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  6. Adjust labor codes

Adjust labor codes

Tekla PowerFab
Modified: 10 Mar 2026
2026
Tekla PowerFab Tekla PowerFab GO

Adjust labor codes

Labor codes group labor operations together with formulas. You can also add more labor codes for common labor, such as adding sloped clips for bolted connections.

In the Estimating module, you can use a labor code for an item by selecting it in the Type list in the input area.

For a visual representation on the preloaded labor codes, see Labor codes.

Users with administrator rights need to grant the relevant access rights for other users on the Estimating Labor tab in File > Administration. See Manage user permissions.

To manage labor codes, do the following:

  1. Click the Maintenance ribbon tab.
  2. On the menu, select Estimating > Labor Maintenance > Labor Codes.

The Labor Code Maintenance dialog opens.

Labor codes are always used by certain material groups, or types of shapes. You can view the labor codes by material group by scrolling the labor code list.

In the Operations section, you can set the number of times an operation is done within the labor code, or how many times the labor data from labor standards is entered for each item. When the Qty column is blank, the operation does not belong to the selected labor code.

In the Formulas section, you can see the formulas applied to calculating weld, burn, drill, and punch times, along with the labor times spent for standard clips. You can then set the number of times a formula is applied. When the Qty column is blank, the formula is not applied.

Change the default labor code of a material group

  1. Scroll to find the material group.
  2. Scroll to find and select the labor code that you want to set as the default option.
  3. Select the Default Labor Code checkbox.
  4. At the bottom of the dialog, click Save.
The selected labor code is now used by default for the material group in the Estimating module.

Add a new labor code

  1. At the bottom of the Labor Code Maintenance dialog, click New.
  2. In the Material Group list, select the material for which the new code is added.

    The labor code will only be available for the selected material group.

  3. Type an abbreviation and description for the labor code.
  4. If you want to add a column splice to the labor code, select an option in the Column Splice list.
  5. To include cleaning in the labor code, select the Include Cleaning checkbox.
  6. To set the new labor code as the default labor code for the material group, select the Default Labor Code checkbox.
  7. On the Operations tab, ensure that the necessary operations are included to the labor code.

    If necessary, use the Quantity (+) and Quantity (-) buttons above the list to add or subtract the number of operations.

  8. On the Formula tab, ensure that the necessary formulas are applied.

    If necessary, use the Quantity (+) and Quantity (-) buttons above the list to add or subtract the number of formulas.

  9. Click Add.

The new labor code is created and is available in the Estimating module.

Add or subtract operations and formulas

  1. Scroll to find and select the material group.
  2. Scroll to find and select the labor code.
  3. Select the operation or formula whose quantity you want to modify in the labor code.
  4. Above the list, click Quantity (+) or Quantity (-) to change the quantity.
  5. Click Save.

Add column splices to a labor code

You can apply column splices to any labor code. Tekla PowerFab calculates the labor time used in the column splice automatically.

  1. Scroll to find and select the material group.
  2. Scroll to find and select the labor code.
  3. In the Column Splice list, select the column splice type that you want to use for the labor code.
  4. Click Save.

Column splices are added to the labor code.

Note that the required splice materials need to be added manually in the Estimating module.

Add cleaning to a labor code

  1. In the Material Group list, select the material group.
  2. In the Labor Code list, select the labor code.
  3. Select the Include Cleaning checkbox.
  4. Click Save.

Add, modify, and delete formulas

  1. Click the Labor Code Maintenance ribbon tab.
  2. On the menu, select Formula Maintenance.

    The Formula Maintenance dialog opens. The existing formulas are displayed in the list on the left of the dialog.

    Each formula type includes options for quantity, weld, thickness and length.

  3. Do any of the following:

    To

    Do this

    Create a new formula
    1. Click New Formula.

    2. In the Formula Type list, select an option.

      The formula type that you select determines the variables for which you need to enter values on the right side of the dialog.

      For example, if you select Burn, you will need to determine the quantity, burn operation, thickness, and length.

    3. For each variable, click the Edit Formula button on the right side of the field, and type a value or build a formula.
    4. To save the formula, click Edit Formula at the bottom of the dialog.
    Modify an existing formula
    1. Select the formula that you want to modify.
    2. If necessary, in the Formula Type list, select a different option.
    3. For each variable, click the Edit Formula on the right side of the field, and modify the value or formula according to your needs.
    4. To change the position of an operation in the formula, select the operation, and move it by clicking the Move Up and Move Down buttons.
    5. To save the changes, click Edit Formula at the bottom of the dialog.
    Delete an existing formula

    Note that the formula will be permanently deleted and cannot be used in any labor code.

    1. Select the formula that you want to delete.
    2. Click Delete.
    3. To permanently delete the formula, click Yes in the confirmation dialog.
  4. To close the dialog, click the Close button (X) in the upper-right corner.
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