The Takeoff workspace is where you perform digital takeoffs from plan files. Pipeline LBM (PLBM) is the estimating and materials system that receives quantities from the Takeoff workspace and converts them into a Bill of Materials (BOM). Together, these tools support an end-to-end workflow from plan measurement to material output.
- The Takeoff workspace is where you open plan files, set scale, and perform measurements.
- PLBM is where quantities are calculated, organized, and turned into a Bill of Materials.
- Quantities move from the Takeoff workspace to PLBM through a sync process.
How the Takeoff workspace works
In the Takeoff workspace, you work directly with plan sheets to capture measurements. These measurements are created using tools such as counts, linear measurements, and area measurements. Before measuring, you set the sheet scale so quantities are calculated accurately.
As you work, the Takeoff workspace stores measurement data with the job. It focuses on accuracy and usability during the takeoff process rather than pricing or product selection.
The Takeoff workspace is responsible for:
- Working with plan files
- Measuring counts, lengths, and areas
- Capturing accurate takeoff data
How Pipeline LBM works
PLBM uses estimating logic, products, key measures, and configuration to convert takeoff quantities into material quantities. This includes applying multipliers, rounding rules, and product relationships.
PLBM is also where Bills of Materials are generated, reviewed, edited, and exported. Manual edits, spec sets, and reporting all occur in PLBM rather than the Takeoff workspace.
PLBM is responsible for:
- Applying estimating logic
- Managing products, key measures, and spec sets
- Generating, editing, and exporting Bills of Materials
How the Takeoff workspace and PLBM work together
The connection between the Takeoff workspace and PLBM is managed through syncing quantities. When you sync, the Takeoff workspace sends measured quantities to PLBM. PLBM then applies estimating logic to generate or update quantities and Bills of Materials.
Important things to know about sync:
- Sync sends quantity data from the Takeoff workspace to PLBM; it does not send plan files.
- Sync does not automatically generate a Bill of Materials. You must generate the BOM in PLBM.
- Changes made directly in PLBM do not change the original measurements in the Takeoff workspace.
Typical end-to-end workflow
A typical workflow using the Takeoff workspace and PLBM looks like this:
- Create or open a job in PLBM.
- Import plan files and open the job in the Takeoff workspace.
- Set sheet scale and perform takeoff measurements in the Takeoff workspace.
- Sync quantities from the Takeoff workspace to PLBM.
- Generate and review the Bill of Materials in PLBM.
Common questions
Do I work in the Takeoff workspace or PLBM first? Most users start in the Takeoff workspace to perform takeoffs, then move to PLBM to review and generate Bills of Materials.
Does changing a BOM change my takeoff? No. Editing a BOM in PLBM does not modify the original measurements in the Takeoff workspace.
Can I sync more than once? Yes. You can sync quantities multiple times as your takeoff evolves.