Item Costing Database

Good morning.

I need some pre-sales info (AutoDesk had me contact a local reseller for
this info. They could not provide an answer either....strange...)

Anyway, from the Getting Started Manual, I have learnt that AutoSketch 9.0
has the ability to report on item cost after you completed an office layout
diagram. E.g. cost per chair, desk PC etc.

My questions is, can I define my own cost per item or am I stuck with cost
that is included for pre-defined vendors ?
Can I generate some output that will show my total furniture cost ?
Can I export this data into something like Excel ?

On a more general note, I am planning to use the software for is creating
office and warehouse layouts.

Office layouts are fairly standard. I have standard size cubicles for
general staff and then layouts by supervisor, manager, director etc.Can I
define these once, and then just add them in as I design new layouts ?

Also, can I create my own custom objects? As an example, I may need to
create standard racking and shelving units, freight handling platforms etc.
Now, when I create a new warehouse layout, I would want to add and position
these standard objects in my drawing. Can this be done ?

Thank you for you help

Andre

 

Andre,
You will discover the amazing power of this program if you persevere.
The answers to all your questions is Yes
Allan

 

I don't use the database fields, but I know they are there and a little bit, so...

Yes - but you may have to over-write the existing symbols or create your own library. If you add a database field first, you can then assign that field (and a value) to the symbol when it's generated.
(Explode a symbol, then add it as a symbol again)
(remeber to save it in a file, otherwise it's just a symbol in your current drawing.)

Yes. You use a 'report' from the database menu... It will list all the entities in a drawing, filtered however you want (although I'm not sure about totals)

Yes. you can export to a CSV file that Excel can import.

Yes. you can group symbols together (or select multiple symbols) and add them as a new symbol - so a table with six chairs round it could be one entity or/and seven.

Yes. Content Librarian: Symbols - button at the bottom right.

Yes. Each symbol has an insertion point that may be set to anywhere in relation to the actual symbol. This acts the same as a centre point on a selection of objects.


Hope this helps
Gadget

 

Gadget,
Thanks for your input, that was more then i could have hoped
for!

Regards

Andre

own library. If you add a database field first, you can then assign that
field (and a value) to the symbol when it's generated.

entities in a drawing, filtered however you want (although I'm not sure
about totals)

them as a new symbol - so a table with six chairs round it could be one
entity or/and seven.

relation to the actual symbol. This acts the same as a centre point on a
selection of objects.