Data File Formats and Data Structures
Data File Formats and Data Structures
This section describes all the data files, what they are used for and how to set them up. You can use an editor such as Wordpad.exe or Notepad.exe to edit them, however, because the format is compatible with Microsoft’s Excel program and other spreadsheet software, you may prefer to edit them there. The huge advantage of editing in a spreadsheet program is the ability to make global changes to things like prices etc. Always remember to save as a *.csv file format. Excel may prompt to save in a different format – you don’t want to do that. Roof Wizard is looking for CSV files – Comma Separated Values file format.
Keep in mind commands have been provided under the Set-Up options to help you edit these files efficiently from within the Roof Wizard software. If you are not competent or confident with using the spreadsheet program, stick with editing the files using the Set-Up function from within the Roof Wizard software. You can rely on the result working properly when you are finished editing the data.
Compinfo.dat
This is the datafile containing your company specific details. You can use Wordpad.exe to edit it, or use Job-Info > Company to change it on-line. Compinfo.dat is printed below
Company name Company address 1 Company address 2 Company phone Company fax Company note 1 Company note 2 Company ACN Company ABN CompanyNotes
Sheeting.csv
This file contains all the sheeting data for all suppliers. It contains both straight profiles and curved profiles. A sample appears below
;Sheet definition file for Roof Wizard Supplier, Corrugated, SS001, Color, F1265HT17, 6, 280, 0.48, 1, 10.00, 10.00,0, 0 Supplier, Curve Quality, CQ60ZA, Zincalume, FP1265HT17, 6, 762, 0.60, 1, 18.29, 18.29, 0, 0 END
Format for Sheeting
Field 1 name of the supplier
Field 2 Profile of the material. It can be anything, except if it starts with the key word “Curve” then it will be listed as a curve quality sheet.
Field 3 Your internal code for this product for reporting purposes
Field 4 The finish of this sheet. It is one of Color, Zincalume or Galvanized. If it is Color, then you will assign the actual color during run-time.
Field 5 Fastener code. This is the code of the default fastener. It must match a fastener code in fasten.dat which contains more information about this fastener.
Field 6 The default number of fasteners per square metre.
Field 7 The effective coverage of the sheet in mm
Field 8 The base metal thickness. This has no direct impact.
Field 9 The pricing method. This is 1 if the following price is per square meter, or 2 if the following price is per linear metre
Field 10 Cost per unit based on the previous field
Field 11 Currently not used
Field 12 The minimum length to order of this sheet
Field 13 The maximum length for this sheet
If you set the maximum length of sheet to 0, then there is no maximum length.
SheetAccessories.csv
This file contains the accessory items for the installation of roof panels/sheeting such as clips, screws, butyl tape etc. It is selected from the Setup > Define Panels input dialog.
Format for Sheeting Accessories
Field 1 Accessory name
Field 2 Product Code
Field 3 Finish
Field 4 Items per box
Field 5 Cost per box
Field 6 Number/Distance
Field 7 Estimation Method (described below)
Field 8 Material or Labour accessory (Material = 0, Labour = 1)
The Product Code is the key to accessory items being associated with the defined panel.
The estimation code refers to the following table.
0 Not estimated
1 Per Unit Area
2 Spaced along Panel
3 Per Join
4 Per Panel
5 Per Intersection with Batten/Purlin
6 Per m in Zone (Field Zone)
7 Per m in Zone (Edge Zone)
8 Per m in Zone (Corner Zone)
Flashing_V6.csv
This file contains all the flashing data. It also contains information about user defined lengths such as vermin proofing. The file must have END at the last line.
The software allows for 5000 unique flashing items to be defined.
If you are updating from a pre-version 5.8 software this file is created automatically from the old version of the file called Flashing.csv. The difference is an extra column for material ‘Gauge’.
Format for Flashings
Field 1 The name of the supplier
Field 2 The type of flashing based on a code – see below.
Field 3 A description of the flashing
Field 4 Your internal product code
Field 5 The finish of this flashing. It is one of Color, Zincalume or Galvanized. If it is Color, then you will assign the actual color during run-time.
Field 6 Fastener code. This is the code of the default fastener. It must match a fastener code in fasten.dat which contains more information about this fastener.
Field 7 The default number of fasteners per metre.
Field 8 The maximum length of this flashing
Field 9 Material Gauge
Field 10 The costing method for this flashing 1 – per length, 2 – per metre
Field 11 the cost per unit
Field 12 the estimation method 0 – 4 – see below
Flashing Codes
These codes where you need the flashing item to appear in all lists according to the description:
ROOF_FLASH = -1
WALL_FLASH = -2
DOOR_FLASH = -3
WINDOW_FLASH = -4
WINDOOR_FLASH = -5
ROOFWALL_FLASH = -6
These codes for regular flashing categories according to the description:
CUSTOM_FLASH = 0;
RIDGE_FLASH = 1;
VALLEY_FLASH = 2;
FASCIA_FLASH = 3;
GUTTER_FLASH = 4;
BARGE_FLASH = 5;
APRON_FLASH = 6;
BATTEN_FLASH = 7;
BOXGUTTER_FLASH = 8;
USERLENGTH_FLASH = 9;
FASCIABARGE_FLASH = 10;
STEP_FLASH = 11;
EXTCNR_FLASH = 12;
INTCNR_FLASH = 13;
WINDOWSILL_FLASH = 14;
WINDOWEDGE_FLASH = 15;
WINDOWHEAD_FLASH = 16;
DOOREDGE_FLASH = 17;
DOORHEAD_FLASH = 18;
HIP_FLASH = 19;
WALLTOP_FLASH = 20;
WALLBASE_FLASH = 21;
BATTEN2_FLASH = 22;
USER_FLASH1 = 23;
USER_FLASH2 = 24;
USER_FLASH3 = 25;
USER_FLASH4 = 26;
Format for User Defined Lengths (Type Code 9)
User defined lengths still use the same format of the flashing record as described above, but some fields have a different meaning. A sample appears below:
Supplier, 9, Bird wire, , , , ,0.60, ,0.10, Supplier, 9, Infill strip, , , , ,0.70, ,0.20, Supplier, 9, Leaf guard, , , , ,0.80, ,0.30,
Field 1 The name of the supplier
Field 2 Must be ‘U’ for User defined.
Field 3 A description of the length (eg Bird wire, leaf guard)
Field 4 Not used
Field 5 Not used
Field 6 Not used
Field 7 Not used
Field 8 Cost per meter for the material
Field 9 Not used
Field 10 Cost per meter to install (labor charge)
Field 11 Not used
Flashing Estimation Methods
Method 0 Each run is split into equal length pieces up to the maximum length
Method 1 Each run is split into a number of maximum length pieces
Method 2 All runs are added and then split into a number of maximum length pieces
Method 3 Each run is split into a number of stock length pieces
Method 4 All runs are added and are split into stock length pieces
You will recall the flashing lengths are affected by the values you have set in the Estimate > Allowances dialog box.
Fasten.csv
This file contains all the fastener data:
; Fastener definition file for Roof Wizard ;Supplier, Size, Description, Code, Items per unit cost, Not used, Plain cost, Color cost Supplier, 12x65, Hex Head type 17, F1265HT17, 1000, 0, 166.98, 192.46 END
Format for Fasteners
Field 1 The name of the supplier
Field 2 The size of the fastener
Field 3 A description
Field 4 A unique code
Field 5 Number of fasteners per box
Field 6 Dummy – not used
Field 7 Cost per box for plain fasteners (zinc or galv)
Field 8 Cost per box for coloured fasteners
Remember that the fastener code is the primary key to sheeting and flashing to find the correct fastener information.
Access.csv
This file contains all the flashing accessory data for barges, fascias and gutters up to version 3.1 only.
; Accessory definition file for Roof Wizard. Handles fascia and gutter accessories. ; The correct accessory list is derived by keying on the supplier name and the ; product description. ; Man, Description,Accessory ID, Code, number per box, Zinc Cost, Galv cost, Col cost ;If you do not have the cost of the zinc, galv and color items, you must still set them to somethingSupplier, Metal fascia, Fascia_Bracket, FBHTRVB,1, 0.92, 0.92, 0.92 Supplier, Metal fascia, Splice_Plate, FBHTSPZA, 1, 2.23, 2.23, 2.23 Supplier, Metal fascia, Ext_Corner_90, FBHTEC, 1, 2.61,2.61,3.04 Supplier, Metal fascia, Int_Corner_90, FBHTIC, 1, 1.89, 1.89, 2.17 Supplier, Metal fascia, BKT_NAILS_TIMBER, S625BTG,1000,15.42,115.42, 115.42 Supplier,Metal fascia, BKT_NAILS_STEEL, S1016HNN, 1000, 88.17,88.17,88.17 END
Format for Flashing Accessories
Field 1 The name of the supplier
Field 2 The description of the flashing
Field 3 The accessory type – see below
Field 4 Accessory code
Field 5 The number of fasteners per box
Field 6 Cost per unit for a Zincalume finish
Field 7 Cost per unit for a Galvanized finish
Field 8 Cost per unit for a coloured finish
The finish adopted by the accessory is that of the flashing to which it is attached.
Flashing Accessory Codes and Estimation Method
| Fascia Accessories | ||
| Description | Code | Estimation method |
| Fascia bracket | FASCIA_BKT | Add all lengths of fascia and divide by the rafter spacing. Add on one more for each run. |
| Splice plate / Joiner | SPLICE_PLATE | Add up all the joins required. |
| External 90 Corner | EXT_CORNER_90 | Add up all external 90 corners |
| Internal 90 Corner | INT_CORNER_90 | Add up all internal 90 corners |
| External 135 Corner | EXT_CORNER_135 | Add up all external 135 corners |
| Internal 135 Corner | INT__CORNER_135 | Add up all internal 135 corners |
| Bracket nails for steel frames | BKT_NAILS_STEEL | Add up all brackets and multiple by 5. Ie 5 nails per bracket. The framing is derived from the job details. The number reported is the number of boxes |
| Bracket nails for timber frame | BKT_NAILS_TIMBER | Add up all brackets and multiple by 5. Ie 5 nails per bracket. The framing is derived from the job details. The number reported is the number of boxes |
| Gutter accessories | ||
| Description | Code | Estimation method |
| Concealed bracket | CONCEALED_BRACKET | Add all lengths of gutter and divide by the rafter spacing. Add on one more for each run. |
| Color tab | COLOUR_TAB | Add one for each bracket |
| Bracket nail | BRACKET_NAILS | Add 5 for each bracket |
| External bracket | EXTERNAL_BRACKET | Add up all external corners irrespective of angle |
| Stiffener bracket | STIFFENER_BKT | Add all lengths of gutter and divide by the rafter spacing. Add on one more for each run. |
| Snap clip | SNAP_CLIP | Add one for each bracket |
| Internal 90 corner | INT_CORNER_ANGLE_90 | Add up all internal 90 corners |
| Internal 135 corner | INT_CORNER_ANGLE_135 | Add up all internal 135 corners |
| External 90 corner | EXT_CORNER_ANGLE_90 | Add up all external 90 corners |
| External 135 corner | EXT_CORNER_ANGLE_135 | Add up all external 135 corners |
| Stop end left | STOP_END_LEFT | Add up all left hand stop ends |
| Stop end right | STOP_END_RIGHT | Add up all right hand stop ends |
| Gutter clip | GUTTER_CLIP | Add one for each bracket |
| Manufactured internal angle | MAN_ANG_INT | Not automatically tallied |
| Manufactured external angle | MAN_ANG_EXT | Not automatically tallied |
| Manufactured left hand stop end | MAN_STOP_LEFT | Not automatically tallied |
| Manufactured right hand stop end | MAN_STOP_RIGHT | Not automatically tallied |
| Manufactured left hand full return stop end | MAN_FULLRETURN_STOP_LEFT | Not automatically tallied |
| Manufactured right hand full return stop end | MAN_FULLRETURN_STOP_RIGHT | Not automatically tallied |
| Bracket nails for steel frames | BKT_NAILS_STEEL | Add up all brackets and multiple by 5. Ie 5 nails per bracket. The framing is derived from the job details. The number reported is the number of boxes |
| Bracket nails for timber frame | BKT_NAILS_TIMBER | Add up all brackets and multiple by 5. Ie 5 nails per bracket. The framing is derived from the job details. The number reported is the number of boxes |
| Barge accessories | ||
| Description | Code | Estimation method |
| Barge bracket | BARGE_BRACKET | Add all lengths of barge and divide by the rafter spacing. Add on one more for each run. |
| Barge end left | BARGE_CNR_LEFT | Add up all left hand stop ends |
| Barge end right | BARGE_CNR_RIGHT | Add up all right hand stop ends |
| Barge apex cover | BARGE_APEX_COVER | Add up all barge apex covers |
You can assign any or all of these to each flashing if you wish, but in reality, you would only assign those which a supplier actually provides.
Access2.csv
Replaces data files Access.csv and provides the data for all flashing and trim accessories.
;Accessory data file for Roof Wizard / Roof Wizard / Roof Wizard ;Flashing supplier, Flashing description , Finish, Name, Code, Fastener code for timber, Fastener code for steel, Number of fasteners per item, Items per box, cost per item, Estimation code, Number per unit length Stramit, Metal fascia, Zincalume, Fascia bracket, FB1, , , 0,12, 0.00, 1,6.000000 Stramit, Metal fascia, Galvalume, Fascia bracket, FB1, , , 0,12, 0.00, 1,6.000000 Stramit, Metal fascia, Zincalume, Splice plate, SP1, , , 0,1, 1.00, 10,1.000000 Stramit, Metal fascia, Galvalume, Splice plate, SP1, , , 0,1, 2.00, 10,1.000000 Stramit, Metal fascia, Zincalume, External corner (90), EX90, , , 0,60, 0.00, 3,1.000000 Stramit, Metal fascia, Galvalume, External corner (90), EX90, , , 0,60, 0.00, 3,1.000000 Stramit, Metal fascia, Zincalume, External corner (135), EX135, , , 0,50, 0.00, 5,1.000000 Stramit, Metal fascia, Galvalume, External corner (135), EX135, , , 0,50, 0.00, 5,1.000000 Stramit, Metal fascia, Zincalume, Internal corner (90), INT90, , , 0,40, 0.00, 2,1.000000 Stramit, Metal fascia, Galvalume, Internal corner (90), INT90, , , 0,40, 0.00, 2,1.000000 Stramit, Metal fascia, Zincalume, Internal corner (135), INT135, , , 0,30, 0.00, 4,1.000000 END
Format for Accessories
Field 1 The supplier of the flashing.
Field 2 The description of the flashing
Field 3 The profile of the flashing
Field 4 The name of the accessory
Field 5 The product code of the accessory
Field 6 Fastener code for timber frame
Field 7 Fastener code for steel frame
Field 8 Number of fasteners per accessory
Field 9 Number of accessories per box
Field 10 The cost per box
Field 11 The estimation code for this accessory
Field 12 The number of accessories based on estimation code
Field 13 Gauge of material
The estimation code refers to the following table.
0 Not estimated
1 spacing along flashing (nett)
2 per internal corner (90)
3 per external corner (90)
4 per internal corner (135)
5 per external corner (135)
6 per internal corner (other)
7 per external corner (other)
8 per left hand end
9 per right hand end
10 per join
11 per apex
12 per run
13 per piece
14 fastener for timber frame
15 fastener for steel frame
16 per bottom joined end left
17 per bottom joined end right
18 per bottom free end left
19 per bottom free end right
20 per top joined end internal
21 per top joined end external
22 per top free end left
23 per top free end right
24 spacing for fascia as barge
25 per bottom joined left internal
26 per bottom joined left external
27 per bottom joined right internal
28 per bottom joined right external
Areas.dat
This file contains all the delivery area data as used by the Job-Info Job-Details command.
;names of delivery areas for roof wizard ;you can have up to 10 of them; Metro Outer 1 Outer 2 Outer 3 Outer 4 Country North South East West
You can edit these names as you wish.
Colours.dat
This file contains all the metal panel/sheet color names.
; List of colours for sheet metal in Roof Wizard TBA Bushland Classic Cream Cottage Green Deep Ocean Dune Headland Ironstone Jasper Manor Red Night Sky Pale Eucalypt Paperbark Plantation Sandbark Shale Grey Surfmist Shale Grey Wilderness Windspray Woodland Grey END
These are the list of colours displayed when you want to set the color for the roof sheeting or flashings. You can have any number of them.
Curving.csv
This file contains all the sheet curving charges.
; Sheet curving charges definition file for Roof Wizard ; Supplier, Profile, Product code, FromLength, ToLength, Cost per curve Supplier, Curve Quality,CURV0035,0,3.5,10.34 Supplier, Curve Quality,CURV03570,3.51,7.0,17.23 Supplier, Curve Quality,CURV07010,7.01,10.0,21.24 Supplier, Curve Quality,CURV1013,10.01,13,42.74 END
The curving calculation is based on the length of the sheet which needs to be curved.
Format for Sheet Curving
Field 1 The name of the supplier
Field 2 The key string “Curve Quality”
Field 3 Your internal code
Field 4 The “from” length
Field 5 The “to” length
Field 6 The cost to curve this length sheet
The Calculation Method
The cost to curve a sheet is based on the length of the sheet falling in a length range.
For example, the cost to curve sheets which are from 3.5 meters long to 7.0 meters long may be a fixed value. So, a sheet 4.0 long would cost the same to curve as one 6.7 meters long.
When Roof Wizard calculates the total curving change (which you’ll see on the Costing Supply dialog box if a bullnose verandah is present), it measures the overall length of the sheet, finds the relevant supplier name, finds the correct length range record and then adds the particular cost’.
If you don’t want to apply these charges, set the cost to zero.
Downpipe.csv
This file contains all the downpipe data up to V6.0 only.
; Downpipe definition file for Roof Wizard ; ;Pipes Supplier, R,100x50, 0.40,DP1810050--,Colour,1800,2400,17.24 ;Straps Supplier,RS,100x50,0,AST10050,0,1.43,1.43,1.64 ; Pops Supplier,RP,100x50,0,NOZ10050,0,1.78,1.78,1.78 ;Offsets Sample supplier,RO,100x50,0.40,OS10050,0,25.67,25.67,37.53 ; Shoes Supplier,RH,100x50,0,SHOE10050,0,14.10,14.10,14.10 ; Elbows Supplier,RE,100x50,0,ELB10050GA,Galvanised,0,14.10 END
Format for Downpipe
Field 1 The name of the supplier
Field 2 The type of downpipe item – see below
Field 3 The size of the item as a rectangle or diameter
Field 4 base material thickness
Field 5 Product code
Field 6 The finish, one of Zincalume, Galvanized or Colorbond
Field 7 The long pipe length
Field 8 The shorter pipe length
Field 9 The cost of this item
Downpipe Accessory Types
R A rectangular pipe
O A round pipe
RS a rectangular strap
RP A rectangular pop
RO A rectangular offset
RH A rectangular shoe
RE A rectangular elbow
OS a round strap
OP A round pop
OO A round offset
OH A round shoe
OE A round elbow
A downpipe will build up its accessory list, by first looking for rectangular or round accessories. Then it will match the relevant size of each of the accessories to match that of the main pipe.
Downpipe2.csv
This file contains extra downpipe data.
;Downpipe2 data file ; product code of the downpipe, product code for the short piece, cost for the short piece. DP2410050GA,DP1810050GA,7.43 DP2410050ZA,DP1810050ZA,6.32 END
Format for Downpipe
Field 1 The code of the downpipe as a key
Field 2 The code of the shorter piece
Field 3 The cost of the shorter piece
EdgeAss.csv
All details pertaining to the use of flashings combined to become an assembly are saved in this file. Assembly Groups may also be created when in Commercial mode and the links for these groups is saved in the SgroupLink.csv file (see below). This file would not normally be edited outside of the program.
Extras.csv
This file contains all the costing extras data up to V6.0 only. These values are added to the material costs, or the labor costs when you perform the costing. You will see them added to the line items under Costing Supply-Only and Costing Supply+Install.
; Standard extras data file for Roof Wizard. Material delivery charge,1,10,1 Travel Time,1,20,0 Site allowance,1,500,0 Chimneys,2,10,1 Second storey,1,100,1 END
Format for Extras
Field 1 The name of the extra item
Field 2 The default quantity
Field 3 The default cost
Field 4 determines if it is a material item (0) or a labor item (1).
Misc.csv
This file contains all the miscellaneous hardware items which can be added to a quote by clicking the Misc-Item button on the Costing dialog – up to V7.1 only, thereafter, Miscellaneous items were added to Extra items list.
; Man, Description, qty, cost Sample supplier,Tube of silicon,1,5.05 Sample supplier,Claw hammer,2,6.07 END
Format
Field 1 The name of the supplier
Field 2 A description
Field 3 default number of units
Field 4 default cost per unit
Extras_V6.csv
This file contains all the costing extras data. These values are added to the material costs, or the labor costs when you perform the costing. You will see them added to the line items under Costing Supply-Only and Costing Supply+Install. They include the option to have the item added automatically or be prompted to add them, or simply selected from the list as required.
;New V8.1 Extras File ;Supplier, Description, Code, Mat. Qty, Mat. Cost, Lab. Qty, Lab. Cost, Category, Est. Method, Type, Utilisation Jonda,Box Gutter Bk 250mm-450mm,ABG/250/450/1,0.000000,5.780000,0.000000,4.550000,Misc,0,2,1 Jonda,Box Gutter Bk 400mm-650mm,ABG/400/650/2,0.000000,6.900000,0.000000,4.550000,Misc,0,2,1 Jonda,Box Gutter Bk 650mm-1000mm,ABG/650/1000/3,0.000000,9.730000,0.000000,4.550000,Misc,0,2,1 Steeline,Support Board,IS/0.42/700/ZA,0.000000,14.110000,0.000000,4.550000,Misc,0,2,1 Steeline,Sump 200 Z/a,GSP/200/200/100/ZA,0.000000,52.180000,0.000000,27.270000,Misc,0,2,1 Steeline,Sump 300 Z/a,GSP/300/300/150/ZA,0.000000,65.790000,0.000000,27.270000,Misc,0,2,1 Steeline,Sump 400 Z/a,GSP/400/400/200/ZA,0.000000,79.390000,0.000000,27.270000,Misc,0,2,1 Steeline,Sumps 500 Z/a,GSP/500/500/250/ZA,0.000000,93.010000,0.000000,27.270000,Misc,0,2,1 Steeline,Sumps 600 Z/a,GSP/600/600/300/ZA,0.000000,102.080000,0.000000,27.270000,Misc,0,2,1 Steeline,Rainhead C/B,RHC/600/300/300/Cb,0.000000,250.000000,0.000000,50.000000,Misc,0,2,1 Steeline,Expansion Joint,Dektite Strip,0.000000,33.600000,0.000000,9.100000,Misc,0,2,1 Gardiner,Foam Strips CORRY 900mm,PEC,0.000000,2.600000,0.000000,0.500000,Misc,0,2,1 Gardiner,Foam Strips S/CLAD RIDGE 900mm,PER,0.000000,3.850000,0.000000,0.500000,Misc,0,2,1 Gardiner,Foam Strips S/CLAD EAVES 900mm,PEE,0.000000,2.900000,0.000000,0.500000,Misc,0,2,1 . . END
Format of Extras
Supplier – Supplier’s name, this will enable order forms to be automatically generated for each supplier,
Description – Extra item product description,
Code – Product code, this is important, it links all items to each other,
Mat. Qty/Dist – Material quantity or per unit distance along a line,
Mat. Cost – Material item cost,
Lab. Qty – An extra item may be labour or material. Labour as a unit in time,
Lab. Cost – Cost per unit,
Category – Alternate category for grouping Extra items in the output,
Est. Method – a range of options for calculating the cost per unit – including qty alone, qty by roof area, spaced along… etc,
Type – Material or labour cost or both in the one Extra item,
Utilisation – Always include in the estimate, Select from the list as required or be prompted as you create the estimate.
Insul.csv
This file contains all the insulation and sarking data used by the Cover > Insulation command.
;Insulation data file for Roof Wizard ;Supplier Product Description Code LargeSize SmallSize LargeCost SmallCost ; Sizes are in square metres Supplier, Alum Foil, Light grade anti-glare FR,LGAGFR,72,24,188.00,67.67 Insulco, Alum Foil,439/203 Light Grade Anti-Glare,ICFLAG,72,24,230.15,78.61 DummyCo, Dummy Foil, Dummy Description, DUMMCODE,50,10,100,20 END
Format for Insulation
Field 1 The name of the supplier
Field 2 A description
Field 3 The area of insulation in a large roll in square metres
Field 4 The area of insulation in a smaller roll size in square metres.
Field 5 The cost of a large roll
Field 6 The cost of a small roll
If you don’t have a small roll, then make the small roll size zero.
SgroupLink.csv
The linkages between panels and Assembly Groups are stored outside the software in a file called SgroupLink.CSV. This file can be modified manually in a text editor or MS Excel, although care must be taken to use the correct product code from the panel and the index of the Assembly Group.
JobPrompts.dat
This file contains the labels for the Job Details dialog box.
The Job Details screen may be used as supplied or it may be customised to collect your specific information, information that pertains to your particular line of work. The layout of the dialog doesn’t change. You change the label or delete a field from the dialog.
For example, if you’re involved in digitising aerial photographs you might edit the information contained in the dialog box so that it displays different labels against each field in the dialog. You create a text file in a text editor program that is called JOBPROMPTS.dat and in the following form:
Customer ###JobNumber <Delete> Project No. ###OrderNumber <Delete> Site Address ###JobAddress1 ###JobAddress2 Bing Address ###JobAddress3 <Delete> <Delete> <Delete> Latitude ###MapRef Longitude ###JobTerm <Delete> <Delete> <Delete> <Delete> <Delete>
You get the standard dialog box changed to a new dialog box.
The values you enter will be automatically inserted onto the reports and drawings you create for the job using the standard key text strings as described below.
That is, in our example above, ‘Bing Address’ is the new label for the field ‘Job address line 3’ and the key text string for that is ###Jobadd3. Latitude is the new label for Map Reference and the key text string remains ###MapRef and Longitude is the new label for Term and the key text string is ###JobTerm.
Format for Job Prompts dialog
Customer ###JobNumber <Delete> Project No. ###OrderNumber <Delete> Site Address ###JobAddress1 ###JobAddress2 Bing Address ###JobAddress3 <Delete> <Delete> <Delete> Latitude ###MapRef Longitude ###JobTerm <Delete> <Delete> <Delete> <Delete> <Delete>
If you wish to remove a field from the dialog box, use <Delete> in the order where that field would have appeared.
If you don’t fill out those fields, then the information won’t be printed, so it needs to be filled in for each job, either at the start or sometime during the job.
It is not essential to fill in all fields if they do not apply to your business.
Scales.dat
Any report or drawing that incorporates a picture of the roof, draws the roof to best fit between the extents of the diagonal line input on the template on layer 999. Refer to the section of the manual dealing with defining templates. The roof picture is further constrained by a ‘proper’ scale factor so that the picture may be compared with other drawings of known scale. For example the best fit across the page might be 1:187. This cannot be compared to anything useful, so the software automatically adjusts this scale to 1:200.
The range of scale options is defined in the software and these scales are 10; 20; 50;100; 125; 150; 175; and 200.
The operator may also define any other scale options. This is done by defining a series of scale values in a simple text file. The file must be called Scales.dat; it must be in the ..\User folder and be in the form of:
50 100 115 125 150 165 175 200 END
The word END at the bottom of the list is essential for it to work properly.
If using Microsoft Word to generate your reports, you may also have the roof picture included totally within the entire text box at what would essentially be a random scale and for this you use the Key Text String of ###UnscaledRoofDrawing.
Other Miscellaneous Data files
Allowance Files
*.AL2 Allowance file for Panels/Sheets. Adopts the name given by the operator when saved. Is them available to be used and re-used for various systems. Any number of allowance files may be generated. Must be edited from within the software.
*.FL2 Allowance file for Flashing/Trim. Adopts the name given by the operator when saved. Is them available to be used and re-used for various systems. Any number of allowance files may be generated. Must be edited from within the software.
BatSpace.csv
Stores the last defined purlin/batten spacing. Transient file – that is it may change with each job and is created by the software so that the last used batten spacing settings are displayed.
Categories.CSV
There’s currently no way to order the items within each group (Roof/Wall Cover, Flashings/Fittings, Accessories, Fasteners). However, there is a way to decide what appears in each category group, as well as the individual names of the groups. It requires you to define a category sort file.
An external file to the software “Categories.CSV” can be defined which allows for modification of these items. See the example here opened in Excel:
The first 4 lines define the names of the Category Groups in the Supply & Install dialog.
The remaining lines after these first 4 define category names and which category group they should be placed within. The software has default options built into it, but in my example here you can see that I am placing anything with a Category name of “Spout” into Group 2 (Accessories), anything with a category name of “Extra” into Group 1 (Flashings/Fittings) and anything with a category name of “Wall Insulation” into Group 0 (Roof/Wall Cover).
CompInfo2.dat
Stores your company’s details as it will appear on the report template.
Cust-Discount-Template.dat
Stores the product categories that may be set for your customer discount tables for each of your customers. Once defined here, the discount rate for each category is set from within the software and a new name applied which is a composite name using the defined customer and CustDisc.dat.
For example, if you have set the material discount rates for a guy called Customer Fred, a file is created called Customer Fred_CustDisc.DAT that contains all the discount rates for all the product categories for Fred. You will know that it is doing it correctly as you will see confirmation in the prompt area that the file has been written.
Cust-Price-Lookup.csv
This file allows you to create a look-up table of customers and discount rates. Essentially you can have any number of customers and customer discount tables. In this example we have a file called TradePrice.csv (as shown below) and this sets the rate for that group of customers.
If you are proficient in the use of Excel then setting this up is straight forward. If you are not proficient, then get help. The easiest way to use this is to edit the file AppliCad supplies. Remember to make a backup of it BEFORE you play with it so that you have a working file to go back to if it all goes wrong for you.
Below is a section screen shot of Cust-Price-Lookup.csv as an example:
TradePrice.csv
A user defined file that sets the discount rates for this or a group of clients. It is associated to the client by the Cust-Price-Lookup.csv file. The name is optional – TradePrice.csv is an example only. This is typically created in Microsoft Excel but may be created in Wordpad.
The price schedule can accommodate different rates for different roof pitches according to your requirements and will look something like the table below.
#0 sets the pitch intervals.
#1 is the first lot of roof tile options, with a price for each pitch interval,
#19 are the optional roof items for roof and their respective cost per unit.
#2 are ridge items and,
#29 are ridge optional items.
#3 are hip items and,
#39 are hip optional items
etc.
As you can see here –
Then we have ridge, ridge options, hip and hip options, valley and verge options:
Note: If you are proficient in the use of Excel then setting this up is straight forward. If you are not proficient, then get help. The easiest way to use this is to edit the file AppliCad supplies with the software. Remember to make a backup of it BEFORE you play with it so that you have a working file to go back to if it all goes wrong for you.
DimDefs.dat
Stores the default settings for roof dimensions such as coursing units etc. Set from within the software.
DPLabels.dat This file allows the operator to define alternate labels for such things as the accessory items like shoe, elbow, offset etc. No special formatting is required – just a list similar to below:
Dropper
Strap
Offset
Boot
FIXS.dat
Stores default options for fixtures including x,y,z scale, length, width etc of selected fixture items as they are placed in the model. Not edited outside the software. Transient file – that is it changes with each job and is created by the software.
FIXTHNL.dat
Stores size and number of thumbnails for fixtures and Open Thumbnail functions.
Flengths.dat
Stores the flashing stock lengths and costs and typically edited within the software.
Fontfile.dat
Allows you to pre-set the font that is used on the CAD generated reports – typically set to ARIAL.FON which is a truetype font.
InsolationTable.csv
This is a file that is created by the software to report the amount if solar radiation that falls on a surface or surfaces in the SolarWizard software. It is created by the software and is re-written each time. The SolarWizard manual describes how this must be renamed if the information is to be used elsewhere for engineering computations.
Insolation.dat
Used by the Solar Wizard software to store the settings for the last used location. Saves the operator selecting them each time.
LabourFile.dat
This is where tile labour optional items are defined. It is created outside the software typically in Wordpad. The header in the file describes the options available.
LASTJOB.dat
Stores the last digitised outline coordinates so that your roof outline can be recovered. Transient file – that is it changes with each job and is created by the software. The number of outlines saved is set in the System Preferences settings.
Linestyles.csv
Stores operator settings for lines styles for roof lines – style of line for ridges and valleys etc. Set from within the software.
Locations.csv
This file is used by the AppliCad Solar Wizard software tools to set the location of cities around the world and the time difference from UTC (Universal Time Coordinated) or GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). Typically edited in Excel to add your own locations.
Column F contains the reference to a text file that contains datasets for the Ordermeasured data at that location – these include average ambient temperature and historical monthly solar radiation measurements.
This information is used by the Solar Wizard software to calculate the average annual radiation on surfaces.
People2.csv
Stores the definitions for Customers, Installers, Suppliers etc.
MPDlg.dat
Stores last location of the Measure Pitch axes icon.
MultiCompany.dat
Stores the details of each of the companies that you want to use the software for. You might be preparing quotations for two or three companies in your group and you want to select the right company details to appear on the report header.
MultiShadows.dat
Used by the Solar Wizard software to store the settings for the last used location. Saves the operator selecting them each time.
NOTES.dat
Stores the template note options that you may use on your reports. Must be in the form of:
The ^ (caret) sign indicates a compulsory carriage return/line feed that is to say, a new line.
Orderpricing.txt
If this file exists in the \User folder, the software will print pricing on order form templates when using Supply Only and Supply and Install proposals. Otherwise the order forms are printed blank and the supplier can include the latest pricing at order fulfilment stage. The orderpricing.txt file is usually blank, that is, nothing written in it. The file simply has to exist and that prompts the Roof Wizard to insert recognised supplier pricing.
Pitch.dat
Stores the measured pitch. Transient file – that is it changes with each job and is created by the software.
PitchAxes.dat
Stores the XYZ of the axes for the pitch measure tool. Not edited outside the software. Transient file – that is it changes with each job and is created by the software. The last value in the file is the text colour and this might be changed if you’re having trouble reading the text in your workspace – it is three values for R, G, B.
PLOTDEFS.dat
Stores plot default settings and NOT set by the user. Transient file – that is it changes with each job and is created by the software.
QuoteGroups.dat
Stores the operator defined headings for Quote Groups and set within the software.
QuoteNumber.dat
Stores the starting number, prefix and suffix of your quote number. Typically set within the software but in the form of:
QuotePresets.dat
Allows you to pre-set a series of pre-defined quote names to ensure that the standard quote name is used or simply to speed up the process. Once defined, the available names are displayed when you select Save from the Supply and Install dialog box.
RWSetup.dat
This file is saved in the \User folder and stores the status of user settings in the Setup > Preference Settings > System Preferences dialog box. If deleted, the software writes a new file on start up, but trashes previous settings if you do. The back up settings are stored in the \Programs folder.
RoofDef.csv
This file is created by the software and stores all the presets in prompts and dialog boxes. When you open a dialog and values are already there from earlier use, this is where they are stored. If the file is deleted, the settings are replaced on start up. Note that if you are working on a shared network drive, presets from other users will be saved to the same file – it is happening continuously – so it is likely that your presets will not stay the same. It is getting presets from other users too. It has been known that this file can become corrupted working across a network with multiple users and may cause odd happenings. It is OK to delete it (simply renaming it works too) to check whether the file is the culprit. If deleted, the software recreates it from back up settings.
Stages.dat
Stores the stage sequences and stories etc for the Stage Manager. Set within the software.
Slengths.dat
Stores the panel or sheet Stock Length table data. Set within the software.
UserDrawingNames.csv
is where the preset template names for both CAD and Word/Excel Drawing Templates are associated with the drawing output process. This allows any template form to have any name when displayed in the print options list. Column A is the name you wish to have in the Print options list. Column B is the actual file name in the ..\User folder. For drawing output as distinct from report output, you need to tell the software what sort of drawing it is so that th ecorrect information is automatically included, without you having to do any further work in generating the report. This is done in column C using the code number as required.
UserReportNames.csv is where the preset template names for CAD and Word/Excel Report Templates are associated with the reporting output process.. This allows any template form/report to have any name when displayed in the print options list. Column A is the name you wish to have in the [Print] options list. Column B is the actual file name in the ..\User folder.
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