Please refer to Tester comments below.
"In the cost reporting options, would it be possible to have both point and line SOURCE LAYER or Alt Description (Preferably an ALT Description, but could make Source layering work if redid my whole library) option the Report? Having the ability to have an Exporting an ALT description in .csv file would allow a much faster handoff to Estimating software. As an estimator, have to many transfer information from report to next step of estimating job. The Alt (short for Alternate) description I’m referring to doesn’t currently exist in Magnet. Our Estimating Software HCSS Heavy Bid (the most widely used estimating software for Large Civil Construction jobs) uses this terminology when exporting from Estimating codes to accounting codes(making a seamless handoff between software programs). Not only is Heavy Bid able to export codes, but it also has an import feature that allows imports from Excel directly into the software. If Magnet had an Alternate Code that matched HeavyBid estimating codes in the takeoff reports, then it would enable Heavy Bid to communicate with Magnet producing a clean handoff from quantifying takeoff reports (Magnet) to estimating software (Heavy Bid).
This Functionality would enable HeavyBid to read Magnet Takeoff Reports.
The area I envision this functionality being implemented would be in the column next to the existing Takeoff Report description column. See attached photo..
I’m not familiar enough with Magnet as to whether codebooks can be exported to Excel modified and reimported, but this functionality would be ideal for importing HeavyBid Material Code library items etc., however, an Alt Column first would be awesome!
I can look into getting an example of Heavy Bids Import platform for Excel imports into software so we know all the required components needed for a successful Handoff. Not only could this be used for lengths and counts, but it could also recognize all the subgrade items for site material volumes needed on job. I believe this would really help Magnets Takeoff functionality and could set it apart from other softwares especially if it can claim the ability to handoff Takeoff information to Estimating Software which saves contractor both time and money. "
