How do you share and collaborate on reports with other STAAD users?

1 Use report templates

One way to ensure consistency and quality in your reports is to use report templates. Report templates are files that contain the layout, format, and content of your reports. You can create your own report templates or use the ones provided by STAAD. To create a report template, you need to use the Report Setup dialog box, where you can customize the report title, header, footer, page size, margins, fonts, and colors. You can also select the analysis and design results that you want to include in your report, such as load cases, reactions, displacements, stresses, forces, moments, and codes. To use a report template, you need to select it from the File menu or the toolbar, and then generate the report.

2 Export and import reports

Another way to share and collaborate on reports is to export and import them. Exporting a report means saving it as a file that can be opened by other software applications, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, or PDF. Importing a report means opening a file that was created by another software application in STAAD. To export a report, you need to use the Export Report dialog box, where you can choose the file type, name, location, and options. To import a report, you need to use the Import Report dialog box, where you can browse for the file and select the options.

3 Use cloud storage and collaboration tools

A third way to share and collaborate on reports is to use cloud storage and collaboration tools. Cloud storage and collaboration tools are online services that allow you to store, access, and edit your files from any device and location. Some examples of cloud storage and collaboration tools are Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and SharePoint. To use cloud storage and collaboration tools, you need to sign up for an account, upload your files, and share them with other users. You can also invite other users to view, comment, or edit your files, depending on the permissions you set.

4 Follow report standards and guidelines

A fourth way to share and collaborate on reports is to follow report standards and guidelines. Report standards and guidelines are rules and recommendations that help you create professional and consistent reports for your clients, stakeholders, or regulators. Report standards and guidelines may vary depending on the industry, sector, or organization you work for. Some examples of report standards and guidelines are the ASCE 7 Standard for Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures, the AISC Specification for Structural Steel Buildings, and the ACI 318 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete. To follow report standards and guidelines, you need to check the requirements and specifications for your project, use the appropriate codes and criteria in your analysis and design, and document your assumptions, methods, and results.

5 Use report comparison and review tools

A fifth way to share and collaborate on reports is to use report comparison and review tools. Report comparison and review tools are software applications that help you compare and evaluate different versions or alternatives of your reports. Some examples of report comparison and review tools are Beyond Compare, Diffchecker, and Adobe Acrobat. To use report comparison and review tools, you need to open the files that you want to compare or review, select the options and features that you want to use, and analyze the differences or feedback.

6 Use report automation and customization tools

A sixth way to share and collaborate on reports is to use report automation and customization tools. Report automation and customization tools are software applications that help you create and modify your reports faster and easier. Some examples of report automation and customization tools are STAAD Report Writer, STAAD Macro Language, and Visual Basic for Applications. To use report automation and customization tools, you need to learn the syntax and commands of the tool, write the code or script that generates or modifies your report, and run or debug the code or script.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?