Overview
The Refresh Data button is located in the toolbar, typically to the right of the frequently used button. It reloads the Ensign database within Ensign X, picking up any changes that have been made externally — most commonly in the estimating module.
When to use it
The PDF takeoff software loads the database once at startup and works from that snapshot until you either refresh or restart. This means any changes made in the estimating module while Ensign X is open will not appear automatically. You need to press Refresh Data in the following scenarios:
- You have created or modified an assembly in the estimating module and want it to appear under the Assemblies tab in Ensign X.
- You have added or updated contractor's choice items in the estimating module and want them available under the Contractor's Choice tab.
- You have received a database update from Ensign (e.g. new manufacturer pricing or product ranges) and want Ensign X to pick it up without restarting the software.
- You have added a new manufacturer or product range to the database via support, and it has been applied while your session is still running.
- A colleague has made database changes (on a multi-user system) and you want to see their updates.
What it does
When you press Refresh Data, Ensign X:
- Reloads the full product database, including all categories, manufacturers, ranges, and individual items.
- Reloads the assembly catalogue, picking up any new or modified assemblies.
- Reloads contractor's choice items.
- Updates the frequently used panel if any of the items in it have been modified.
What it does not do
The refresh does not affect any takeoff work you have already done. Your existing measurements, counts, and service assignments remain exactly as they are. It only updates the item catalogue that you browse and search when adding new takeoff lines.
How to use it
Simply click the Refresh Data button in the toolbar. The reload happens in the background and typically takes just a few seconds. Once complete, the database browser, assembly catalogue, and contractor's choice tab all reflect the latest data.
The alternative
Closing and reopening Ensign X achieves the same result — the database is reloaded when the software starts. However, the Refresh Data button is considerably faster and does not require you to close your current project, save your work, and reopen everything. If you are working alongside someone who is updating assemblies in the estimating module, a quick press of Refresh Data is all you need to see their changes.
If you have created a new assembly in the estimating module and it is not appearing in Ensign X, the most common cause is simply that you have not refreshed the data. Press the Refresh Data button before raising a support ticket — this resolves the issue in the vast majority of cases.