Global Defines

The Global Defines window allows you to create and customise variables which you can refer to in formula throughout the project.

When a value of the Global Define is changed every reference will reflect the change.

Global Defines icon

From the Global Defines window, you can view and edit all information regarding the global defines, available within the project.

To modify the Global Defines window, simply click the  edit button in the ribbon menu.

Global Defines window – Add, remove, or edit global define properties

Within the windows you can:

  • Edit define properties such as Name, Value and Description
  • Create new defines
  • Delete existing defines
  • View Global Define usage

A few considerations need to be taken into account when naming a Global Define. These include:

  • Every Global Define must have a unique name
  • There is no character limit to the Global Define name
  • The name of a Global Define cannot be changed after it has been used within the project
  • While a Global Define is linked to a spreadsheet it’s name is restricted from being changed.
    Genesis edition only.

INTERPOLATED DEFINES

An interpolated define is a feature where you can combine a secondary define into the name of a primary define. Having this ability allows you to dynamically create a defines reference, and simplify how you work.

An interpolated define includes an expression embedded within the define. The formula parser evaluates the expression and replaces it with its result to create the final define name.

Example:

#PROJDURA10 is a Global Define created with a value of 100

#DUR is an Automatic Define that has a value of 10 for Item 1 in the Direct Cost Schedule and a value of 20 for Item 2 in the Direct Cost Schedule

In the scenario above the interpolated define of #PROJDURA#DUR in Item 1 will return a value of 100 in the Cost Estimate.

However, in Item 2, the #PROJDURA#DUR will not evaluate and will not return a value.

Note: You can only interpolate a maximum of two define names. For whole numbers any decimal places are ignored.

For example: the Quantity of 20.00 will be interpolated as 20.

GLOBAL DEFINES USAGE TREE

The Global Defines usage tree is accessed from the Global Defines ribbon menu or right-click context menu.

This window, by default, shows all locations in which the selected define(s) have been used. This allows you to quickly analyse where a particular define is used or assigned.

Global Defines Usage Tree window

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