Creating a new cost classification
To add cost information to the element of the BIM model, in Cost Editor, a classification system must be created or use an existing classification based on UniFormat and MasterFormat, for example. Also, a unique classification system can be created and adapted to the project’s needs. Each classification system consists of a Classification Item, representing cost structures or breakdown groups, and Cost Item, which represent cost elements.
Regardless of the process of creating or importing the classification, a new classification has to be created within the Classification Editor tab. To create a new classification, follow the steps below:
Activate the Classification Editor → Click on the New Classification button → In the New Classification window, add Description, which will be the name of the classification further on → Finish the process by clicking on the OK button.
The created classification has no cost items or classification items, and this information can also be found in the Cost Items Count column, where the number 0 is stated. For adding a classification item or a cost item, new ones must be created within the Cost Editor or import in a properly formatted Excel file.
The best way to create cost classification in Excel is to create a new blank cost classification in BEXEL Manager and export it to Excel. The newly exported Excel file will be formatted according to the necessary specifications for proper import. It also contains a Help sheet with a table describing the type and formatting of properties that should be included and Element Query examples for different types of elements and expressions.
Renaming the classification
To rename the classification, follow the steps below.
In the drop-down menu within the Classification Editor, choose a classification to rename → Click on the Rename button in the same row → In the Rename Classification window under the Description, add a new classification name → Finish the process by clicking on the OK button.
Deleting the classification
To delete the classification, click the Delete button next to the Rename command → Deleting a classification is an irreversible act.
Importing and exporting the classification
The classification system can be created by manually adding classification items and cost items or by importing a classification system from Excel. A more advanced workflow, which is highly recommended, is to generate Cost classification automatically based on previously defined QTO or CBS.
Import and export of cost classification can be done in two main workflows via BEXEL Exchange in the main menu (click on the BEXEL Manager icon) or via import and export commands in the Cost Editor tab.
BEXEL Manager Exchange (Import and Export)
For Import, click on the BEXEL Manager icon → Click Exchange → Select the Import option → Select file for import → Click Open → Check the Cost Classifications checkbox in the Import sections window → Click OK to complete the action.
For Export, click on the BEXEL Manager icon → Click Exchange → Select the Export option → The Exchange Wizard window will open → Check the Cost classification checkbox → Click Next → Select Cost Classification that should be exported → Click Finish to complete action → Choose a location and define the name of exported file → Click Save.
The process of exchanging the cost classification through import and export functionalities uses a .bxf file format.
Import and Export Cost Classification in Excel format
To import a cost classification, a new (blank) cost classification has to be created first, following the steps described below:
Open the Cost Editor tab → Within the Classification Editor, choose a New Classification command → Define the name of the new cost classification in the Description field → Click on the OK.
The newly created cost classification folder will be automatically selected → Click on the Import command located in the first toolbar line in the Classification Editor window → Open window will pop out → Choose the desired Cost classification for the import → Click the Open button → Click OK on import report notification to complete the action → Analyze and modify imported Cost Classification.
For a successful import the excel sheet must be properly formatted. The proper form of the classification in Excel is stated in the excel file, which can be exported from Bexel Manager within the Cost Editor by clicking the Export command.
To export a classification, follow the steps below:
Choose the desired Cost classification for Export from the drop-down list located in the first toolbar line in the Classification Editor → Click on the Export button → Define the name and the location where the file will be exported → Finish the process by clicking on the Save button.
To export resources from all classifications, it is necessary to check Export All Resources in the drop-down list of the Export command.
