Bridge FAQ’s

FAQ

How does Bridge work?

Bridge is a separate program that runs between eTakeoff Dimension and the Estimating system to which it is integrated. When Bridge is started, it captures all the item and assembly information from the estimating system and presents it within the Bridge Main window. The estimator drags an individual measurement from the drawing in eTakeoff Dimension and drops it onto the appropriate estimating item or assembly listed in the Bridge Window. Bridge then allows the estimator to “teach” it the proper relationship between the drawing measurement and the estimate item/assembly with a “drag & drop” mechanism, connecting the variables (length/sqft/etc) between them, at which point the result is sent to the estimating system. Once Bridge has been taught a specific relationship, or “assignment”, between a drawing measurement and the correct item/assembly in estimating, it will recall the assignment every time that measurement & item/assembly are used again. Thus, as the estimator does more takeoff, Bridge becomes more “intelligent”, ultimately enabling the estimator to automate as much of the integration as they wish.

What is an Assignment?

An “Assignment” is the relationship between a specific takeoff object (measurement) and a specific estimating object (item/assembly).

What is Basic Setup Mode?

Basic Setup Mode allows you to quickly create Traces in Dimension by dragging Estimating assemblies from Bridge and dropping them on Standard Traces in Dimension. Watch the Basic Setup Mode video here.

What is Extended Setup Mode?

Extended Setup Mode is similar to Basic Setup Mode, however Extended Setup Mode will transfer all the Assembly variables, variable notes, min/max ranges and defaults. Watch the Extended Setup Mode video here.