Menu path
Estimate > Generate Panels > Tally-Panels
What does it do
Tally-Panels creates a comprehensive cutting list from all panels in your roof model using the various Blocking methods or Generate-Panels method.
This feature generates detailed lists showing panel lengths, quantities, and material requirements - essential for ordering materials and programming rollforming equipment.
The system can handle up to 4 different materials with 5000 different panel lengths, making it suitable for complex roofing projects with multiple panel types.
🧾 How panel identification works
Each panel receives a unique identifier combining:
Roof plane number - identifies which section of roof
Sheet number - sequential numbering in lap direction
This systematic identification helps contractors track panels during installation and ensures accurate placement on the roof.
🔧 Generating the cutting list
Open Cover > Estimate Panels > Generate Panels > Tally-Panels
or Estimate > Tally-BlocksSelect your panel material from the dropdown list
Review the cutting list summary showing:
Number of sheets for each length
Total coil length required from inventory
Total panel area vs roof area (waste percentage)
Applied allowances and rounding factors
Choose your export option (see sections below)
🛠 Export to Rollformer
Export cutting lists directly to rollforming machine controllers for automated production.
Supported controllers:
Controller Type | Notes |
AMS Eclipse Controller | Full support |
Beck Automation Controller | Not all models supported |
Proface Controller | Full support |
New Tech Machinery 200 Controller | Full support |
New Tech Machinery 100 Controller | Full support |
New Tech Machinery UNIQ CS controller | Full support |
AppliCAD Standard Rollformer Output | Generic format |
Export steps:
Click Export To Rollformer
Select your controller format
Choose grouping option:
By Section - groups panels by roof sections
By Storey - groups panels by building level
No Grouping - all panels in one list
Click OK to generate the file
Transfer file to your rollforming machine via USB or network
⚠️ Important: Not all controllers can import cutting list files. Check with your machine supplier to confirm compatibility before relying on this feature.
🛠 Export to CSV
Export cutting lists as comma-separated value files for use in spreadsheets or other software systems.
Click Export CSV
Choose storey handling:
Combine Storeys: Yes - all panels in one list
Combine Storeys: No - separate lists by storey
Save the CSV file to your desired location
🧾 Understanding the cutting list display
The cutting list shows several key pieces of information:
Field | Description |
Panel lengths | Adjusted for allowances and rounding factors (typically 5mm) |
Total coil length | Raw material needed from inventory |
Waste percentage | Difference between panel area and roof area |
Allowance file | Shows which allowance settings are applied |
🔧 Panel modification options
From the Tally-Panels dialog, you can:
Delete panels - remove panels from the cutting list
Change panels - modify panel specifications
Switch materials - view cutting lists for different panel materials
These options provide an alternative to using the main Modify-Panels function.
🛠 Minimum panel length handling
The system automatically combines short panels to reduce waste:
Panels shorter than minimum length are combined into longer sheets
Combined lengths never exceed maximum panel length
If the final panel is still too short, it reports at minimum length
Minimum Panel Length Breakdown shows how shorter lengths are combined, helping you understand material optimisation.
💡 Remember: This method assumes off-cuts will not be reused. Panel lengths are calculated from long point to long point for maximum accuracy.
🧾 Section Reports
Create detailed plane-by-plane reports showing every panel with precise installation details.
Setting up Section Reports:
Set plane section ID and sequence numbers
Generate the Section Report drawing
Review panel layout for each roof section
Section Reports are invaluable for installers, showing exactly how long panels should be cut to create shorter panels and the installation sequence for each roof area.
🛠 Reducing waste with minimum panel settings
Optimise material usage by configuring minimum panel lengths:
Go to Set-Up > Metal Panels
Set minimum panel length for each profile
Enable Apply Minimum Panel Length in Allowances
Choose combination method in Combine Min. Len. Panels
This reduces the number of short panels in shipping packs and reduces material waste.
💡 Tips for effective cutting lists
Review allowance files before generating lists to ensure accurate material calculations
Use Section Reports for complex roofs with multiple materials
Export to CSV for integration with inventory management systems
Check controller compatibility before relying on automated exports
Consider minimum panel length settings to reduce waste