Material Groups define how measured quantities in the Takeoff workspace are organized and mapped to materials in Pipeline LBM (PLBM). They act as a bridge between takeoff measurements and estimating logic, helping ensure quantities sync correctly and appear in the right sections of a Bill of Materials (BOM).

A Material Group is a configuration entity within PLBM that groups related materials for estimation purposes. In the Takeoff workspace, takeoff measurements refer to Material Groups to determine how quantities are categorized when synchronized with PLBM.

How PLBM uses Material Groups

When you perform a takeoff, each measurement is associated with a Material Group. This association determines where the quantity will appear in PLBM after syncing.

Material Groups:

• Control how quantities are grouped when synced.
• Influence available lengths or options for certain measurements.
• Must exist in PLBM to sync successfully.

Material Groups help apply estimating logic and organize quantities into BOM sections. They do not store measurements themselves, but they determine how synced quantities are interpreted and displayed.

What happens if a Material Group is deleted

If a Material Group is deleted in PLBM but still referenced by existing takeoff data, the Takeoff workspace may continue to display the group locally. However, deleted Material Groups cannot sync successfully back to PLBM.

Best practices

To avoid sync and quantity issues:

• Keep Material Group configuration up to date in PLBM.
• Avoid deleting Material Groups that are still used by active takeoffs.
• Refresh the Takeoff workspace after making Material Group changes in PLBM.