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How do I use the Buildxact AI calculator tool in my estimates? (Aus users)
How do I use the Buildxact AI calculator tool in my estimates? (Aus users)
Kalya Ryan avatar
Written by Kalya Ryan
Updated this week

To begin adding items or recipes to your estimate costings using the AI calculator tool, follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to Estimates in the left-hand menu.

  2. Select your estimate and click on the Estimate Costings tab.

  3. Select the category that you're looking to cost.

  4. Click on the Add with AI button.

Clicking Add with AI will bring up the following section.

  1. Type a description of what you want. Alternatively, the three text boxes under Suggestions are examples of options to use as your description.

  2. Enter your measurement. This can be imported from your takeoff by clicking the takeoff button and can also be calculated using the calculator button if needed. Choose your unit of measurement (UOM) from the drop-down box.

  3. Select your supplier. There are three supplier options for Australian users: Bunnings Trade, Bowens, and Dahlsens.

  4. Click Generate items.

It generally takes approximately 30 seconds for AI to source the information. The following pop-up will keep you informed of the progress and allow you to stop generating if needed.

When the upload is complete you will see a list of your AI generated items.

You will also see a list of assumptions made by the AI generator in order to calculate the items. Please note that it's important for you to do your due diligence on the cost of these items and that the 'each' quantities are correct in relation to the UOM to ensure accuracy.

Not all items will be linked to a supplier. This is because the available supplier catalogues do not list the suppliers' full range. Where the AI calculator cannot source an item from a catalogue, it will include a generic item (with no supplier icon).

You can choose to add these items to your estimate costings as single line items by clicking Add, or as a recipe by clicking Add as recipe, where the items will appear under a single line item in your estimate costings.

Once you've clicked add, your item(s) will immediately appear within your estimate costings. Items linked to your supplier will be designated with an icon (shown below).

Can I change or replace an item once I've imported items into my estimate costings?

  1. To remove or replace an item, click on the supplier icon.

  2. On the pop-up screen, you can select to either Remove link to item or Replace item.

If you choose Replace item, you will see a pop-up menu that gives you a list of alternative items. Select the item you would like to use a replacement.

A warning will give you the chance to confirm that you're about the replace an existing item in your estimate costings. If you're sure you want to proceed with the replacement, click Confirm.

For any further assistance please get in touch with our Customer Support team by clicking on the orange chat button to the bottom right of your screen.

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