Need of component properties in expressions

[ShineJoseph]

It's a headache when it comes to calculations of building materials. It is possible to access building material component volume in Archicad. However, to automate the process, I cannot use the component properties in the expression editor. I always have to depend on Excel. When I have a composite it becomes a horror film. 

I was calculating quantity requirements for Reinforced concrete. I use thumb rules and calculate. it works on the whole element. but when I have a composite, I have no chance of using the expression with the component volume. 
please make it a priority.

[mthd]

Absolutely, I think this needs much work and attention. Why not have all the material data automatically exported to a full materials list like other programs do very easily, like Chief Architect or SoftPlan SoftList ?

[Rastko Pecar]

I agree completely. Ive been researching various workflows for quantity takeoffs (doing all the calculations&specs. in AC, exporting to .ifc, linking to external database) and I'm always facing this problem with composites.

Being able to call and operate on component properties in property editor or external editor is a crucial functionality for "I" of BIM