Classifications in Cost Management

Classification structures are hierarchical code systems. Teams use them to categorize construction work (for example, Uniformat, MasterFormat, or custom standards).

In Forma Build, project administrators assign structures to a Cost Management project. Team members tag budget line items with classification codes for reporting and analysis. Classification codes are optional tags. They don't replace budget code segments.

In this article:

• What Are Classification Structures?
• Classifications and Budget Code Segments
• Use Classifications in Cost Management

What Are Classification Structures?

Classification structures organize work into a code hierarchy. Hub administrators create structures in Classifications in the Library and publish them to projects. Project teams can also create structures in Project Admin.

See Classifications in Library to create hub-wide structures. See Create and Manage Project Classifications for project-level structures.

Classifications and Budget Code Segments

Budget code segments define each budget line's unique budget code. Classification codes add optional metadata on top of that code.

You can assign multiple structures to a project. Each budget line can have at most one code per structure. You don't need to tag budgets when you assign a structure.

Use Classifications in Cost Management

Follow this workflow to use classification structures in Cost Management:

1. Create or import structures — Hub administrators use Classifications in Library. Project administrators use Create and Manage Project Classifications.

2. Assign structures to the Cost project — In Cost Management, open Settings > Budget > Classifications, then assign structures published to the project. See Assign classification structures to a Cost Management project.

3. Tag budget line items — In the budget flyout, expand Classifications and select a code for each structure. See Tag budgets with classification codes.

4. Import codes with a budget (optional) — Add classification codes in optional template columns when you import a budget spreadsheet.

5. Filter and group budgets — Use Filter and Group on the budget table. See Filter and group by classification.

6. Group budgets in the budget picker — When you link a budget to another entity, group budgets by classification code. See Group items in the budget picker by classification.

7. Group budgets when creating a Main Contract SOV — Group budgets by classification when you create a Main Contract SOV.

8. Batch edit codes (optional) — Apply the same classification to multiple budget items. See Batch edit budget fields.

Tip: In Settings > Budget > Classifications, open the More menu next to a structure and click View to review its code hierarchy in Project Admin before you tag budgets.