If you are using the Navisworks Integrator, this new version is required for Bridge 2.19 Compatibility.
Also note that Navisworks 2016 is no longer supported
Install the Navisworks Integrator AFTER installing Bridge 2.19
Navisworks Integrator Ver 2.19.50.104 may be downloaded HERE
eTakeoff Bridge Ver 2.19.12.504 Available
If you are upgrading Bridge from a version earlier than 2.16.12.4, you will need to perform a Bridge Database Conversion.
Please read the Bridge Database Conversion document for complete instructions BEFORE performing this Bridge Upgrade
Changes in Bridge Version 2.19.12.504
Compatibility
This version of Bridge requires the following minimum software versions
eTakeoff Dimension version 6.0-1 or above
Autodesk Navisworks Manage or Simulate (2017/2018/2019)
eTakeoff Navisworks Integrator version 2.19.50.104
Assemble Systems Desktop - Contact Assemble Systems for current version information
Sage Pervasive Estimating
Version 16.1 (REV 5 + Hotfix 3)
Version 17.1.3 (REV 3)
AUSTRALIA ONLY Version 18.1
Sage SQL Estimating
Version 17.12.17272.302
Version 17.13.17326.401
Version 18.11.1807.251
Version 18.12.1810.182
Version 19.11.1907.201
Minimum O/S Requirement
Compatible with Sage O/S requirements
Bridge 2.19 also requires .NET Framework 4.6.2
The Sage SQL installation includes .NET 4.6.2 as part of the installation process.
Also, .NET 4.6.2 is included in the Windows 10 Anniversary Update Edition and Windows Server 2016 and may be installed on other OS versions (Windows 8.1 & Windows 7 SP1)
If you have any questions about your environment, check with your IT professional.
REMINDER: If performing any updates/changes to Sage Estimating, be certain to install/reinstall Bridge AFTER the Sage update.
If the Navisworks Integrator is already installed, that installation will be unaffected.
If you are using Sage Pervasive Estimating, have created Mapping Histories in Bridge AND will be migrating your Pervasive Databases to SQL,
there is a document outlining how you may copy your Pervasive Bridge Mapping History to create new matching mappings for your migrated Sage SQL database.
Please click HERE for detailed instructions.
2.19 Bridge is a major upgrade release! Review this list of changes.
Sage Estimating 19.11 compatibility
This version of Bridge is now compatible Sage SQL Estimating Version 19.11.1907.201
eTakeoff Dimension compatibility
A new version of Dimension Takeoff has been released - Version 6.0-5.
Note that this version of Dimension requires a database conversion.
If you are using eTakeoff Dimension 2D Takeoff, this version of Bridge REQUIRES Dimension 6.0-1 as a minimum version for compatibility and will not run if a prior version of Dimension is installed.
For Standalone installations (not using Client/Server), Dimension will notify the user at startup that a database conversion is required and then automatically perform the conversion process.
Client/Server users will need to run a Conversion Utility against the Dimension database on the server.
Follow these instructions regarding the file conversion.
Install the new Dimension version BEFORE installing Bridge 2.19!
Dimension New Setup may be downloaded HERE or the Upgrade Setup may be downloaded HERE
The Bridge Online Training Guide has been completely rewritten
You may now access the new User Guide from within Bridge by going to FILE/HELP and clicking on the DISPLAY ONLINE TRAINING GUIDE option.
The new Guide will also contain information regarding all the new changes.
New Bridge Multiple Assignment Processing method
IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ BEFORE INSTALLING THIS VERSION OF BRIDGE!
We are changing the way multiple assignments operate in Bridge!
Currently, most (if not all) Bridge users maintain a single, or one-to-one relationship between takeoff measurements (objects/traces) and Estimating objects (items/Assemblies).
Each takeoff measurement/object is assigned to generate a single estimating Item/Assembly.
If you currently use Bridge in this manner, then you may immediately install this version of Bridge.
Refer to the next section below entitled 'How Multiple Assignments Work' for more information on this new feature.
If you currently use Multiple Assignments in Bridge, please do NOT install this version until you review the following statements!
If you do have existing multiple assignments in Bridge (a single Trace mapped to multiple Sage items/Assemblies), then you know these assignments are only allowed in Semi-Automatic
Mode and enable a manual takeoff Selection to be made between several item/assembly options.
We are changing the way Bridge processes multiple assignments to expand on Bridge's capabilities.
Since the existing multiple assignment process may be accomplished in other ways (such as creating a separate trace for each item/assembly link),
we are responding to user requests to allow multiple assignments to be made and generated in both Full and Semi-Automatic modes.
Before installing this version of Bridge, you should remove all existing multiple assignments in the Manage Assignment History dialog.
Once that is completed, you may then install this version of Bridge.
If you need help in creating an alternative to your existing multiple assignments, please contact Sage Technical Support.
How the new Multiple Assignment feature works
Bridge now allows multiple assignments in both Semi and Fully Automatic modes.
This is useful if you need to generate multiple estimating items or assemblies from a single takeoff measurement or object.
When you press the AUTO button, Bridge will find and list all the multiple assignments for each takeoff measurement.
You may either manually send them to the estimate as you wish, or, in the case of Full Auto designation, you may press the Auto-Submit button to generate ALL the multiple assignments to the Estimate.
For example, if you have a simple schematic outline with general square foot measurements for a proposed building,
you could generate multiple Estimating items/assemblies (floors, walls, roof) from each measurement to create a very complete conceptual estimate.
The HIDE ASSIGNED button in Takeoff, will NOT hide the takeoff measurements until ALL the multiple assignments have been made.
If using the Auto-Submit button in Full Auto mode, most often all the assignments will be generated in one pass, but if operating in Semi-Auto mode,
all possible assignments for the measurement will have to be sent to Estimating before the Hide Assigned will hide the takeoff measurement
As a safety measure, during setup, if you create additional assignments to the same takeoff object, Bridge will warn you that you're about to create a multiple assignment to ensure that this is what you intend.
Finally, note that these are AUTO mode options only.
They do not affect Manual mode operation.
If you drag a single measurement onto a specific assigned item/assembly in Sage, only that assignment is generated.
All the other possible assignments to other items/assemblies are not generated.
New Dimension Trace Utility created to streamline creation of Dimension Traces from Sage Database
SQL ONLY
This is a new standalone utility similar conceptually to the Sage Database Editor.
The purpose is to access the Sage Database to enable creating a master list of Dimension Traces inside Dimension Takeoff.
If you have an existing Sage database, then this will be the most efficient way to create a matching Dimension Trace library.
During the install of Bridge, a new Icon/shortcut will be placed on the desktop titled 'Dimension Trace Utility'
This utility is a setup tool to save you time in creating a Library of eTakeoff Dimension Traces (measurements).
You select specific items or assemblies from your Sage database.
You may then enter details for the Takeoff Traces such as units, colors, graphic indicators, etc.
The utility will automatically populate as many of the options as possible.
The Trace information created by this utility will be exported into two files for importing into Dimension and Bridge
A Dimension TSX file
The TSX file may be imported into Dimension via the IMPORT STANDARDS function and will create the Dimension Traces/Extension/Layers, etc.
A Bridge BPX file
The BPX file may be imported into Bridge via the IMPORT ASSIGNMENT HISTORY function and will populate the Assignment History Catalog with the variable mappings).
After importing into Dimension and Bridge
Once the .tsx and .bpx are imported into Dimension and Bridge
The Dimension Trace List will now have new traces which are based on the Sage coding structure
Trace Extensions with Assembly and Item formula variables
The Dimension WBS codes and their values from Sage
The Dimension Layers List (using Sage Phases/Assembly groups)
The Bridge variable mapping back to Sage Estimating
For items with no formulas/variables, the utility may automatically complete the Bridge Mapping.
For Items and Assemblies with variables, there will need to be additional manual mapping, which may be done within the utility.
If you use If/Then or other Logic in your assemblies, there may be additional editing required in Dimension Extensions.
See the 'Bridge Quick Start Guide' for more information.
The Trace utility
Does NOT retain previous work
Each time it starts, it is a fresh beginning.
You should note what prior work was done and start from there.
It is best to organize your work by groups/phases/etc. and export the TSX/BPX files as you work your way through the Sage Database.
Additional exports will simply add to the current Dimension Traces as they're created.
Full instructions on how to use this utility may be accessed via the HELP button on the ribbon bar inside the new Utility.
Allow mapping all Takeoff Variables to the Sage Assembly Name Field
You may now map any variable in the Takeoff Pane to the Sage Assembly Name field.
This includes the Takeoff Pane Header field, which contains the takeoff object description.
You have the option of APPENDING the variable to the Assembly Name or REPLACING it.
This is especially useful if you would like the assembly name on the Estimate spreadsheet to reflect the contents of a particular Takeoff variable value.
For example, you could append the Dimension LOCATION code to the assembly name so the Estimate spreadsheet will contain the 'Assembly - Location' combination as the spreadsheet description.
Likewise, in BIM, the architect may have named a Wall group 'Interior 4-7/8" Partition (1-hr)' but used a generic 'basic wall' name for the actual object.
You may select that Group Identifier in the Assemble Desktop or the Navisworks integrator so it is passed to Bridge in the Takeoff Pane Header.
From there you may map it to the Sage Assembly Name field.
Now any time that object is taken off in BIM, the 'Interior 4-7/8" Partition (1-hr)' description will become the Assembly Name on the Sage spreadsheet.
To use, just drag the selected variable onto the Assembly Name field in the Sage Resource pane.
When you drop the variable, you will be given the option to either replace or append to the Assembly Name.
To delete the mapping and restore the original assembly name, right click and select Delete.
Variable Mappings may now be deleted with a context menu option
To delete variable mappings in the Estimate Resource pane, you currently enter a manual value in the variable, which will display a warning message and then delete the existing mapping.
Now you may also delete mappings by right clicking on the mapping and opening a context menu option to delete the mapping.
Full Auto Mode now allows submitting a Selection of objects
In AUTO mode the green 'Submit Fully Automatic Assignments' button currently sends all Fully Automatic Assignments in the Resource list to the estimate.
You may now make a selection of takeoff measurements to be submitted by using the standard windows CTRL-Click and SHIFT-click keys.
Make your selection, then press the Auto Submit button to send only those assignments to the Estimate.
Allow Full Auto submission of Takeoff CHANGES to the Estimate.
Currently, in Review Mode, any Takeoff changes must be manually dropped into the Assignment Pane and 'approved' before sending to the Estimate.
Now you may also use the Auto Submit button to automatically send all Takeoff CHANGES to the estimate.
First you must click on the UNCHANGED ITEMS filter icon (to turn it off) so ONLY CHANGED measurements/objects are listed in the resource list.
This will activate the green Auto Submit button.
Pressing the Auto Submit button will send all changed measurements in the
resource list to the Estimate.
There is also a new User Preferences tab called 'Auto-Change Options'
This tab allows you to pass additional information to Estimating during the Auto-Change process.
There are two options
Allow appending text to Assembly Name - this will open a window beforethe changes are processed, asking for a common text phrase to be appended to each Assembly nameaffected by the changes.
For example, you could use this to append a Revision number to the spreadsheet assembly name of all the changed measurements.
Allow entering Assembly Notes
This will open a window before the changes are processed asking for a common set of Notes to be added to each assembly affected by the changes.
SQL Select-at-Takeoff has Search capability
The Select-at-Takeoff dialog now includes a search capability.
This is only applicable to Sage SQL Estimating.
The Custom Mode button may now be hidden
There are three primary MODE buttons on the HOME tab of the Bridge Ribbon Bar
Manual
Automatic
Review
There is also a fourth button labeled 'Custom'
This button enables you to create your own 'Mode' button to display your own custom designed information in the Resource Pane.
If you don't use the Custom button, you now have the option to hide it from display.
Go to the SETTINGS/PREFERENCES/DISPLAY OPTIONS tab and uncheck the 'Display Custom Mode' option
Export Assignments has been renamed
The FILE/HISTORY option 'Export Assignments' has been changed to 'Manage Assignments'.
This dialog may still be used to export assignments, but it now has added functionality, which is described in the next section.
Manage Assignments has new functionality
In addition to the name change, there have been some significant enhancements to the 'Export Assignments' dialog.
The Import and Delete dropdown has been relocated to the dialog header.
It operates as before, allowing you to make selections in the list, then choosing the appropriate option to start the export or delete functions.
A new right-click context option has been added when the cursor is positioned on one of the subordinate assignments.
This new option 'View Details', will enable you to open a modal window that will display the mapping information for the assignment.
The top section of the Detail window displays the Estimate/Takeoff variable mappings.
Similar to the Bridge Resource and Primary Takeoff window relationship, you may view the existing Estimate/Takeoff mapping,
as well as change or create new mappings by dragging and dropping variables from the Primary takeoff column into the Estimate Resource column.
The bottom of the window lists all the Estimate Detail window COLUMNS (loc/wbs/etc.) and their mappings.
Only mappings that apply to the entire column will appear.
If there are multiple variable mappings within the column, then you will see the word <various> displayed.
New assignments cannot be created in this window.
You may only edit existing assignments that have already been created in the standard Bridge Assignment Pane.
However, if you have Sage assemblies or formulas using IF/THEN logic, an advantage of doing additional variable mapping in this pane is that instead of being subjected to the Assembly logic
and having to answer the Sage variables so the proper variable appears in the list so it may be mapped, in this dialog ALL the sage variables are listed, so you may map all the variables
without having to manage the formula or assembly logic.
Note also, that if there are any BLANK fields in the Takeoff variable column, then you know you have not mapped all the Estimating variables (which could be perfectly fine, but is now easier to detect.)
Each of the columns may be sorted by clicking on the column header.
The default sort order is based on the Assembly variable list.
Clicking the header will change the sort to ascending or descending order.
The third click will return to the default order.
The assignment's Automatic mode status (Full-Auto or Semi-Auto) is displayed on the header.
You may change the mode by selecting the option from the dropdown list.
NOTE: Prior versions of Bridge did not store ALL the estimating variables, only those that were mapped.
Thus, EXISTING ASSIGNMENT VARIABLES WILL NOT BE PROPERLY DISPLAYED in this window.
Normally we would convert the file information during the update, but the only way Bridge may identify all the possible Estimate and Takeoff variables is to have an open Bridge with existing measurements
Since a catalog may contain assignments created between multiple takeoff systems as well as different estimating databases there simply is not an automated method to update old Assignments.
This is best done manually as you work with your Assignments.
Assignments that require updating will have an 'Update Required' notice displayed on the Assignment Pane header.
There are several ways to update existing assignments
Create a 'demo' takeoff of all takeoff objects/traces.
Then use Bridge in either the semi or full auto modes to generate the takeoff into a 'demo' estimate.
As each takeoff is sent to the estimate, Bridge will update the assignment history for that catalog for each measurement.
Use the assignment in a project.
By sending a measurement to the Estimate, Bridge will automatically update the assignment history for that catalog with all Takeoff and Estimate variables.
This will update existing assignments over time.
Open an existing Bridge.
Then click the REFRESH button on the header in this detail window.
This will update the assignment history for that catalog for each measurement found in the open Bridge.
One-Time-Items may be added to Sage Database
The One-Time-Item button on the Estimate Detail Pane currently opens a dialog allowing you to create a one-time-item on the fly to be included in the Estimate.
That dialog has been expanded to include the option of adding an ITEM Code and automatically adding the item to the Sage Database.
New One-Time-Item and Setup method introduced
SQL Estimating Only
One-Time-Items are currently added to the estimate by clicking on the One-Time-Item (OTI) button on the Estimate Details Pane header,
which allows adding one-off items in either the Bridge Manual Item or Assembly modes.
We have now added another method of adding OTIs to the estimate.
This new method operates only in the Manual ITEM mode.
It may be used in 2 ways
First Use: A new way to create OTIs.
Instead of having to click the OTI button in the Estimate Detail Pane and filling in all the fields,
this new method allows the estimator to quickly create a new OTI by dragging an existing measurement from ANY takeoff system directly onto the appropriate Sage PHASE in the Resource List.
A new item is immediately created in the Estimate Detail pane with the description, quantity and unit of the takeoff measurement.
The ITEM Code field contains a vertical bar, which is the representation of an OTI.
You may modify the item description and unit if needed.
You may also drag any Primary Takeoff variables onto the OTI to fill in loc/wbs codes and then just click on the SEND TO ESTIMATE button.
The OTI will be sent to the Estimate under that Phase.
All five Estimating Categories will be created.
Second Use: Add new takeoff items to the Sage Database on-the-fly.
In this case you are dropping the measurement onto the Sage PHASE as above, but when the OTI is created in the Estimate Detail window,
you may now directly enter an ITEM CODE to position the item where you want it to appear in the Sage database under that Phase.
Immediately after you leave the ITEM CODE field, the new item is added to the Sage database!
Note also, the Primary Takeoff qty is automatically mapped to the item qty and the History type will be defaulted to AUTO.
You may now map additional variables (Loc/wbs/etc.) as necessary, add the pass as you normally would, and SEND TO THE ESTIMATE.
Note that the new Sage Item is added on the Sage Resource List. You may now click the AUTO button,
and Bridge will find all instances of that measurement in takeoff and allow you to automatically send them all to Sage with the Auto Submit button.
Note that you may change the 'new; one-time-item's Description and Unit measure PRIOR to entering an Item Code.
After you enter the Item Code and press ENTER, the item is physically written to the Sage Database, so those fields are no longer able to be changed here.
If you are new to Sage Estimating and do not have a working Database, you may use this method to create a Sage database on-the-fly while doing Takeoff.
Also, if you're creating a new measurement trace during takeoff and you want to also add it to your Sage database,
you may accomplish that by just entering an Item Code and clicking SEND TO ESTIMATE.
The new Item is completely mapped and immediately available for takeoff in Dimension and Sage.
Note that items created in this manner default to FULL AUTO Mode.
If you'd like to change the default to Semi-Auto mode, then go to SETTINGS/USER PREFERENCES/DISPLAY OPTIONS and uncheck the 'Default One-Item Auto items to Fully Automatic History Type' option.
Multi-User capability enhanced in Bridge
You may now set the User ID in Bridge to FILTER the Bridge Automatic and Review Mode functions.
This enhancement applies to DIMENSION 2D Takeoff only.
It does not apply to other takeoff methods integrating with Bridge.
As you know, Dimension Takeoff is multi-user capable, allowing multiple estimators to do takeoff within the same project, even on the same drawing.
By setting the USER ID, Dimension will automatically tag all takeoff with the originating Estimator ID.
This becomes the 'Created By' variable and is used by the Dimension Control Panel FILTER option to let each estimator see ONLY their own work.
By turning OFF the filter, the Lead Estimator may review ALL takeoff in the project.
What is important here is that the 'Created By' variable is also transferred to Bridge.
Currently the Bridge Automatic modes find ALL measurements in the Dimension Takeoff project.
Setting the Bridge USER-ID will allow Bridge to FILTER and ONLY display and process Dimension Takeoff assignments that match the Bridge USER-ID.
The Bridge User-ID field is a required field.
Up to this point it will have appeared empty.
It is, however, used as an internal identifier for various Bridge processes and is initialized to the Windows Logon User-ID.
The actual value of the Bridge User-ID isn not important if you are not using the FILTER capability.
However, if you do intend to use the User-ID Filter, then this value is critical and should match the User-ID field you have set in Dimension Takeoff.
To use this new capability, you must first turn on USER-ID filtering.
There is a new option in SETTINGS/USER PREFERENCES under the DISPLAY OPTIONS tab.
Check the option entitled 'Apply USER-ID FILTER to all DIMENSION'
Then go to ADMIN/SET USER ID and enter the same USER ID you use in Dimension for your takeoff.
Now, when using the Auto and Review modes, Bridge will only 'find' takeoff measurements with your USER ID,
ignoring all others. In this manner, only your own takeoff measurements will be processed and the Auto Submit button will only send your takeoff to your estimate.
Likewise, the REVIEW mode will only display Estimate transactions matching the current Bridge USER-ID.
Detection of after-the-fact Estimate modifications
Changes to estimate values that have been generated from Takeoff (quantities, location, wbs, etc.) should always be made at the Takeoff source and then submitted through Bridge to update the estimate.
If you DO make after-the-fact modifications to the Bridge Takeoff values directly in Estimating, then you will break the Takeoff/Bridge/Estimate link.
In the event of further takeoff changes, Bridge Review mode will now detect Estimating value changes and will notify you of the situation.
Bridge will display both the Takeoff value and the current Estimate value and prevent the takeoff changes from overwriting the existing Estimate values.
If you wish to restore the Takeoff/Bridge/Estimate link, then go to the Estimate Spreadsheet and Drilldown (right click) to the Object in Bridge.
Bridge will highlight the original Takeoff values in RED.
You may then manually change the estimate spreadsheet values, so they are identical to the bridge values.
This will restore the Takeoff/Bridge/Estimate link.
Note: This does not apply to Estimate price changes, productivity & waste's, subs, etc.
It only applies to the specific information that is coming from TAKEOFF and feeding the estimate.
Bridge variable mappings may be copied onto new Traces
The Trace name is used when you create an assignment in Bridge between a specific Trace and a specific Sage item/assembly.
If you change an existing Trace name, the newly named trace loses the link to the Sage item/assembly.
This feature enables you to copy the old Trace assignment and variable mappings onto the newly named Trace.
Use the following steps to perform this task
Do a new takeoff measurement on a drawing in Dimension using the NEWLY named Trace.
Open the Bridge Manage Assignment History window, place the list in Takeoff/Resource sequence and find the EXISTING assignment for the old Trace name.
Drag the new measurement and drop it onto the OLD trace name in the Manage Assignment History window
Bridge will create a NEW assignment using the new Trace name and copy all the variable mappings to the new assignment.
You may then delete the old trace assignment
Keyboard arrow keys will expand/collapse group lists
You may now use the keyboard left/right arrow keys to expand and collapse group lists.
This change applies to all windows that have a tree list, including the Manual/Auto/Review Resource list, Select at Takeoff and the Add and Substitute Item lists
Miscellaneous bug fixes
SQL Estimating Only
in prior versions, when starting a new takeoff session in Bridge, all Assembly variables would display the values from the previous session.
Now, when starting a new takeoff session, Bridge will display the DEFAULT variable value if one exists instead of the variable value in memory.