Using AI to Generate, Analyze, and Update BOQ Structures
TL;DR: The Aedis AI Assistant can automatically generate BOQ sections, sub-sections, line items, and descriptions. It can also analyze existing BOQ content, update items intelligently, and provide feedback on your BOQ structure—all using simple natural-language prompts.
Overview
AedisPro's AI Assistant can help you build and refine 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 new content: Work sections, sub-sections, numbered items, descriptions, and specifications
- Update existing content: Analyze your current BOQ and intelligently update or enhance existing items
- Provide feedback: Review your BOQ structure and offer suggestions for improvement
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, refinement, 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:
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):
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:
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:
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:
- Navigate to Measurements → Collections
- Select or create the Collection you want to work in
- Ensure it is the active one (highlighted or selected)
All generated:
- Sections
- Items
- Descriptions
- Notes
- Sub-structures
…will appear inside that Collection automatically.
Analyzing and Updating Existing BOQ Content
The AI Assistant can now review your existing BOQ content and intelligently update or enhance it. This is particularly useful when:
- You need to add missing items to an existing section
- Descriptions need to be expanded or refined
- You want to standardize formatting across items
- New scope has been added to the project
Example: Update Existing Section
"Review the Concrete Works section and add any missing items for formwork and reinforcement."
The assistant analyzes the current structure and intelligently adds complementary items while maintaining existing numbering and hierarchy.
Example: Enhance Descriptions
"Expand the descriptions in the Masonry Works section to include material specifications and workmanship requirements."
The AI updates existing items with more detailed information while preserving the original structure.
Example: Merge and Standardize
"Analyze all finishing items across collections and standardize the description format."
The assistant reviews multiple sections and applies consistent formatting and terminology.
Getting Feedback on Your BOQ Structure
You can ask the AI Assistant to review your existing BOQ and provide constructive feedback on:
- Completeness - Are any typical items missing?
- Organization - Is the structure logical and easy to follow?
- Clarity - Are descriptions clear and unambiguous?
- Consistency - Are naming conventions and formats consistent?
- Best Practices - Does it follow industry standards?
Example: Request BOQ Review
"Review my Electrical Works BOQ and suggest any missing items or improvements."
The assistant analyzes the structure and provides feedback on gaps, organizational issues, or areas that could be improved.
Example: Verify Completeness
"Check if my Excavation Works section includes all typical items for a residential project."
The AI compares your BOQ against common practices and highlights any potentially missing elements.
Example: Quality Check
"Analyze my entire BOQ for inconsistencies in numbering, formatting, or terminology."
The assistant performs a comprehensive review and provides a detailed report of inconsistencies.
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
- • For generating new content: Start with clear scope descriptions and mention if you want descriptions included
- • For updating existing content: Be specific about which section to analyze and what kind of updates you need
- • For getting feedback: Ask specific questions about completeness, consistency, or best practices
- • 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"
- - "Review and suggest improvements"
- - "Check for missing items"
- - "Standardize the format"
- • Keep your active Collection correct before generating or updating items
Summary
Using AI prompts, you can build, refine, and optimize full BOQ structures. The Aedis AI Assistant allows you to:
- ✓ Generate new sections and item hierarchies from scratch
- ✓ Analyze and update existing BOQ content intelligently
- ✓ Get feedback and suggestions for improvement
- ✓ Add detailed descriptions and notes
- ✓ Auto-number and organize items
- ✓ Standardize formatting and terminology
- ✓ Keep scopes separated via Collections
- ✓ Rapidly build and refine tender-ready BOQs
This transforms BOQ creation and refinement from a time-consuming task into a fast, intuitive, AI-assisted workflow that ensures completeness, consistency, and quality.