In this lesson, you learned how Efficiently organizes the “what” of a project, the item selections that will be installed at each location.
Every selection in Efficiently is built on two key elements: Locations, Item IDs, and Items.
Locations Define the “Where”
A Location represents the exact, measurable place where something will be installed. It answers the question: Where does this go?
For example, a chandelier location defines where a light fixture will be installed in a space.
Item IDs Define the “What”
An Item ID represents the type of selection before a specific product is chosen. Think of it as a smart placeholder for a design decision.
When an Item ID has not been finalized, you’ll see “XX” in place of the ID number. This indicates that the exact selection has not yet been made.
Once an Item ID is assigned, it receives a unique number and becomes the central reference for that selection across the project.
Instead of assigning the same product to multiple locations individually, a single Item ID is reused wherever that selection appears. This keeps your project consistent and easy to manage.
Items Are the Actual Products
An Item is the real product being specified, such as a fixture, finish, or material.
Items live in the catalog and include detailed information like:
Manufacturer
Model number
Specifications
When an Item is assigned to an Item ID, it becomes the official selection for every linked location.
If the Item is replaced later, all related locations, schedules, and documents update automatically.
Why This Matters
By organizing selections using Locations, Item IDs, and Items, Efficiently ensures that:
Every selection is clearly documented
Changes update everywhere automatically
Duplicate work is eliminated
Schedules and documents stay accurate
This system gives you a reliable, connected view of what is being installed and where.
Next, you’ll learn how to navigate the item schedule to quickly find the information you need.