The Combine function in Tekla PowerFab automates the optimization of material requirements to minimize waste and utilize existing inventory before purchasing new stock.

This process assigns specific job items to available inventory or standard purchasable lengths defined in the pricing database.

This functionality applies across the Advance Bill, Estimating, Production Control, and Purchasing modules.

The key workflow steps include:

• Selection: Choose to perform multing (one-dimensional optimization for linear items like beams), nesting (two-dimensional optimization for plates), or both simultaneously.
• Configuration: Define the optimization logic, such as prioritizing "inventory least-scrap" , allowing grade substitutions, or restricting optimization to Combine Only Within Sequence to ease material handling.
• Execution: The system calculates the most efficient nesting or multing based on the defined settings and available supply.
• Review and Commit: Results are categorized as Combined, Not Combined, or Exception.

Once finalized, the optimized materials can be saved directly to a requisition or purchase order.

Additionally, the combining process supports integration with external nesting software through extensions for specialized processing.