Learn about new features and improvements in the February 2024 release of Dalux desktop (version 2024.1). A short description of each listed change is found in the changelog, while the full description for them can be found further below.
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| Box: New Submittals Feature | Model Validation: Metadata Purposes Feature | Locations: Improvements |
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This update introduces the new submittals feature to Dalux Box (Pro). Submittals are used to manage and track planned file submittals. Submittals can help you to quickly and easily define what information is expected, and who is to provide, review, and approve the information. |
Introducing the new 'Metadata purposes' feature, which enables the validation of metadata within the model. This feature serves to verify that the property requirements are being met, similar to the requirements outlined in an ICT agreement. It builds upon the Model validation feature that was introduced last year. |
With this release, the Locations module is getting several improvements to its features and the UI/UX. Improvements like having multiple cuts on the model at the same time, drawings now utilizing vector graphics, displaying 3D objects on 2D drawings, better measuring, and more. |
Changelog
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LOCATIONS
Locations: Multiple Cuts
You can now make multiple cuts at the same time when looking at the model in Locations. The different cuts will each have a different color to distinguish them. To add another cut, simply click on another element, click the -icon beneath 'Cut', and click 'Add cut':
Display 3D Object on 2D Drawings (PC Only)
With this feature, you will be able to display 3D objects on 2D drawings by color-coding them when filtering by objects on drawings, using View Objects, giving you more information when viewing a 2D drawing:
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Vector Graphics: Higher Resolution Auto Drawings and Line Snapping
New auto drawings from BIM models are now created with vector graphics. This raises the overall quality of the drawings, allowing for much better zooming and line snapping for measurements and mapping.
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Snapping for Drawings When Mapping to Levels
When mapping a drawing to a level, the A and B points will now snap to both the uploaded drawing and the auto drawing that is generated by Dalux from the model. This is done using the previously mentioned vector graphics change. Note that, before being able to do this, you need to reprocess the building and when mapping you need to place both points A and B, before the snapping is enabled:
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Measure Improvements
Improvements have been made to the 'Point to point' and 'Laser' measurement tools. More information is now displayed, and you can manipulate the laser measurement by clicking the arrows on the measure lines:
Wider Filter Selections in Locations
Filter windows in Locations now scale to fit the length of information, such as file names. This makes it easier to set up and customize filters.
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Removed 'Element' Hide and Isolate in Object Selection Dropdown
Previously, in Locations, it was possible to choose an 'Element' sub-option for the 'Hide' and 'Isolate' options, when selecting an object on the model. However, this sub-option has been removed because it was unnecessary and duplicated the main button's functionality.
BOX
Submittals
This update introduces the new submittals feature to Dalux Box (Pro). Submittals are used to manage and track planned file submittals. Submittals can help you to quickly and easily define what information is expected, and who is to provide, review, and approve the information. Read more here.
Model Validation: Metadata Purposes
Introducing the new "Metadata purposes" feature, which enables the validation of metadata within the model. This feature serves to verify that the property requirements are being met, similar to the requirements outlined in an ICT agreement. It builds on the Model validation feature that was introduced last year. Read more here.
Clash Detection: View Filtered Out Objects in Clashes
A new button has been added, making it possible to view objects that were filtered out when a clash was selected. These objects will be without color, to show that they are not part of the clash:
Clash Detection: 'Isolate' and 'Hide' For Advanced Filters
When creating filters in 'Requirements' or when using the advanced filters ('My checks'), you can now choose whether the selection should isolate or hide the selected objects:
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Clash Detection: Box Cut Enabled for Clashes
By clicking the 'C'-key on the keyboard a Box cut will be created around the selected clash making it possible to further focus on specific details of clashes in the model:
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Clash Detection: Highlight Objects with Mouseover
When hovering your mouse over a clash in the clash list on the right of the screen, it will highlight the objects involved in that clash. This makes it easier to see where the clash is, before selecting it.
Set Deadline for Last Step in File Flows
When assigning a user/user group to the last step of a file flow, you can now add a deadline to the last step as well.
Communication Channel: Specify Comment Type on Creation
You can now choose the comment type for a new communication channel on creation. This is done to streamline the creation process and reduce the amount of clicks.
Metadata Columns for "Published/Shared" (Date) and "Published/Shared by" (User)
New metadata Columns for "Published/Shared" (Date) and "Published/Shared by" (User) within the approvals for shared files/authorization for published files views.
Attachments Column Added to Mail Archives
Easily sort and filter emails containing attached files in mail archives with the 'Attachments' column in the list views. Please note that only attachments (files, photos, etc.) are tracked, and not inline images in the email itself.
Publishing Log
With this log, you can see the history of changes made to files that were published either directly or through a file flow. The log can be found under the Box settings.
FIELD
Custom Report Templates
Custom report templates (Field Pro) allow you to create customized report templates, that you can use when printing tasks. You can create a worker report template and a status report template. Read more in our article about the feature here.
Construction Management Group in Field Renamed
The predefined user group previously called "Construction management" has been renamed to "Task and checklist coordinator". There are no changes to permissions for the user group.
This name better reflects the permissions of the group, which include being added to the creator role for all task and checklist workflows and can modify forms across all work packages and workflows.
Safety Specific Section
Safety now has a section in the sidebar menu. This includes a dashboard and menus for each safety-related feature:
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SiteWalk: Create New Tasks While Comparing SiteWalk and 3D
Tasks can be created while comparing a SiteWalk image and the 3D model. When doing so an image from the SiteWalk and the 3D model will be automatically added to the new task. Tasks can be created either on the SiteWalk image or on objects in the 3D model.
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See Linked Task ID and Status as Observer in the Task List View
When a user is added to the 'Field observers' user group, they will be able to see two new columns in the list view: 'Linked tasks' and 'Status of linked tasks'. Linked tasks can also be filtered by group:
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Thumbnails for Capture: Photo Albums
The new feature allows for the display of images in photo albums using thumbnails in a grid view, providing a visually intuitive method to locate a specific image instead of relying on a list view:
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Daily Log: Status Messages Include More Info About Changes
Status messages will now include more information about changes to it. It will for example both show who sent it in and who approved it.
Task Reminders Included in Single Report Export
If the 'Task reminder templates' feature is activated on the project, task reminders will be included in the single report export when choosing to 'Include attachments'.
Quantities Popover Filter Improvement
Only the property values passing an active filter will now be displayed in the filter popover. So if you for example have filtered by Category > Ducts, you will no longer be able to choose/filter by a 'Type' that doesn't fall under the 'Ducts' category.
Extend Overview Improvement: Hide Zone Layers Without Extend
When looking at the extend overview, zone layers without an extend are now hidden from the view. If there is extend on a single zone in a zone layer, all the zones in the layer will still be visible.
Approval Multi-Close Can Fill in Required Fields
It is now possible to utilize the approval flow feature to prompt the final user to fill in the necessary fields when closing multiple approvals simultaneously. This can be achieved by selecting multiple approvals and clicking on the 'Approve, close' option.
Hyperlink to Reports When Exporting Test- and Inspection Plans
When exporting test plans and inspection plans, hyperlinks are placed in the Excel spreadsheet that links the inspection points to the reports. These hyperlinks only work for documents and not tasks. The file must be unzipped for the hyperlinks to work.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Jump to the Next/Previous Station in Cross Sections
You can easily jump between your station increments when viewing the cross-section by using the 'Move to station' arrows. This automatically jumps back or forward in the cross-section.
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Upload Multiple GIS Data and Import from Box
When adding GIS data to your map in InfraField projects multiple files can be selected from your computer. It is also possible to add GIS data from files uploaded to Box.
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Generate GIS Data
GIS data can be generated from simple text files or CSV files coming from surveyors or other sources.
When adding GIS data select 'From file'. A template can be downloaded, data can be imported or input manually.
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Custom Styling for GIS Layers
GIS layers can be visually customized. When viewing a GIS layer in Settings and clicking
Edit styling. This can help you organize your different GIS layers and make GIS layers more visible. For points, the shape can be changed, and for lines, you can select different strokes.
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Use WMS as Map Layers
The map layer options have been expanded and support the Web Map Service (WMS) format.
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Measurable Point Clouds Cuts in Cross Sections
Point clouds are better integrated into the cross-section view. The cloud point will be part of the 2D cut, and measurements can be used with the point cloud cross-section. This makes it easier to see relations between models and existing conditions.
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Use Chainage (PKs) to Generate Zones
Zones can now be generated using PKs. It is possible to assign PKs to generate the zones as an alternative to using distances.
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Map Search Button Moved
The 'Search' button on the map has been moved to the left on the screen and merged with the live coordinates.
COMPANY PROFILE
Communication Channels and Comment Types Added to Project Standard
Communication channels and Comment types have been added to the project standard making it possible to make a standard for these features across all of your projects.
Mail Alerts: Checklists
When setting up mail alerts, it is now possible to also create checklist alerts.
Print Test Plans and Inspection Plans From the Company Profile
Print functionality has been added for test plans and inspection plans in the Field library section of the company profile.
Enable Box Features From Company Project Standard
The project standard can now automatically activate Box features for new projects. This means that when a new project is created using the project standard, certain features in Box can be enabled automatically. Some of the features that can be enabled include:
- Version sets
- Distribution lists
- Mail archive
- Comments
- Review packages
- QR codes on drawings
Activate Publishing for Safety Report From Company Profile
With the 2024.1 release, it will also be possible to “Enable sharing finisher report with everyone” on safety inspections in the company profile. This lets you activate the feature for all projects using the safety inspection template.
HANDOVER
Change to Responders Asset Deletion Permissions
Responders will now only be allowed to delete an asset if it has been created by an individual within their own work package. For example, the responder cannot delete an asset if it was created by the building owner but would be able to delete it if it was something the responder created.
New Version of the BIM7aa Template for the Standard Template Library
There is a new version of the BIM7aa template available in the Handover standard template library. To get the new template, import from the template standard in the Handover settings.
TENDER
Changes to Tender Messages
It is now more apparent if a file is attached when receiving an email about a Tender message.
GENERAL & PLUGINS
Revit Plugin Version 5.5.0
A new version of the Revit plugin has been released. With this update, the user experience has been improved and there has been further integration with the Model validation feature. Major changes:
- Added a
Change Project button, that lets you swap between Dalux projects
- Added a
ModelValidation button, which opens a 'model validation-only' Dalux Desktop instance where you can do clash checks. This feature works well with the next feature:
- Added an
Open in Revit button in Dalux, under Model validation (Desktop only). This functionality makes it possible to open and go directly to the location of an object in Revit. Select the object, click the button and Revit will open and select the object for you.
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Notifications Email Changes
Notification emails for project invitations, task updates, and comment updates are getting a facelift. They now display more information, and the task and comment updates let you jump directly to the task/comment. Changes for comments and tasks are now also included in the notification emails.
Tekla Plugin Version 1.5.1
A new version of the Tekla plugin has been released. This version also supports exporting UDA (User Defined Attributes) export, support for property groups in Tekla 2023 and other improvements.
ArchiCAD Plugin Version 1.7.1
A new version of the ArchiCAD plugin has been released. This version supports:
- a new PDF exporter that is based on ArchiCADs pdofo-based PDF exporter
- .daluxbim format is now used for exports