Summary

The CP_BOM command in CADPower is a powerful Bill of Materials (BOM) and Bill of Quantities (BOQ) generator designed for BricsCAD, AutoCAD, ZWCAD, and ARES Commander. It enables efficient quantity take-off, attribute extraction, cost estimation, and CSV data import/export, making it an essential tool for engineers, architects, and CAD professionals.

CADPower -> BOM/BOQ Tools -> General -> BOM/BOQ Generator

Key features include:

1. Flexible BOM and BOQ Computation

• Generate quantity and cost estimates based on block names and attributes.
• Extract data from single or multiple blocks and produce detailed reports.
• Compute quantities based on scale factors (area and volume calculations).
• Supports composite block assemblies, allowing for structured reporting of nested components.

2. Advanced Attribute Extraction & Round-Tripping

• Extract block attributes into a CSV file for easy editing in Excel.
• Modify attributes in Excel and import updated values back into CAD.
• Supports per-polygon attribute extraction, generating tables for objects within selected boundaries.

3. Multiple BOM Types Supported

• Single/Multi-Block Attribute Extraction: Extract attribute data and export/import it for easy management.
• Indexed BOM: Aggregate, count, and report drawing data using indexed balloon blocks.
• Block Count and Cost Analysis: Generate block-based quantity reports with associated cost and time values.
• Dynamic Block Handling: Recognize and tabulate dynamic blocks based on visibility states.

4. Comprehensive Export & Import Capabilities

• Export BOM/BOQ data to CSV, ASCII, and INI formats for further processing.
• Import tables from CSV files and create CAD tables directly from external data.
• Supports delimiter-based field formatting, making it easy to integrate with ERP systems.

5. Customizable Reporting & Output

• Generate BOM/BOQ reports as:
  • Text-based tables
  • CAD Table entities
  • CSV files for spreadsheet processing
• Define title text height, column spacing, and output formats for customized presentations.

6. Intelligent Selection & Filtering

• Select blocks based on object type, layer, block name, or color.
• Perform block previews before creating reports.
• Include XREFs, scan entire drawings, or scan only selected objects for precise BOM calculations.

7. Composite Assembly & Resource Computation

• Define composite assemblies where a block consists of multiple sub-components.
• Compute additional material costs, weight, and time per unit for linear objects like pipes and beams.

BOM Types and Their Functions

1. Attribute Extraction

Extract attributes from blocks and create tabulated data for easy management. It supports:

• Single block name extraction with multiple attributes.
• Exporting attributes to CSV.
• Creating a text table in CAD.
• Importing updated attributes back into CAD for round-tripping.

Example INI File Structure:

[ATTRIBUTE_TAGS]
SHOP_NAME=Shop Description
AREA=Area (sq.m)
SHOP_NUMBER=Address
FLOOR=Floor Number
RENTAL_STATUS=Lease Status
[ATTRIBUTE_TAGS_END]

2. Attribute Extraction (Per Polygon)

• Similar to the attribute extraction tool.
• Generates BOQ tables within selected closed polylines.
• Supports room-wise attribute quantification using CP_PARTASSIGN.

3. Multiple Named Blocks

• Computes quantity and cost estimation for multiple blocks.
• Supports anonymous blocks.
• Accepts cost and time values associated with blocks.

Example INI File Structure:

[BLOCK_NAMES]
BALOON_BLOCK=Standard baloon,50.0,2.5
BP-PLATE=Base Plate-generic,45.00,5.0
Piston=Drive Piston,500.0,15.0
Crank Shaft=Sumi Drive Crank Shaft,100.0,8.0
[BLOCK_NAMES_END]

4. Composite Assembly Blocks

• Advanced quantity computation for composite blocks.
• Example: ENGINE block made up of multiple components.

Example INI File Structure:

[COMPOSITE_BLOCK_NAMES]
ENGINE=[Piston=4],[Crank Shaft=2],[Casing=1],[Bolts=28]
[COMPOSITE_BLOCK_NAMES_END]

5. Count Block Scale Factors

• Computes scaled block quantities for tiles, panels, or patterns.
• Defines scale factors, costs, and dimensions in an INI file.

Example INI File Structure:

[SCALEFACTOR_DEF]
TILE_ATT,300 x 800,Full-Sized,1700.0
TILE_ATT,300 x 500,Custom-MediumX2,1400.0
[SCALEFACTOR_DEF_END]

6. Count Attribute Values

• Generates BOQ based on specific attribute occurrences.
• Links attributes to cost values for accurate budgeting.

Example INI File Structure:

[ATTRIBUTE_VALUES_AND_COST]
W1=Window Type 1, 100.0
V1=Ventilator Type 1, 75.0
[ATTRIBUTE_VALUES_AND_COST_END]

7. Indexed BOM

• Aggregates drawing data labeled with balloon blocks.
• Uses an index attribute for structured tabulation.

Example INI File Structure:

[INDEX_OF_ENTRIES]
1=Description of first entry
A=Description of another entry
[INDEX_OF_ENTRIES_END]

8. Dynamic Blocks

• Supports tabulation and counting of dynamic blocks based on visibility states.

General Parameters in INI File

The [GENERAL_PARAMETERS] section in the INI file stores configuration settings for CP_BOM operations.

Example INI File Structure:

[GENERAL_PARAMETERS]
EXPORT_FILE=F:\BricsCAD_Collaterals\BOM\output.csv
IMPORT_FILE=F:\BricsCAD_Collaterals\BOM\input.csv
SCALE_FACTOR_FOR_TABLE=400.000000
BOM_TYPE=ScaleFactor
COLUMN_SPACING=1300.000000
TITLE_TEXT_HEIGHT=100.000000
[GENERAL_PARAMETERS_END]

---

Conclusion

The CP_BOM tool is an essential asset for architects, engineers, and designers working with AutoCAD and BricsCAD. Its customizable workflows, powerful attribute extraction, and flexible INI file-based configurations make it an indispensable tool for project management, cost estimation, and reporting.

For seamless BOM and quantity computation, integrate CP_BOM into your CAD workflow today!