Hi
Is it possible to export/import/save as/convert excisting xfm feature symbology schema to element templates (dgnlib) ?
//Tom
It's a good idea. Unfortunately XFM is a Geospatial technology. If it were part of the platform (i.e. MicroStation) then it could be used in other application areas. A link to the XML schema might be stored in a DGNLIB. It would make sense at that point to be integrated with element templates.
Regards, Jon Summers LA Solutions
That is the key problem Cad (MS) vs Geospatial technology (BM) in Bentley products, where in this case is the Bentley´s slogan word "Interoperability" excisting ????
I might get blasted for this, but I think we have made some great strides, in interoperability, between the platform products and geo products, in the past couple of years. Remember when :
Granted there are some areas that people will point out that the full integration is not there. I for one would love to be able to manipulate the non-graphical attributes from the different products in a mapping workflow (from all the infrastructure design products), but it has not happened yet.
My point is, besides all the other vertical product improvements Bentley Software makes, they still have time to provide for these incremental interoperability improvements between the products. I also know that this is a big issue internally at Bentley Software, so you are not a lone voice in the dark.
Jerry
Ok..thats almoust true. (it has only taken half a decade to do it)
But back to my basic question.
What would be the best workflow to standardize elements (in Microstation environment) and at the same time avoid doubble work (Geospatial administrator and dgnlib), in this case creating standardized symbology in xfm to be used with BM for "original" information (stored in oracle) and creating the same standardized element symbology to be used in creation of "projekt" information (non db) to be used with MS.
Any ideas?
Hi Jerry.
A couple of points.....
I for one don't feel like 'blasting' you. I think you make a real attempt at supporting the product well but personally as a long term Bentley User I think Bentley need to have a real look at some of their core philosophies and LISTEN to their Users more.
Personally I've noticed more of a general attitude from Bentley of 'we know best what products and improvements Users want' and more of a disconnect between what is being developed and what users NEED in some areas. There seems more of a 'you and us' culture developing in certain areas.
I totally agree the interoperability issues with Map and Microstation need improving much quicker.
Major releases(even medium ones!) of Map needed to have occurred much quicker in the first 12-24 months.
Map may have had some improvements but keep in mind from a Users point of view you virtually started with a new product after Geographics in a very competitive market. It NEEDED to take off like a rocket to keep faith with the Users that supported it and be competitive however personally I think the speed of that development from a standing start needed to be much better. It's not too late.
Some Users are placed in a position of defending products such as Map in their own work environment and we need some real ammunitition to be able to do this.
Stop making release dates and inclusions such a big secret from Users. Tell us some of the good inclusions that are coming and give us a reasonable estimate of when we can expect them. Turn information vacuums into positive PR and make this an 'inclusive' process with Users.
Bigger picture thinking for Bentley..........
Start getting more DIRECT contact and feedback with your Users regarding what they think of the products, what they want developed, how likely they are to recommend the product to other Users and the list goes on.
To get this information, send us REGULAR direct surveys(initially at least 6 monthly) asking the hard questions(ones you may not always want to hear) such as 'On a scale of 1-10 would you currently recommend Product XXXX to other Users?', 'You currently have Product XXXX, what would encourage you to also buy/use Product XX123?', 'Please tell us YOUR Top 5 required improvements for Product XXXX', 'What's the best thing you find working with Bentley?', 'What's the worst thing about dealing with Bentley', 'On a scale of 1-10, how likely are you to discontinue using a Bentley Product for negative reasons in the next 12 months?', 'What could we do to make you more productive with Bentley Products?' etc.
Get someone INDEPENDENT to gather and present this information to the highest levels at Bentley so that this feedback is 'pushed down' into the company and helps drive direction rather than being potentially blocked in bottom up feedback.
My 2 cents worth...........not as 'bashing' but as a real attempt to provide constructive feedback.
I believe we are always looking for improvements in the product.
The more people/organizations that request a particular change the more likely it will get implemented. These forums are one good way multiple calls for a change is another way.
As for the timing and regularity of the releases and the dates for these releases, this is something that the product people are very aware of and try very hard to bring these out as soon as they are allowed. I can not speak directly for these people, but they work very hard at getting changes into the product, in a timely matter and they do contact customers directly for their opinions.
We always appreciate your valuable input. You can contact me directly at my email address, or via skype ( yes I know you are on the other side of the world), at any time ( within reason, I do sleep some times), and I hope I can assist.
Thanks !
Thanks Jerry.
Given your positive attitude then I'm sure some regular/direct surveys of customer attitudes will only confirm your feelings.
Given the relatively minor cost of collecting such on-line surveys these days it could do no harm and possibly provide benefits to Bentley.
I'd give it a go. Who knows what useful information you may discover?