Material List Tutorial - Part II

Advanced Customization and Profile Beam Lists

Prerequisites

• Completion of Part I: Creating Timber Lists - Basic material list generation

• Understanding of: Material Database, Project Data Program, and basic output functions

• Familiarity with: Dietrich's template system and column management

Introduction

Part II focuses on advanced list customization and profile beam list creation in Dietrich's software. This builds on the foundational skills from Part I by demonstrating how to create specialized lists for engineered lumber (I-beams, TJIs), customize output formats for specific purposes, and optimize lists for ordering and fabrication workflows.

Learning Objectives

• Generate profile beam lists using specialized templates

• Customize list outputs by adding length allowances and rounding

• Apply advanced sorting techniques for practical ordering

• Modify templates to create clean, purpose-driven output lists

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Step 1: Profile Beam List Setup

1. Access the profile beam list function from your material list module

2. Select profile beam template:

   • Choose "I beams" template (or similar engineered lumber template)

   • Template includes: line number, building part location, piece count, item number, lengths

3. Configure output parameters:

   • ✅ Enable total length calculations

   • ✅ Include piece counts and dimensions

   • ✅ Set up for profile beam components specifically

Step 2: Generate Initial Profile Beam List

1. Click OK to generate the initial list

2. Double-click on the profile beam list to open for editing

3. Review the generated data:

   • Line numbers and building locations

   • Item numbers for different beam types

   • Individual piece lengths and quantities

   • Note: Data shows exactly where each beam is located in the building

Step 3: Add Length Allowances and Rounding

1. Select all items (click top-left corner to select entire list)

2. Add cutting allowances:

   • Add 2" to all beam lengths for cutting tolerance

   • This accounts for field cutting and installation adjustments

3. Apply rounding rules:

   • Round all lengths to 24" increments for standard ordering

   • Example: 26'-7" becomes 28'-0" after adding 2" + rounding to 24"

4. Save changes to preserve the modified lengths

Step 4: Advanced Sorting for Ordering

1. Access sorting function: Go to Lines → Sort

2. Configure sorting hierarchy:

   • Primary sort: Item number (groups same beam types together)

   • Secondary sort: Length (longest to shortest or vice versa)

   • Remove building location sorting (not relevant for ordering)

3. Apply sorting rules:

   • Set item number priority to organize by beam type

   • Length sorting helps optimize cutting and material handling

4. Click OK to apply the new sort order

Step 5: Customize Template for Clean Output

1. Return to template settings to refine output format

2. Remove unnecessary columns for ordering lists:

   • Uncheck "Building Part" - location info not needed for material orders

   • Keep essential data: line number, item number, pieces, lengths

3. Configure final template:

   • ✅ Line number

   • ✅ Piece count

   • ✅ Item number

   • ✅ Length dimensions

   • ✅ Total length calculations

   • ❌ Building part location (causes confusion in ordering)

Step 6: Generate Final Output

1. Go to Output module with refined template

2. Select document format:

   • Choose landscape orientation for better beam list layout

   • Use "without logo" option if preferred

3. Configure output settings:

   • Select "Cut list ordering number" for fabrication sequence

   • Ensure total lengths are included for material estimation

4. Generate final beam list showing:

   • Clean, organized data by beam type and length

   • Total quantities for each size

   • Overall material requirements

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Example Output Results

Profile Beam List Summary:

• 15 pieces @ 26'-9"

• 18 pieces @ 12'-0"

• 10 pieces @ 8'-0"

• Total Length: 680 linear feet

Key Customization Benefits

• Purpose-specific formatting: Different templates for cutting vs. ordering vs. installation

• Length optimization: Standardized lengths reduce waste and simplify ordering

• Clean data presentation: Removes irrelevant information that could cause confusion

• Sorting flexibility: Organize by most practical criteria for the intended use

• Template reusability: Save customized templates for future projects

Advanced Tips

• Template Management: Create separate templates for different beam types (I-beams, LVL, TJI)

• Rounding Strategy: Consider your supplier's standard lengths when setting rounding increments

• Sorting Logic: For installation lists, sort by building location; for ordering, sort by size

• Length Allowances: Adjust cutting allowances based on beam type and installation requirements

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Duplicate entries: Check if beams from different building areas need to remain separate for installation

• Incorrect totals: Verify that all desired components are activated in the original selection

• Template confusion: Use descriptive names for custom templates to avoid mixing cutting and ordering lists

Next Steps

• Advanced Features: Explore integration with ordering systems and inventory management

• Custom Templates: Create company-specific templates with logos and standard formats

• Multi-Material Lists: Combine timber and profile beam lists for comprehensive project takeoffs