Labeling and Linking

[Anonymous]

I see that each part (wall, slab, etc) is automatically named by the program. However, I am interested in the part being named more specifically (wall = south concrete foundation wall) and being very specifically linked to necessary data (material, volume, placement, etc).
I guess, my question is as such:
What steps should I take in order to setup appropriate definitions (criteria, materials, fill, etc)?
Should I setup these definitions before or after I have built the model?
As I create each part (wall, slab, etc) should I be setting up their links and criteria? If so, what steps would help to expedite this process?
Thanks for any advice, help, and information!

[TomWaltz]

From what I've heard of them, Property Objects might do some of what you are looking for. My understanding of them is that they are additional objects that can be assigned under the "Listing & Labeling" tab on most elements. I cannot say for certain since I've never used them myself. They do not sound like a simple (or completely reliable) method, so I've shied away from them.

I would recommend a kind of "shorthand" on the element IDs, so you can do things like "1-hr wall, "unit demising", "stair wall", "2-hr flr", or whatever it is that you want to remember about the elements as you place them. Element ID can only be about 11 characters, so it's kind of limiting.

The reason for this is that later in the project, you can open your 3D window, see all stories, and use Find & Select to grab elements en masse using the element IDs you assigned earlier to assign something more detailed.