This article walks through the complete Pipeline LBM (PLBM) workflow from performing a takeoff to generating a Bill of Materials (BOM). Understanding this end-to-end flow helps you know where each task is performed and what to expect at each stage.

High-level workflow

At a high level, the workflow follows this sequence:

1. Create or open a job in PLBM.
2. Import plan files and open the job in the Takeoff workspace.
3. Set sheet scale and perform takeoff measurements.
4. Sync quantities from the takeoff.
5. Generate and review the Bill of Materials in PLBM.

Detailed workflow

Step 1: Create or open a job

Every workflow starts with a job in PLBM. The job acts as the container for takeoff data, quantities, and Bills of Materials. Jobs can be created with or without plan files attached.

If the job does not yet include plan files, you will import them before starting your takeoff.

Step 2: Import plan files and open the Takeoff workspace

Plan files are imported and worked on in the Takeoff workspace. Once a job is opened, its associated PDF sheets are loaded so you can begin preparing for measurement.

At this stage, you may rename sheets or remove any sheets you do not need.

Step 3: Set sheet scale and perform takeoff

Before measuring, you must set the sheet scale. The scale ensures that lengths, areas, and counts are calculated accurately.

After scale is set, you perform takeoff measurements using counts, linear measurements, and area measurements. These measurements are stored with the job in the Takeoff workspace.

Step 4: Sync quantities to PLBM

When your takeoff is ready, you sync your quantities from the Takeoff workspace to PLBM. Syncing sends quantity data, not plan files.

You can sync multiple times as your takeoff evolves. Each sync updates the quantities available in PLBM based on the latest measurements.

Step 5: Generate and review the Bill of Materials

In PLBM, synced quantities are used to generate a Bill of Materials. PLBM applies estimating logic, such as multipliers, rounding rules, products, and spec sets, to calculate final material quantities.

After generating the BOM, you can review, edit quantities, apply spec sets, and export reports as needed.

Important notes

• Editing a BOM in PLBM does not change the original measurements in the takeoff.
• Syncing quantities does not automatically generate a BOM; you must generate it in PLBM.
• If takeoff data is deleted and re-synced, PLBM quantities may be updated or removed accordingly.