What are associated components?
When you measure a linear item — cable tray, trunking, or pipework — on a PDF drawing, the software can automatically detect changes of direction and add the correct fittings for you. A 90-degree turn adds a 90-degree bend; a 45-degree turn adds a 45-degree bend. No manual counting required.
This feature is called associated components, and it works with both Ensign's pre-built assemblies and any custom assemblies you create.
Associated components are available on the Ensign X PDF takeoff platform. The mechanical pre-built assemblies from Ensign have bend detection set up by default. On the electrical platform, associated components may need to be enabled on your assemblies — contact Ensign support if yours are not already configured.
How it works
When you use a linear assembly to measure along a drawing in the PDF takeoff, the software tracks the angle at each change of direction. At the end of the measurement, it automatically generates the mapped fittings alongside your measured length.
For example, if you measure 25 metres of 75mm MRF tray with two 90-degree turns and one 45-degree turn, the system adds:
- 25 metres of tray (plus couplings and hangers per your assembly)
- 2 x 75mm 90-degree flat bends
- 1 x 75mm 45-degree flat bend
Checking associated components on an assembly
- 1
Go to the Assembly screen and navigate to the linear assembly you want to check.
- 2
Click Amend (or open the assembly for editing).
- 3
Click the Associated Components button at the bottom of the assembly screen.
- 4
You should see entries for the 90-degree bend and 45-degree bend, each mapped to the correct product from the database with a quantity of one.
Setting up associated components on a custom assembly
If you have created your own linear assembly and want bend detection to work, you need to map the fittings yourself.
- 1
Open your custom assembly for editing.
- 2
Click the Associated Components button.
- 3
Click Add Item and navigate through the database to find the correct fitting (e.g. a 50mm pre-galv 90-degree flat bend).
- 4
Set the angle to 90 degrees and the quantity to 1.
- 5
Repeat for the 45-degree bend, selecting the matching product and setting the angle to 45 degrees.
- 6
Click Save and Exit.
If you have copied an existing Ensign assembly that already has associated components set up, the bend mappings carry over to the copy. You may just need to verify the product codes match the size of your new assembly.
Creative uses for associated components
Associated components are not limited to traditional bends. You can map any item that should be generated at a change of direction. For example:
- Basket tray — basket tray does not use pre-formed bends (you make them on site), but you might want an additional support at every change of direction. Map a hanger or bracket as the associated component instead of a bend.
- Additional fixings — if your installation requires extra fixings at corners, map those as associated components.
The key idea is that any time the software detects a direction change, it generates whatever item you have mapped. Think creatively about what you need at those points.
Getting help with associated components
If your pre-built Ensign assemblies do not currently have associated components configured — particularly if you have had the software for a while and the feature was introduced after your initial setup — contact Ensign support. The team can update your existing assemblies with the correct bend mappings via a read-in, so you do not have to set them all up manually.