News

Civil Pro version 9 – Alpha v9.31.1.10 released

The civil pro alpha (version 9.31.1.10) has been released to testing partners. We currently have 3 companies working with us, but if you are an existing licensed user and would like to participate, please contact us. Please note, that any databases updated to version 9 are permanent and cannot be reverted.

Changelog from previous alpha versions;

  • Added field to project to support invoice matching on import
  • Update ITP register on update of ITP Detail – fixed activate events
  • Added ctrl+alt+C option which copies text only from the grid cells when text is rich
  • Added ‘by value’ option to daycost split (both in daycost and invoice rec)
  • Updated RTF/HTML Converter to prevent creation of control overhead when format isnt rich
  • Changed size of schedule item description and sched number
  • Added fields in the progress claim to support future copying of description, number, unit etc.
  • Added function to import invoices for multiple projects at once
  • Changed behaviour when importing invoice with existing match – now provides options.
  • BUGFIX: Prevclaim numbers not calculated in progress claim detail
  • BUGFIX: Rich text edits incorrectly shown with markup in the rich text popup editor when format was rtf instead of html

version 9.30.1.9

Civil Pro version 9 – Alpha v9.30.1.9 released

version 9.30.1.8

Civil Pro version 9 – Alpha v9.30.1.8 released

version 9.30.1.5

Civil Pro version 9 – Alpha v9.30.1.5 released

Civil Pro version 9 – Alpha v9.30.1.9 released

The civil pro alpha (version 9.30.1.9) has been released to testing partners. We currently have 3 companies working with us, but if you are an existing licensed user and would like to participate, please contact us. Please note, that any databases updated to version 9 are permanent and cannot be reverted.

Changelog from previous alpha versions;

  • Many changes to receipting workflow to check receipts are included in daycosts
  • Added function to receipts to automatically receipt a percentage by specifying the percent, or calculating from a value for selected items
  • Added function to receipts to automatically receipt the outstanding quantities for selected items
  • Added automatic ‘new receipt’ dialog to receipts
  • Added a warning if editing an existing receipt
  • Tidied up enable editing in the grid menus
  • Added Control+E shortcut for enable editing
  • DefaultDate in daycost is now the latest of the current date and the last day of the period
  • Removed unnecessary band from Budgets view in claim

version 9.30.1.8

Civil Pro version 9 – Alpha v9.30.1.8 released

version 9.30.1.5

Civil Pro version 9 – Alpha v9.30.1.5 released

Civil Pro version 9 – Alpha v9.30.1.8 released

The civil pro alpha (version 9.30.1.8) has been released to testing partners. We currently have 3 companies working with us, but if you are an existing licensed user and would like to participate, please contact us. Please note, that any databases updated to version 9 are permanent and cannot be reverted.

Changelog from previous alpha versions;

  • BUGFIX: Daycosts can now have an empty docket field
  • When resource changed in daycosts, unit, resourcetype, rate are no longer nulled. Now retain existing values
  • Added new daycost summary column in daycost report periods
  • Invoice supplier is now editable in invoice register
  • Default ordering in claims fixed on open
  • Prevented drag and drop in schedule when not in default order
  • Updates to colouring for variable rate and overhead + combination thereof in schedule and claim
  • Reduced opening time for first claim in a project by null test to previous version
  • Update import from previous claims dialog to remove select/unselect all
  • Changed definition of adjDate in snapshot to be latest of conf/guar/open date or lotquantity moddate
  • NCRs updated for consistency to change old Diposition references to Corrective Action references
  • Changes to progress claim creation dialogs to replace claimdate with periodend (claimdate is now in claim versions)
  • Logic changes in which options can be selected in new claim / new snapshot
  • Update to progress claim popup to add additional columns and fix prebaked views
  • Removed old snapshot dialog and reused popUpdateClaimSchedule
  • Worked on progressclaimcontroller functions to improve wait forms
  • Worked on progressclaimcontroller rebuild function to retain all quantities, not just QTD

version 9.30.1.5

Civil Pro version 9 – Alpha v9.30.1.5 released

Civil Pro version 9 – Alpha v9.30.1.5 released

The civil pro alpha (version 9.30.1.5) has been released to testing partners. We currently have 2 companies working with us, but if you are an existing licensed user and would like to participate, please contact us. Please note, that any databases updated to version 9 are permanent and cannot be reverted.

Changelog from previous alpha versions;

  • Rich text editors for claim no have double click RTF popup for clearer editing
  • Lotquantity page – added RPF and Lotperc columns
  • Lot quantity – changed show all button to check button – now maintained after refresh
  • Added query extenders to improve performance of value calculations in lots and ncrs
  • Added query extenders to improve performance of hasqty, hasncr and hasdoc columns
  • State of schedule and progress claim now maintained on refresh data
  • Invoice, Claim and Daycost report periods now properly reset after refresh
  • Synchronisation between claim grid and summary panels
  • Updated cloners to reflect master suppliers
  • Updated cloners to allow replication of project and system settings
  • Added lockingexception catch on delete
  • Added re-sort function to all schedule based treelists
  • Security, Retention and Paidvalue now updateable from summary panels
  • BUGFIX: Supplierlink when a supplier is selected that is not registered for the project
  • BUGFIX: Columns were removed in invoice reconciliation
  • BUGFIX: PaidValue not updating in summary panel of claim
  • BUGFIX: Exception when running NCR cross project summary
  • BUGFIX: Port setting not persisted in system SMTP settings
  • BUGFIX: Exception when opening the test result page without any test reqs
  • BUGFIX: Exception when exiting receipting
  • BUGFIX: Receipt totals for total receipted incorrect in receipt page
  • BUGFIX: Prevent deletion of suppliers with no project as part of project cleanup
  • BUGFIX: exception on tag filter in lot register
  • BUGFIX: persistence of systemsetting for ports
  • BUGFIX: InvoiceSelect dialog – fixed where only inspected loaded objects
  • BUGFIX: Small fix to import of schedule items in importer

Approvals, ATPs and Checklists

One of the questions we are asked quite often regarding Civil Pro, is…

What is the difference between signing off a checklist, issuing and ATP or using the Approval response/request system.

To put this question in context, the Approval response/request is a relatively new Civil Pro register, coinciding with the introduction of the mobile platform. Prior to that, there was just the checklist and ATP – so considering them first…

The checklist

Checklists are a field document. Originally they were only completed by printing them and signing them off by hand. Civil Pro simply managed the content of the original document. In this [mostly pre mobile] world, a checklist could be presented to the client for sign off as a record of hold point/witness point release. This still leaves some holes – for example;

  1. Some sign offs require notification be given a defined duration in advance. For example, the Principal may require notification 24 hours in advance for inspection of a concrete pour. The checklist provides no way to confirm notification has been granted in a timely way – this may especially be a problem where the client contractor relationship isn’t the best…
  2. There is no way to provide a summary of required sign-offs. For example, if there are 20 concrete pours required on Wednesday, there is no easy way to record this and communicate it to the Principal with Checklists.
  3. Not every approval is tied neatly to a lot. For example, approval of an inspection test plan – which in some specifications is a hold point requiring 10 days notice.

For this reason, another record was required

The ATP

The ATP can ;

  1. summarise upcoming inspections across lots, and precisely what is to be inspected in each lot
  2. record that notice has been given
  3. specify when each of several inspections is required and a proposed order

The Approval Response/Request

With the 8.10.6x releases, the approval response request system was introduced. This supported the mobile platform and interaction with the client, negating the need for printed records, and is designed to work in a similar way to the ATP. The principal difference with the ATP, is the capacity to work without any paper or paperlike processes.

Approvals;

  • Record when a request is made and issue an electronic record (emails and system timestamps)
  • Record the response and update the source record
  • Provide an interface by which the approver can review their approvals and prioritise according to ‘required by’ dates.

As such, the ATP and Approval serve essentially the same purpose.

So why are there both ATPs and Approvals

Lots of our users use Civil Pro in lots of different ways. The mobile platform is relatively new, but as people transition, we expect more people will choose the Approvals over ATPs. We still have some work to do to finish the integration – that too will increase the appeal of the Approvals system.

Until then, the majority of our users still use the paper records, and we foresee that ATPs will be around for a while yet. And remember, as with anything in Civil Pro, if you don’t need them – you don’t have to use them.

Even better, Version 9 provides the capability to customise your main menu so you can REALLY hide it then.

Civil Pro Version 9 nearing completion

We are happy to announce that we are nearly ready to begin testing Civil Pro version 9. This release builds on the recent introduction of the mobile platform (v8.10.73), custom reports and custom views to bring a swag of new features. As is always the case with Civil Pro, we do not publish a major release without good reason. This time its as much as what happens under the covers as what you see in the application. We have totally rewritten the data layer behind Civil Pro to make it WAY faster and easier to extend. This means the new features in the first v9 release are only the beginning!

Our current testing release with selected projects begins in November 2016.

Full project daily costs, docket, progress claim and invoice reconciliation management

Our daily cost and production management engine has been rewritten and extended. By the time you know your costs from head office, it can be as much as 6 weeks since they were incurred! Most engineers deal with this by monitoring their daily costs with some kind of spreadsheet. Then they have another one for checking dockets, and possibly another for invoices. Rack up more for checking against progress claims. These spreadsheets are hacked and copied, are inefficient and inevitably introduce mistakes.

Now you can manage it all within Civil Pro.

For smaller businesses, match our cost and revenue management with accounting in packages like MYOB and your projects will be as tight as a drum. For big projects and businesses, Civil Pro is the bridge between your everyday site work and your enterprise resource systems. On release we will have videos of how Civil Project can provide the best systems without all of the high level ERP overhead.

New registers

Civil Pro now supports the generation of risk assessments. These are most typically seen in OH&S documentation such as the Job Safety and Environmental Analysis (JSEA) of Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) but will work for any kind of risk analysis. We expect to be including additional non-QA checklists (for example pre-start checklists and punchlists), but are not sure whether they will make the first v9 release or not.

New data layer

You will notice the changes from the first log in which occurs in a fraction of the time of previous versions. You will see some other changes too – for example, you log in to your database first, then choose a project. This means changing projects is a breeze without having to create a new connection for each one. If all your projects are on the same database, you just use the same connection and choose your project. Easy.

Multiple projects in standalone

Standalone files now support multiple projects. This makes is easier for users who run lots of smaller projects and don’t want to have to be hanging files all of the time. You can also store all of your template data in the same file with our repository projects…

Repository Projects

You can now assign any project as a repository project. This can just be a dummy project you use to hold your ITPs, work types, test methods etc so that you can import into new jobs quickly, or it can be a job you just finished that you use as the data source for your next job. Data can be imported easily from repository project on the same database with a couple of clicks from the context menu.

Interface

Extended functionality in related items and linking

The related items engine has also been rewritten and now supports double click to add in every linking interface (as well as the good old drag and drop). Double click to navigate has also been tidied up to apply to all records.

Less clicks

Wizards such as the import wizard and the new project wizard have been streamlined to minimise the clicks. If we can figure out how to reduce complexity, then that’s what we have done.

More reports and improved customization

We have also changed the reporting engine and are in the process of rewriting reports so they are easier to customize and there is greater control during customization! Some of the reports to have the facelift include the checklist, ITP, NCR and Lot Conformance Report. Of course, the new reports for the Risk Analysis and Cost Management are in the new format.

More customizable view support, and more pre-baked views

Our customizable views have proven very popular with users. Version 9 now supports customization in more registers (the checklist for example) and we have written more pre-baked views that work out of the box!

Civil Pro Version 8.10.73 released

Civil Pro Version 8.10.73 has been released. This is a minor update to 8.10.68, 8.10.678.10.658.10.64 or 8.10.62, and a major update to older versions. Refer to updating Civil Pro

This version adds a couple of small improvements and fixes some minor bugs

Changes and Improvements

  • Added a ‘change project’ option in the main Project menu. This allows users to change between projects (to which they have authority) on an SQL server based civil pro install without creating additional connections
  • New project creation streamlined to remove user assignation when only one user exists
  • Added pdf compression – this reduces the size of Civil Pro generated pdfs (in functions such as emailing reports and approvals) by as much as 95%
  • Upgrade to new v 2016 UI libraries
  • Added Approvals to related items list in NCR register
  • Approval requests can now be manually approved or edited
  • Added report for approvals
  • Standalone file connections – added link for new database to avoid confusion. Uses save dialog instead of open dialog

Bug Fixes

  • Approval request – two copies were addressed to the recipient instead of the cc going to the sender
  • Additional validation to prevent incorrect user roles
  • Exception caused during customizing ATP report
  • Approval closeout – could not delete closeout text
  • QtyApproval role not previously recognized during init
  • AddUserToRole function – added persistence for Unitofwork
  • Issue with status selector in Progress claim introduced in 8.10.65
  • New database dialog now has REGEX mask to avoid invalid input for database name

Civil Pro Version 8.10.68 released

Civil Pro Version 8.10.68 has been released. This is a minor update to 8.10.67, 8.10.658.10.64 or 8.10.62, and a major update to older versions. Refer to updating Civil Pro

This version fixes some minor bugs.

Bug Fixes

  • Fixed logwriter to create log in app data
  • In server settings, the “test” button now commits the current settings before testing
  • Default Credentials checkbox now works correctly in server settings
  • Emails – validation of recipients fixed

Civil Pro Version 8.10.67 released

Civil Pro Version 8.10.67 has been released. This is a minor update to 8.10.658.10.64 or 8.10.62, and a major update to older versions. Refer to updating Civil Pro

This version fixes some minor bugs, improves the photo register’s memory management to prevent exceptions with large images and adds several small usability tweaks.

Changes and Improvements

  • Photo register handles large images without out-of-memory exceptions
  • Emails sent within the SMTP system in civil pro are now CC to the sender by default
  • Specification details (ITP details) can now be exported to report from the grid to make exporting to excel easier and better formatted
  • Number formatting of lot quantities in schedule and progress claim changed to include thousands separator
  • Text of test email in SMTP settings changed to reduce confusion
  • Quantities for open lots now shown in full for snapshots regardless of split date

Bug Fixes

  • deleting a license no longer faults when checking sundry license locations
  • bulk import of photos now correctly sets the source filename
  • Exception when creating a test request with no date required fixed

Civil Pro Version 8.10.65 released

Civil Pro Version 8.10.65 has been released. This is a minor update to 8.10.64 or 8.10.62, and a major update to older versions. Refer to updating Civil Pro

This version fixes some minor bugs, makes minor changes to the Specifications interface (ITPs), and streamlines the Progress Claim process to automate snapshot management.

Changes and Improvements

  • progress claim wizard now integrates options to create the snapshot and set qties – refer updated support topic for progress claims.
  • ITP/QVC view change now displayed at top of ITP for quick access
  • photo register image manipulation (rotate/zoom etc) rewritten. rotate now automatically saved
  • ITP testing now in its own popup form – double click to show
  • New icons added to ITP detail menus and popup screens
  • Updated lots of references in menus from ITP to specification for consistency and clarity

Bug Fixes

  • changing test method deleted row in ITP test methods – fixed
  • closing project now closes any floating windows too