Browse our list of frequently asked questions to find the information you need. If you don't see a question that matches your inquiry, please contact Technical Support.
Manuals
Q: How do I open manuals in my AutoBid SheetMetal system?
A: Manuals pertaining to the Bid Administrator have been included in the software. While some Global Data Administrator instructions have been included in the manuals, assistance for this module is available primarily through the online help system.
There are several methods you can use to open the manuals.
- Windows Start menu > Programs > AutoBid SheetMetal > Documentation and click on the manual you want to open.
- From the online help system, navigate to the Manuals Available topic and click on the book you want to open.
- In the Bid Administrator main window, choose Help > Administrator Manuals and click on the manual you want to open.
Note: The manuals require Adobe Reader. This program is included on your AutoBid SheetMetal Installation CD-ROM or you can obtain it free from http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
Set-Up and Maintenance
Q: What is the recommended system configuration for AutoBid SheetMetal?
A: Please see the latest System Specifications.
Q: Do I need Administrative rights to install AutoBid SheetMetal?
A: Yes, in Windows 2000, XP and NT.
Q: How do I enter my company's name in the Global Data Administrator?
A: Choose Company Settings > Company Name. Enter your company's name. Your company's name will now display on the graphic under Company Settings on the Global Data Administrator home page. Your company name will also appear on all AutoBid SheetMetal Reports.
Q: What are the default login name and password to get into the database and how do make changes?
A: The default Login name and Password is admin. When you first open either the Global Data Administrator or the Bid Administrator, you need to enter this in both fields to open the database. To change the password or add users, open the Global Data Administrator and select Company Settings > Employee List. Adding, Editing or changing Employee's security rights is accomplished from this window. Detailed instructions are included in the Introduction, Security and Maintenance manual or in online help, which are included with the application.
Q: Can I borrow a license to use temporarily on another computer?
A: Yes, you can check out a license from one computer to use temporarily on another computer. You will find detailed instructions in the Introduction, Security and Maintenance manual.
Q: Can I run AutoBid SheetMetal, and AutoBid Mechanical, Turbo Sheet Metal, or Tool Manager on the same computer?
A: Yes. AutoBid SheetMetal can be used on the same computer you use to run AutoBid Mechanical, Turbo Sheet Metal, or Tool Manager provided the operating system is Windows 98.
- Turbo Sheet Metal will only run on Windows 9x.
- AutoBid SheetMetal and Tool Manager will not run on Windows 95 or Millennium.
Q: How do I change the TCP/IP address and Port for my workstation?
A: To change the TCP/IP address and Port for your workstation, proceed as follows:
- Choose Start > Programs > AutoBid SheetMetal > Utilities.
- In the SheetMetal Utilities window, choose Product > Server Diagnostics.
- Select the Advanced button in the Database Server pane. Enter the new address or port in the Set Database Server window.
Warning: Changing the TCP/IP address or Port incorrectly can cause you to be unable to connect to the system. QuickPen International recommends that the TCP/IP address or Port be changed only with the authorization of your System Administrator.
Please call QuickPen International Technical Support at 303.799.6500 for assistance with any other Server Diagnostics functions.
Q: Why don't I see any DOS Values after performing an import from my Turbo Sheet Metal system?
A: The reason you are not be seeing the values might be caused by one or more of the following:
- The fitting may be one that cannot be imported. For example, labor for round/oval composite fittings cannot be handled by the import/export procedure.
- Is the labor selected in the DOS import utility the same labor book currently used in the construction standard selected?
- Confirm that the construction standard selected in the DOS import utility is the same one being viewed in AutoBid SheetMetal.
Q: Can I export my Turbo Sheet Metal data to AutoBid SheetMetal from a Windows 3.1 or DOS-only operating system?
A: No. Because the export function is a 32-bit application, it will only work on operating systems using Windows 95 or higher. The procedure for export/import is covered in detail in the AutoBid SheetMetal Import from DOS online manual.
Q: I have questions about configuring a Type 5 Controller.
A: Please refer to Hardware Setup in the AutoBid SheetMetal Installation manual for proper configuration of these controllers.
Q: My new computer has only USB ports, but my Super LII and Super LIII digitizers need to be plugged into serial ports. How do I attach the digitizer(s) to my computer?
A: You can purchase an adapter that allows you to use the USB ports with your digitizer.
- Plug the digitizer into the serial end of the adapter and then connect the USB end to your computer. Your computer will detect new hardware, which will require installation. During the installation process, you will be asked to select a Com port. AutoBid SheetMetal allows only Com 1, Com 2, Com 3 and Com 4. Make sure you select one of these Com ports during installation.
- Open Utilities and choose Product > Digitizer Test. Click on the Setup Digitizer button. Select the appropriate Com port form the picklist. AutoBid SheetMetal uses Com 1, Com 2, Com 3 or Com 4 (depending on your other hardware requirements). This should agree with the selection you made when installing the new hardware.
Q: How do I move AutoBid SheetMetal to a new server?
A: For detailed instructions, including database backup and license transfer, please see the How to Move AutoBid SheetMetal to a New Server document.
TakeOff and Calculations
Q: I have created a new project, but when I try to go into takeoff I get the message "At least one specification schedule and system must be defined before entering takeoff." Why?
A: Either specifications or systems were not copied when the project was created. Check the Specifications and Systems modules the Bid Administrator. If either/both are blank proceed as follows.
- Choose the Project Data tab > Project Setup.
- Choose File > Copy Specification Schedules From...
And/Or
Choose File > Copy Systems From... - Click on the project you want to copy from.
- Choose Select.
For more detailed information on these procedures, refer to the Projects and Scopes manual or the online help system.
Q: Why can I only use one drawing at a time in Non-Graphical TakeOff?
A:
- The drawing/system filter is set to Non-GTO.
- You only have a drawing(s) checked out.
Q: Why does it take so long to load TakeOff?
A: As you add more data to TakeOff, the information takes longer to load. This is especially true if you are working over a network or Internet connection or your Non-Graphical TakeOff exceeds 1,000 lines.
You can force TakeOff to load faster by choosing to load only one drawing at a time. In the TakeOff window, select Tools > Options and clear the Non-GTO: Show all drawings checkbox.
If you want to temporarily load all TakeOff lines (for instance, to process Find or Search and Replace functions), you can choose View > Show all Drawings. Note: This may take time to load.
Q: How do I delete multiple lines in Non-Graphical TakeOff?
A: Before you can select multiple lines, two commands must be activated that allow selecting and deleting multiple TakeOff lines.
- Choose View > Allow Multi-select. Note: If the command displays with a check mark, it is already active. Do not select it again as this turns the command off.
- Choose Tool > Options. Make sure the Allow "Delete Special" checkbox is selected.
To select the lines you want to delete, use one of the following methods.
- Hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard and click on each line you want to remove. This allows you to delete multiple that are not within a range.
- Hold down the Shift on your keyboard and click on the first line and last line you want to delete. This allows you to delete multiple lines within a range.
- Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard, click on the first line you want to delete and drag your mouse over the lines you want to delete.
Regardless of the method you use, the lines selected will be highlighted. Choose Edit > Delete Special >Delete Selected Lines.
Q: I accidentally did my takeoff in the wrong scale. Can this be changed easily?
A: You can change the scale using the Search and Replace feature in TakeOff. Open Search > Search and Replace. Click on the Setting tab. Select the scale you used in the Search for lines matching pane. Select the correct scale in the Replace with pane. Choose Replace. All digitized lengths for the lines using that incorrect scale will be recalculated based on the new scale.
Q: I deleted all occurrences of a particular item out of my takeoff, but it is still showing up in my Recaps. Why?
A: Verify that the item has been totally removed from the audit trail. This includes items you took off individually and/or inside an assembly.
Re-run calculations before running reports. Running calculations revises the data displayed in reports.
Q: How are "if" statements used in Assemblies?
A: When you use an If statement in an assembly, you can use variable items based on shape and dimension in different situations. The assembly variables that AutoBid SheetMetal actually uses depend on the results in the If parameter. See the AutoBid SheetMetal "If" Statement document for instructions.
Q: I took off an assembly that uses variable dimensions and calculates the length of angle iron based on those dimensions. Now I am getting too much angle iron. Why?
A: This generally happens because of the conversion from inches to feet. Variable dimensions for sizes are calculated in inches, whereas the length for an item is calculated in feet. If you are using variable dimensions in a formula to generate length, you must convert the inches to feet for it to calculate properly.
Q: In GTO, sometimes when I "start from" a run of duct, the system seems to pause for a second before continuing. Why does this happen?
A: In GTO, when you "start from" the middle of a run of duct (instead from a hot spot or fitting), AutoBid SheetMetal has to "find" the duct and make the necessary adjustments based on what you are attempting to do. To keep this from happening in the future, always leave hot spots where branches will be required. When you start from a hot spot, the system only has to change the hot spot to something else (for example, a fitting) rather than making significant adjustments to accommodate the addition.
Q: I took off an Access door with the description "6 to 7". My report shows the correct price, but it is flagged as missing labor, even though there is labor for this item. Why?
A: AutoBid SheetMetal looks for text matches when a specific size is not created in the Global Data Administrator (usually referred to as "generic library items"). Verify that the description on the price tab exactly matches the description on the labor tab for that item. For example, the price tab for the item in question has a description of "6 to 7", while the labor table is "06 to 07", accounting for the missing labor.
Q: How do I adjust the sensitivity of straight lines, right angles, or hotspots in Graphical TakeOff?
A: To adjust the sensitivity of straight lines, right angles or hotspots in Graphical TakeOff, you must be in the Graphical TakeOff window.
From the Graphical TakeOff window, go to Graphical > Graphic Screen Customizations. Choose the Advanced tab, then enter your customizations.
Q: How do I Search and Replace or Repeat Lines by specific line number?
A: The Search and Replace and Repeat functions are only available in Non-Graphical TakeOff. To perform a Search and Replace, or Repeat by line number, you must first go to View > Show All Drawings.
For details on using the Search and Replace function see Edit TakeOff in the AutoBid SheetMetal TakeOff, Calculations and Reports manual.
Q: How can I do a search and replace to change the pressure?
A: Follow these steps:
- Click on the Scopes tab.
- In the Search for lines matching pane, choose the following from the picklists provided.
- System
- Single Wall or Double Wall
- Pressure
- In the Replace with pane, select the following from the picklists.
- System
- Single Wall or Double Wall
- After you have selected all of these items, you can select a Pressure from the picklist in the Replace with pane.
For detailed instruction on using the Search and Replace command, see the Edit TakeOff chapter in the AutoBid SheetMetal TakeOff, Calculations and Reports manual.
Q: How do I calculate the square footage of a building by floor?
A: See Customize TouchMenu/MobileMenu in the AutoBid SheetMetal TakeOff, Calculations and Reports manual for instructions on customizing the TouchMenu. Choose Area Calculator from the Miscellaneous category in the Library Tree to add the Area Calculator to the TouchMenu.
Q: In calculations/recaps, why are duct lengths are not being adjusted for fittings?
A: Verify that all non-GTO adjustments are selected under Project Setup.
Q: In calculations/recaps, Rectangular short/full piece counts are not what I am expecting - why is this?
A: Check under Ductwork > Duct and Fitting Definitions in the Global Data Administrator that Drop Short Pieces under and Convert to full pieces over options are set properly Rectangular Duct.
Q: I have prices input for my insulation (duct wrap). Why are material costs not displaying in my Recaps?
A: Open the Global Data Administrator and go to Definitions > Insulation. Clear the Ignore price checkbox and rerun calculations. The prices will now show up in your Recaps.
Q: Spiral and snap lock duct is in my Construction Standards, but when I try to take this type of duct off, I cannot find it! How do I take off spiral or snap lock duct?
A: The duct type used is based on the Specification Schedule selected for that line in TakeOff. When you take off a round piece of duct, AutoBid SheetMetal looks to the Construction Standard assigned to the Specification Schedule to determine the actual duct type.
Q: I am using AutoBid SheetMetal on a new workstation. When I attempt to take off branches in GTO, I get messages about adding a hotspot display. I don't remember getting these before!
A: In TakeOff, open Tools > Options and clear the Novice Mode checkbox. This will most likely correct the issue.
General
Q: How do I choose whether or not the system uses Coil/Spiral rolls for an item?
A: The choice to use Coil or Spiral rolls is made in the Global Data Administrator Ductwork > Material Types window.
Q: What happened to the Treatment (or insulation) definitions in the Global Data Administrator? They don't seem to be on my system.
A: Go to Global Data Administrator > Company Settings > General Company Settings > General tab. Check the Use Treatment box. If the box is not checked Treatment definitions will NOT show up in the Global Data Administrator, or in TakeOff.
Q: I have set my Specification Schedule to Fabricate all Round Duct, but the Spiral Lock Duct in the Recap is either reporting under the Purchased section or Calculations are generating a warning that pricing cannot be found for Spiral Lock. Why is this?
A: The "Our company can fabricate this duct type" checkbox under Global Data Administrator > Ductwork > Round and Oval Duct Types > Spiral Lock is most likely not selected.
