Set Up Cost Item Library

The Cost Item Library is a table, named MM_EXPRESS_COST_ITEM_LIBRARY, in the geodatabase that stores any items that represent cost in a design, such as labor, vehicle and feature costs. The items in this library can be assigned to design feature classes (DFCs) in the Palette Manager. They are also used by the Design Estimate tool and the Cost Estimate report. You can use the Cost Item Library Manager to add, delete and edit data in this table.

The table below describes the fields in MM_EXPRESS_COST_ITEM_LIBRARY. This table and its fields are created by the Configuration Wizard in the previous step. You'll need to create and assign the necessary domains as described in the section at the bottom of this table.

Field	Description
ObjectID	This field is auto-assigned.
ID	Data Optional. Unique ID that can map to a third-party WMS system for integration purposes.
Code	A unique identifier for the item. This field must be indexed for unique values.
Description	A description of the item.
Material_Cost	Cost associated with the item.
Category	Data Optional. Allows you to group items. In order for this field to work, you must assign a domain. The descriptions entered in the domain, not the codes, are displayed in the exported Estimate sheet.
Units	Data Optional. Units used to measure the item (e.g., map units or time units). A value of 0 indicates map units. IMPORTANT: If units are not set to 0 (map units) for linear cost items, they will not be calculated by the length. They will also default to a quantity of 1. You may also create a coded value domain of units (e.g., feet, hours) and assign it to this field.
Buffer	Data Optional. For linear DFCs, a percentage of the original amount used in the express design. In the Design Estimate tool and Cost Estimate report, this percentage is added to the original amount. For example, if the original amount of wire used in the express design is 100 feet and the buffer was 10 percent (entered and displayed as 1.1, not 10), then the quantity shown in the Design Estimate and Cost Estimate would be 110 yards.
Retired	This field indicates whether or not an item is retired. A value of 1 indicates that the item is retired. Retired items will appear in cost item reports for express designs created before the items were retired but the retired items cannot be used in express designs created after the items were retired.

Create Domains

The Category and Units fields in the MM_EXPRESS_COST_ITEM_LIBRARY table require domains. This section walks through the domains that need to be created.

Category

This field uses a domain that contains a list of categories that allow you to group your cost items in a logical manner. Create any categories you'd like to best organize your cost items. Below is an example.

Field Type: Long Integer

Domain Type: Coded Values

0 = Transformers
1 = Poles
2 = Fuses
3 = Switches

Units

This field uses a domain that contains units of measure. You can assign any code to any unit of measure. However, a value of 0 indicates map units. Below is an example.

Field Type: Short Integer

Domain Type: Coded Values

0 = map units
1 = feet
2 = meters

Add a Domain to the Geodatabase

Right-click the name of the geodatabase and select Properties.
Click the Domains tab.
Scroll to the bottom of the domains list.
In the empty row, type the domain name in the Domain Name field.
Ensure that the correct Field Type is selected under Domain Properties.
If additional domains need included, click Apply after adding each one.
Click OK.

Assign Domains

Once you have created the domains, you must assign them to the fields on the MM_EXPRESS_COST_ITEM_LIBRARY table. In ArcCatalog, right-click the MM_EXPRESS_COST_ITEM_LIBRARY table and select Properties. On the Fields tab, select the field and assign the domain in the Field Properties. You must be logged in as the owner of the table in order to edit it.

IMPORTANT: If you are unable to see or edit the drop-down menu on the Domain property on a field, try restarting ArcCatalog.

Populate Cost Item Library

Next, you'll need to populate the MM_EXPRESS_COST_ITEM_LIBRARY table with cost item data. This data may come from a third-party system. You can also use the Cost Item Library Manager to add individual cost items.