Assemblies are a great way to combine commonly-used items together into one package, ensuring you have everything you need to represent the takeoff. Just like items, assemblies are added to takeoffs, as needed, to automatically convert takeoff data into your material, labor, equipment, subcontracting, and other various items. Assemblies also allow you to modify the coverage rate of an item to reflect a custom formula, like adding multiple layers or adding a default waste percentage.
More on Items and Assemblies
Topics
Assembly Layout
An assembly is organized into three sections:
Basic Information
Required Items
Items Groups
Use the guide below to learn more about the layout of an assembly.
Field | Description |
1. Assembly Name | Required, Text. Name of the assembly |
2. Assembly ID | Optional, Text. Unique ID of the assembly |
3. Unit of Measure | Required, Drop-down. The related measurement type the assembly is intended for |
4. Description | Optional, Text. Provide a description of the assembly, how it functions, or any requirements |
5. Delete | Deletes the entire assembly, including listed items and formulas NOTE: Cannot be undone. |
6. Cancel | Cancels current interaction with assembly NOTE: Changes made to the assembly are automatically saved. This does not cancel the latest changes made to the assembly. |
7. Save As | Make a copy of the current assembly, including structure, items, and current formulas |
8. Save | Save latest changes made to an assembly |
9. Required Items | Lists current required items within an assembly |
10. Add Required Items | Add more items to the required item section |
11. Formula Editor | Edit the existing formula |
12. Delete Item | Deletes the listed item and its formula NOTE: Cannot be undone. |
13. Item Groups | List of current item groups within an assembly |
14. Add Group | Add a new item group to the assembly |
15. Edit Item Group Name | Required, Text. Rename the item group |
16. Delete Item Group | Deletes the entire item group, including listed items and formulas NOTE: Cannot be undone. |
17. Arrow Down | Moves item down one in the list |
18. Arrow Up | Moves item up one in the list |
Item Categories
Assemblies organize your items into two categories:
Required items
Items Groups
Depending on which category you add an item to, the item will either be added automatically or you will need to select an option from a drop-down list.
Required Items
Required Items are always included when you add the assembly in a project. They represent an item that does not change from project to project. For example, when I paint a room, I will always use tape to mark the boundaries. Since I always use the same type of tape for every project, I will add the tape item to Required Items.
Item Groups
Item groups are used to make a drop-down list of items to choose from, such as items that differ in size, shape, or finish. Select one of the listed items when you add the assembly to a takeoff in a project. For example, I may list different tile sizes under an item group called "Choose Tile". When I add the assembly to the takeoff in a project, I can choose the appropriate tile size for the project.
Within the Assembly | Within the Takeoff |
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You can reorder your item list by using the Arrow Up or Arrow Down next to each item. The item will move up or down one line, respectively.
Other Functions
Formulas
Formulas are the calculation performed to quantify the item by converting a takeoff variable into the purchase unit of the item. By default, the item’s assigned Coverage Rate will be used, but more complex formulas can be generated to allow for real-world variations (multiple layers, thickness, etc).
STACK assemblies are restricted to the listed formula. If you need to amend a formula, see our article on How to Customize a STACK Assembly and Working with Assembly Formulas.