12d Synergy + OpenRoads Quick Sheet

In this quick sheet, you’ll learn our recommended best practices for managing OpenRoads data inside 12d Synergy.

1.1. Recommended File Structure

12d Synergy does not currently have a plugin interface to Bentley products, which limits what communication can be exchanged between the two software systems. This is typically not an issue for most programs, where individual files or entire folders can be checked out for editing without the need for a plugin.

The complication for OpenRoads is that, although the program utilises a single .dgn file, these files often contain a few reference files. Each of which might need to be accessed and updated by separate users at any one time. This means that it does not strictly conform to either single-file or multi-file use programs. Thus making it difficult to determine the best way to treat the information in a document management system (DMS).

As such, the best practice for OpenRoads use in 12d Synergy is a two-part folder setup, where the references are contained in a separate folder sub-folder.

1.2. Managing References

This structure allows you to locally cache the references when a .dgn file is checked out for editing. Some organisations prefer to manage the local caching of the Reference folder manually by utilising the Get All functionality in 12d Synergy. However, we recommend utilising the Download Dependency feature. Information on both methods is mentioned below.

1.2.1. The ‘Get All’ Function

The Get All function caches selected information to an individual’s local workspace, without opening or checking out the files. It can be performed at a folder level by using the Get All right-click option on the folder in the 12d Synergy job tree.  

Performing this action on the References folder before opening a .dgn file ensures that OpenRoads can find the correct and latest references in your local cache.

If the latest files already exist in your local cache, they will not be downloaded again. The version in the local cache will remain read-only unless changes are needed and the file has to be checked out and edited. This workflow ensures a single point of truth and maintains file history for all files.

1.2.2. Download Dependency Rule

A download dependency rule is a way to automate performing a Get All in 12d Synergy. This makes working with files easier by automatically retrieving any necessary peripheral information when opening the file.

To set up a Download Dependency rule on your system, you require administrative access. A simplified process for setting up a download dependency rule is mentioned below.

1. Right-click the Job and select edit.

2. In the Edit a Job window, select the Rules panel on the left.

3. Then select the Download Dependency Rules tab at the top.

4. Click the button in the lower right to bring up the Add a Dependency Rule Set window.

   It is here that our download dependency rule can be created/set.

   • Our rule is subject to only the .dgn extension files (highlighted in green)

   • Our rule looks for the relative references folder (highlighted in yellow)

Tip
Creating this rule and the associated folders in your template will ensure it is rolled out across all your Jobs, with no additional input required.

• For more details about Download Dependencies, please access the 12d Synergy Knowledge Base.