# Defining item category ## Understanding Categories An item category is generally set up when importing items for the first time, allowing users to have access to specific project variables to define pricing calculations. These project variables are related to the building information model (designer), and they can be geometric variables such as length, height or width or data variables such as colour, material and make.
For example: If you assign a C:200-15 item to the Category Structural frames, Shedmate will understand that that product has structural variables, such as Length, Mass, Material, Profile Name, Profile Width, Profile Height and Mass per metre. This will help you to set your pricing calculations based on the BOM in future steps. If it is not clear yet, do not worry. Everything will make sense once we learn how pricing calculation works. As a tip, some item variables can be referenced directly from the Bill of Materials as per below.
The table below summarizes different categories, variables from the Shedmate model and suggested items that could be assigned to those specific categories.
CategorySuggestion of Items Variables from Shedmate Model
Structural FramesC-Frames, SHS, RHS, UB, Z, TH, PFCs, Bracing Straps, Folded Channels, etc.Sub Category, Length, Mass, Material, Profile Name, Profile Width, Profile height, Mass per metre
ConnectionsBrackets, Column Stiffeners, Sub category, name, Material, Primarily connected to, Secondarily connected to
FixingsScrews, Bolts, Through Bolts, Dynabolts, Turn Buckles, etcNo properties
CladdingsTrimdek, Corrugated, Low-Profile, K-Panel, etc.Sub category, Length, Width, Thickness, Mass, Colour, Name
FlashingsRacker, Wall corner, Rollerdoor header, Glass door headers, PA door headers, Internal wall flashings, Sliding Panel Wrapping Flashing, Ridge Caps, Barge trims, etcSub category, Length, Mass, Material, Profile Name, Profile width, Mass per metre
GuttersSquare Fascia Gutter, Half Round Gutter, Internal Gutters, Quad Gutter, etc.Sub category, Length, Mass, Material, Profile name, Mass per metre
PipesDown Pipes in PVC or SteelSub category, Length, Mass, Material, Profile name, Profile width, Mass per metre
Pipe AccessoriesDown pipe Brackets, Stop Ends, Pipes, Pops, etc.Sub category, Name, Material
FloorsConcrete Slabs and Aprons, Mezzanine Flooring, reinforcing mesh, etc.Sub category, Area, Volume, Mass, Material, Resistance, Reinforcing Mesh, Thickness
FootingsStructural FootingsSub category, Volume, Mass, Material, Resistance
WallsAny additional costs associated with Walls (not cladding).Sub category, Name, Area, Material
RoofsSkylight Protection MeshesSub category, Name, Area, Material
WindowsAny project WindowsSub category, Name, Width, Height, Make, Model, Colour, Sill Height
DoorsRoller Doors, Panellift (Sectional Doors), P.A. Doors, etcSub category, Name, Material, Make, Model, Width, Height, Swing Direction, Series Name, Has Motor, Motor Side, Has Chain, Chain Side, Rebate Setdown, Rebate Depth, Cladding, Colour, Sliding Description, Outer profile, Inner profile, Area
Bay OpeningsAny costs associated with Bay OpeningsSub category, Name, Width, Height
EquipmentsSpin-AwaysSub category, Material
Door AcessoriesRoller Door Motors and Chains, Sliding Panel Brackets, Tracks, Rollers, Rubbers, Top Wall Sealing Flashings, Stops, Pad Lock Bolts, Angle Bracings, etc.No variables
Vermin proofingsVermaseal for Trimdek and CorrugatedNo variables
InsulationBuilders Blanket Mesh and Rolls, E-therm, etcNo variables
LogisticsSupplier Freight, DeliveryNo variables
OfficePlans, Planning Lodgment, Development, Certificate of Titles, Engineering costs, etc.No variables
FabricationWelding costs, Truss Fabrication costs, etc.No variables
InstallationInstallation/Labour costsNo variables
SiteAny Equipment Hire, protective equipment or project specific machinery.No variables