# Material List Tutorial - Part II

### Advanced Customization and Profile Beam Lists

### **Prerequisites**

* **Completion of Part I:** Creating Timber Lists - Basic material list generation&#x20;
* **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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{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuMLmwNoVYs>" %}

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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

***

#### **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
