Variation Register
Location on ribbon: Tab DVD Cons → Group QS
Command ID: btnVariationRegister
License required
This command needs an active DVDAddin account (Standard or PRO). During the Trial period it is fully available.
What it does
The command builds a priced variation register from a list of measured variation items: value = variation quantity × unit price, additions and omissions colour-coded, closed off by three lines — Total increase / Total decrease / Net variation — and bordered ready for printing.
On site, variations arrive piecemeal through client instructions and design changes. This command collects them into one register per batch, with the reason or basis alongside each item, so the sheet can serve as a contract addendum annex or a variation approval submission.
How to use
- Select the measured variation items (Description / Unit / Qty / Unit price). Without a selection the add-in prompts you and stops.
- Click DVD Cons → QS → Variation Register.
- The Variation register window opens and reports how many rows are selected. Map the columns by letter (B, E…):
- Description column (required) — default
B - Unit column (optional) — default
D - Variation qty column (required, accepts +/−) — default
E - Unit price column (required) — default
F - Reason / basis column (optional)
- Description column (required) — default
- Tick First selected row is a header (skip it) if needed.
- Enter Project / package, Default reason (applied to rows with no reason of their own), Register / batch No. (default "Batch 1") and Date.
- Click Create. If a required column is missing, a red message appears and the window stays open.
- A new register sheet is generated with values, increase/decrease colouring and the three total lines.
Example
A client instruction adds pad footings for lighting poles and omits part of a concrete apron. The take-off table (selection A6:F12) has B = description, D = unit, E = quantity, F = unit price.
| Before (take-off) | After (variation register) |
|---|---|
| Pole footing concrete — m3 — 8.5 — 1,900,000 | Value +16,150,000, marked Increase |
| Pole footing rebar — kg — 420 — 21,500 | Value +9,030,000, marked Increase |
| Concrete apron omitted — m2 — −65 — 320,000 | Value −20,800,000, marked Decrease |
| Total increase 25,180,000 / Total decrease 20,800,000 / Net variation 4,380,000 |
Enter Project = "Plant X – earthworks package", Default reason = "Site Instruction No. 12", Batch No. = "Batch 2", Date = 22/08/2026, then click Create.
Notes
- The sign convention matters: positive quantity = addition, negative = omission. Entering an omission as a positive number corrupts the net variation.
- Select the item range before clicking; the command does not auto-detect the table.
- The register is a drafting aid — reconcile it with the site instruction, the contract addendum and current regulations before submission.
- If the Reason / basis column is left empty, every row inherits the Default reason; quote the instruction or drawing number so the file survives audit.
- Output goes to a new sheet, the source data is untouched, and the result cannot be undone with Ctrl+Z (delete the sheet to discard it).
Related
- Interim Payment — carry the net variation into the period payment valuation.
- Compare BoQ — identify the quantity differences that feed the register.
- AI Construction Estimate — estimate rates for variation items with no contract price.
- Acceptance Plan — add the variation items to the inspection register.