Vico Office Takeoff Manager examines the BIM model geometry, applies special algorithms, and produces construction-caliber quantities necessary for 4D BIM scheduling and 5D BIM estimating.

 

It only makes sense that construction-caliber quantities are extracted after the various models have been put through clash detection and coordination.  Now the quantities are even more precise for estimators and schedulers.

 

The Takeoff Manager module is necessary (along with Vico Office Client) for both downstream activities: 4D scheduling and 5D estimating.  The scheduler and estimator must have the quantities to power their activities.

 

After reading through these questions, please navigate across the product line:

Vico Office Client FAQs

Vico Office Constructability Manager FAQs

Vico Office Cost Planner FAQs

Vico Office Cost Explorer FAQs

Vico Control FAQs

Vico Doc Set Manager FAQs 

 

Q:  Is it possible to use Uniformat and MasterFormat in Takeoff Manager?

 

A:  Takeoff Manager uses CSI MasterFormat and Uniformat. For the element level when we link a pad footing, let’s say, to something in the Cost Planner the footing is classified to Uniformat level because that is an elemental cost plan breakdown. Then the activities which go into constructing that footing, as in the formwork, concrete, and rebar, are classified in MasterFormat and the resources are also classified in MasterFormat. So then we can view the cost plan in two ways… We can look at the cost per element or the cost per actual activity so we use a mix and match.  Again, it’s country-specific - the new rules of measurement in the UK currently works where you just keep breaking the element down into the activities and it all has a similar structure. We can cater for all different ways.

 

Q:   Many objects in Revit are modeled as generic objects. When they are exported to Vico Office do we have the count for those objects? Is there any way to get dimensional data from these generic models?

 

A:   If something is just a simple object such as a wall we can quantify them and measure them with the onscreen measuring tool to get the exact quantities. But if it is an object that has come from a Revit library then we will have less available quantities. What we can do is we can try changing the algorithm so could change it from object to a wall to generate more useful quantities so again just because we’ve got something from an architect in a particular way we can try different algorithms to see if we can get the quantities required.

 

Q:   Can you demonstrate how you verify complete quantities by viewing the graphic model?

 

A:  We can choose one way, two way, three way and four way views and if we select the model in one of the views and the Takeoff Manager in the other view… If we select any item in Takeoff Manager it will show that item in the model. So it is quite interactive between any views that we choose to show together.

 

Here is a quick video which shows how the model is visually connected to the takeoff line item and the cost plan line item.

 

 

Q:  Can you tell us more about the Takeoff Manager quantity extraction algorithms?

 

A:  The construction-caliber quantities reported in Vico Office Takeoff Manager are not a direct report from the BIM model. The quantities are a derivation of the model geometry to which an intelligent algorithm is applied.  It is very important to note that there is not an "easy button" for quantity takeoff which results in construction-caliber quantities.  Please watch the following two tutorials to learn much more about the algorithms.

 

 

Here is another example of the intelligent algorithms applied to model geometry so that we can extract quantities from the BIM.

 

 

Q: How do the quantities from Takeoff Manager get used by Estimators to start building the estimate?

 

A: Using construction-caliber quantities derived from the BIM model geometry, estimators can quickly hone iterative cost plans to arrive at the estimate.  The important piece to remember is that the quantities are visual - the quantity takeoff can be viewed as a spreadsheet next to the BIM model.  When the estimator clicks on a quantity takeoff item, the corresponding elements in the model are highlighted.  Estimators can be certain that the quantities are accurate by amending a mis-labeled element and/or "painting" the correct element so that it is included in the count.

 

This video explains the estimating workflow from quantity takeoff, to setting a target cost, and then working on the cost plan.

 

 

Q: How do you identify which elements have missing quantities and then how do you address that?

 

A:  Vico Office Takeoff Manager understands that not all BIM elements will be modeled correctly. Users can quickly filter on missing quantities, interrogate the model, and manually add missing quantities.

 

Here is a quick tutorial to illustrate that feature.