How to Do Electrical on Screen Takeoff with Planswift

PlanSwift enhances accuracy and saves valuable time in project estimation by allowing the contractor to take off directly from digital blueprints with precise measuring capabilities and integrated calculation features. This innovative software is devised to streamline the process of electrical takeoff.

Introduction to PlanSwift

Planswift is construction takeoff and estimating software. This tool helps contractors measure and calculate quantities quickly from paper and digital plans. It is much more efficient at estimating than taking off from any plans. Planswift is the number one takeoff and estimate software in the market today.

PlanSwift speed-up estimation services by taking accurate measurements and quickly changing them, therefore offering a much more competitive and prepared proposal for the project. This is why it stands to be the best software in the market. Here are the reasons why it’s best.

• Efficiency: Measure areas, lengths, and counts directly from digital plans quickly.
• Accurate: Reduce human error by using accurate digital measurements.
• Customization: Create templates and customize tools according to the project’s needs.
• Integration: Integrates with other estimating and project management software seamlessly.

Setting up PlanSwift for Electrical On-screen Takeoff

You must configure PlanSwift before beginning any takeoff process. The software must be set up to maximize efficiency within its workflow.

Opening a New Project with an Electrical Plan

• Open PlanSwift: Open PlanSwift on your desktop computer. Then, you can start a new project simply by clicking on the option labelled “New Project” under the menu.
• Import a Digital Plan: There is an option to drag your file in from PDF, CAD, or TIFF format right into the workspace or just select “Import”. You may want to make sure they have enough resolution to measure easily.
• Set the Scale: Just tap the scale icon. Scale up your electronic plan and measure the lengths of conduits, doorways, or walls. The more accurate your scale, the more realistic your measurements of conduit lengths and positioning of your fixtures and wiring lines will be

Customization Tools for Electrical Takeoffs 

The process of electrical takeoff mostly requires some specific tools and configurations. That need of planSwift ability is found in these options that can be customized: Customized Profile This has different takeoff profiles for electric vehicles. It allows them to have an archive with the most frequently accessed items on every takeoff, saving a lot of time.

• Use of Tool Templates: Tool templates in PlanSwift allow the creation of reusable takeoff tools. Create custom tools for outlets, switches, and conduits according to project requirements. Each tool can have unique symbols, line styles, and measurements that correspond to specific electrical components.
• Tool Settings: From the “Tool Setting” pane, you can change settings such as length, area, and count. For example, when designing conduit pathways with length measures, define a counting tool for fixtures or outlets

Taking Off Electrical Takeoff in PlanSwift

Now that you have configured your project tool, you can start with the takeoff.

Count Electrical Fixes and Appliances

• Use the Select Count Tool. Click on the toolbar and then the “Count” button. Throughout the drawing, open the icons for outlets, switches, and fixtures. Select PlanSwift will total the count each time you open an icon.
• Coloring and Marking: All fixtures usually have different colors or tags. Usually, a specific color is used for switches, outlets, or light fixtures. Visual tracking will allow tracking items in takeoffs and make them uniform.

Measurement of the length of conduit and cable

• Linear Measure: Click down the path in the drawing along the wire and conduit runs using the linear measure selected. PlanSwift will automatically calculate the size for you.
• Snap to Content: Use the “Snap to Content” feature to place your measurement tool along a point of interest accurately. This is important to ensure you end up with accurate measurements of the complex cable runs and conduits.

Panel Load and Circuit Run:

• Marking Panel Location: Place a symbol for each panel and note each circuit’s information in writing for each circuit on that specific panel.
• Annotation of Circuit Runs: Cross mark the circuits run on a panel. This will give an estimated budget and ensure all your circuits are counted.

Correction and Verification of Takeoff Data

Once you have correctly filled in all the measurements and quantities you have acquired, check the accuracy and completeness of the information you furnished.

• Markup list: This is the markup list in PlanSwift, which is your detailed log of takeoff item measurements and quantities. Crosscheck it against project requirements.
• Correction and Changes: Check the counts and correct them. For example, if you missed one symbol when counting, you could add it to the list below.
• Layering:  You could group your elements using the Lakers. In fact, you could layer the outlets, switches, and lighting to serve as different layers. You will then have similar elements in a toggled or focused review between the layers.

Producing Report

You can have the Planswift generate a report with its assistance in budgeting, purchasing, and your management of the project. These procedures in generating the report are below.

Report Configuration: Select the desired format under the report section. You can be making reports of all your count of component lengths and its quantity. Verify that the reports are all item-full to avoid leaving none out.

Export Data for Budgeting: It extracts data in exporting and allows the data into Excel file, which selects a type of file. Unit prices may include cost data in the spreadsheets, which enables other project estimations and even a budget.

You can also display a summary of the general material quantities, length, and costs. This is going to give an overview that rapidly references the project managers and other stockholders.

Tips for Efficient Electrical Takeoff with Plan Swift

Here are some tips for efficient electrical takeoff with PlanSwift

Offering Template for Recurring objects

PlanSwift “Template” capacity will enable you to produce the same item on many projects hence saving time and remaining uniform. Use templates in order to reproduce fixtures, conduit paths among other things.

Cross-Checking Against the Original Plan

Compare the takeoff against the original electrical plan so that all items pop; there should be minimal, or no fixtures or nontraditional conduit runs that could be missed.

Check the Mode of Measurement

Make sure the mode of measurement is switched on before taking off anything, so the measuring instrument is operating satisfactorily. Most of the time, common mistakes relate to the wrong applied measuring functions.

Annotate With Comments

Use PlanSwift annotation tools to put notes on the unique items or areas that need clarification. For instance, mark where a panel location might have to be changed according to the site constraints.

Conclusion

The step-by-step and practical application of estimating project requirements using PlanSwift for electrical on-screen takeoff results in accurate and consistent results at the end of the day. From workspace setup and tool customization to finalizing the data and then exporting the reports, this structured approach helps contractors make sure they arrive at the bottom line through effective electrical estimating and takeoff services and use their capabilities to position themselves optimally to address the requirements of projects while keeping costs controlled and remaining competitive.