By Gary Mann
The Email Job wizard is an effective method of compiling all the required MEPworx project files from various discrete locations, and can be found in the Utilities, section as shown above.
The default “Email Job to Support in Zip format” gives the option of copying to another folder, drive, Cloud, or memory device. The second option will automatically compress the files for archiving and the final option will attach the zipped project file to an MS Outlook email.
Creating a backup on completion, or at each project milestone will ensure that you always have all the required files, including bespoke edited DB’s and DXF files located together.
There are two methods of initiating the backup and emailing of MEPworx project files:
- If the Cymap project file is still open, the program will use the path of the currently open file. This is the preferred and simplest method.
- When the project has not recently been opened, then you would need to path to the *.CYC location using the Browse option.
The dialog above shows the existing location of the current file. Full instructions are available to view on each page of the wizard.
The default option is all checkboxes ticked, so that all component files of the project are included. If all files are not included, the recipient may not be able to open and access the project.
Notable exceptions are if the project has recently been sent to the recipient, un-tick any item that has not changed since the last backup, e.g. DXF files or DBs and this will help reduce the size of the compressed file.
If the ‘Use MEPworx working folders’ option is ticked, the wizard will look into the current project folder if it cannot locate the required files in the MEPworx installed location. If the utility still cannot locate a specific file, you will have the option of locating the missing file by using the browse facility.
The screenshot below shows some, but not all the files required in an archived project.
iSBEM calculations would result in a National Calculation Template, NCT files included in the above. All database files are included along with the Notes, NTC file, if ticked.
It would be difficult and time consuming to collate all project files manually. Select “Next”.
If you tick the “Is this a support request?” tick-box, the recipients address will be automatically added along with the prompt requesting more details to be added to the message body.
Filling in comprehensively may prevent customer services from having to call back requesting additional info, saving valuable time.
Microsoft Outlook will normally ask your permission as MEPworx is attempting to utilise Outlook to send an email. Selecting the “Allow access for” 1 minute should suffice.
Confirmation that the files have been successfully emailed finishes the wizard and allows you to sleep peacefully.
Don’t forget that you have a copy of the *.zip file in your email sent items folder. If for any reason the email feature does not work, simply make a backup using the above utility and manually attach to an email and add the required instructions.
Drop me a note if there is something else you would like to see. gary.mann@cadline.co.uk