Add “set XS_PLUGIN_DEVELOPER_MODE=true” to the teklastructures.ini file and open Tekla Structures. – Trimble Documentation
In order to add the flag above, you need to locate the ‘teklastructures.ini’ file: on my PC: it is here: `D:\Program Files\Tekla Structures\2019.1\nt\bin` (refer to the above URL) – it might be in the C: drive on your computer.
As you can see they are basically .bat files. Which means you can use “MS-DOS Batch File Language” or batch commands in there. The MSFT documentation suggests you can also use PowerShell (https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/scripting/overview?view=powershell-7.4) script commands.
Here is the post build event I used:
The Tekla documentation is confused about where to paste the DLL – in some cases they say the ‘plugins’ folder, but in others, it is the ‘extensions’ folder. Yet elsewhere, different Tekla versions have different places where you can paste it. In my case, I have focused on the “extensions” directory.
Warning: If you paste it into multiple locations, you may find that you cannot hit break points! The above link suggests the files should be copied into the .environments/common/extensions folder. I am taking that to mean, in actuality: the `Environments/common/extensions` folder. I am not pasting it into the `plugins` folder, but have opted for the `extensions` folder.
If you want to use the plugins folder, follow these instructions: The dll containing the plug-in has to be copied into: \<Tekla Structures installation folder>\<version>\nt\bin\plugins. A sub-folder could also be created to store the dll. In my case, the plugin files are located here: D:\Program Files\Tekla Structures\2019.1\nt\bin\plugins\TestWPFBeamPlugin
Setting up a macro:
Run the UI macro (Reloadplugins.cs) in the Applications & Components catalog on the side pane. We must set it up. In my system, the location is at the following:
I do not believe it is possible for someone to work for two entities at the same time:
No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Luke 16:13 KJV
This applies to both spiritual things and also worldly things.
If a staffer is drawing income from another source, especially if that income is substantial, then that is a problem for me – because:
Why should he care about this firm?
If he makes a mistake in the work – it’s no big deal – he doesn’t suffer a loss in income because he is drawing some from elsewhere. In fact, he will take less care.
He won’t bother to focus on improving his work, his efficiency at Tek1, because he is getting money elsewhere.
His energy is divided. It is impossible to run two marathons, with the same energy as if you ran just one.
Using Tek1 licenses for your own private endeavours is DISHONEST, it cheats the firm, it cheats other staff.
Entrepreneurship
If you are capable and skilled at bringing in work – then bring in work FOR THE FIRM.
You will be rewarded for doing so.
But if you do things on the sly – use the firm’s resources to personal gain – then that is a policy that will not serve you well, nor will it serve the rest of the firm well. You must choose: either be hot, or cold. But lukewarm water: I will spit out.
Then it might be worth considering the following strategies. This is a proven and successful model. Why?
RL, GD etc have tried it out. The latter has phenomenal success with this strategy.
I have spoken to clients. Especially one conversation with a client, DR, proved that this is a big problem for them:
What do clients want, what don’t they want?
Clients DO NOT: want to spend their day reading through emails and RFIs. DR prefers it if you called him, via teams etc, and outline all the issues via screenshare.
Clients are busy. They have limited resources. That is why they hire us. Some of you present a problem to your clients, but no solution – this is not what you should do. Whenever you see a problem, present the solution as well.
Do not make your clients think! Thinking is hard. Coming up with solutions is even harder. Reading your English (which is wanting), plus piecing together things in their mind after looking at multiple pdfs etc. is very difficult. Comparing drawings is difficult. Reading is difficult. But if you do a screenshare, and SHOW THEM the problems, and also suggest solutions – this is extremely valuable. DO THIS.
This is GD’s and RL’s playbook:
Summarise issues and propose solutions – do this via a screenshare.
IF you make assumptions – then inform the client.
After you’ve done everything – then document it: for legal / insurance reasons, but most importantly, to provide additional clarity.
If you have had a teams meeting – send them the minutes of meeting after you’ve finished. As above, this provides clarity and protection for yourself.
IF you do the above, you will always be in demand.
I’ve seen people struggle with many windows overwhelming their work space. This will hurt your productivity, especially if you are in the detailing profession. You could employ virtual desktops, in addition to a tiling manager.
