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Component DB (Database) Support Guide

Comprehensive step-by-step guide for all the Component DB core actions

Overview

Component DB is your organization's central repository for component data. Build your library once with standardized names, categories, useful lives, and unit costs—then draw from it for every study. Lists let you organize components into reusable collections that can be added to studies with a single action.

Important: Changes in Component DB are not saved until you click the Save button. Always save your work before navigating away.


Accessing Component DB

  1. Log in to HomeRun IQ

  2. Click Component DB in the main navigation menu

  3. You'll see your organization's component library with all saved components

Note: Component DB is shared across your entire organization. Any changes you make are visible to all team members.


Adding Components

Add a Single Component

  1. Click the Add Component button

  2. Fill in the component details:

    • Name – A clear, descriptive name (e.g., "Asphalt Shingle Roof")

    • Asset Code – Optional identifier for your records

    • Category 1-4 – Hierarchical categorization (e.g., Roofing > Sloped > Shingles)

    • Estimated Useful Life – Expected lifespan in years

    • Quantity – Default quantity

    • Unit of Measurement – How the component is measured (SF, LF, Each, etc.)

    • Unit Cost – Cost per unit

    • Cost Date – When the cost was estimated

    • Notes – Additional information or specifications

  3. Click Save in the component editor

  4. Click the main Save button to save your changes to the database

Import Components from a Spreadsheet

  1. Click the Import button

  2. Click Download Template to get the current import template (V3)

  3. Fill in the template with your component data:

    • Use the column headers exactly as shown

    • Activity Type can be entered as text (Replace, Repair, Maintain, Monitor)

    • See the template instructions for unit abbreviations

  4. Save your spreadsheet

  5. Click Choose File and select your completed template

  6. Click Import

  7. Review the import summary and resolve any errors

  8. Click the main Save button to save all imported components to the database

Tip: The V3 template supports human-readable Activity Types and line-item conditions. Your existing V1 and V2 templates still work.


Managing Components

Search and Filter

  • Search: Use the search box to find components by name, category, or other fields

  • Filter by List: Use the list dropdown to show only components in a specific list (see "Using Lists" below)

Edit a Component

  1. Click on a component row to open the detail panel

  2. Make your changes

  3. Click Save in the component editor

  4. Click the main Save button to save your changes to the database

Note: Changes to components in Component DB do not affect components already added to studies. Studies contain copies of the component data.

Delete Components

  1. Select one or more components using the checkboxes

  2. Click Bulk Actions > Delete

  3. Confirm the deletion

  4. Click the main Save button to save your changes to the database

Warning: Deleting a component removes it from all lists. This action cannot be undone after saving.


Using Lists

Lists let you organize related components into reusable collections—like "Standard Roofing Package" or "Common Building Systems."

Create a List

  1. Click the Lists tab in Component DB

  2. Click Add New List at the bottom of the list

  3. Enter a name for your list (max 200 characters)

  4. Click the checkmark to confirm the name

  5. Click the main Save button to save the new list to the database

Tip: Use descriptive names that reflect the list's purpose, such as "HOA Common Elements" or "High-Rise Exterior."

Add Components to a List

Single component:

  1. Select the component using its checkbox

  2. Click Bulk Actions > Lists

  3. Check the list(s) you want to add the component to

  4. Click Save in the dialog

  5. Click the main Save button to save your changes to the database

Multiple components:

  1. Select multiple components using checkboxes

  2. Click Bulk Actions > Lists

  3. Check the list(s) for all selected components

  4. Click Save in the dialog

  5. Click the main Save button to save your changes to the database

Note: A component can belong to multiple lists. This is useful when the same component applies to different project types.

Filter Components by List

  1. Click the list filter dropdown (shows "All Components" by default)

  2. Select a list name

  3. The grid updates to show only components in that list

  4. Select All Components to clear the filter

This makes it easy to review, update, or audit components in a specific list.

Edit a List Name

  1. Click the Lists tab

  2. Click the pencil icon next to the list you want to rename

  3. Enter the new name

  4. Click the checkmark to confirm

  5. Click the main Save button to save your changes to the database

Delete a List

  1. Click the Lists tab

  2. Click the trash icon next to the list you want to delete

  3. Confirm the deletion

  4. Click the main Save button to save your changes to the database

Note: Deleting a list removes the list only—it does not delete the components. Components remain in your database and can be added to other lists.


Adding Components to a Study

Once your Component DB is set up, you can quickly add components to any study.

Add Individual Components

  1. Open your study and go to the Components section

  2. Click Add Component(s) > Add from Component DB

  3. Browse or search for components

  4. Select components using the checkboxes

  5. Toggle Show selected components to review your selections

  6. Click Continue

  7. The selected components are added to your study

  8. Click Save to save the study with the new components

Add an Entire List

  1. Open your study and go to the Components section

  2. Click Add Component(s) > Add Component DB List(s)

  3. Check the list(s) you want to add

  4. Click Confirm

  5. All components from the selected lists are added to your study

  6. Click Save to save the study with the new components

Tip: You can select multiple lists at once. If a component appears in multiple selected lists, it will only be added once (no duplicates).


Tips & Best Practices

Building Your Component Library

  • Start with your most common components – Focus on items you use in almost every study

  • Standardize naming conventions – Agree on naming patterns with your team (e.g., "Asphalt Shingle Roof" vs. "Roof - Asphalt Shingles")

  • Keep costs current – Review and update unit costs periodically; the Cost Date field helps track when prices were last verified

  • Use all four category levels – Detailed categorization makes searching and filtering easier

  • Save frequently – Click Save after completing each task to avoid losing work

Organizing with Lists

  • Create lists by project type – "Townhome Standard," "High-Rise Condo," "HOA Common Areas"

  • Create lists by building system – "Roofing Package," "HVAC Systems," "Site Elements"

  • Review lists before adding to studies – Filter by list to verify components and costs are current

  • Keep lists focused – Smaller, targeted lists are easier to manage than one massive list

Working as a Team

  • Coordinate updates – Since Component DB is shared, communicate with your team before making major changes

  • Use notes – Add context in the Notes field so team members understand specifications or assumptions

  • Save before navigating away – Changes are only saved when you click the Save button


Frequently Asked Questions

  1. If I update a component in Component DB, does it update in my existing studies?

    1. No. Studies contain copies of the component data at the time they were added. Updates to Component DB only affect future studies.

  2. Can I add the same component to multiple lists?

    1. Yes. This is useful when a component applies to different project types or building systems.

  3. What happens if I delete a list?

    1. The list is removed, but the components remain in your database. They are not deleted.

  4. Can different team members see my lists?

    1. Yes. Component DB and all lists are shared across your organization.

  5. Is there a limit to how many components or lists I can create?

    1. There is no hard limit. Create as many as you need for your workflow.

  6. What happens if I navigate away without saving?

    1. Your changes will be lost. Always click the Save button before leaving Component DB.


Need Help?

If you have questions or need assistance setting up your Component DB, contact us at [email protected] or use the chat widget in the app.

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