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Import files to the Estimating module

Tekla PowerFab
Modified: 21 Aug 2024
2024i
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Import files to the Estimating module

You can import IFC, KISS, and Bluebeam files, and Microsoft Excel worksheets to the Estimating module. IFC is the recommended format.

Importing files

  1. Go to File > Import.

    The Import dialog opens.

  2. In the navigation tree, click the desired import option under Estimating.

  3. To browse to the file that you want to import, click the ellipsis (...) in the upper-right corner of the dialog box.
  4. Select the file, and click Open.
  5. Click Import.
    Note: You can click the Test Import button to test importing a KISS file before actually importing it. This way, you can ensure that all information will be imported successfully.

    What happens next depends on the type of file that you are importing. For example, when you are importing an Microsoft Excel worksheet, the Import Field Map dialog box asks you to connect the Microsoft Excel columns with the Tekla PowerFab standard fields.

    For sample files, see Excel Spreadsheet Sample Import Files. For IFC import, see the instructions below

    Note: You should only save your field mapping selections if you are absolutely sure that you will continue to use the same mapping. This is because the Import Field Map dialog box may not open in the future when you import new files that match the previously saved mapping.

    After you have done so, the import continues.

    Once the import is completed, a message appears at the bottom of the Import dialog box.

  6. To close the dialog, click the Close button (X) in the upper-right corner.

Import an IFC file to an estimating job

IFC files allow revised items to be updated, and you can report the changes (material size, quantity, and so on) during the import process. Bluebeam CSV files, Microsoft Excel worksheets, or KISS files do not have this ability, and will create new instances for all the items in the files.

When exporting to IFC from Tekla Structures, the EPM_Burns or EPM_Copes Additional Property sets should be included. These provide a more complete set of information into the Estimating module.

For instructions on exporting IFC files from Tekla Structures, see IFC export.

  1. Go to File > Import.

    The Import dialog opens.

  2. In the navigation tree , select IFC under Estimating.
  3. Browse to find the file you want to import.
  4. Click Import.

    The Import dialog opens, and shortly after, the Estimate Job Edit dialog.

  5. Select the job to which you want to import the IFC project and click Save.

    The Import Field Map dialog opens. See also Import field mapping.

  6. If the mapping is not automatically done, map the selected information from the IFC file.
  7. After selecting the field to be mapped to, for example to Reference #, click Set Field Mapping and OK.
    Note: You should only save your field mapping selections if you are absolutely sure that you will continue to use the same mapping. This is because the Import Field Map dialog box may not open in the future when you import new files that match the previously saved mapping.

    The Import log is displayed.

    Ensure there are no errors, warnings, or unsuccessful files.

If you import the IFC file to the same job, you can use the Add & Replace option.

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