ASCENT Blog

Inventor Read-only Mode

By Jennifer MacMillan

With the installation of Inventor 2020 you now have access to a Read-only version of Inventor. This eliminates the need to install Inventor View as part of the installation. Once installed you can simply run it as Inventor Read-only Mode 2020. It does not require a license of Inventor to be used.

The interface looks much like Inventor, just with fewer tabs and options. It enables you to load projects and open parts, assemblies, drawings, and presentation files. Once a file is opened, you will have a limited number of tabs available that focus your experience on reviewing the model. You can review the following:

• Use the Model Browser to review the features that were used in the model. You can additionally control the visibility of sketches and work features used to create the geometry using the right-click menu.
• Use the Model Browser to review the component names and view the constraints used to assemble them.
• Use the Inspect tab to measure, analyze interference, and use the analysis tools (parts only).
• Use the View tab to control appearances and visibility as is available in the full version of Inventor.
• Use the View Cube and Navigation pane to control the view orientation of the model.
• For assemblies, you can also review the Bill of Materials for the model using the Assemble tab.

I am guessing the next question you are going to ask is … “ Where do I get it?”. Autodesk is recommending that for those that do not have access to Inventor 2020, simply download the full trial version and run it as read-only. I hope that this is great new way for you to view your models.

Jennifer

Learn Autodesk Vault Fundamentals in under 60 minutes! Webcast Follow-up

by Barb Nash

Thank you again to those of you who joined our webinar, Learn Autodesk Vault Fundamentals in under 60 minutes! For those who are interested, we have posted the recording on the ASCENT YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/5M9nbXM9gSQ    

The webcast was prepared for:

• Anyone interested in learning fundamentals of Autodesk Vault Professional from an Inventor or AutoCAD user’s perspective
• Those who wanted to hear more about the interactive eLearning options available for Autodesk Vault Professional

Topics covered in the webcast:

• The Autodesk Vault client interface and the Vault Add-in interfaces
• Search methods including saving searches 
• Methods of populating the Vault with Designs and modifying Designs (non-CAD, AutoCAD, and Inventor files)
• Demonstrations of interactive components such as videos, software simulations and quizzes/knowledge checks used in eLearning versions of the student guides

Below are some questions that came up during the webcast:

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Q: I believe you already said this, but just wanting to confirm. Vault can be used in AutoCAD, correct? Not just Inventor?­

Yes, there is an AutoCAD Vault Add-in that provides access to Vault functions within the AutoCAD software. Details regarding managing AutoCAD designs using the AutoCAD Vault Add-in are shown later in the webcast.

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Q: ­Can you view only and not save any changes?­

Yes, when opening a file, you have the option to check out a file or open it as read-only (view only). You are not required to save changes if you open it as read-only.

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Q: ­Is vault local machine or cloud based login?­

The software used in the webcast is Autodesk Vault Professional 2019 with a login to a Vault Server, not cloud-based login.

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Q: ­­I am presently using AutoCAD Electrical/ Vault 2018. The 2019 Vault ribbon looks like changes have been made. What is Buzzsaw which I see several tabs for in Vault 2018?

Details regarding the discontinuation of Buzzsaw including an FAQ can be found at https://www.autodesk.com/products/buzzsaw/overview

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Q: So the ipj does not need to be checked out to work on the file?

Correct. The project file needs to be downloaded using the Get command but does not need to be checked out in order to work on the Inventor file.

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As mentioned in the webcast, the content from the webcast was created with reference to the following guides:

• Autodesk Vault Professional 2019 Data Management for Autodesk Inventor Users
• Autodesk Vault Professional 2019 Data Management for AutoCAD Users (soon to be released)

Thank you again! If you have ideas or requests for future webcasts, please let us know.

Autodesk 3ds Max Tip: Using the Curve Editor and Dope Sheet

For the next few posts we'll be offering some tips for users of the Autodesk 3ds Max software, taken from ASCENT's learning guides.

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The Curve Editor and Dope Sheet are two animation data editors which graphically display and enable you to modify the animation controllers that are used to interpolate the objects in a scene.

• To open the Track View - Curve Editor, in the Main toolbar, click , or in the Menu Bar, select Graph Editors>Track View- Curve Editor.
• In the Curve Editor, the animation displays in the form of function curves. You can visualize and modify the motion by controlling the curves (i.e., tangent handles) at various keys.
  
  
• To open the Track View - Dope Sheet, in the Menu Bar, select Graph Editors>Track View- Dope Sheet.
• In the Dope sheet, the animation displays in the form of a spread sheet displaying keys and ranges. You can visualize and modify the motion by controlling the keys directly.
  
  

This short excerpt is from the Autodesk 3ds Max 2019: Fundamentals learning guide. For more information, visit https://www.ascented.com/.

 

 

5 Quiz and Gamification Ideas to Consider for your PLM Learners

by Barb Nash

Quizzes and Gamification (one of the 7 Components to Consider to Make the Most of PLM eLearning) not only provide a way to evaluate training effectiveness, they can provide your learners with added confidence regarding their skills and of the capabilities of the PLM software. This blog post presents quiz and gamification ideas to consider when planning your PLM training.

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1.   QUIZ QUESTIONS

Quiz questions in the format of Multiple Choice, True/False, Fill-in-the-Blank, Matching, Sequencing, and Hotspots (learner selects locations on the screen in response to the question) are effective to test the learner’s knowledge of the concepts taught and help with knowledge retention. They can also be very engaging and interactive due to the dragging and dropping nature available. Traditionally quiz questions have been presented at the end of a module or chapter. When uploaded into your Learning Management System (LMS), a learner’s progress can be tracked and completion recorded. A minimum passing score can be set with learners being asked to retake a quiz if that minimum score is not achieved. A Sequencing example question is shown below.

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2. KNOWLEDGE CHECKS

Knowledge Checks or self-checks are like quiz questions but how the learner is evaluated can vary. With Knowledge Checks, if the response is answered incorrectly, a hint or correct answer can be provided so that the learner can move on in the module or to the next question. The learner can still be given the choice to review and/or retake the quiz to confirm their understanding of the concepts. Incorporating Knowledge Checks throughout an eLearning module immediately after the concept is taught, is also an option. An example of an incorrect Knowledge Check response is shown in the image below.

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3.  GAMES WITHIN ELEARNING MODULE

Incorporating games into your PLM eLearning modules can provide added interaction as well as an additional fun factor while testing a learner’s knowledge. Games such as Jeopardy, Family Feud, and Memory Games are a few examples. For applying the knowledge and skills learned, games that include challenges, scoreboards, and achievements can also be set up.  Below is an example game within an eLearning module.

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4. QUIZZES WITHIN INTRANET/SHAREPOINT

Existing company Intranets or SharePoint sites can also be used to leverage the modular nature of quizzes outside of the eLearning module or LMS. This way the quizzes can reside in one location along with PLM software updates and best practices information, for review and sharing purposes. In fact, the SharePoint communication site functionality also includes the ability to create quizzes. Besides the default SharePoint site content being mobile-friendly and easy to share, the content can also be rated. Since a learner’s username and password authentication is handled by SharePoint, Reports and Leaderboards can be set up for communicating metrics, quiz results, and for team-building purposes. 

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 5. QUIZZES AND GAMES WITHIN A TEAM SETTING

Although there is some team interaction when sharing content within an Intranet, the idea of getting the team together physically or virtually can be even more rewarding for sharing of knowledge and having fun while also building trust and morale. These sessions could be held in a Lunch and Learn forum or at Team-building events in a table quiz format, for example. Smartphones can also be used to facilitate all the action!

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In summary, without a way to review concepts taught, or assess a learner’s knowledge, it can be difficult to accurately evaluate the effectiveness of PLM training initiatives. Incorporating the idea of quizzes and games can help if planned well with your learners' preferences and company's culture in mind!

5 Video Creation Options for PLM eLearning

by Barb Nash

In the blog post , 7 Component Considerations to Consider to Make the Most of PLM eLearning, I introduced the various eLearning components to consider. My previous post, 5 Software Simulation Scenarios for PLM eLearning elaborated on Software Simulation scenarios. This blog post is focused on 5 possible video creation options for PLM eLearning. Your decision on what video creation option to use can depend on the complexity of the concepts, the purpose of the video, a learner’s existing knowledge of the process, your company’s preferences, and feedback from learners. 

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1.   STANDARD VIDEO SCREEN CAPTURES (SCREENCASTS)  

Video screen captures, or screencasts, allow you to create a video that records the steps of a process. There are many different software products now available that provide this functionality. Some have extensive editing capabilities and tools that enhance the viewing experience with highlights, zooming and text overlays. You can choose to add audio as well using Text-to-Speech technology or human voiceover. The ease of creation and the ability for videos to be played on all your devices make them a great choice to use for documenting your custom PLM processes. A snippet of a video screen capture is shown here.

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2.  VIDEOS RECORDED AS DEMO (SELF-PLAYING) SIMULATIONS

This option also records the steps on screen like a standard video screen capture but is doing so slide-by-slide and therefore allows you more control over editing. The end result is essentially the same since you can save to video format. This option is a good choice to use if you foresee changes to your PLM software’s interface that would cause you to change the video. Instead of re-recording the video, you can simply edit the slides then save it again to video format. Another advantage of this method is that you can easily create a software simulation from it using the same slides and then just add the interactions required.

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3.   ANIMATED GIFS

Our clients have chosen the animated GIF option for creating short videos that don’t require sound. Animated GIFs can be used to record the steps of a PLM process or they can help emphasize an important tip from the process. Animated GIFs can be used like images to help explain a concept visually but with the added animation element included. Therefore, they can make the concept memorable and therefore help with retention. Similar to searching for stock images, you can also search for animated GIFs to use in your eLearning and can be used to convey emotions or feelings like emojis. An example of this use of an animated GIF is shown below. 

via GIPHY

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4. RECORDED SLIDE PRESENTATION WITH INSTRUCTOR DEMOS

This option is probably the closest to a traditional instructor-led learning experience with human voiceover instruction throughout and could include a webcam view of the instructor. The end result is also in video format and can be viewed and shared like the other options. 

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 5.  INTERACTIVE VIDEOS

An interactive video can be viewed as an enhancement to options number 1 and 2 above. Additional overlay slides and bookmarks can be inserted throughout the video to provide enhanced interaction for the user. For example, a bookmark can be inserted within a video and be referenced within a knowledge check for the learner to return to a specific topic for review purposes.

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I’m hoping this brief overview is useful to you when you are considering creating engaging video content for your PLM eLearning initiatives!

5 Software Simulation Scenarios for PLM eLearning

by Barb Nash

In one of my previous blog posts, 7 Component Considerations to Consider to Make the Most of PLM eLearning, I introduced Software Simulations as one of the eLearning components to consider. The benefits of practicing a PLM process over and over again without needing to use a Test, Training or Production database environment sounds great, doesn’t it? But you may be wondering what will the learner be shown when practicing these steps? The answer can depend on the complexity of the process, learners' existing knowledge of the process, your company’s preferences, and feedback from learners. In this blog I will show you 5 possible software simulation scenarios. 

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1.   GUIDE ME WITH CALLOUTS, STEP-BY-STEP

This first scenario shows the steps of a process using callouts detailing the action to perform. The action could be clicking an icon, selecting a menu or entering text. You can perform the steps as quickly or as slowly as you like. It also provides a quick way of reviewing a process, very similar to a video but you have the choice to actually perform the steps or use the playbar buttons, such as the forward and back buttons to get to the point in the process that you want to review. You can include as much or as little text in the callouts as you like, or think is required. It is also recommended to add separate notes throughout to emphasize key concepts.

  
 

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2.   GUIDE ME WITH A HINT WHEN I NEED IT

Using hints is a start to allowing the learner to think first before attempting an action. You can set up hints to display on rollover of the correct location or by clicking in an incorrect location, for example.

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3.   GUIDE ME WITH A CALLOUT AFTER A DEFINED NUMBER OF ATTEMPTS

This scenario is designed to allow the learner to perform the process by themselves by providing only required information. If the learner is unsuccessful after a defined number of attempts, at that point they can be shown a callout or hint. Using variables allows the learner to enter any text when prompted and that text can be used later in the simulation.

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4.  GUIDE ME WITH A PERMANENTLY DISPLAYED REFERENCE

The permanently displayed reference can be in a form of Task steps with two examples shown in the images below. It can not only act as a reference of what to do at the current step highlighted but also provides a way to navigate or jump to particular steps. It also acts as a big picture view of where you are in the entire process.

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 5.  CUSTOMIZED SCENARIO

A customized scenario means that your software simulation could be a combination of two or more of the scenarios listed above, or something completely customized that you think would best fit with your process and company’s learning environment.

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In summary, this list is just a start of what is possible when designing software simulations to help learners practice their process or workflow steps before doing so on their production PLM system. All scenarios are supported across any device including tablets and phones to help with mobile learning initiatives. If you have a scenario that you’d like to share I would love to hear about it!

Autodesk Revit Templates and Resource Projects

By Martha Hollowell

I’ve been thinking a lot about template files for Revit projects as I am updating the Autodesk Revit BIM Management: Family and Template Creation learning guide for Autodesk Revit 2019 due out in early autumn. In the guide we mention resource projects used in conjunction with template files for a more effective use of project planning and execution. These tools don’t get a lot of attention, but they are a critical component of good BIM Management and make the designers' life a lot easier if the office standards are already in place and ready to use.

What is the difference between Template Files and Resource Projects?

Template Files

A project template is a file that contains information that can be used over and over to create new projects. The goal is to save time by using company standards, enabling you to concentrate on the design. For example, if you do a lot of standard mid-rise buildings you can preset typical levels (as shown below) along with the related Floor Plans, Ceiling Plans, and/or Structural Plans. (If you are copy/monitoring levels through a linked file you do not need additional levels in your template file.)

Some items in a project template include:

• Levels
• Project-based settings (e.g., Project Units, Object Styles and discipline-specific settings, etc.)
• System Families
• Component Families
• Annotation Types
• Sheets with associated title blocks
• Views, and View Templates and View Filters
• Schedules and Legends

Resource Projects

A resource file is used to add views and elements to the current project after it has been started. You may have more than one resource project. For example, you may have a project that includes specific wall styles and wall details (as shown below) that you use for custom house design and a separate resource project for all your landscaping needs.

Some items in a typical resource file include:

• Sheets
• Schedules
• System Families
• Component Families
• Drafting views (details)

How do you use Resource Projects?

There are several tools you can use to access information stored in resource projects. It depends on the type of element you need to add.

• To copy drafting views (details), sheets, schedules, or reports into the current project, use Insert Views from File. You will select a project to open within the process and then you can select from a list of the available views and sheets as shown below.

• To copy system families (e.g., wall, floor, duct, pipe, wire types, etc) or annotations (e.g., text and dimension styles, materials, etc.), use Transfer Project Standards. A project has to be open to use this tool. Check None is an important button here as you rarely want all the settings imported.

• To copy component families from a resource project, use Copy to the Clipboard and either Paste Aligned to Selected Levels or Paste Aligned to Selected Views. For example, you might have a sheet full of schedules, as shown below, in the resource project that you can then select from to copy and paste into a sheet in the current project.

Questions?

What do you need in your template files and resource projects? Share your favorites in the comments below.

And look out for our upcoming version of the Autodesk Revit BIM Management: Family and Template Creation learning guide due out in early autumn.

 

 

Copy.. Copy Design.. Design Copy.. Design Assistant! So many choices!

By Jennifer MacMillan

I am currently working to update our iLogic learning Guide for Inventor 2019. This is the first time in a few years that there have been changes, and once I am complete I will post a summary for you. In updating the guide, it reminded me of a Blog post that I did over 5 years ago and I thought that I might share it again with you and provide a few updates. I remember it being well received, so I hope it helps some of our newer followers.

At the time that I posted this Blog I was looking to create a copy of a large assembly. I wanted to create the copy so that a number of components were renamed while others were not, and all of the components were to reference the new copied instance of the top-level assembly. Initially, my first thought was to use the Autodesk Vault software (my data management system), and then I started to think about the other tools that I could use. I actually didn’t want to have the new design in my vault. I just wanted to test some design scenarios and then I was likely to scrap the entire assembly.

I thought that this summary might be nice to share.

Copy Design (Vault)

This option is great if you have the Autodesk Vault software installed and work with this data management system to manage your files. The Copy Design option copies the entire assembly structure, preserving all of the relationships. Conveniently, it can also include all related drawings or presentation files. Using this option you can choose which components to copy, reuse, exclude, or replace. You can also define a naming scheme (prefix/suffix) for the files you copy to the new design.

iLogic Design Copy

Initially, I didn’t think that this option would work for me, simply because it had “iLogic” in the command name and was located on a panel named iLogic on the Tools tab. But this is not the case! In fact, my files didn’t have to have a single iLogic rule in them. My guess is that a lot of people assume the same thing and haven’t even tried it. A benefit of the iLogic Design Copy option over Vault’s Copy Design option is that it takes into account any rules that exist in the models that are being copied and enables you to determine whether those rules are copied or not. This is a great way to create a fully configured version of a design where all rules are removed. If no rule exists, the models are simply copied.

To use the iLogic Design Copy option, all files, including the models being copied, must be closed. Once executed, you select a project file to reference and select Assemblies, Parts, Drawings, and Non-Inventor Files in the project to be copied. If a parent file is selected, any referenced child file is automatically selected. Additionally, you can select the destination folder for the models, create a new project file or use the existing one, and apply a prefix or suffix to rename the files. The entire set of copied files can be duplicated in a new folder without any references to the source files.

Copy (Assembly environment)

In the Assemble tab > Pattern panel, the Copy option enables you to create a copy of the active assembly and its components. Once active, you must select the top-level assembly in the Model browser and then selectively change the status buttons adjacent to all of the component names. The status options include copying, reusing, or excluding the files. Additionally, you have the option to reuse standard content and factory parts, or not. The key to using this option for duplicating an entire assembly design is to ensure that the Open in New Window option is selected in the Component Destination area. If not, the components are simply copied within the existing assembly design. You can assign the file location directory for the assembly and its components, as well as assign the naming scheme or even enter completely unique file names. All of the copied files are opened in a new window and must be explicitly saved to create the files in the specified directory.

Design Assistant

The Design Assistant is a tool that is available both within and outside the Autodesk Inventor software. To copy files you must access the tool outside of the software. To access it, expand the Start Menu > All Programs > Autodesk > Autodesk Inventor 2019 and click Design Assistant 2019. Once running, open the assembly that is to be copied and select the Manage option. In the Action column for each component, right-click and assign an action of either Rename, Copy, or Replace. The action can be applied to multiple components at once by selecting them all. Additionally, you can change the File Location and Subfolders column to change the path or modify the Name column for the copied files. Unlike the other copy options discussed, you have to manually rename the components instead of assigning a prefix or suffix. Click Save to initiate the copy operation.

** UPDATED NOTES **

** A Blog reader previously commented that iLogic Copy Design made their year 😊 (gotta love that). It sounded like this was because iLogic Copy Design also preserved adaptivity where the Copy option did not. I tested this in 2019 and adaptivity now seems to be maintained when components are copied.

** In 2018 a new command (Copy Relationships) was introduced that allows you to select whether constraints and joints are copied with the assembly. A very convenient tool! Using the Design Assistant, iLogic, or Vault tools all constraints and joint relationships between the components are copied and you have no option to prevent this as is available with the Copy option.

** Tip: To change the folder in which the new design will be copied you must change the path individually for all components. This can only be done when the Open in New Window option is set and is done in the Copy Components: File Name window. You can edit the path by right-clicking the Source Path field for a component and selecting User Path. Navigate to where you want to place the copied components (the folder must already exist). One trick I used to copy the path instead of doing it manually for all components was to copy the full path once you enter it and use the Replace command to replace the “Source Path” string.

I hope that this updated blog post was helpful.

Jennifer

Updates to the Autodesk Revit 2019: Fundamentals for MEP Learning Guide

By Martha Hollowell

The next book in our Autodesk Revit series is out now: Autodesk Revit 2019: Fundamentals for MEP and you can find out more here.

Thank You

As I mentioned in our Revit Architecture update blog a couple of weeks ago THANK YOU to all those who give us feedback. It always helps us make the book better. To send us your insights, please email us at [email protected]. We review every comment that comes in and make changes where appropriate.

Changes to the MEP Learning Guide

We have made a few changes to our MEP learning guide. You will notice the new name for one thing. We are renaming all our books to match the fact that there is one Revit with multiple uses. Therefore, every book title starts with Autodesk Revit 2019 and then explains what this book is about, in this case,  Fundamentals for MEP.

Additional changes we made include:

1. The order of some topics:
   1. Chapter 2 - Basic Sketching and Modify Tools includes all modify tools now (like Revit Architecture). For the practices in this chapter I added elements that students have not yet learned to create so the focus is more on the modification.
   2. Chapter 7 - Basic System Tools was Chapter 3 but has now been moved later in the course just before the discipline specific sections.
2. Linking CAD files added to Chapter 3 - Starting System Projects. (It was in Appendix before.)
3. Batch Copy Fixtures moved to the end of this same chapter because the process flowed better.
4. More discipline-specific practices added in chapters where there are multiple disciplines taught at the same time.

Behind the Scenes

A couple of other things that have been changed are like many of the changes to the Autodesk Revit software – they are behind the scenes and you won’t see them, but they make our lives easier especially when we are customizing the learning guides.

Customizing Learning Guides

Did you know that all our learning guides can be customized? For example, if you are part of a company that only does electrical work there is no reason to include the HVAC and Plumbing specific content. Or, if you need some information that is in other guides such as BIM or Collaboration Tools we can gather individual chapters together in one guide. We actually have Five Levels of Customization. For more information on this check out our services here.

I hope you enjoy using the latest version of our learning guides. Keep in touch and we will let you know when additional titles come out.

Updates to the Autodesk Revit 2019: Fundamentals for Architecture Training Guide

By Martha Hollowell

The mainstay of our Revit courseware Autodesk Revit 2019: Fundamentals for Architecture is available and you can find out more here.

First, I want to say THANK YOU to the people who gave feedback after using our previous guides. We always appreciate useful comments and want to make our training guides work the way you want them to work. To send us your insights, please email us at [email protected]. We review every comment that comes in and make changes where appropriate.

New in Autodesk Revit 2019

There are a number of nice updates to Autodesk Revit 2018.1, 2018.2 and 2019 that we have incorporated in our training guide. Many of them just roll into our existing content and new users will never know they didn’t exist. You will feel that way too once you spend some time using them. My favorite is the window tabs. It is nice to be able to jump between open views without having to search for them in lists.  

We include links to where the updates have been applied in the Index.

 

Updates to the Revit Architecture Fundamentals Training Guide

A few changes were made to the order of the training guide as requested by several reviewers.

• Some basic information on Revit Links is now included where we discuss CAD Links. The chapter is now named “Starting Architectural Projects” which is similar to the Revit Structure and MEP Fundamentals training guides. It is not exactly the same because Architects are typically the ones starting the project and don’t use links until later in the process. The advanced coordination tools are covered in Collaboration Tools training guide.
• Room elements have been moved to the chapter with walls. This allows room names early in the development and also allows for doors to be numbered according to rooms – a standard practice.
• Some practices have been simplified to focus on what was taught in the chapter. You will see this mainly in the Walls and Detail chapters. All the wall practice tasks are still available but moved to an optional practice at the end of the chapter. I removed all but 2 of the detail practices because there was significant repetition in the processes.
• The stairs chapter has been totally reviewed and updated. More has been done to these features over the last several years and so I “started from scratch” in a sense to rewrite this chapter.
• Keynotes has moved to the appendix.

Updates to All the ASCENT Training Guides

A big update to all the training guides is our new Instructor Guide. It is a full copy of the student guide with timing, answers to questions, access to overheads all available without having to juggle two books. To see more about our general updates watch the video: ASCENT Webcast: Autodesk 2019 Courseware Updates on our YouTube channel.

We hope you all enjoy the changes.

Martha Hollowell