dODDS and ENDS

Autodesk QTO Backout Tool: A Few Cool Things About It

I am often reminded that even simple tools can make a huge difference when completing a takeoff with Autodesk Quantity Takeoff (QTO). The Backout (subtraction) tool is no exception to this. I was with a customer recently and was not only reminded why this is a fun little tool, but that it might have another use as well.

QTO Backout, located with the Manual Takeoff tools has 4 associated tools:

Polyline Backout:Allows for multiple points (lines and arcs) in the backout
Rectangle Backout:Creates and rectangle shape backout
Ellipse Backout:Creates and ellipses shape backout
Count Backout: Acts as a subtraction tool to delete count items from the takeoff

Using for Area Backout:
The Area backout tools are great for when you have an area that covers a portion of your takeoff where you need to perform a subtraction. See below images (Figure 1) for more info.

     

Figure 1: Image above shows backout tool removing area takeoff over column

Using for Linear Line Break:
As a good alternate use, the backout tool can also be used to "break" linear takeoffs. Take the example shown below. The takeoff was complete with a single line segment through a door, but maybe you have a workflow where you don't complete takeoffs that way. You could use backout tools (except count backout) to remove that portion of the Linear Takeoff that is in the door. See Figure 2.
       

Figure 2: Image above shows backout tool deleting line segment at the door

New Buzzsaw Sync Features Available Now

It's always great news when customer requests are heard and new features can be released into a product. Read below for more info on the latest release on Buzzsaw Sync.

Buzzsaw Sync, released in April 2010, has fundamentally changed and simplified how Autodesk customers manage and exchange multi-discipline models and project documents across distributed teams and external partners.  

“I used to spend 8 hours a week managing models.  With Buzzsaw Sync, it’s virtually zero hours.”   - John Mack, BIM Manager, Herrero Contractors, inc.

Buzzsaw Sync has already delivered proven efficiency improvements in our customer workflows.  With the SaaS-based delivery model for Buzzsaw, we are pleased that we can deliver new functionality to increase efficiencies and flexibility in model and document exchange.

Top three customer-requested Sync features available now.
We have received consistently positive responses from customers who are using Sync for their BIM and other model-based workflows.  Our customers have also consistently asked for the same three Buzzsaw Sync features that are now available:

Sync Subfolders:
Buzzsaw Sync now lets you create a Sync folder with subfolders in one easy step and keep the entire folder tree synchronized automatically.  

Scheduled Sync:
Buzzsaw Sync now provides three ways to control the timing and frequency of Sync:  you can Sync continuously; Sync at a scheduled time; or Sync only when you initiate “Sync Now.”  This level of flexibility supports multiple use cases and the unique process needs of our customers.

Full Permission Support:
Sync now expands beyond Admin and Edit users to allow all users at all permission levels to automatically sync files based on their access privileges.

 
 

Consolidate Important Project Emails in Buzzsaw:
In addition to the new Sync features, Buzzsaw now provides a simple way to include critical emails in the full project documentation set.  Users can simply drag and drop any Outlook email message to a Buzzsaw Sync folder (or directly onto a Buzzsaw folder in the desktop application) to store project-related emails with other project designs and documentation on Buzzsaw.  The Buzzsaw full-content search feature now supports Outlook MSG files, so users can find all indexed project information, including email, quickly and easily.

Download Info:
You can download the latest release here: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=9262136

Quick video on Buzzsaw Sync can be found from this link: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/index?siteID=123112&id=14245299

QTO Takeoff Property Problems? How to get Height and Thickness to Assign at Takeoff

Was working with a few customers the other day someone asked me why Height and Thickness always had to be manually changed for things like walls (see below image) after doing a Model Takeoff.

 

So I stopped and thought about it for a second and came to the realization that maybe I should share how to change the Publisher Mapping. This way you don't have to set the Height and Thickness for Revit based objects manually every time you complete a Model Takeoff. Here are the quick steps:

Edit pulldown menu > Preferences > Mapping tab
Change the Publisher dropdown to Revit Based

 
 
Now change the Height to Unconnected Height and Thickness to Width (as shown below). 

 

Select OK. The next time you perform a Model takeoff, your Height and Thickness should populate.