge, special and end tiles. Within the type, you can only have one of each tile function. According the tile’s function, you will need to enter some of the following parameters, provided by the tile’s manufacturer:

  • width B: This allows you to specify the tile’s width for full verge, special and end tiles. For special tiles a drop-down box allows you to choose a tile for the width to equal.

  • minimum cover width: This allows you to specify the minimum width the tile must cover for full tiles.

  • min length L: This allows you to specify the minimum length of ridge tiles.

  • overhang U: This allows you to specify the overhang of full verge tiles.

  • maximum cover width: This allows you to specify the maximum width the tile must cover for full tiles.

  • max length L: This allows you to specify the maximum length of ridge tiles.

  • under length UL: This allows you to specify under length (diagram in area l) for full and special tiles.

  • width: This allows you to specify the width of a ridge tile.

• ridge tile types: This area lists the item number and designation of the tiles with tile functions ‘ridge 1’ through ‘ridge 5’ for the current tile type.

1. tile specification table: This area allows you to enter the batten specification of the tile type. Each parameter is described in area l, and will be specified by the tile’s manufacturer. To add a new line the bottom of the table, press the ‘Enter’ key in the lowest box in the ‘ZF5’ column. Add as many lines as you need to describe the battens for each angle ‘W’.

2. batten parameter description: This area describes what each batten parameter represents, so the tile’s manufacturer’s specifications can be entered accurately.

• save: When a change has been made in the material database but you do not wish to exit the material database window, this button will save the changes

cost centers window

To access the Cost centers window (4-4):

Allows cost centers to be added, removed or edited.

1. Activate function. The window like Figure 4-4 will open.

• • ‘Cost centers’ window

j cost centers table: This area allows you to enter the ‘cost centers’ you wish use. Cost centers are locations where materials are supplied from.

Figure 4-4

quick calculation window

To access the quick calculation window (4-5):

Allows takeoff line costs to be edited. The ‘quick calculation’ tool is used in dimension takeoff output documents to produce price quotations.

1. Activate function. The window like Figure 4-5 will open.

Figure 4-5

• • ‘quick calculation’ window

1. dimension takeoff tree: This area organizes the dimension takeoff into four levels, first the model area, followed by the takeoff area, properties and takeoff value. The currently selected level is listed in the bottom right of the dimension takeoff tree.

• new: This button allows you to create a new position within the ‘quick calculation’ tool. Select either the takeoff area you wish the position to be listed under or an existing position within that takeoff area, and click the ‘new’ button. You will be prompted to enter the name of the new position. The position will have the takeoff values associated with it’s takeoff area.

• delete: This button allows you delete a position.

• properties: This box allows you to change the name of a position. You cannot change the name of the ‘<default>’ position, however. Select a position other than ‘<default>’, and the ‘properties’ box will become accessible. The name may be composed of numbers, letters and symbols, and can have spaces.

• Price/Unit: This box allows you to assign a price for any takeoff value. Select a takeoff value and the window will become accessible.

1. takeoff value description: This area describes how the selected takeoff value is calculated.

NOTE: In the ‘quick calculation’ tool, the term ‘position’ is used to describe a level of the dimension takeoff tree, and does not relate to positions in a project.

takeoff sets window

To access the takeoff sets window (4-6):

For more information, please see the Tender-Order and Accounting help file.

discount main dbase window

To specify time-dependant price discounts for the main database (4-7):

This window allows you to enter price discounts for the main database, based on the number of days after a specific date.

1. Activate function. The window like Figure 4-7 will open.

• • ‘discount main dbase’ window

Figure 4-7

1. discount preset: This area allows you to select the preset you wish to edit.

˜ : This button allows you to create a new discount preset. A window will pop up allowing a preset name to be specified.

˜ : This button will delete the preset selected in j. A window will pop up to confirm the deletion.

1. discount table: This area allows you to enter the number of days and percentage discount. Add a new relation by pressing ‘enter’ in the bottom percentage box.

export tool

To export positions to .TXT, .MAS and .DSA files (4-8-1 through 4-8-3):

For more information, please see the manual for the optional export tool module.

data transfer tool

To transfer data between databases (4-9):

This tool allows you to transfer material, address, dimension takeoff and settings information between Deitrich’s databases.

1. Activate function. The window like Figure 4-9a will open.

• • ‘copy main data base’ window

Figure 4-9a

• external data base: This drop down box allows you to select a Dietrichs database to copy data back and forth from. This may not be the database that you are currently using. A Dietrichs database is called “Dhpstamm.mdb”.

• list settings: This drop down box allows you to select a Dietrichs list settings database to copy list settings back and forth from. This may not be the database that you are currently using. A Dietrichs list settings database is called “Matlists.xml”.

• material: This tool allows you to transfer materials back and forth from material databases. The window like Figure 4-9b will open.

• • ‘copy objects’ window

• external data base: This lists the path of the external database.

Figure 4-2b

• 1. main database tree: This box shows the materials available in the main database. Each level has a checkbox that, when checked, will check all of the checkboxes in its lower levels. In order for a material to be transferred, it must be checked.

• delete: This tool will delete all of the materials checked in j.

• all: This tool selects all of the available materials in the main database (j).

• none: This tool deselects all of the available materials in the main database (j).

• group/sub group/object: This area contains information about the material selected in j, if one is selected.

˜ : This transfers the materials select in j, the main database, to the external database.

˜ : This transfers the materials select in k, the external database, to the main database.

˜ : This tool finds the corresponding item in opposite database. This means that if a material is highlighted in j, it will highlight the matching item in k, if it exists, and vice versa.

• 1. external database tree: This box shows the materials available in the main database. Each level has a checkbox that, when checked, will check all of the checkboxes in the lower levels. In order for

a material to be transferred, it must be checked.

• delete: This tool will delete all of the materials checked in k.

• all: This tool selects all of the available materials in the main database (k).

• none: This tool deselects all of the available materials in the main database (k).

• group/sub group/object: This area contains information about the material selected in k, if one is selected.

• connector catalogue: This tool allows for the transfer of connectors between Dietrichs databases.

See the description of Figure 4-2b for more information; these tools function in a very similar way.

• Address dbase: This tool allows for the transfer of addresses between Dietrichs databases. See the description of Figure 4-2b for more information; these tools function in a very similar way.

• Import from Outlook: For more information, consult the manual for this module.

• Takeoff sets: This tool allows for the transfer of takeoff sets between Dietrichs databases. See the description of Figure 4-2b for more information; these tools function in a very similar way..

• quick calculation This tool allows for the transfer of quick calculation information between Dietrichs databases. See the description of Figure 4-2b for more information; these tools function in a very similar way. .

• PRIMUS: For more information, consult the manual for this module.

• HWS: For more information, consult the manual for this module.

• DSA: For more information, consult the manual for this module.

• external list settings: This tool allows for the transfer of list settings between Dietrichs databases.

See the description of Figure 4-2b for more information; these tools function in a very similar way..