Excel workflows
Workflows that build, check or feed spreadsheets: calcs, logs, trackers and exports.
10 workflows · updated
Conventional automation Check model data against project rules before it reaches drawings
Design data platforms connect Revit, Rhino and IFC, validate each model version, and let you ask questions of live model data.
AI assists Compare construction schedule scenarios with AI-assisted scheduling tools
AI scheduling tools generate and compare schedule scenarios and forecast risk.
AI assists Extract connection data from steel shop drawings into a spreadsheet with an AI skill
Write a step-by-step extraction skill, run an AI model over the shop drawing set, and verify every cell with cross-checks such as plate weight from geometry vs. the bill of materials. In our own trial on 21 connections (273 values), the best model run matched 268 of 273 values (98%) against the verified answers; verification rules made the biggest difference.
Conventional automation Build a transparent, tested Excel calc for a repeatable connection check
Generate an unlocked spreadsheet from a script, cite spec section numbers next to every formula, and test it against an independent hand calc so the workbook can be reviewed instead of trusted as a black box.
Conventional automation Pull newly issued building permits from city open data into a weekly lead list
Many cities publish issued permits through open data APIs. A short script pulls the last 7 days, filters by work type and job cost, and writes a CSV you can sort for bidding or outreach.
Conventional automation Back-calculate submittal due dates from the schedule and send a weekly due-soon list
Join the submittal log to schedule activities, subtract lead time and review time from the need-on-site date, and email the team a list of submittals that must move in the next two weeks.
AI assists Turn a PDF calc package into a working, checkable spreadsheet
Use an AI coding assistant to rebuild a PDF calculation package (for example a connection plate redesign) as a spreadsheet: inputs in highlighted cells, then one check per block (gross yielding, rupture, combined axial and bending, buckling, block shear), each matched to the PDF value.
Conventional automation Track AI token usage and cost on every engineering task
A standing rule in the agent's instruction file (for example AGENTS.md) makes every engineering task log record tokens and cost, so you learn what AI help actually costs per task type.
Conventional automation Build panel schedules and load calcs in Excel and link them into AutoCAD
Keep panel schedules and the load calc in one Excel workbook, apply demand factors from a load-type column, and use AutoCAD Data Link so the drawing table updates when the spreadsheet changes.
Conventional automation Tie bid leveling tabs into your estimate workbook with one cost-code key
One workbook holds the estimate summary, detail, qualifications and a leveling tab per trade. A shared cost-code column links them, so the number you carry on each leveling tab flows into the estimate with SUMIFS instead of retyping.