AedisPro

Using AI Prompts to Generate BOQ Structures

TL;DR: You can instruct the Aedis AI Assistant to automatically generate BOQ sections, sub-sections, line items, and descriptions. All generated items are added directly into the active Collection, allowing you to build structured BOQs using simple natural-language prompts.

Overview

AedisPro's AI Assistant can help you build complete Bill of Quantities (BOQ) structures without needing to manually create headings, numbering, or descriptions.

By using natural-language prompts, you can ask the assistant to generate:

  • Work sections
  • Sub-sections
  • Numbered BOQ items
  • Detailed descriptions
  • Notes and specifications

The system places all generated content into the currently active Collection, keeping your BOQ organized and separated by scope.

This dramatically speeds up BOQ creation and helps maintain consistency across multiple projects.

Understanding Collections

Collections act like BOQ sheets or divisions, similar to tabs in an Excel workbook.

Use collections to separate scopes such as:

  • Architectural Works
  • Structural Works
  • External Works
  • Finishes
  • Mechanical Services
  • Electrical Works

When generating BOQ items through AI prompts:

  • • All new items will be inserted into whichever Collection is currently active.
  • • Make sure you select the correct Collection before issuing your prompt.

Creating BOQ Structures Using Prompts

You can ask the AI Assistant to generate structured BOQ content with:

  • Headings
  • Sub-headings
  • Numbering sequences
  • Descriptions
  • Specification notes

The assistant supports simple and complex instructions.

Example Prompts

1. Generate a Basic BOQ Section

"Create a BOQ section for Concrete Works with items for slabs, beams, and columns."

The assistant may generate:

1 Concrete Works
1.1 Concrete Slabs
1.2 Concrete Beams
1.3 Concrete Columns

2. Generate BOQ With Descriptions

"Create a section called Masonry Works with a short description and sub-items for blockwork, brickwork, and reinforcement."

Result (added to active Collection):

2 Masonry Works
This section covers all blockwork, brickwork, and related reinforcing works.
2.1 Blockwork
2.2 Brickwork
2.3 Masonry Reinforcement

3. Generate a Detailed Multi-Level Structure

"Generate a BOQ structure for Excavation Works with subsection items for foundations, trenches, and backfilling. Include a general description."

Output:

1 Excavation Works
Includes excavation for foundations, trenches, pits, disposal, and site preparation.
1.1 Excavation for Foundations
1.2 Excavation for Trenches
1.3 Backfilling and Compaction
1.4 Disposal of Surplus Material

4. Add Long Description Notes

"Add a detailed specification note for item 1.1, covering safety, method of execution, and environmental requirements."

The assistant inserts a formatted multi-line description block under item 1.1.

5. Create Entire Trade Packages

"Create a BOQ sheet for Electrical Works with headings for lighting, power, containment, and testing."

The assistant can build:

Electrical Works
3.1 Lighting
3.2 Power Distribution
3.3 Cable Containment
3.4 Testing & Commissioning

Naming and Numbering

The AI Assistant automatically:

  • Applies hierarchical numbering (1 → 1.1 → 1.1.1)
  • Aligns numbering with existing items
  • Creates clean, consistent indentation
  • Organizes text and formatting based on BOQ conventions

You can modify numbering manually afterward if needed.

Adding BOQ Items to a Specific Collection

Before issuing a prompt:

  1. Navigate to Measurements → Collections
  2. Select or create the Collection you want to work in
  3. Ensure it is the active one (highlighted or selected)

All generated:

  • Sections
  • Items
  • Descriptions
  • Notes
  • Sub-structures

…will appear inside that Collection automatically.

Combine AI BOQ Generation With Price Books

You can also instruct the assistant to align BOQ items with Price Book entries:

"Create a BOQ structure for Wall Finishes and link items to matching price book codes."

or

"Generate a painting BOQ and use price book items for rates."

The assistant will:

  • Generate the structure
  • Insert descriptions
  • Assign Price Book codes to items (if matching codes exist)

Tips for Effective Prompts

  • • Start with clear scope descriptions
  • • Mention if you want descriptions included
  • • Specify numbering style if required
  • • Use prompts like:
    • - "Explain like I'm new to QS"
    • - "List by hierarchy"
    • - "Add a general description to the section"
  • • Keep your active Collection correct before generating items

Summary

Using AI prompts, you can build full BOQ structures without manual typing. The Aedis AI Assistant allows you to:

  • ✓ Generate sections and item hierarchies
  • ✓ Add detailed descriptions and notes
  • ✓ Auto-number and organize items
  • ✓ Keep scopes separated via Collections
  • ✓ Rapidly build tender-ready BOQs

This transforms BOQ creation from a time-consuming task into a fast, intuitive, AI-assisted workflow.

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