Create Bill Items

Bill items can be created in two ways, either by using the +Item button below the main BOQ table to add an item at the end of a selected section or by using the kebab menu of a section/item to insert an item at a specific point.

The first method will launch a dialog where the parent section of the item must be selected, after which the newly created bill item will be added at the bottom of the selected parent section. The example shown in Figure: Add Item Using +Item, will add the new item as the last one in of the selected "Excavations, etc." section.

The second method, using the kebab menu of a section or item, allows the insertion of an item above the line whose kebab menu was chosen. This method is typically used when a bill already contains items in a structured manner. An example is shown in Figure: Insert Item.

Since a newly created item is generic and contains no significant data, the Boq Item Editor is opened when an item is created. This editor can be opened at any time using the kebab menu of an item. The editor allows for the properties of the item to be updated, work breakdowns and production calculations to be defined, selling rates to be assigned and rate breakdowns to be viewed. The editor consists of three distinct components: A BOQ Item Explorer on the left, a Rate Calculation Sheet in the center, and context-dependent Action Tabs to the right. See Figure: BOQ Item Editor.

When a new bill item is created, it is automatically assigned an empty worksheet, which is selected by default in the BOQ Item Explorer and displayed in the center pane of the Editor. It is in this worksheet where all applicable resources and calculations will be consolidated to form the net rate of the item. Refer to Price Bill Items to see how this is done.

The BOQ Item Explorer can be used to explore and navigate the internal components of an item. To update the properties of an item, ensure that the item itself is selected in the explorer and open the BOQ Item Info tab in the right-hand side pane. Here all properties of a bill item can be updated via the applicable text fields and drop-down menus. Once all properties have been adjusted, the BOQ Item Explorer can be closed and the item will update in the BOQ. See Figure: Item Properties Definition

Alternatively, a bill item can be edited in the BOQ scene by switching on the Table Edit button at the bottom, right-hand side of the BOQ. This will enable users to change the onscreen text fields like the item number, description, unit, and quantity.

Next topic: Create Composite Bill Items