AutoCAD Drawing Checklist before using TRIRIGA CAD Integrator to Smart Attach

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I’m a fan of the Smart Attach command in CAD Integrator.  If you are a CAD Integrator user, you are probably using this function, and likely know the drawing must be in ‘ready-to-attach’ condition before using the command.  When supporting AutoCAD CAD Integrator clients having issues with the smart attach command, frequently I have found the drawing file was not quite ready for attaching.

If your drawing isn’t attaching, or some spaces aren’t attaching, here are a few tips to check before attaching your AutoCAD drawing.  I’m sure there are more I haven’t thought of or come across, however, this may be a good starting point.

1. Check all your boundaries and text for attaching are all in the drawing.  I have seen cases in which the measured gross or a few space boundaries were missing – maybe they were there but unintentionally deleted.
2. Check that the quantity of space boundaries equals the quantity of space number text.  I use AutoCAD quick select command, though there are other methods.
3. Check that these graphics for attaching are on the correct layers. CAD Integrator doesn’t care what your starting layers for attaching are, they just need to be on different layers for; gross boundary, measured gross boundary, space boundary, space number (which is the TRIRIGA space name field), and space classification if you are loading this information with CAD Integrator. Do not make the original layer names the CI Attached Layer names – once attached CI will put the graphics on their correct attached layer.  (I’m sure most of you know this, it is recommended/best practice to use a standard layering convention)
4. Check all the boundaries are closed. I also use ‘quick select’ for this - selecting all polylines where ‘closed’ equals ‘No’, and if any highlight simply zoom-in and fix.  Individual boundaries can easily be checked by viewing its properties or using the list command.
5. Ensure text is single-line text.  CAD Integrator requires the text to be single-line text.  (Even though after attachment, CAD Integrator labels are multiline text)
6. Check that these graphics are at zero Z-Axis. CAD Integrator will not attach boundaries if they are not on ‘0’ Z-Axis.  I’ve seen this happen, so if I am trouble shooting, I check for this occurrence.  I first do a quick front view look, and if something looks like its hovering above or hanging below zero plane, I will select ‘all, Z not equal to 0’ and if any highlight, I change Z parameter in the properties window to 0.  I experienced this with a client and it could have been caused by how the original architectural plan was drawn or x-ref location.
7. If you are using the CAD Integrator to load the ‘current use space class’ either for initial attaching or attaching for revisions, the space class text must be an exact match – case must match, no extra spaces.
8. When using the smart attach command for drawing revisions/updates, make sure the ‘Update Existing Records’ setting is checked if you are using this function to update existing records.  This setting is in IBM TRIRIGA menu-> Preferences.

TheresaMarinelli