AutoCAD - Search multiple drawings at one time to produce a List of Materials

[richard_quinn]

I am new at this and have no experience using AutoCAD so hopefully I will not insult you fine folks.

In the past (like year 2005) our AutoCAD experts would use a command like a BLOCK command to scan several drawings and produce a LoM or BoM that would list part numbers , descriptions an quantities (among other things) of items contained in the AutoCAD drawings.  I am trying to figure out how that is done and would appreciate any guidance.

As an example: Given a data network upgrade with 50 buildings.  Each building can have one or many switches, as well as other equipment associated with the data network.  The scan of multiple as-built drawings would produce a LoM/BoM that would tell how many of each switch type exists in each of the switch categories, what building the switch was located, as well as descriptions.  It might also indicate things like UPS systems, patch panels, etc.

Thank you.

[ The subject line of this post has been edited for clarity by @handjonathan Original: Search multiple drawings at one time to produuce a List of Materials ]

[ChicagoLooper]

@richard_quinn 

<>…our AutoCAD experts would use a command like a BLOCK command to scan several drawings…>>

The ‘BLOCk’ command doesn’t scan for objects in drawing. The BLOCK command creates a ‘block.’

Depending on how your specific drawing uses AutoCAD entities to represent the objects you wish to count, you can use DATAEXTRACTION command.

Assuming your AutoCAD experts used attributed blocks to expedite the insertion of repetitive objects (such as blocks) then DataExtraction command (it’s more of a procedure than a command) sounds like the most efficient way to compile the info you need.

You can run DataExtraction on multiple dwg’s simultaneously. The end result can be a spreasheet in .xls format. For example you might have four columns with headings such as PartNo., Feet, Material, and Cost-per-ft. The spreadsheet would organize and list each Part No. in its own row. Each row would display the linear feet of each part, the material, and the part’s price. Once the spreadaheet has been created you can use a formula to determine the part’s extension (length X price-per-ft). 

[richard_quinn]

Thank you Chicagolooper.