Computer Software for Steel Professionals
External Data Interface
One of Structural Material Manager's most powerful features is its optional External Data Interface (EDI). This module allows material lists stored in other software systems to be imported into Structural Material Manager via text files. It also allows Structural Material Manager to export its bills of material to spreadsheet, database and other types of programs that have the capability to import text files. This eliminates the need for retyping the items and makes this module a great time-saver.
Most people inquiring about Structural Material Manager's External Data Interface want to import bills of material from either a CAD system or Excel, or they want to export Structural Material Manager material lists to Excel. Our Web site has various resources to assist with these tasks and others:
- Importing bills of material from CAD systems such as AutoCad, AutoSD, Advance Steel, CadVantage, CDS, DetailCad, SDS/2, SSDCP, Soft Steel, SteelLogic and Tekla
- Overview of different types of text files supported by the External Data Interface
- Our modern ASCII-delimited field layout that is especially useful for Excel data transfers
- The original fixed-field-width format (now a legacy format not to be used for new projects)
