> 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/creating-from-dietrichs/delivery-journey/dimension-take-off-and-material-lists/material-list-tutorial-part-ii.md). # 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 *** {% embed url="" %} #### #### **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 *** #### **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