Global Variables

Global Dimensional and Global Specification variables are variables that can be set to automatically populate in assemblies. For example, you may want to use a value of 10,000 SF for a variable named, Footprint. You do this by first having this variable set as a global dimensional variable in your assemblies, then by setting the value for the estimate in EstInfo Dimensional Variables. You can also set specification variables in the same manner. For example, you may want an estimate to use 4000 psi concrete for all the assemblies. You do this by first having set up your assemblies to use global specification variables, then by entering the 'spec' in EstInfo Specification variables.

The following exercises demonstrate how these work. First we will set up a Global Dimensional variable. Then we will set up a Global Specification variable. We will continue using the assembly we created in the first section of this manual.

Let's start with a Global Dimensional variable. First we will edit the assembly to use a global variable.

  1. We will continue using the assembly we created in the first section of this manual. From WinEst, click Database | Assemblies.
  2. Highlight 8200:0010 Entrance Door, Wood, Installed with Hardware and click Edit.
  3. At the far right of the Formula box, click Edit. This is where we edit the variables in the assembly. In this example there is only one variable, Number of Doors.
  4. Double-click in the cell under GV. GV is an abbreviation for Global Variable.
  5. A window opens, click Convert to Global.
  6. Click Yes in the pop-up window. The window closes and you will now see a blue diamond in the GV column for Number of Doors. This indicates it is now a Global Variable.

  7. We are done editing the assembly. Click Accept | Close twice to exit.

Now we will set the value for the global variable in EstInfo.

  1. From the Takeoff view, click EstInfo.
  2. Scroll to the right and click the Dimensional Variables tab.
  3. Click Add.
  4. Enter the name Number of Doors, a value of 5, and a Unit of each. Your screen should look similar.

  5. Click OK to return to the Takeoff view.
  6. Now we are ready to test the assembly. Click Add and add this assembly to the estimate.
  7. Choose whatever specification variables you like.
  8. Once the assembly is in the estimate, you will see a blue diamond in the Takeoff Quantity Calculator indicating this is a global variable. The Number of Doors is set to 5.

  9. Click Add Qty to quantify the assembly.

Now we will set up a Global Specification variable. First we will edit the assembly to use a specification variable. In this example, we will set the Type of Wood as a global variable.

  1. Click Database | Assemblies.
  2. Highlight 8200:0010 Entrance Door, Wood, Installed with Hardware and click Edit to open the WinEst - Edit Assemblies window.
  3. Click the Spec Variables tab.
  4. Highlight row 1, Type of Wood.
  5. At the bottom of the window, click Edit.
  6. A window opens to edit Type of Wood. Click Convert to Global and click Yes to the pop-up window.
  7. You will now see a blue diamond to the left of the Convert to Global button. Click OK to close this window.
  8. Click Accept | Close to exit assembly editing.

Next we will set the value for the global variable in EstInfo.

  1. From the Takeoff view, click EstInfo.
  2. Scroll to the right and click the Specification Variables tab.
  3. Click Add.
  4. Enter the name Type of Wood.
  5. Double-click the Value cell, and choose Oak. Your screen should look similar.

  6. Click OK to return to the Takeoff view.
  7. Now we are ready to test the assembly. Click Add and add this assembly to the estimate.
  8. A window opens for you to pick Specification Variables. There is a blue diamond to the left of Type of Wood. Click on the Type of Wood cell to see that Oak is already selected.

  9. Click Accept | Finish and Accept | Close to add this to the estimate.
  10. Click Add Qty to quantify the assembly.
  11. In this assembly the Oak Door - Solid Core - 3-0 has been added.