How to Manage Items and Assemblies

En Español

How to Create an Item

You can quickly create items for re-use on any project.

1. Click Items on the main navigation toolbar.
2. Click the ellipse (three dots) next to the folder where you want the item saved. (Create a new folder if needed.)
3. Select Create item here.
4. Fill in the Item Information fields.* (See field descriptions below.)
5. Click Add to save or Create and Add Another to quickly create similar items.

*You can edit these fields at any time by selecting the item from the list view. Any changes made to an item will affect all projects that contain that item. 

Item Information Field Descriptions

Item Name (required)

Create a name for the item; the material is commonly used as a starting point. The name can be as general or specific as your needs require - ex., 'Drywall' or '4 X 8 Drywall'.

Description (optional)

A description of the item, how it functions, or any requirements/specifications. This description will only appear on the Item Information screen.

Unit of Measure (required)

The takeoff measurement type. This field determines which drawing tools can be used with this item. You must choose one of the listed values from the dropdown.

Purchase Unit (required)

How you purchase the material, such as gallon, case, box, case, sq ft, 5-foot section, etc. This field will appear on reports and your estimate.

Coverage Rate (required)

You can use this to convert your takeoff quantities into a purchase unit. This is calculated by inputting numerical values for the items Unit of Measure and Purchase Unit from above (i.e., how many units of measure are in a purchase unit).

Examples:

• 375 Sq Ft. = 1 gallon
• 5 Lin Ft = 1 5-foot section
• 1 lin ft = 1 lin ft
• 500 lin ft = 1 coil

Cost Type (required)

You can apply multiple cost types to each item.* Equipment, labor, material, and subcontractor are preloaded options, or you can create a custom Company Cost Type in Account Settings/Company Settings. Check the box next to each cost type that you want to apply to the item. The data for each selected cost type will appear on Item Reports and the Material and Labor Estimate.

*If your purchase unit is a measurement (sq ft, lin ft, etc.) with one to one coverage rate, you can avoid creating separate items by applying multiple cost types like material AND labor to one item.

If your purchase unit is a physical item (board, tube, gallon, etc.), you can apply multiple cost types to the item but it might be easier to create separate items to represent the material, labor, equipment, etc.

Accounting Code (optional)

This could be part number, SKU number, or any code you want associated with the item. You can enter a different code for each cost type you choose.

Unit Cost (optional)

This is typically your purchase price, but you can include markup in the amount.

You can enter a different unit cost for each cost type you choose.

How to Add an Item to a Takeoff

You can quickly add item(s) to a takeoff.

How to Create an Assembly

Very similar to the process involving items, you can quickly group together items that are commonly used together to form an assembly for reuse on future projects.

1. Click Assemblies on the main navigation toolbar.
2. Click the ellipse (3 dots) next to the folder where you want the assembly saved. (Create a new folder if needed.)
3. Select Create assembly here.
4. Fill in the Basic Information fields. (See field descriptions below.)
5. Click Add.
6. Add existing STACK items or your own custom items to the required, depending on your needs (the items unit of measure must match the assembly).
7. Click Save once you’re finished.

*Assemblies will be listed in the order they are created

**You can edit the description fields and the associated items at any time by selecting the assembly from the list view

Assembly Field Descriptions

Basic Information

• Assembly Name - The name of the assembly (we recommend including the measurement type in the name).
• Assembly ID - Used to classify the assembly (optional)
• Unit of Measure - The takeoff measurement types (This field determines which drawing tools can be used with this assembly).
• Description - A quick description of the assembly and it’s intended use

Additional Information

• Required Items - Items that are always included in the assembly.
• Item Groups - Used to create a drop-down list of item variations (e.g. a group called ‘Drywall’ with a list drywall options in several thicknesses and sizes).
• Item Fields - Information pulled from the item and is not adjustable from the assembly view.

Assembly Formula Editor Overview

In an Excel-like fashion, you can edit your formulas and create custom variables for an assembly. By default, the formula column represents the respective item’s Coverage Rate but you can customize this field by clicking it.

• Operators - Standard mathematical operations, such as addition, multiplication, bracket notation, etc. (You can also use your keyboard to insert the desired operator).
• Variables - These represent conditions you want to be expressed in the formula (e.g. the height of the wall in feet can be expressed as WallHtinFt). Variables are specific to the assembly and their values are inputted when the assembly is attached to a takeoff.
• Test - This option will help you verify the accuracy of your formula and ensure your ‘expected’ results match the calculated results.

*Variable names do not allow special characters or spaces

**Formulas follow mathematical restrictions. (e.g. you cannot divide by ‘0’)

How to Edit an Assembly 

Any of the chosen values in an assembly can be updated.

How to Add an Assembly to a Takeoff

An assembly can be added before or after doing the takeoff.

If you need additional assistance, please Contact Us.