Price Output Joints

New to the Duct version 4.1.2 is the Price Output Joints feature. This Classic Duct and FabShop feature are now available to all users. Price Output Joints will calculate labor and material costs for each joint end of the duct items when they are added to a takeoff. Without this feature enabled, the program will only calculate end 1.

QuoteSoft Typical Joint Calculation

Before enabled Price Output Joints, it is important to understand how QuoteSoft Duct normal joint calculations are performed.

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With typical joints calculation, each item in the above example will calculate the labor and material costs needed to connect it to the previous item. For example:

1. Flex Connector 18x12

   1. Joint connection to attach to the FCU. Typically a flanged connection

2. Duct 18x12 - 3'

   1. Slip and Drive joint connection to attach to the flex connector

3. Elbow 18x12

   1. Slip and Drive joint connection to attach to duct

4. Duct 18x12 - 15'

   1. This duct run is 3 five-foot standard lengths

   2. The first standard length has the Slip and Drive joint connection. to attach to the elbow

   3. The other two, have the connection to attach them to the previous std length duct

5. Transition 18x12 - 14x10

   1. Slip and Drive connection at 18x12 to attach to the previous standard length duct

6. Duct 14x10 - 12'

   1. This duct run is 2 five-foot standard lengths and 1 two-foot non-standard length

   2. The first standard length has the 14x10 Slip and Drive joint connection. to attach to the transition

   3. The other two, have the connection to attach them to the previous std length duct

7. End Cap 14x10

   1. Slip and Drive connection of 14x10 to attach to the previous non-std length of duct

With this example, all items have the joints they need and all joint connections are covered. All joint labor and pricing within the data file cover a complete connection.

Understanding Price Output Joints

When a user estimates a single standalone item, the above joint connection scenario would not include enough labor or material cost to provide a complete price for the item. Price Output Joint feature is desired for this situation. The joint data within the Data File will need to be adjusted in order to ensure accurate calculations.

Open

With the example above the item will get joint labor and material costs for both ends calculated.

1. 20x10 TDF joint connection with Butyle Gasket

2. 18x8 Slip and Drive joint connection with Ductsealer

The item can be estimated as a standalone item with full costs and labor to cover the joint ends. This is a typical setup for a fabricator that is inputting customer provided lists of items.

Data File Modifications for Price Output Joints

In order to provide the correct calculation results, the Data File Joints page will need to be adjusted to cover only one joint end instead of a complete joint connection. Using the Galv TDF joint in the above image, the user will do the following:

1. Input the Horizontal, Vertical, and Miscellaneous costs for half a joint connection

   1. Horiz and Vert: 1/2 the cost of a clip/cleat

   2. Misc Cost: half the cost of the nuts and bolts needed

2. Adjust the Per Joint Setup labor

   1. Fab Labor: forming the TDF flange on one end of the item

   2. Attach Labor: inserting corners on one end of the item

   3. Field Labor: making a single connection in the field

Enabling Price Output Joints

After the set up within the Data File has been made the feature can then be enabled for Takeoff to calculate both joint ends on the items.

1. Open Configuration

2. Select the Central Options tab on the left

3. Click to enable Price Output Joints

4. Click Save Changes

Validating Price Output Joints

Now that the feature is enabled and the Data File joint setup information has been adjusted, the Takeoff calculations can be verified.

1. Create a new job and a new zone

2. Select a duct item and change the joint on the second end

3. Expand Fab labor in the Item Details

   1. Expand the joint for end 2

   2. Validate the labor shown is for the alternate joint connector

4. Expand the Material Cost

   1. Expand the joint for end 2

   2. Validate the cost shown is for the alternate joint connector