In this article you will learn how to optimize the bill of materials output (MTO) to ensure a clear separation of piping and profiles on your drawings. A correct configuration prevents components from being incorrectly listed in the wrong list.

Prerequisites

You are working in an AutoCAD Plant 3D project and are creating a material take-off (MTO) directly on a derived drawing.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Select the correct template

    Always use the steel BOM template for profiles and steel components. If you use the pipe BOM template, Plant 3D automatically pulls in all components that are assigned to the Piping class, which leads to an incorrect display.

    Expected result: A clean evaluation that contains only profiles.

  2. Adjust the filter for Python profiles

    Since Python profiles technically fall under the Support class, they can appear in a pipe bill of materials. Click the table properties and select the filter settings. Set the filter so that only the Supports class is displayed and Pipes remain hidden.

    Expected result: Despite using the pipe template, the list contains only the desired support components.

  3. Check the project templates

    Check in your drawing templates (DWT) which BOM templates are stored by default. If necessary, adjust the templates so that the correct template is loaded automatically for the respective evaluation (pipe vs. steel).

    Expected result: Consistent default settings for all project members.

Important notes

  • Maintain the separation: For steel or support profiles, the steel bill of materials should always be preferred.
  • Consistency: Define project-wide standards so that the entire team uses the same filters and templates.

Troubleshooting

  • Problem: Pipes appear in the steel bill of materials.
    Solution: Check the class assignment of the components and make sure that no piping components have been incorrectly defined as a structural steel class.