Overview
AI Budget Scanning in CLA is a tool designed to automate and streamline the process of uploading and digitizing construction budgets. Using AI, the system reads Excel, PDF, or Word documents and extracts structured budget data directly into Built’s Budget Template. This reduces manual data entry, speeds up onboarding, and improves data accuracy for lenders and project teams.
Uploading and Scanning a Budget File
Description
This feature allows users to scan construction budgets from commonly used formats. Upon upload, AI processes the document and automatically populates budget line items into a structured format.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Start the Process of adding a new Project > go to the "Budget section
Click on “Generate from file” option
Upload your budget file (Excel, PDF, or Word). You may drag and drop or use the file uploader. The system will display a "Processing your file..." message while the scan is underway.
After scanning, a structured list of Budget Line Items will appear on screen.
Review, edit, add, or remove any line items as needed before proceeding.
Click “Save” to view your upload budget, and continue with your next step to complete the loan creation process.
Notes:
Scanning typically completes in a few seconds to minutes depending on file complexity.
Users should verify the extracted content as human review is recommended before finalizing.
Behind-the-Scenes Workflow (Advanced Use Case)
Description
For those interested in understanding how the AI budget scanning feature operates in the background, here’s how it works.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
User uploads a file, which is stored in AWS.
The frontend triggers a process-file endpoint.
The product API calls an asynchronous AI service to scan and extract content.
The frontend subscribes to a WebSocket to listen for scan results.
When ready, the structured budget data is returned to the user interface.
Note:
This process is seamless to users and requires no technical setup.
FAQ
What is AI Budget Scanning in CLA?
AI Budget Scanning in CLA is a tool that automates the process of uploading and digitizing construction budgets by extracting structured data from Excel, PDF, or Word documents into Built’s Budget Template.
What file types are supported for budget scanning?
Excel (.xls,), PDF and spreadsheets.
How long does scanning take?
Processing usually takes seconds to minutes, depending on file size and complexity.
Will all line items be extracted correctly?
The AI is highly accurate but not perfect. Users should review results for accuracy.
Can I edit the scanned data?
Yes. Users can fully edit, add, or remove line items after upload.
How is this different from the legacy budget import?
The legacy tool required templates and manual formatting. AI scanning reads unstructured documents and turns them into structured budgets automatically.
How do I upload and scan a budget file?
To upload and scan a budget file, start by adding a new project, go to the Budget section, click on 'Generate from file', upload your budget file, and then review the structured list of budget line items that appears.
What file formats can I use for budget scanning?
You can use Excel, PDF, or Word document formats for budget scanning.
Is human review necessary after scanning the budget?
Yes, it is recommended to verify the extracted content through human review before finalizing.
How long does the scanning process take?
The scanning process typically completes in a few seconds to minutes, depending on the complexity of the file.
Does the AI Budget Scanning feature require technical setup?
No, the process is seamless for users and does not require any technical setup.
What happens to the uploaded file after scanning?
The uploaded file is stored in AWS, and the AI service scans and extracts content asynchronously.
Can I edit the budget line items after scanning?
Yes, you can review, edit, add, or remove any line items as needed before saving.