Available and unavailable lengths control how linear measurements from the Takeoff workspace are converted into material quantities in Pipeline LBM (PLBM). Understanding this distinction helps ensure quantities are calculated correctly and prevents unexpected results during syncing or Bill of Materials (BOM) generation.
If a user selects unavailable lengths, PLBM will display a notification prompting the user to select the correct lengths.
What are available and unavailable lengths?
Lengths define which material sizes can be used when converting linear takeoff measurements into material quantities. They are configured as part of the Material Group setup in PLBM and referenced during quantity calculation.
Available lengths are material sizes that PLBM is allowed to use when calculating quantities.
When a length is available:
- PLBM can select that length during quantity calculation.
- Quantities are rounded or segmented using allowed lengths.
- The material can appear in the BOM using that size.
Unavailable lengths are material sizes that exist but should not be used for quantity calculation.
When a length is unavailable:
- PLBM does not use that length when calculating quantities.
- Quantities are calculated using other available lengths instead.
- The unavailable size will not appear in the BOM output.
Where lengths are configured
Available and unavailable lengths are:
- Defined within Material Group configuration in PLBM.
- Applied automatically when the takeoff quantities are synced.
- Used by PLBM during estimating and BOM generation.
How available vs unavailable lengths affect syncing
During sync, the Takeoff workspace sends raw measured quantities to PLBM. PLBM then applies Material Group configuration, including available and unavailable lengths, to determine how quantities are calculated and displayed.
Important behaviors:
- Changing length availability affects future quantity calculations.
- After refreshing the browser or a 60 sec delay, sync again to apply the current configuration.
- Existing BOMs may not update until they are regenerated.
Example scenario
If a Material Group allows 8 ft and 10 ft lengths but marks 12 ft as unavailable, PLBM will calculate quantities using only 8 ft and 10 ft segments. Even if a 12 ft length exists in the system, it will not be selected during calculation.
Common issues related to lengths
Unexpected quantity rounding: Review which lengths are marked as available in the Material Group.
Expected material size missing from the BOM: Verify the length is not marked as unavailable.
Quantities change after configuration updates: Regenerate the BOM to apply updated length rules.
Best practices
To avoid confusion and rework:
- Review available lengths before performing large takeoffs.
- Avoid changing length availability mid-project unless necessary.
- Refresh the Takeoff workspace and re-sync quantities after configuration changes.
- Regenerate BOMs only when ready to apply new rules.