topic Re: Wish list for Christmas 2020 in Advance Steel Forum

Wish list for Christmas 2020

acbsdesign — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 12:12:06 GMT

@Gernot.Jeromin

I hope you had a joyful summer and everything is back to normal.

In case you have not seen the list below, this is basically what we need to be done, these all were posted on the idea station, but it looks like the last is dead so I have to post them here:

1. Option to send a section view and a call-out detail from existing drawing AND new detail view from model to an existing drawing OR to a new drawing and details to be automatically numbered on that sheet (same as in REVIT).

2. Introduction of "POWER DIMENSIONS"

Below are 2 links to screencasts, each dimension chain takes appr. a minute, and when repetitive, it takes time.

And even sometimes we do not click on the exact point when in a hurry, a human hand has 8mm and more coordination error at the end of the day.

Both dimension chains would be done for appr. 15-20 sec's with power dimensions, with no errors in selected points.

Power dimensions would be very handy for stair stringers-FOR BOTH HOLES AND STAIR TREADS dimensions:

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/community/screencast/05ffc54a-d4ad-45ab-8b9b-cae5944fab3e

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/community/screencast/15dfba9c-3b5a-4807-98a3-46084cc004f0

1. Choose one end point of a beam or plate

2. Choose the first hole from a hole pattern (or bolts / shear studs)

3. Rest of the holes to be added to the dimension chain automatically.

4. Plus add option: Add another dimension chain to the first chain

-Added:

1. I would add also a separate "Power Dimension-Sloped" macro-this will work for stair stringers and complex gusset plates.

2. Add point or Delete point from a dimension chain to work the same way as regular dimensions.

3. Possibility to make the combined (3@3"=9") same as regular dimensions.

In general-this new macro (both linear and sloped) to behave as a regular dimension, with the only difference, we do not have to click on each hole manually.

3. Possibility to mark what external list to be printed and to be BATCH plotted similar to how drawings are printed (either from DM or from BOM editor-mark them (check box or sim )and batch plot them at once)

4. Added functionality: Manipulate system ends by entering values in AS properties.

Example-we need to move end of a beam 6" along its X -Axis-enter +6" in properties, or add 6" to the current value of X

Another example-Move lower end of a column by just modifying the ordinate value.

4-cont........Added functionality: Manipulate system ends by entering values in AS properties..........Added-palette, separate from AS Properties.

Probably a better way to do this would be a separate macro, not connected to Advance Properties,

to be started with a right click from the default menu.

A separate palette where we can modify ordinates:

Option-Relative or Absilute UCS

Moving the MIDPOINT to move the entire beam / column.

Moving start or end point to behave same as we drag the system end manually-connections to stay intelligent-such as base plates, cap (end) plates, clips, shear plates.

Checkbox "absolute" or "relative" to trigger current values to be displayed.

Coordinates may be used either when building a beam or column, or to move start point or end point due to design changes. Or moving the entire beam or column by changing the values of coordinates simultaneously. As the AS object is an AutoCad object having system line to behave similar to Autocad line.

Coordinates should have absolute and relative values in this dialog window, both to be manipulated.

This will be huge timesaver for columns for example.

Create 15 columns using the Column command in AS,

Select all of them and modify the bottom end to start at -1'-0" below concrete (very common).

And modify top end to stop at the first floor level.

We do not have any engine currently to modify end points of beams / columns/ bracing etc. using parameters.

Please add the following dimension style controls in MT and in DSM:

5.1. Dimension style for Ordinate dimensions in MT

5.2. Dimension style for Absolute dimensions in MT

5.3. Please add an option in DSM in dimension requests for top and bottom side of the beam "SWAP TEXT" for both Ordinate and Absolute dimensions.

6. Order for numbering

Currently, we do not have an option to assign preliminary numbers per shape, size, thickness order.

The submitted advance BOM to fabricators if sorted per preliminary mark it will look with shapes and thicknesses messed up everywhere.

If ABOM is sorted per name, then the preliminary numbers are all over the place, and this is in contradiction to many fabricators' practice to reference the preliminary number to trace what was purchased etc.

There should be an option to assign preliminary numbers in order the material list is created -sorted per name, length, thickness, with preliminary numbers following the same sequence.

Currently, we are selecting all angles, or all W-shapes and run the numbering assigning preliminary numbers as close as possible per name, length, thickness etc. and it is a time-consuming process.

Result of numbering should look like this:

W-shapes-Start from deepest W to the smallest, from longest to shortest

HSS Square

HSS Rectangular

HSS Round

PLATES- Thickest to thinner BUT SORTED PER MATERIAL GRADE, so no ASTM A36 (galvanized) plate is mixed with M270-50W (weathering steel)

Bolts should be able to get numbering based on:

-Material

-Finish

-Diameter

-Length

These are state departments of transportation requirements, and it is nothing to do with weird fabricator's requirements. In other words, we cannot by-pass them. Any help with this will be appreciated.

7. Leader for Labels to snap along contour lines of parts when moved manually

Aesthetics improvement and time saver:

Leaders for labels for parts to snap along contour lines of parts, angle between leader and label to have 5 to 15 degrees increments, the length between leader point and break at the text to have 1/16" increments, and not overlapping other leaders and texts.

8. Allow numbering for GA drawings when using processes to be the same as when using drawings styles.

Assigning dwg numbers for GA dwgs using dwg styles is not an issue, we can have E1, E2 and to have Mp1, Mp2... Assigning dwg number for GA dwgs using Processes is a HUGE issue for fabricators I work with-Their systems and standards have a set up for GA dwgs to start from E1, E2... and Mp Dwgs to start from 1, 2...I cannot change this, it is beyond my reach. Please allow numbering for GA dwgs when using processes to include a Letter such as E1, E2 having beams already detailed on dwgs 1, 2....same as if using drawing styles.

This is a must.

9. Automatic Clipping-Shrink to drawing's limits option in details

Added automatic clipping for details, detail to fit automatically within drawing limits

10. Allow depth control for section views created by drawings styles

Currently, we do not have an option to modify the depth of section views created by drawings styles:

This is a classic example of why we need to have control over depth in automatically created section views:

Section A-A is supposed to reference holes in angles to top flange same as section B-B, but the automatically created section view does not show flange due to the top cope at left end. Please consider this for improvement. Thank you.

11. Calculate and show if a bolt has thread included or excluded from the shear plane (example A325 N or A325 X)

This is critical for connections design, and we lose a tremendous amount of time when doing calculations.

Considering the fact design engineers are not doing connections in 99% of the projects, we end up spending time optimizing connections, and there is a HUGE difference if a bolt has thread included or excluded from the shear plane.

12. Add token "Camera elevation"-Z-ordinate of camera mid-point

Why do we need this-when creating a floor plan, and beams will be referenced thus W10x30 (-3) Detail View Title will be

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

T.O.S. EL. XX'-XX" (XX'-XX" would be the token) U.N.O.

We need to eliminate the manual input of camera location at every floor plan we create.

13. Add Grid Line name as a token in Detail Titles

Elevation view, for example, will be

"Elevation at Grid Line X (X=token)"

Currently, this is entered manually

14. Creating camera views (grid elevations) with assigned sequence

Well, This is one thing that is supposed to be "Automatic"-a customer success story - teller who visits this forum frequently, insists it is automatic, but it is not, and it is not done right.

Automatically created camera views should follow a logical sequence-Start from grid line 1 to X, and after that from grid line A to Z.

OR-a new command: "Assign sequence for detailing" for cameras by clicking on each camera or to choose from a menu with cameras listed

15. Name of camera view to be same as the grid line it is located on

Currently, when we copy a grid line with an already created camera, the new view takes the name "Copy...", we have to manually rename the view.

Not a big deal, but when it is done 30-60 times for each project, for 60-100 projects a year it may be worth looking at a possible way to link the view name with the grid that is located on.

16. Add Marking for through plate connection similar to shear plate connection

One of those small things in AS that may slowly but surely piss off detailers, a punch is created for Shear Plate Connection but it cannot be created for Through Plate Connection:

17. Connection Templates Folder-search for connections in sub-folders:

Currently, we do have 3 main folders for connection templates, each of them has appr. 30 connections in it.

BRIDGES, STRUCTURAL STEEL, MISC. METALS

In order to use a connection template, we copy the connection first from one of these folders to the main folder.

18. Command "HIDE DETAILED PARTS"

Currently, after placing a part on a drawing using dwg styles, we use the custom command

Hide Identical Parts:

^C^C_AstM5equalpartsMarkSame \;AstM4CommSelectMarkedObjects ;_AstM4SwitchReprMode off;_AstM4CommUnmarkObjects;graphscr;redraw;

But if for some reason we have to show the entire model, and after that in order to hide what has been detailed, we have to search in the model browser.

A simple macro searching for # in part marks and hiding all other parts will be a handy time saver.

19. Quick View on Object to follow object's UCS / Model views to follow their default direction:

Per 2 screencast below, when a model view is activated, it is oriented per world UCS.

Since the reason for creating the view on first place is most likely we want to change or measure something when activated, the view should follow the model view direction.

I tried changing different variables with no success, if devs know how to let view on object and model views to follow their default direction, please advise.

If this is the expected behavior, then it has to be changed.

https://autode.sk/2HhWQoo

https://autode.sk/2HfOI7B

20. Batch plot drawings (and in the future-external list) to a destination folder

Batch plot drawings sends all drawings in the project folder if we use the document manager, very often they get mixed with other PDF's in the same folder, there should be an option to assign destination folder.

Batch plot using AutoCAD is an option, but since we Rev up and update dwgs from DM, it is logically true we want to plot them from DM.

21. EDIT / Delete revision for multiple drawings at once:

On a 300+d wgs, PM changes his / her mind and is asking for all drawings to get the previous revision.

We can't do this for all 300 dwgs at once, we have to edit the revisions for each dwgs.

Couple years ago Dumitru said he knows how to do it, please put this on your list.

In addition to Revving down option to be added for multiple drawings at once, we need to be able to Rev Up to the next revision for all dwgs at once. FOR BOTH DGWS HAVING LETTERS AND NUMBERS FOR NEXT REVISION.

Below are two screenshots-one before revving "TO THE NEXT AVAILABLE INDEX FOR EACH DOCUMENT" and the second one after using the "Rev to the next available index for each document"

To clarify how the normal revisions are indexed:

For approval-Rev.A, B, C etc. (it depends on fabricator, but per AISC Revisions should start from "A".)

For fabrication-Rev.0, 1 etc.

On a 550 dwgs project, if we press by error "next available revision index for each document" we get in an hour or two or more trouble because first next revisions ARE NOT the real next revisions as we can see from the 2 screenshots, and second trouble comes from the fact we cannot rev down all or multiple dwgs at once.

In order to get the next revision index for the first 40-50 dwgs shown, we have to change the project settings-revision Control to 1, 2, 3...

Catch 22:

This will automatically put wrong revision for drawings that are still under approval, having letters A, B, etc for revision index.

THE ENTIRE SET-UP FOR REVISIONS IS DONE WRONG.

Not per AISC, and maybe not per other organizations as well.

Yes-there is a backup option and we can delete all dwgs and use the backup files, but registering the drawings is not always smooth having requests for updating.

Below are the 2 screenshots, drawings were revved up to the next available index, with project settings still at approval level A, B, C etc.

Before revving up

23. "Power dimensions" for contour lines not part of a macro.

Ref. 2 examples below, it will be a timesaver having power dimensions for contour lines only, holes eliminated, NOT connected to any notch, cut or hole macro.

Power dimensions-contour lines-platesPower Dimensions-Contour Lines - Beams

23. "Power dimensions" for contour lines not part of a macro-added

A proposed method for selection of points to be added automatically-probably by "press and drag", left to right.

This way points that are not located along the contour line we want to dimension won't be selected:

24. HOLES FOR GALVANIZING-These holes not to be considered for dimensioning:

As you can see, default details are not "nice and shiny" unless we delete the dimension points referencing the holes for galvanizing.

25. Add possibility to have manually placed labels on GA dwgs for SP (default - name) to have different default tokens than the default labels placed on MP dwgs (sp part mark)

26. Quick search dialog similar to Find in Autocad

Searchable parameters: MP, SP, Preliminary Number, Name, Length and Thickness, Material and user attributes, for beams, plates, and gratings;

Pre-defined filters work, but they are slow,

project explorer helps, but it is incomplete and slows the work,

a simple search dialog for SP Marks and MP marks as a minimum is a must.

Kind Regards,

Ilko Dimitrov

ACBS

Re: Wish list for Christmas 2020

acbsdesign — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 12:31:09 GMT

27. FIX THE ISSUE WITH THE "GRID WITH GROUPS BY DISTANCE"

When grid lines are built using this option, and if grids are located close to each other (let's say within 1'-0+/-), grid reference in column detail is incorrect-it jumps to the adjacent grid.

I do not know if this is clear-but this may become a huge liability issue when a column is placed on a wrong grid.

Same issue was present with grids built with Single grid option, and it was fixed. So why do not fix the "grid with groups by distance"?

Re: Wish list for Christmas 2020

pendean — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 13:41:13 GMT

the IDEAS forum for AS is over here if you want Autodesk to actually take notice https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/advance-steel-ideas/idb-p/144

Re: Wish list for Christmas 2020

Anonymous — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 14:06:26 GMT

Ilko,

please do that. Otherwise, we will not get any surprise alredy for Christmas 2019. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

One 4 all, all 4 one.

Re: Wish list for Christmas 2020

acbsdesign — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 14:50:41 GMT

Everything was posted there.

Similar to the issues we had with labels and dimensions moving, that were posted numerous times, organized 2 web meetings, the subject of those meetings was heavily adjusted to suit the product manager's mood in front of his boss,

we did not get results until they were listed here and people started to point at their direction that this and this is important and we a losing time every day.

Basics are missing, and they are overlooked.

Would I post them here if idea station worked?

Yes, a few items were implemented, and I praise dev's each and every time I update a dwg, but:

-call-out detail (still lacking basic text adjustment)

-anchor bolts macro-still enough bugs present not to be used as of AS2020

-labels for holes-great, we wish bolts were labeled same way

Section views, compass, dimensions (almost) and labels are not moving anymore-there was quite a bit of an unnecessary yelling until these were done.

Until basics are missing and overlooked, I will post them here.

I am not asking toolbars to be colored in pink, we are talking about important functionalities missing.

AD is a great company, I believe AS can be the best package, and probably it is getting close to being the best, it needs a little bit more attention, that's all.

Looking at how far AD is gone with others-amazing results with overall BIM-why not make AS the shiny, fast and reliable one, fabricators are looking at it, people need it on a daily basis, an affordable package close to AutoCad but with all nc/dxf, clash report etc. functionality.

Not everyone likes Tekla and SDS/2, there is a huge need for 3D modeling software having ACAD as a platform.

Just there are a few basics that are missing. They have to be done.

Re: Wish list for Christmas 2020

acbsdesign — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 21:27:58 GMT

28. 3D Export to PDF to be included in the standard installation

Re: Wish list for Christmas 2020

Anonymous — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 08:50:00 GMT

29. parametric construction with geometrical depedencies in 3D

Re: Wish list for Christmas 2020

acbsdesign — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 14:13:40 GMT

30. Add an option section views through MP's to be numbered in the order they are selected.

This is a must, please incorporate this.

Re: Wish list for Christmas 2020

acbsdesign — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 13:48:18 GMT

31. Leader Styles for Labels

Per screenshot below-please add a possibility to control leader styles for labels similar to AutoCad, having one only leader and placing text always above the leader is less than what we need.

Leader Styles in Advance Steel

Re: Wish list for Christmas 2020

acbsdesign — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 20:19:37 GMT

32. Blocks within Labels and Detail Titles

Ref. screenshots below, it will be great if we had the option to include blocks within labels and also within detail titles:

Re: Wish list for Christmas 2020

acbsdesign — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 14:13:40 GMT

33. Snap manually created or moved dimensions-1/2" from contour line, 3/8" between dimensions:

It will be a time saver if we had dimension chains snapping when manually moved / adjusted, or added new dimensions.

This will improve the aesthetics of the drawings.

Re: Wish list for Christmas 2020

acbsdesign — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 15:48:37 GMT

34. Fix the units in external lists - format to be per AISC requirements

Ref. screenshot below, plate name per AISC is PL...x....x Feet-Inches.

Also-Lengths, in general, should be Feet'-Inches, with a "-" between feet and inches.

Also-when there is Zero Inches and let's say 1/4" after that, zero inches should be present, not

7'1/4" for example.

It looks like it is done by a shoemaker, not a detailer.

(nothing wrong to be shoemakers, good ones are found less and less often, but we are supposed to give a product done per AISC)

Re: Wish list for Christmas 2020

acbsdesign — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 13:43:48 GMT

35. Fix the issue with "Group Equal Distances":

Ref. screenshot below, on 90%+ of the dimensions placed in real life for pickets, stair treads etc. we explode and re-type the true dimensions manually.

And we are talking about AR and AI...

Re: Wish list for Christmas 2020

acbsdesign — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 14:58:42 GMT

36. Allow multiple labels similar to Revit:

Ref. partial erection plan below, typical bridge plan includes diaphragms info and beam (stringer, girder) number (this is usually user attribute):

Partial Bridge Plan

Bridge-Partial Plan

For structural projects these would be the end reactions, shear studs count, camber value:

Multi-labels for beams

Re: Wish list for Christmas 2020

jess_neal — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 18:27:43 GMT

Great thread @acbsdesign I hope they start listening to the users instead of themselves someday. I still have 3 ideas that have been accepted or under review for 3 YEARS that are not implemented yet. It gets old fixing the same issues on every drawings. I can't imagine how many hours per year I waste doing rework or fixing the same issue over and over-

Re: Wish list for Christmas 2020

acbsdesign — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 21:18:16 GMT

@jess_neal wrote:
Great thread @acbsdesign I hope they start listening to the users instead of themselves someday. I still have 3 ideas that have been accepted or under review for 3 YEARS that are not implemented yet. It gets old fixing the same issues on every drawings. I can't imagine how many hours per year I waste doing rework or fixing the same issue over and over-

Thank you.

I hope so too.

It was quite a battle to get AS more stable.

We will continue until we retire, ha, ...:) never.

Re: Wish list for Christmas 2020

markhubrich — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 19:02:14 GMT

#37 INCLUDE BOLTS, ANCHORS, AND SPECIAL PARTS IN KISS EXPORT.

#38 INCLUDE OPTION FOR KISS FILES TO BE CREATED FROM BOM ON DRAWINGS.

#39 IF ANY OF THESE REQUESTS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED BY AUTODESK THEN HOW ABOUT SUB-CONTRACTING THE WORK TO PEOPLE WHO WILL GET IT DONE. It's not like Autodesk can't afford it https://www.marketwatch.com/story/sales-winners-in-the-third-quarter-include-netflix-autodesk-and-paypal-2019-11-12

Re: Wish list for Christmas 2020

acbsdesign — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 16:30:26 GMT

40. Punch Marks at Stair Tread Nosing Points

@Gernot.Jeromin

Hi,

How is the Revit business going,

Ref. Advance Steel:

It will be a time saver for both detailers and fabrication shops if we had an option to add punch marks at nosing points scribed by CNC equipment.

Punch marks will be used for dimensioning along stringer, along X and along Y.

If Power dimensions are (some day) implemented-we will use the punch marks to dimension fast and accurate the stair stringers.

Thank you,

Re: Wish list for Christmas 2020

acbsdesign — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 20:16:03 GMT

@Gernot.Jeromin

Hi Gernot,

How are you,

Any of these coming next year?

Just asking, if a straight answer is not possible due to NDA, then just give us a clue such as Sky is Blue usually on March 12th (If item 12 is coming), Spring is coming on March 3th if Item 3 will be done, etc.

Just renewed for 3 years and added a seat, so it is a reasonable question if we will stay where we are, or we will see some of the proposed functionalities implemented.

Take care.

Re: Wish list for Christmas 2020

Gernot.Jeromin — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 07:35:24 GMT

Hi
I will have a look at the list and come back to you about it.
Most likely next week.

Gernot