Material Conversions

A Material Conversion is a custom algorithm that converts a parent quantity into a quantity fitting for the material. A Material can have many Material Conversions which can be used in different estimating and ordering scenarios.

Material Conversions are used in automating estimates and orders. For instance, measurements coming from an outside source (aerial measurements, take-off service, etc) may provide the quantity data in square-feet, but you need the quantity in squares or bundles.


Since every measurement service has their own eccentricities, a Material Conversion allows you to dial in your quantities they way you like them.


If a Material Conversion is marked as default, this conversion will automatically attempt to set a quantity upon use within an estimate, work order, or material order.


Conversion Design

Conversion Name

  • Name of the conversion.
    • Names can be whatever you want, but it is a good idea to add content that refers to how the conversion operations (i.e. the above example name let's a User know this conversion converts SF to SQ based on custom data while adding 10% and rounding up).

Conversion Type

  • Inherit parent quantity - Source data will be inherited from the parent entity.
    • Example: If an Estimate Item Component is being created within and Estimate Item, the source quantity data will be the quantity listed within the Estimate Item.
  • Based on custom data - Source data will be inherited from custom fields within an Estimate or Work Order. When picked, a Work Order Custom Field is required. Trade Custom Fields are created in Settings, Trades (permission required), Custom Fields.
    • Example: If a Trade Custom Field called Roofing - Total Roof Area is created, the source quantity data will be the quantity listed there.

Conversion Factor

  • This allows the User to enter the conversion math to produce the desired results
    • Example: If the conversion factor is X 3, then the source quantity data will be multiplied by 3.
    • Example: If the conversion factor is / 100, then the source quantity data will be divided by 100.

Upsize Factor

  • A percentage value entered here will upsize the converted data by the percentage.
    • Example: If the upsize factor is .1, the the converted data will be increased by 10%.

Round up to nears whole number

  • This will round the convert data up to the nears whole number. This is useful when materials are not delivered in fractional quantities.
    • Example: If on, 2.78 will be rounded up to 3.

Is default

  • If this conversion is marked as default, this conversion will be used during automatic conversions if a Material Conversion is not specified.

Usage

Here are the notable locations where Material Conversions are commonly used.


Material List Item

If a Material Conversion is set within a Material List Item, that conversion that will get used wherever the Material List is used. If no default Material Conversion is set within a Material List Item, then the Material's default conversion will be used.


Estimate Item Component

If a Material Conversion is set within an Estimate Item Component, that conversion that will get used upon any update of the Estimate Item or Estimate Item Component.

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