To begin using SimpleCAD, ensure you have your project details and building specifications at hand. Access SimpleCAD via your preferred web browser and log in using your credentials.
Creating a New Chute
Creating a new chute in SimpleCAD involves a four-step wizard.
Step 1: Demographics
Navigate to the 'Create New Chute' Section: From the main menu, click on the 'New' button to start the chute creation process.
Enter Demographic Information:
Contractor: Enter the name of the contractor.
Architect: Enter the name of the architect.
Project: Enter a name for this project.
Property: Enter a label used for this property.
Chute: Enter a unique name for this chute if multiples exist at this property.
Proceed to the Next Step: Click the 'Next' button to move to Step 2.
Step 2: Product
Select Chute Type: Choose between 'Trash Chute' or 'Linen'.
Select Door Type: Choose the appropriate door type for the chute.
Basement Unit: Select the basement unit.
Place unit on floor other than basement: If you want to place the unit on a floor other than the basement, check this box. A text box will appear where you can enter the floor number. For example, if you want the trash compactor on the 5th floor, check this box and enter '5'. The bottom of the shop drawing will begin with "floor 5" and display the compactor on that floor, with the drawing containing nothing below.
Floor Height: Enter the most common (default) floor height in inches. This can be changed for individual floors in the next step.
Number of Floors: Enter the total number of floors. Only count floors between the basement unit and the topmost roof. Do not count the basement unit, floors below the basement unit, or the topmost roof. Extra floors below the roof, like mechanical rooms, are counted.
Additional Parts: Check the 'Do not add Duct(B) and Intake(A) parts' box if you do not want the system to automatically generate the A (door/intake piece attached to a section of chute) or the B (cylindrical sheet metal tubing making up the core of the chute) pieces. These parts can then be manually added. Standard pieces and services like delivery, floor frame, sign, sprinkler, and door that gets attached to the intake are still added.
Proceed to the Next Step: Click the 'Next' button to move to Step 3.
Step 3: Floors
Label Each Floor: Enter labels for each floor (e.g., Sub-Basement, Floor 1, Lobby, Mechanical Room, etc.).
Specify Floor Heights: Adjust the height for each floor that is different from the default.
Intake Option: Check the 'Intake' box for floors that require intake access.
Proceed to the Next Step: Click the 'Next' button to move to the final Step.
Step 4: Options
Select Additional Options: Choose from a list of additional options such as:
ND Neoprene padding with sound deadening
Standard Neoprene padding with sound deadening
Discharge Door and Fusible Link
CP1000 Container
2 Yard Standard
2 Yard x2 Adapted
Solenoid Valve
Heat & Smoke Detector
Insecticide Pump
Bi-Sorter
Tri-Sorter
Louver
Create the Chute: Click the 'Create Chute' button to finalize the chute creation process.
See the Results: A shop drawing for the completed chute will be displayed. Floors with no A or B pieces will not be displayed if the option to manually create the chute was selected. Select ‘Chute Details’ to view and modify the full list of parts. Select ‘Main Menu’ to return to the system from the Shop Drawing.
Viewing Chute Details
After creating a chute, you can view and modify the full list of parts by selecting 'Chute Details' from the shop drawing.
Viewing Chute Details
After creating the chute, you can view the details by navigating to the 'Chutes' section. Here, you can see all the chutes you have created along with their specifications and parts list.
Click on any chute to display the ‘Chute Details’ page.
Select the appropriate tab for Parts, Pricing, Demographics, Fabrication, or Shop Drawing.
Pricing: Displays a list of all parts, quantity, and prices.
Demographics: Displays general info like Job# and Contractor.
Fabrication: Intended for future use and will be expanded to allow for assignment to an employee and marking as complete or with a status update (e.g., Assigned, Fabricated, Loaded on Truck for Installation, Installed).
Parts: Allows for modifying the chute.
Select a floor to expand the list of parts for that floor.
Click ‘Edit Floor’ to modify the floor label, height, or intake.
Click ‘Add Part’ to add a part to that floor.
Scroll to or search for the part.
Optionally enter a custom price.
Optionally click ‘Copy’ to create a new part like this part.
Enter a ‘Part Code’ for the new item.
Change any of the other parameters that differentiate this part from the one you are copying.
Click ‘Save Changes’ to add the part to the current chute and return to the ‘Chute Details’ page.
Click ‘Add’ to complete adding the part and return to the ‘Chute Details’ page.
Generating Shop Drawings
SimpleCAD can generate a shop drawing from your created chutes or manually added parts. To view the shop drawing:
Navigate to the Chutes Section: Click on the chute you want to generate the drawing for.
Generate Drawing: Click on the ‘Shop Drawing' tab to view the Shop Drawing.
Managing Parts and Pricing
SimpleCAD automatically calculates the parts needed and their pricing based on the details entered. You can also manually adjust any of the parts in the system if necessary. To manage parts and pricing:
Navigate to the Parts Section: Click on the 'Parts' button in the main menu.
View and Adjust Parts:
Review the parts list and select one to make any necessary adjustments, like price or description.
Create a Copy of a Part: Click the ‘Copy’ button to create a new part similar to an existing part.
Enter a ‘Part Code’ for the new item.
Change any of the other parameters that differentiate this part from the one you are copying.
Click ‘Save Changes’ to save and return to the Parts page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I edit the chute details after creating it? Yes, you can edit the chute details by navigating to the 'Chutes' section and selecting the chute you want to edit.
Support and Contact Information
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