How do I create an Item Group and use it from the Cost Items Database?

How to Create an Item Group and Use It from the Cost Items Database

Purpose

Item Groups allow you to bundle multiple related Cost Items (materials, labor, etc.) into one reusable group. This makes adding complex assemblies or common task packages to Estimates, Invoices, or Change Orders significantly faster and more consistent.

Navigation Steps

1. Open the Main Menu

2. Click Cost Items Database

3. In the top navigation bar of the Cost Items screen, select the Item Groups tab

Steps to Create an Item Group

1. In the Item Groups tab, click the dropdown in the top-right corner
2. Select “Add Group Item”

3. 
4. In the popup window:
   • Enter a Group Name (e.g., “Electrical Outlet”)
   • Set the Status to Active
   • Optionally add an Internal Note for team context
5. 
6. Click the Add/Manage Items button
   • This opens the item selector where you can choose individual materials, labor, equipment, etc. to include in the group
   • Specify the default quantities for each line item
7. After adding your items, click Save to finalize the Item Group

Using an Item Group

Once an Item Group is created:

• You can use it in modules like Estimates, Invoices, Change Orders, etc.
• Select the Item Group instead of adding each individual line item manually
• After inserting, you can still adjust quantities or pricing as needed

Example: Electrical Contractor

Suppose you’re installing an Electrical Outlet. Each install typically involves:

• 1 Electrical Box (Material)
• 10 LF of 14/2 or 12/2 Wire (Material)
• 1 Electrical Outlet (Material)
• 2 Hours of Electrician Labor

You can group these into one Item Group named “Electrical Outlet”. The next time you need to quote or invoice for an outlet, simply select the group. All items will be added automatically, saving time and ensuring nothing is missed.

If installing 3 outlets, you’ll need to manually update each quantity (e.g., multiply all by 3). The system does not auto-calculate multiplied quantities.

Notes

• Quantities and prices shown are for training/demo purposes only.
• Item Groups do not sync with price changes in individual Cost Items unless manually updated.
• Great for frequently repeated work, assemblies, or trade-specific task bundles.