Project Collaboration 181 Enu

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Tekla StructuresProject Collaboration Guide

Product version 18.1

August 2012

2012 Tekla Corporation


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3

Conventions used in this guide

Typographicalconventions

The following typographical conventions are used in this guide:

Noteboxes The following types of noteboxes are used in this guide:

Font Usage

Bold Any text that you see in the user interface appears in bold. This

font is used, for example, for window and dialog box titles, boxand button names, and list items.

Italic bold New terms are in italic boldwhen they appear in the currentcontext for the first time.

Monospace Extracts of program code, HTML, or other material that youwould normally edit in a text editor, appear in monospacedfont.

This font is also used for file names and folder paths, and forany text that you should type yourself.

A tipmight introduce a shortcut, or suggest alternative ways ofdoing things.

A notedraws attention to details that you might easily overlook. Itcan also point you to other information in this guide that you mightfind useful.

You should always read very important notes and warnings, likethis one. They will help you avoid making serious mistakes, orwasting your time.

This symbol indicates advanced or highly technical informationthat is usually of interest only to advanced or technically-orientedreaders.


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Contents

4

Conventions used in this guide ..............................................................................................................3

1 Multi-user mode ............................................................................................ 5

1.1 General information on the multi-user mode ................................................................... 5

When to use multi-user mode................................................................................................................... 6Switching between single-user and multi-user modes .............................................................. 6Changing the server of a multi-user model ................................................................................... 6

Overview of the multi-user system.......................................................................................................... 7The Tekla Structures multi-user server ........................................................................................... 7How multi-user works.................................................................................................................................. 8

Locking ...................................................................................................................................................... 8Setting up the multi-user system............................................................................................................. 9Saving in multi-user mode........................................................................................................................ 10

Save .......................................................................................................................................................... 10Autosave ................................................................................................................................................. 10

Model history................................................................................................................................................ 11Collecting model history .................................................................................................................... 11

Viewing model history . ....................................................................................................................... 11Saving model revision comments .................................................................................................... 13

Shutting down the model ......................................................................................................................... 14Copying multi-user models....................................................................................................................... 14Displaying active multi-users................................................................................................................... 14Clearing locks................................................................................................................................................ 15Error messages.............................................................................................................................................. 15Recommendations....................................................................................................................................... 16

1.2 Modeling in multi-user mode............................................................................................ 17

Working with a master model ................................................................................................................. 17Numbering setup ......................................................................................................................................... 20Synchronizing numbering with the master model............................................................................. 22

1.3 Drawings in multi-user mode ............................................................................................ 22

About drawing files..................................................................................................................................... 22Guidelines for multi-user drawings........................................................................................................ 22Locks for drawings....................................................................................................................................... 23

1.4 Maintenance procedures.................................................................................................... 23

Checking multi-user databases ............................................................................................................... 24Deleting unnecessary drawing files in multi-user mode.................................................................. 24

1.5 Access rights........................................................................................................................ 24

Locking objects............................................................................................................................................. 24Controlling access to attributes .............................................................................................................. 25Restricting access to model...................................................................................................................... 26Controlling access to numbering setup................................................................................................. 27


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General information on the multi-user modeMulti-user mode 5

1 Multi-user mode

Introduction You can work on Tekla Structures models in either single-user or multi-user mode. Multi-user modeallows several users to access the same model at the same time. Several users can work on the sameproject and be aware of the others progress. This eliminates the need for copying and mergingmodels.

This chapter describes how to set up a multi-user system and how to work in multi-user mode.

Assumedbackground

You should have some experience of modeling in Tekla Structures.

Contents This chapter is divided into the following sections:

General information on the multi-user mode (5)

Modeling in multi-user mode (17)

Drawings in multi-user mode (22)

Maintenance procedures (23)

Access rights (24)

1.1 General information on the multi-user modeThis section explains how multi-user mode works, and how to set up and use Tekla Structures inmulti-user mode.

Topics When to use multi-user mode (6)

Overview of the multi-user system (7)

How multi-user works (8)

Setting up the multi-user system (9)

Saving in multi-user mode (10)

Shutting down the model (14)

Copying multi-user models (14)

Error messages (15)

Tekla Structures multi-user mode only runs on TCP/IP-basednetworks.


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Recommendations (16)

When to use multi-user mode

You can use Tekla Structures in either single-user or multi-user mode. In single-user mode, only oneuser can work on a model at one time. When modeling a large project, multi-user mode allowsmany users to work on a model simultaneously.

Advantages No duplicate models to control, track or store Using only one model reduces on site errors

Erection plans based on a single master model

Bolt and material lists generated from a single master model

Ability to share the workload of large projects among many users

Ability to collect model history (see XS_COLLECT_MODEL_HISTORY)

Other issues toconsider

As with all projects, you need to plan your multi-user project carefully. Some issues to consider are:

Only one user can save to the master model at a time

Use a numbering plan. When working with multi-user models, always use the option

Synchronize with master model (save-numbering-save)in the Numbering setupdialog box toprevent saving conflicts.

Schedule numbering sessions appropriately (it can take some time to number larger models)

If possible, assign distinct areas of the model to each user to avoid conflicts that may happenwhen several users are working in the same area.

You should never use a mix of single-user and multi-user setups on one project. Saving a multi-user model in single-user mode deletes changes by other users working on the model, and canalso corrupt the model. See Saving in multi-user mode (10)to find out how saving works inmulti-user mode.

Switching between single-user and multi-user modes

You can easily switch between single-user and multi-user modes by using the different options inthe Opendialog box.

To open a multi-user model in single-user mode:

1. In the Opendialog box, select the multi-user model.

2. Right-click and select Open as single-user modelfrom the pop-up menu.

To open a single-user model in multi-user mode:

1. In the Opendialog box, select the single-user model.

2. Right-click and select Open as multi-user modelfrom the pop-up menu.

3. Tekla Structures asks for the name of the server. In the Open as multi-user modeldialog box,

enter the server name or select it from the list box, and then click OK.

Changing the server of a multi-user model

To change the Tekla Structures server of a multi-user model:

1. In the Opendialog box, select the multi-user model.

2. Right-click and select Change serverfrom the pop-up menu.

3. Tekla Structures asks for the name of the new server. In the Change serverdialog box, enter theserver name or select it from the list box, and then click OK.


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Overview of the multi-user system

A Tekla Structures multi-user system runs on a TCP/IP network and consists of:

A server computer running xs_server . exe

A file server computer containing the master model Client computers running Tekla Structures

The Tekla Structures multi-user server

The Tekla Structures multi-user server program performs these main tasks:

Distributes ID numbers for new objects

Locks the model when somebody saves or numbers the model

Identifies client computers

Keeps track of active multi-users

Gives numbers for general arrangement drawings and multidrawings

Displays warnings if an another user has already edited or is currently editing drawings or thesame model object

To optimize the performance of a multi-user system, run as few other programs as possible on theTekla Structures multi-user server. This ensures that it processes network requests for object IDnumbers efficiently.

Server shutdown Users should save their working models to the master model before the Tekla Structures multi-userserver is shut down. If the server closes down before saving the working models, simply restart it,then have users save their working models to the master model.

See also How multi-user works (8)

Setting up the multi-user system (9)

If you change the server of a model, but the connection to the newserver cannot be established, the old connection is restored.

The file . Thi s_ i s_mul t i user _model located in the modelfolder defines whether the model is a multi-user or a single-usermodel. The file includes also the name of the server. You can openthe file using any standard text editor.


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How multi-user works

The multi-user model consists of a single master model. Each user can access this model and opentheir own local view of the model. This local view is called a working model. The above image showsone possible configuration of the multi-user system.

Any changes a user makes to his working model are local and are not visible to other users until hesaves the working model to the master model.

The multi-user system can contain several client computers, where users work on their workingmodels. The master model can be located anywhere on the network, including any of the clientcomputers.

When you open a multi-user model on a client computer, Tekla Structures makes a copy of themaster model and saves it locally on the client computer (a working model).

When you click Saveto save your working model back to the master model, Tekla Structures:

1. Takes a new copy of the master model and compares your working model with it.

2. Saves the changes in your working model to the copy of the master model (locally).

3. Saves this copy back to the master model. (Other users can now see your changes.)

4. Takes a new copy of the master model and saves it locally as your working model. (You can seeyour own changes and those uploaded by other users.)

The multi-user model is locked during opening, saving and numbering. When one of the usersperforms any of these operations, other users cannot perform them during that time.

Locking

To preserve the integrity of the multi-user model, Tekla Structures locks the master model when auser:

Opens the multi-user model

Saves a working model to the master model

Runs numbering

When you try to save the model when it is locked, Tekla Structures gives you an option to queue forsaving until the model is unlocked.


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If you clickYes, Tekla Structures displays the following message:

Tekla Structures will keep on retrying every 15 seconds until the operation is completed or until you

click Cancel.

See also Saving in multi-user mode (10)

Setting up the multi-user system

The following steps outline how to set up a multi-user system:

1. Install the Tekla Structures multi-user server to enable running xs_ser ver . exeprogram.

The xs_server . exeprogram is installed by default in the folder . . \ Tekl aSt r uct ures\ Mul t i User Ser ver\ .

For more information, see Multi-user server installation in the Installation Troubleshooting

Guide, available in the Extranet and on the Installation DVD.

2. Set up one computer to run the Tekla Structures server program, xs_server . exe.

This program must be launched before anybody opens the multi-user model in Tekla Structures.

3. In the Windows Startmenu, go to All Programs > Tekla Structures Multi-user server > TeklaStructures Serverto start the Tekla Structures server program.

4. Users can now start working on their copies of the multi-user model.

5. Check the DOS window created by xs_server . exeto check that it is running. This shows allthe server activity (for example, who has a model open, etc.).

You can also:

Run the server program from the command prompt using the same command.

Click Starton the task bar, select Run...and then type the command.

If you close the DOS window, you will shut down the multi-userserver. The server needs to be running all the time when modeling.


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See also Overview of the multi-user system (7)

How multi-user works (8)

Saving in multi-user mode

Tekla Structures multi-user mode uses a flexible master model and working model concept, ratherthan more limiting file-locking technology. See How multi-user works (8)for more information.

Save

Tekla Structures preserves the integrity of the model, even if more than one user edits the samemodel objects. If two users modify the same object, then save to the master model, the mastermodel will only contain the changes of the user who most recently saved their working model to the

master model.

Tekla Structures creates connections to the right parts, even if the part is moved by another user.

Speeding up the

saving process

The following advice may help in speeding up the saving process:

Check your network connection speed, because it can slow down the saving processsignificantly.

Close down all the views of the model before saving.

Set the advanced options XS_PROJ ECTand XS_FI RMso that they point to a local drive andmove most of the system files there. If there are many system files in the network drive, savingmay become slower than when using system files located on your own hard drive. Each usershould use the same files to ensure similar outcome.

Delete any hidden reference models which you do not need anymore.

Autosave

Autosave only saves the working model, not the master model. Other users do not see themodifications you make after an Autosave. In multi-user mode, this makes Autosavemuch fasterthan the Savecommand. Saveupdates the master model.

By default, Tekla Structures saves the Autosavefiles in the master model folder with the filename.db1_. If several people are using the same username, conflicts will occur.

To avoid conflicts and problems caused by the network traffic, store the Autosavefiles locally, not inthe model folder that is located on a network drive. Set the advanced optionXS_AUTOSAVE_DI RECTORYto XS_AUTOSAVE_DI RECTORY=%XS_RUNPATH%\ aut osave. By savingautosave files locally you make sure that if there are problems in the network traffic, you are stillable to save your own work.

Use Autosavein the following ways:

We recommend that you make it a common practice to update thexs_ser ver . exealso when updating the client computers with thelatest version of Tekla Structures.

To avoid potential save conflicts, have users work on different areasof the model.


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1. Click Tools > Options > Options... > General, and define Autosave intervals for operationsperformed in the drawing and the model.

2. Periodically autosave the model manually.

To do so,

create a shortcut for the Autosavecommand, see Assigning a keyboard shortcut for acommand

OR

add the command to a toolbar, see Creating your own toolbar.

See also Autosave

Error messages (15)

Copying multi-user models (14)

XS_AUTOSAVE_DIRECTORY

Model history

Tekla Structures collects model historyon the actions that have taken place in the multi-user modelby different users.

Model history shows when the model has been changed, how the model has changed, who hasmade the changes, and the model revision comments. Model history is collected only in multi-usermodels.

Contents Collecting model history (11)

Viewing model history (11)

Saving model revision comments (13)

Collecting model history

To collect model history, set the following advanced options as follows:

1. Click Tools > Options > Advanced Options...

2. Go to the Speed and Accuracytab.

3. EnterTRUEin theValuecolumn for advanced option XS_COLLECT_MODEL_HI STORY.

4. Enter FALSEin theValuecolumn for advanced option XS_CLEAR_MODEL_HI STORY.

5. Optional: Go to the Multi-usertab.

EnterTRUEin theValuecolumn for advanced option XS_ SAVE_WI TH_COMMENT.

This enables the saving of model revision comments.

See also Saving model revision comments (13)

XS_COLLECT_MODEL_HISTORY

XS_CLEAR_MODEL_HISTORY

XS_SAVE_WITH_COMMENT

Viewing model historyTo view model history, do one of the following:

Remember to save regularly to the master model by clicking Save.


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Click Tools > Inquire > Object.

The model history is shown in the Inquire Objectdialog box:

Create a model history report.

a Click Drawings & Reports > Create Report...

b Select a report template that shows model history from the list. The name of the reporttemplate may vary in different environments. In the Default environment, the reporttemplate is called Q_Model_History_Report.

c Click Create from allto create a report on all the objects in a model

Or

Select one or more objects in the model and click Create from selectedto create a reportfrom the selected objects.

See also Inquiring object properties

Creating a report

HISTORY

If you cannot find a suitable report template in your environment,and you do not have the Default environment, you can download it

from the Tekla Extranet in Product > Version Downloads.


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Saving model revision comments

You can save model revision comments when working with multi-user models. This means that allobjects which have been changed during the last save interval include the revision information inthem. You can use this information in filtering and reports. You can also use it to examine whichusers have modified the objects.

The Owneris the user, who has added the object into the model.

Historyshows when the model has been changed, how the model has changed, who has madethe changes, and the model revision comments.

Preconditions Set the advanced option XS_SAVE_WITH_COMMENT toTRUEin Tools > Options > AdvancedOptions... > Multi-user.

Set the advanced option XS_COLLECT_MODEL_HISTORYtoTRUEin Tools > Options > AdvancedOptions... > Speed and Accuracy.

1. When you have set the advanced options mentioned above toTRUE, Tekla Structures displaystheModel revision commentsdialog box when you are saving the model. Enter the desiredrevision comment and code in the Model revision commentand Model revision code fields.


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2. Click OK.Tekla Structures applies the values of this dialog box to parts that were changed after the last save.When you inquire objects, you can see the model revision information in the Inquire Objectdialogbox. You can use this information also for selection and view filtering.

Shutting down the model

Do not shut down the computer containing the master model while other users are working on theirworking models. They will not be able to save their changes to the master model.

If this does happen, to avoid losing any changes, follow the steps below:

1. Keep the working model(s) open on the client computer(s).

2. Restart the computer containing the master model.3. Open the master model on the computer containing it and autosave the model.

4. Click Saveon the client computers to save the working models to the master model.

See also Save (10)

Autosave (10)

Copying multi-user models

To copy a multi-user model:

1. Have all users save and close their working models.

2. Click File> Open, right-click the multi-user model and select Open as single-user model.

3. Use Save asto make a copy of the model.

4. Exit Tekla Structures and re-open the model in multi-user mode to continue working on it.

Displaying active multi-users

You can display information on users working on the same server. To do this:

1. Click Tools > Active Multi-Users...

The Active Multi-Usersdialog box displays the following information:

Field Description

Locked The time when the model was locked.

Model name The name of the model.

User Users that are currently working on models on theserver.

Latest login The time when the users have logged in.

Latest access to server The time when the users have last accessed theserver.


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Clearing locks

You can clear the locks of objects from other users in the multi-user server.

Preconditions To use this feature you need to define the action Al l owMul t i user Ki ckand give full permissions to

the users that may clear locks in the file pr i vi l eges. i nplocated in the folder. . \ Pr ogramDat a\ Tekl a St r uct ur es\ \ envi r onment s\ common\ i np.

To define the action, add the required lines in the file pr i vi l eges. i np. In the following example,only userj smi t hhas full permissions to clear locks:

act i on: Al l owMul t i user Ki ck ever yone noneact i on: Al l owMul t i user Ki ck j smi t h f ul l

To clear the locks of a user:

1. Click Tools > Active Multi-Users...

2. Right-click a user whose locks you want to clear and select Clear locksfrom the pop-up menu.

Using this command removes all the locks the user has on objects. This means that if an application

error has occurred on the users computer, the locks on locked objects can be cleared.

See also Locks for drawings (23)

Controlling access to attributes (25)

Error messages

This section describes the error messages you might come across when you work in multi-usermode, their probable causes, and possible solutions.

Editing drawings The drawings that are currently being edited.

Edited drawings The drawings that have been edited and saved to theserver.

The Active Multi-Usersdialog box is refreshed every 30 seconds. Youcan refresh it immediately by clicking Refresh.

Field Description

Error message Problem SolutionDatabase write conflictsdetected

More than one user haschanged an object.

Check the conf l i ct . l og. Itlists the ID numbers of theobjects that more than one userhas changed. This is not usuallya critical problem. No need touse the Check databasetool. Seealso Save (10).


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Recommendations

Here are some recommendations on how to optimize your multi-user setup. For more information,see the Tekla Structures Hardware recommendations document available on the Tekla extranet(Tekla Structures > Product > Hardware info).

Server computer The Tekla Structures server does not have a high workload and can be run on a relatively lowspecification computer. You do not need a commercial network file server. Its main task is to processnetwork requests for object ID numbers. See The Tekla Structures multi-user server (7)for moreinformation.

Client computer Have as much RAM as possible (4 Gb or more). This speeds up saving in multi-user mode. See Save(10)to find out more about the multi-user save process.

We also recommend using a fast multi-core processor, particularly for computers where you runnumbering.

LVD (LowVoltage Differential) drives speed up the saving and opening of models).

Network Ensure that the TCP/IP protocols are set correctly:

Each PC on the same network has a unique ID number

Each PC on the same network has an identical Subnet mask

Could not save model.Possible reasons are:

- disk is full or writeprotected

- locked .tmp -file(s) exists

in the model directory

You tried to save a multi-usermodel to a computer or folderthat you could not access.

Check that you havepermission to write to themodel folder.

Check that there is enoughdisk space to save themodel.

Restart the computer whereyou want to save the model.Try to save the model again.

Delete the . t mpfiles fromthe model directory.

Database locked cannotopen model

Computer crashed while savingthe model, which locks themodel.

To unlock the model, the userwhose system crashed shouldopen the model in multi-usermode and save it.

Cannot read autosavedmodel as a normal model inthe multi-use mode

The opening of a multi-userAutosave file has beenprevented in single-user modeto prevent the reading of wrongfile types.

Do not rename or moveAutosave files. Do not open theAutosave file of a single-usermodel in multi-user mode orvice versa.

Error message Problem Solution

To find the IP address of a computer, type i pconf i gat the DOSprompt.


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Modeling in multi-user modeMulti-user mode 17

Model dump Always import model dumps in single-user mode. After the import you are prompted to save and re-open the model. Re-open the model as a multi-user model, and continue your work. For moreinformation see Switching between single-user and multi-user modes (6).

1.2 Modeling in multi-user modeThis section describes aspects of modeling in Tekla Structures that are specific to multi-user mode.

Topics Working with a master model (17)

Numbering setup (20)

Synchronizing numbering with the master model (22)

Working with a master model

Before you start a project, assign each user an area of the model. To prevent potential save conflicts,you need to avoid having more than one user working on the same, or adjacent model objects. Seealso Saving in multi-user mode (10).

Example If three users are to model a project, User #1 could model columns, User #2 the 1st floor beams, andUser #3 the 2nd floor beams.

In the following example, three users are working on the same model. You can see how modelingand saving works in practice.

The master model contains columns and grids, as you can see here.

Each user opens the model in multi-user mode. All users are now working on working models,locally.

On the working models:

Some network operating systems may block user history data,which means that for example the Inquire Objectdialog box doesnot show user names.


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User #1 adds base plates to the columns:

User #2 adds and connects the 1st floor steel beams:

User #3 adds and connects the 2nd floor steel beams:


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User #1 clicks Saveto save to the master model. His working model now shows the base plates headded and looks like this:

User #2 clicks Saveto save to the master model. His working model now shows his 1st floor framingand User #1s base plates:


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User #3 clicks Saveto save to the master model. His working model now shows all three usersswork:

To see the updated master model, Users #1 and #2 need to save to the master model again toupdate their working models.

Numbering setup

Define the numbering settings as follows:

1. Click Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Numbering Settings....

2. In the Numbering setupdialog box, select the Synchronize with master model (save-numbering-save)check box.

When you select this check box, you can cancel the numbering before the last save is made. Thisis useful, for example, if you want to check the numbering results and you find something thatyou still want to change.


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3. Modify the other properties as required.

4. Click OK.

Tekla Structures will now save the model before and after you number all parts or modifiedparts.

When you run numbering by clicking Drawings & Reports > Numbering > Number Modified Objects,Tekla Structures displays a list that shows the numbering progress. When the numbering is finished,the changed numbering results are highlighted in the list.

When you select an item on the list, Tekla Structures highlights the corresponding object(s) in themodel. If you keep the F key pressed when you select the item, Tekla Structures fits the work area ofthe current view around the objects.

If the numbering results are correct, click Save numbersto make the second save. To cancel thenumbering before the second save, click Cancel. If you cancel the numbering, the model is returnedto the state before numbering and standard files are read to all dialogs.

To review the numbering results further, click Stop timer.

To change the time frame in which Tekla Structures makes the second save, use the advanced optionXS_NUMBERING_RESULTS_DIALOG_DISPLAY_TIME .

When working with multi-user models, use this option always toprevent saving conflicts.

We recommend that you run the Tools > Diagnose & Repair Model >Diagnose & Repair Numbering: All command to remove anynumbering inconsistencies from the multi-user database at regularintervals, for example once a day.


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Drawings in multi-user modeMulti-user mode 22

See also Controlling access to numbering setup (27)

Synchronizing numbering with the master model

If you need to include numbering information from areas in the model that have been modeled byother users:

1. Ask all users to save their working models. This updates the master model.

2. Number the model. Make sure that the Synchronize with master model (save-numbering-save)

check box is selected in the Numbering setup dialog box (see Numbering setup (20)). Thisupdates your working model to the master model, numbers the master model, and then savesthe numbered master model for all users to access.

1.3 Drawings in multi-user modeThe multi-user environment is very useful when several users are simultaneously editing drawings.This section describes aspects of drawing production that are specific to multi-user mode.

Topics About drawing files (22)

Guidelines for multi-user drawings (22)

About drawing files

Tekla Structures saves each drawing in a unique file. These drawing files are located in the drawing

folder in the master model folder.

The file is in the format D0000123456. dg. dgfiles are part of the model, so you can only openthem using the Tekla Structures drawing editor.

dgfiles contain the locations of views, details of any editing done to the drawing, and the positionsof dimensions, part marks, and text. The dgfilename does not contain any reference to assembly,part, or multidrawing numbers.

If two users open and save the same drawing in their working models, then save their changes tothe master model, one set of changes will be lost. The master model will only contain the changes ofthe user who most recently saved their working model to the master model. See Saving in multi-user mode (10).

The Tekla Structures server program xs_server . exeassigns the general arrangement drawingnumbers automatically. This means that each drawing gets the first free number available. If users Aand B both create a general arrangement drawing at the same time, they are automatically assigneddifferent numbers. The same applies to multidrawing numbers.

Guidelines for multi-user drawings

You may find the following guidelines useful when you edit or check drawings:

If you create drawings and/or reports after numbering, you need tosave the master model again to make them visible to other users.


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Maintenance proceduresMulti-user mode 23

See also Deleting unnecessary drawing files in multi-user mode (24)

Locks for drawings

When you are about to open a drawing, Tekla Structures displays a notification on the status of thedrawing. The options are:

Someone is already editing it.

Someone has already edited it (drawing has been saved to their computer, but not yet to theserver).

The drawing has already been saved and there is a newer version available on the server.

See also Clearing locks (15)

1.4 Maintenance proceduresThis section contains advice on maintaining your multi-user model.

Topics Checking multi-user databases (24)

Deleting unnecessary drawing files in multi-user mode (24)

Action Recommendation

Saving drawings Periodically save your working model to the master model (every 510drawings).

Editing drawings Assign each user a different range of drawings to edit.

Lock finalized drawings.

If Tekla Structures displays the message Database write conflictsdetectedand a drawing ID number, two or more users have openedand saved the same drawing. See About drawing files (22).

Checking drawings Only check locked drawings.

Printing drawings Make sure that no-one else is working with the same drawing. If youprint a drawing while someone else is editing it and then save themodel, the other users changes will be lost, even though you have notopened, modified, or saved the drawing.

You can disable the print date by using the advanced optionXS_DISABLE_DRAWING_PLOT_DATE.

Creating generalarrangement drawings

Create a set of empty general arrangement drawings in the beginningof the project, and assign a a certain range of these ready-createdempty drawings to each user (for example, GA1 to GA10 to User A,GA11-GA20 to User B and so on). This prevents overlapping generalarrangement drawing numbers in the project.

Locks for drawings are only used when a drawing is editedmanually, not for example when drawings are automatically edited

through cloning.


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Access rightsMulti-user mode 24

Checking multi-user databases

To preserve the integrity of your multi-user model, you need to remove any inconsistencies from themulti-user database at regular intervals, for example once a day. This may also fix assemblies withno main part and drawings of unknown (U) type.

We recommend you to check the multi-user database in single-user mode.

To remove inconsistencies from a multi-user database:

1. Have all other users exit the multi-user model.

2. Save your model to receive the modifications of other users.

3. Exit the model.

4. Open the model in single-user mode.

5. Click Tools > Diagnose & Repair Model > Repair Model.

6. Save the model.

7. Exit the model.

Deleting unnecessary drawing files in multi-user mode

Every time you update a drawing, Tekla Structures creates a new drawing (. dg) file in the dr awi ngs

sub-folder of the model. After that, the previous drawing file is not used.By default all unnecessary drawing files are deleted automatically after seven days. This is definedwith the advanced option XS_DELETE_UNNECESSARY_DG_FILES in the fileenv_gl obal _def aul t . i ni file located in the . . \ Tekl aSt r uct ur es\ \ envi r onment s\ commonfolder. The time frame after whichunnecessary drawing files are deleted can be defined with the advanced optionXS_DELETE_UNNECESSARY_DG_FILES_SAFETY_PERIOD in an initialization file.

1.5 Access rightsYou can protect user-defined attributes using privileges. You can also protect your model and

drawings from accidental changes using a lock attribute. Using the lock attribute and privilegestogether you can even restrict some users or organizations from modifying your model.

For example, you can limit access to the model so that a checker can only change status attributes.Or you could prevent certain users from changing the user-defined attributes used for approval ormanufacturing and erection status.

Topics Locking objects (24)


Restricting access to model (26)

Locking objectsTo protect objects from being accidentally changed, you can use a user-defined attribute called alock attribute. You can use it for:

parts (separately for beams, columns etc.)

bolts

welds

specific drawing types

project properties

phase properties


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The lock attribute has two values,Yesand No. When set toYes, the object is locked and you cannotmodify its properties. You can only change the objects user-defined attributes that do not affectnumbering. If you try to modify a locked object, Tekla Structures shows the message "There arelocked objects, see report. The operation could not be performed." and a report on access rights.

To add the lock attribute to the user interface, you need to add the following line in the objects

section in the obj ect s. i np:

See also Adding properties

Interpreting objects.inp

Controlling access to attributes

Use the pr i vi l eges. i npfile to control access to user-defined attributes. It is a standard text file

that you can open using any text editor.Tekla Structures searches for the file first in the current model folder, then in the folder defined bythe advanced option XS_I NP. Below is an example file:

The slash (/) or backslash (\) separates the username from the organization (/). If no username is entered, it means anyone in the company.

Each row contains three columns, separated by tabs:

objects.inpat t r i but e( "OBJ ECT_LOCKED" , "Locked: " , opt i on, "%s" , none,none, "0. 0", "0. 0")

{ val ue("No", 1) val ue( "Yes" , 0) }

Make sure that numbering is up-to-date before you lock objects.

privileges.inpat t r i but e: APPROVED_BYCOMPANYA/ f ul lat t r i but e: APPROVED_BYCOMPANYB/ vi ewat t r i bute: APPROVED_BYever yonenoneat t r i but e: STATUSCOMPANYB/ f ul lat t r i but e: STATUSCOMPANYA/ vi ewat t r i bute: STATUSever yonenone

Column Option Description

protected user-defined attribute

at t r i but e: name Affects the user-defined attribute "name". Check theexact spelling of the name in the obj ect s. i np.

OR


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If you do not set any privileges, all users have full rights.

Tekla Structures checks the privilege defaults in the input file pr i vi l eges. i npwhen you create amodel, and each time you open a model.

Changing rights If you need to the change the privileges, just change the pr i vi l eges. i npfile and re-open themodel. However, you can only change the privileges of the objects the organization owns.

See also Controlling access to numbering setup (27)

Restricting access to model

To prevent a user from changing object properties, set their access to the lock attribute to noneinthe pr i vi l eges. i np.

In this example, pr i vi l eges. i npgives the users "man" and "man2" full rights to lock and unlockobjects, but hides that attribute from everybody else:

See also Locking objects (24)

action act i on: name Affects the action "name".

For example, act i on: Par t numbersOpt i onsaffectsthe numbering settings.

user ever yone All users

domain/ Affects all users within the network domain "domain".

domain/nn Affects the user "nn" in the network domain "domain".

nn Affects the user "nn".

rights f ul l User can change the user-defined attribute.

vi ew User can view the user-defined attribute, but notchange it. The field is grayed out to the user.

none The user-defined attribute is hidden from the user.

Column Option Description

Only the person who created the model, or anyone from the sameorganization, can modify the pr i vi l eges. i npfile of the model.

privileges.inpat t r i but e: OBJ ECT_LOCKEDever yonenoneat t r i but e: OBJ ECT_LOCKEDmanf ul lat t r i but e: OBJ ECT_LOCKEDman2f ul l

To protect other user-defined attributes, you need to list them inthe pr i vi l eges. i np.


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Controlling access to numbering setup

To prevent unauthorized users from modifying the numbering settings, restrict their access to thenumbering properties in the pr i vi l eges. i npfile.

To control access to the numbering properties:

1. Open the pr i vi l eges. i npfile in any text editor.

The file is located in the . . \ ProgramDat a\ Tekl aSt r uct ures\ \ envi r onment s\ common\ i npfolder.

2. Make the required changes in the file. You can set values to the attributeact i on: Par t numbersOpt i ons.

3. Save the file.

Result If a user who has no privilege to modify properties in the Numbering Setupdialog box tries to accessthe dialog box, Tekla Structures displays a warning message, which states that the user does nothave the required privilege.

Example In this example, only the administrator can modify the properties in theNumbering Setupdialog box:

See also Controlling access to attributes (25)

Users can still run numbering even if they have no privilege tomodify the numbering settings.

The option vi ewcannot be used for controlling access to thenumbering properties.

action:PartnumbersOptions everyone none

action:PartnumbersOptions ORGANIZATION\admin full


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Index

28

aaccess rights.......................................................................24

cchecking multi-user databases..................................... 24collecting

model history .............................................................11copyingmulti-user models ....................................................14

ddeleting

unnecessary drawing files......................................24drawing files.......................................................................22

deleting unnecessary ...............................................24drawings

in multi-user mode................................................... 22

eediting

drawings in multi-user mode................................22error messages

in multi-user mode................................................... 15

llock attribute ..................................................................... 24

mmaintenance procedures

in multi-user mode................................................... 23master models ..................................................................... 8

saving ...........................................................................17model history .....................................................................11

collecting.....................................................................11viewing ........................................................................11

modelingin multi-user mode................................................... 17

multi user...............................................................................5multiuser ................................................................................5multi-user mode ..................................................................5

active multi-users..................................................... 14autosave...................................................................... 10changing the server of a multi-user

model ......................................................................6checking databases.................................................. 24

clearing locks............................................................. 15error messages........................................................... 15locking models..............................................................8locks for drawings .................................................... 23maintenance procedures ........................................ 23numbering........................................................... 20, 22overview......................................................................... 5recommendations..................................................... 16saving in.............................................................. 10, 17saving model revision comments......................... 13switching between single-user and multi-

user modes.............................................................6

system setup .................................................................9when to use...................................................................6

multi-user modelscopying ........................................................................ 14shutting down ........................................................... 14

multi-user system................................................................7

nnumbering

controlling access to numbering setup.............. 27

in multi-user mode .......................................... 20, 22

ppermissions......................................................................... 24privileges............................................................................. 24privileges.inp ...................................................................... 25

rrevision

saving model revision comments......................... 13


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ssaving

in multi-user mode........................................... 10, 17master models ...........................................................17

shutting down multi-user models ...............................14single-user vs multi-user.................................................. 6

tTekla Structures server...................................................... 7

vviewing

model history ............................................................. 11

wworking models....................................................................8

Project Collaboration 181 Enu

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