Optimizing bills of materials in SuCri Module 4: List different profile lengths as separate items

In the steel bill of materials of SuCri Module 4, it can happen that profiles with different lengths but the same description are grouped under the same item number. This guide explains how to activate length filtering to ensure a detailed and clear presentation in your bills of materials.

Prerequisites

  • The project is managed with AutoCAD Plant 3D and SuCri Module 4.
  • The profiles in the model have identical descriptions (e.g. "HEB 100") but differ in length.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Open the project configuration or the Ortho Style Configuration within Plant 3D.

  2. Navigate to the ortho settings and select the corresponding bill of materials style.

  3. Define an additional filter that includes the length as an active distinguishing feature in the bill of materials logic.

    Expected result: The profiles are then no longer grouped solely by the text-based description.

  4. Save the configuration and regenerate the affected ortho drawing.

    Expected result: In the bill of materials, each profile with a differing length is listed as its own item.

Important notes

  • Default behavior: That profiles are grouped is the default behavior of Plant 3D, since components are primarily grouped by their text-based properties (description, type, material).
  • Check: For projects with variable profile lengths, check early on whether the length parameter is activated in the bill of materials style.
  • Best practice: Use length filtering consistently to avoid ambiguities in material ordering and fabrication.

Troubleshooting

  • Items are still grouped despite filtering: Make sure that the drawing was actually regenerated (Update View) after changing the settings, so that the new bill of materials logic takes effect.
  • Lengths are rounded incorrectly: Check the unit and rounding settings in the project properties for structural components.