Content in use:
LINE ITEMS: The resulting output of any assembly is a series of line items. Can be added directly to assembly and given a quantity formula, OR built into a choice that is then added to the assembly
VARIABLES: Variables are defined by the user on the VARIABLES tabs. Will always be a numeric entry. [Length, Width, Depth, etc]
o Suggested Format:
- ProperCase with no spaces
- As short and distinct as possible
- For variables specific to an assembly, maintain a similar naming convention so they are easy to find (StairsTreadCount, StairsTreadWidth, Etc)
- CHOICES: This is our visual “decision matrix” tool. Add all necessary items, and add questions to determine which item(s) are going to be added
- For an item to be added, the appropriate answers for each question in the choice must be answered in a satisfactory manner. You can click in each cell on the row of a specific item to see what the conditions must
- Will always be a dropdown selection
- Answers in a choice can NOT be used to quantify a line item [Depth should be a variable, not a dropdown selection. Dropdown answers can’t be used to calculate a volume, for example]
Steps to Develop Assembly
- Generate an assembly map
- Determine the dimension inputs you expect [variables]
- Determine the selections you expect to make [choices]
- Identify all UPC items needed [ line items ]
- Develop choices
- Add choices to assembly
- Add Quantity Formulas to each assembly item
- Setup up Questions tab**
- Test
- Revise
- Complete!
Best Practices for Choices
- Make sure you have enough questions to be as specific as a scenario requires
- 1 question is plenty, IF that gives you the fidelity you need
- Nosing type – Bronze, Cast Iron, Aluminum?
- 4 questions or more is fine if required – you will determine what “feels” right when testing
- In general, avoid using math operators in the “dropdown” values
- 5/8” should be 5/8 in
- Avoids possible issues in Ask When setup**
Setting up the Questions Tab and the Ask When column
Order questions in whatever order you want to see by changing the value in the order column
- Type your destination number, and all the rest will recalculate automatically
- We can reorder variables and the whole choice within the assembly
- Re-arranging the specific questions within the choices requires edits on the Choices view in Data Manager
- Use the Ask When column to choose when a question is presented to the user
- The logic that system creates if [WHATEVER THE USER TYPES] is True, then show this variable or Choice
- Only show when area is greater than zero? Just type in [ Area > 0 ]
- To reference a Question within a choice for Ask When column….
- Choice Name.Question = “[Value in Dropdown”]
- Stairs Ladders.Type = “Ladders”
- This variable only shows when I say that the pass is specific to ladders
Testing Assembly
- Connect to the database in estimator and open new estimate
- Test assembly
- Note changes you want to make, click over to Data Manager (which can be open this whole time)
- Make edits
- By closing the “Add Assemblies” window and re-clicking that button in Estimate View, Estimator should refresh DB connection and immediately reflect your Data Manager edits
- If not, Home > Connect to Database > Your Database
- Forced refresh, now you can go test!