> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.dietrichs.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.dietrichs.com/tutorials/tutorials-en/building-in-dietrichs/builders-journey/sorting-numbers-tutorial.md). # Sorting Numbers Tutorial Note: The tutorial is at the end of the document. It is recommended that you read the preliminary text before jumping to the tutorial. *** ### 🔑 Core Concept **ONE Sorting Number = ONE Component TYPE = MANY Identical Pieces** ``` Example: Sorting #1 = 50 identical rafters All 50 pieces share the same number Think: SKU/Part Number (one number, multiple units) NOT: Serial number (unique per piece) ``` *** ### Sorting Number vs. Item Number | **Sorting Number** | **Item Number** | | ------------------------- | ------------------------- | | Component TYPE identifier | Material specification | | Integer (whole number) | String (text) | | "Which type is this?" | "What's it made of?" | | Sorting #1 (50 pcs) | "Pine 45x120" | | Project-specific | Database-wide | | Assigned during sorting | Selected at creation | | Production/assembly use | Ordering/cost calculation | **Analogy:** * **Sorting #** = SKU/Recipe Number * **Item #** = Material/Ingredient Spec Note: The material database has an order number as well. This is used to refer to external databases. *** ### When to Sort #### ✅ DO Sort: * After completing component input * Before generating outputs (lists, plans, machine files) * After modifying existing components * Before releasing to production #### ❌ DON'T Sort: * During active component input * Multiple times unnecessarily *** ### Quick Access Methods 1. **Menu** → Sorting/Sorting and Labelling 2. **Toolbar Icon** → Click sorting icon 3. **Keyboard Shortcut** → (Check your menu) 4. **Automatic** → Try to generate output, system prompts *** ### Essential Settings #### Start Numbers (Recommended) ``` Walls: 1 Floor Decks: 200 Roof: 400 D-CAM: 600 ``` #### Critical Setting **"Identical numbers allowed in model": NO** * Prevents duplicate numbers across model areas * Avoids machine file errors * Only changeable in D-CAM #### Restart Sorting * **Positional**: Most common * **Floor by Floor**: For multi-story * **Wall by Wall**: For wall prefab *** ### Basic Sorting Workflow 1. **Open** sorting dialog - Option 1-8. 2. **Set** start numbers per model area 3. **Choose** restart method (usually "Positional") 4. **Set** "Identical numbers in model" to "No" 5. **Click** OK 6. **Review** results (check for warnings) 7. **Verify** in material list *** ### Adding to Sorted Building #### Use "Sorting New" When: * Major changes made * Want complete re-optimization * Many components modified/deleted #### Use "Attaching" When: * Few new components added * Want to preserve existing numbers * Production already using numbers *** ### Fixed Sorting Numbers #### When to Use: * Numbers from external documentation * Large/critical components (glulam beams) * Customer-specified numbers * Building sequence control #### How to Apply (D-CAM only): 1. Switch to **D-CAM** 2. Enter desired number 3. Select component(s) 4. Click assignment button: * **Top button**: Sequential (50, 51, 52...) * **Second button**: Same number for all #### Visual Indicator: * Fixed numbers show **underlined and bold** *** ### Beam Type Number Ranges #### Example Setup: ``` Component Type | Beam Type | Number Range -------------------|-----------|------------- Purlins | 320-329 | 100-149 Rafters | 410-419 | 150-199 Panels | 851-853 | 200-399 Engineered | 700-799 | 400-499 ``` #### Benefits: * Component type recognizable by number * Organizes production lines * Simplifies machine file management *** ### Serial Numbers: Not Available **⚠️ Dietrich's does NOT track individual pieces within batches** #### What This Means: * Sorting #1 (50 rafters) = batch identifier * Cannot distinguish rafter #1 from rafter #2 * All 50 are simply "Sorting #1" #### Exception: **When Qty = 1, sorting # effectively becomes serial #** * Unique components fully traceable * Example: Sorting #3 (1 ridge beam) #### If You Need Individual Tracking: 1. External barcode system 2. RFID tagging 3. Make each piece unique in Dietrich's (1 sorting # per piece) *** ### Quick Checklist #### Before Finalizing Sorting: * \[ ] All components have numbers * \[ ] Identical components share numbers * \[ ] Different components have different numbers * \[ ] No model area overlaps * \[ ] Fixed numbers protected * \[ ] Beam type ranges working * \[ ] Material list generates correctly #### Before Production Release: * \[ ] Final sorting verified * \[ ] Settings saved * \[ ] Changes communicated to team * \[ ] Updated lists generated * \[ ] Machine files regenerated * \[ ] Assembly docs updated *** ### Production Workflow Summary #### Phase 1: Design * Select **Item Numbers** (materials) * No sorting numbers yet #### Phase 2: Sorting * Run sorting function * System assigns **Sorting Numbers** * Groups identical components #### Phase 3: Ordering * Use **Item Numbers** to order materials * There is an Order Number as well but that is if we want to co-relate to a supplier number. * Total quantities by item number #### Phase 4: Production * Use **Item Number** to get material * Use **Sorting Number** for machining program #### Phase 5: Assembly * Use **Sorting Number** to identify components * Use **Item Number** to verify material *** ### "What's the Number?" Guide **Question:** "What's component number 25?"\ **Answer:** Sorting Number (component type) **Question:** "What's the item number?"\ **Answer:** Item Number (material spec) **Question:** "What do I order from supplier?"\ **Answer:** Item Number **Question:** "What machine program do I run?"\ **Answer:** Sorting Number **Question:** "What's on the label?"\ **Answer:** Both (Sorting # primary, Item # verification) *** ### Number Strategy Planning #### Estimate Quantities: ``` Example Building: Walls: 1-199 (~200 components) Floor Decks: 200-399 (~200 components) Roof: 400-699 (~300 components) Special/D-CAM: 700-999 (~300 components) ``` #### Buffer Advice: Add 20-30% buffer to ranges for changes *** ### Key Takeaways 1. **Sort at milestones**, not continuously 2. **Plan number ranges** before starting 3. **Use "Attach"** to preserve numbers 4. **Fix critical components** early 5. **Set "No duplicates"** to avoid conflicts 6. **Verify before production** 7. **One sorting # = one type** (multiple pieces) *** ## Tutorial: Using Sorting Numbers in Dietrich's ### Part 1: Basic Automatic Sorting #### Step 1: Understanding When to Sort **Before you begin**, recognize that sorting should be done: * ✅ After completing major component input phases * ✅ Before generating any production outputs * ✅ After modifying existing components * ✅ When preparing for machine file export **Do NOT sort:** * ❌ During active component input (wait until a logical break) * ❌ Multiple times unnecessarily (it doesn't improve results) #### Step 2: Accessing the Sorting Function **Option A: From the Menu** * Navigate using Option 1-8. * Select "Sorting" or "Sorting and Labelling" **Option D: Automatic Prompt** * Simply try to generate a list, plan, or machine file * The system will automatically prompt you to sort if needed
#### Step 3: Understanding the Sorting Dialog The sorting dialog contains **three sub-dialog boxes**: **Sub-Dialog 1: Sorting Parameters (Main Settings)** This is where you'll spend most of your time. Key settings include: **Start Number:** * Sets the beginning number for this model area * Example: Walls = 1, Roof = 200, Floor = 400 **Restart Sorting:** * **Positional**: Numbers restart based on position * **Floor by Floor**: New number sequence for each floor * **Wall by Wall**: New number sequence for each wall * Similar options for floor decks, roofs, roof surfaces, trusses **Sort According To:** * Defines the criteria for determining if components are identical * Options automatically adjust based on "Restart Sorting" setting **Package/Element Consideration:** * Can be set separately for each model area * Determines if building element relationships affect sorting **Identical Numbers Allowed in Model:** * **Yes**: Same sorting numbers can exist in different model areas * **No**: Ensures globally unique numbers across all model areas * Prevents problems when generating machine files * Automatically sets other options for consistency **Sub-Dialog 2: Beam Type Dependent Sorting Numbers** Use this to assign number ranges to specific component types. **Sub-Dialog 3: Replacement Item Numbers** For automatic material specification substitution during sorting. Please contact our team if you have any questions.