Trades and use cases
PlanRelevé is best suited to takeoffs where an estimator must count symbols, measure runs or surfaces, resolve assemblies and produce a reviewable estimate. The engine does not replace design rules, codes, specifications or trade validation.
Common scopes
| Trade | Typical takeoff items | Useful functions |
|---|---|---|
| Fire protection | Sprinklers, alarm devices, zones and piping | Symbols, detection, pipes, zone groups and BOM |
| Electronic security / ELV | Cameras, readers, contacts and intrusion | Devices, groups, cables, assemblies and catalog |
| Electrical | Receptacles, switches, fixtures, conduit and conductors | Detection, multipliers, conduit spare and labour per foot |
| Telecommunications / network | Data outlets, access points and structured cabling | Runs, drops, groups and length by type/gauge |
| Multidiscipline estimating | Several scopes on one drawing set | Classes, filters, sheet matrix, exports and estimate |
The starting library provides 101 symbols, 10,665 bilingual parts and 101 library assemblies; the runtime also contains 30 embedded fallback recipes. These are starting points: adapt units, parts, prices and labour to your methods and suppliers in the catalog.
Recommended trade workflow
- Disable out-of-scope sheets and name active sheets from the dashboard.
- Calibrate every sheet used for length or area; see Scale.
- Create unambiguous classes, such as separate indoor/outdoor cameras or pendent/upright sprinklers when their recipes differ.
- Run detection, then have candidates reviewed by someone who understands the plan conventions.
- Draw cables and pipes, adding groups, multipliers, drops and spare appropriate to the scope.
- Verify assemblies, parts and hours. Only confirmed/manual devices on active sheets feed pricing.
- Check exclusions, free lines, margin and taxes in the estimate, then generate a new export for each issued version.
Scope limits
A similar symbol may mean something different in another legend, discipline or addendum. An automatic length does not by itself know permitted routing, conduit capacity, losses, supports or site conditions. Built-in assemblies are not code prescriptions or guaranteed prices. Document assumptions and keep candidates out of final deliverables until decided.