Trimble Business Center

I have been using TBC for many years. For the most part it is a great bit of software.

It does some things far more efficiently than many other CAD alternatives (although that is changing very rapidly particularly with Point Clouds and TIN surfaces).

And, yes, I am a TBC Fan Boy. Not afraid to say so.

But in spite of my dedication to TBC, my observation is that over the last 5, or so, years Business Center development has focused increasingly on adding functionality that is highly specialized or completely trivial (new program naming convention to copy Autodesk comes to mind). This focus has come at the expense of ignoring simple, practical, every-day-useful improvements. The result is that the interface itself has become increasingly ragged.

Many of the day-to-day, used-all-the-time features, and functionality are incredibly frustrating because it seems that TBC Development has largely ignored requests for simple improvements; ideas that appear all the time in the discussion forum's pages by long time, dedicated users of the platform.

Case in point: The LAYER MANAGER. Introduced about 6 years ago (if memory serves) it was a great feature. But it was half-baked, not ready for prime time as they say.

Requests to improve the Layer Manager (starting more than 5 years ago!) have not been acted upon. And, sadly, this is typical.

So here is my TBC TOP 10 NO, MAKE THAT 11, IMPROVEMENTS I'D LIKE TO SEE wish list, offered in the spirit of someone who uses the software every day, all day.

1) Not a surprise. The Layer Manager. Make the columns flex to fit the data, once re-sized make the column widths persistent so that if you re-open it you don't have to resize it all again, make the highlight color of a cell so that you can see the cursor, allow the Layer Manager to be minimized not just open on a screen, add the option to show/hide columns that aren't needed/used.

These features probably don't seem like much but as simple as they are they'd make an enormous difference to useability. Ask others, there are more ideas among TBC users.

2) How about a SURFACE MANAGER similar to the Layer Manager (without the shortcomings!). This would be BRILLIANT. Again, a request made over 5 years ago.

3) I know we have a 'profile manager' as a workaround for TBC deleting all customizations, templates etc at EVERY update. NO OTHER software I have used has ever required you to reset interface customizations for every update. With TBC there is ALWAYS a procedure to reset any customizations done and it can take up to 30 minutes EACH time. Remember this is MY TIME you are messing with along with thousands of other users' time. It's unproductive time (and especially galling when Trimble advertises how much productivity will be improved by using their products).

4) How about a DARK MODE that is NATIVE to TBC and doesn't rely on a third party (expensive) add-on. I work with a 48" screen. I couldn't use it if I didn't have a subdued 'darker' mode. No other modern software I know doesn't offer a darkened mode. In fact, it used to be an option within TBC. Lets go crazy and actually allow the interface to be customized. Not everyone likes a dark space to work in like I do. If you want to see sophisticated, highly developed interfaces just take a look at some of TBC competitors for ideas.

5) How about improving the Profile Viewer so that you can edit the profile in the viewer (with grips) and show the grades? The number of times I could use this... (I realize you can bounce back and forth between viewer and plan and sort of do this, or do it by creating an alignment you don't need...).

6) Fix inconsistent behaviour of dropdown choices: some you click the field, some you click the carat...

7) When doing a lot of linework, snap indicators randomly stop working. To get them back you have to save, quit and restart.

8) Again, when doing a lot of linework editing the highlighted lines and grips become 'oversized'. Again, save, quit restart to fix.

9) FULL 4K support in all areas of TBC. The main screen itself is inconsistently scaled but pop ups, utilities etc are really inconsistent.

10) Stop using Sitech or resellers as a pre-filter for highlighting bug fixes, suggestions for improvement, changes to the software. READ the forums and discussion groups and BELIEVE what they say/request. Most of the hardcore, day after day users of TBC know far more than the "sales reps" about the software's behaviours and shortcomings.

11) Stop showing updates available for anything NOT installed with Business Center. I don't care about ANZ Toolbox (because I didn't install it), Help Files in another language, or other utilities that I didn't install in the first place.

OK. That's a start.

Please: add to the list. I am certain there are many more ideas out there from us day-to-day Trimble Business Center users.

Maybe someone is listening...

I too think Trimble needs to spend a couple of years just updating the user interface, dialog box prompts, without trying to launch a big new feature once or twice a year.  For instance there's no legend of what all the little data type icons are seen next to observations or the control hierarchy icons within a point and no info displays if you hover over them.  Little things like this - the user interface.  Last I heard their list of user submitted "enhancements" that they liked was in the 100s if not 1000s.  Though they do spend a lot of programming time just accounting for new equipment and data that Access launches.

------------------------------
Robert Hoy

Original Message:
Sent: 12-17-2024 11:59
From: Marshall Cant
Subject: DEAR TBC SANTA: All I want for Christmas; A TBC Wish List

I have been using TBC for many years. For the most part it is a great bit of software.

It does some things far more efficiently than many other CAD alternatives (although that is changing very rapidly particularly with Point Clouds and TIN surfaces).

And, yes, I am a TBC Fan Boy. Not afraid to say so.

But in spite of my dedication to TBC, my observation is that over the last 5, or so, years Business Center development has focused increasingly on adding functionality that is highly specialized or completely trivial (new program naming convention to copy Autodesk comes to mind). This focus has come at the expense of ignoring simple, practical, every-day-useful improvements. The result is that the interface itself has become increasingly ragged.

Many of the day-to-day, used-all-the-time features, and functionality are incredibly frustrating because it seems that TBC Development has largely ignored requests for simple improvements; ideas that appear all the time in the discussion forum's pages by long time, dedicated users of the platform.

Case in point: The LAYER MANAGER. Introduced about 6 years ago (if memory serves) it was a great feature. But it was half-baked, not ready for prime time as they say.

Requests to improve the Layer Manager (starting more than 5 years ago!) have not been acted upon. And, sadly, this is typical.

So here is my TBC TOP 10 NO, MAKE THAT 11, IMPROVEMENTS I'D LIKE TO SEE wish list, offered in the spirit of someone who uses the software every day, all day.

1) Not a surprise. The Layer Manager. Make the columns flex to fit the data, once re-sized make the column widths persistent so that if you re-open it you don't have to resize it all again, make the highlight color of a cell so that you can see the cursor, allow the Layer Manager to be minimized not just open on a screen, add the option to show/hide columns that aren't needed/used.

These features probably don't seem like much but as simple as they are they'd make an enormous difference to useability. Ask others, there are more ideas among TBC users.

2) How about a SURFACE MANAGER similar to the Layer Manager (without the shortcomings!). This would be BRILLIANT. Again, a request made over 5 years ago.

3) I know we have a 'profile manager' as a workaround for TBC deleting all customizations, templates etc at EVERY update. NO OTHER software I have used has ever required you to reset interface customizations for every update. With TBC there is ALWAYS a procedure to reset any customizations done and it can take up to 30 minutes EACH time. Remember this is MY TIME you are messing with along with thousands of other users' time. It's unproductive time (and especially galling when Trimble advertises how much productivity will be improved by using their products).

4) How about a DARK MODE that is NATIVE to TBC and doesn't rely on a third party (expensive) add-on. I work with a 48" screen. I couldn't use it if I didn't have a subdued 'darker' mode. No other modern software I know doesn't offer a darkened mode. In fact, it used to be an option within TBC. Lets go crazy and actually allow the interface to be customized. Not everyone likes a dark space to work in like I do. If you want to see sophisticated, highly developed interfaces just take a look at some of TBC competitors for ideas.

5) How about improving the Profile Viewer so that you can edit the profile in the viewer (with grips) and show the grades? The number of times I could use this... (I realize you can bounce back and forth between viewer and plan and sort of do this, or do it by creating an alignment you don't need...).

6) Fix inconsistent behaviour of dropdown choices: some you click the field, some you click the carat...

7) When doing a lot of linework, snap indicators randomly stop working. To get them back you have to save, quit and restart.

8) Again, when doing a lot of linework editing the highlighted lines and grips become 'oversized'. Again, save, quit restart to fix.

9) FULL 4K support in all areas of TBC. The main screen itself is inconsistently scaled but pop ups, utilities etc are really inconsistent.

10) Stop using Sitech or resellers as a pre-filter for highlighting bug fixes, suggestions for improvement, changes to the software. READ the forums and discussion groups and BELIEVE what they say/request. Most of the hardcore, day after day users of TBC know far more than the "sales reps" about the software's behaviours and shortcomings.

11) Stop showing updates available for anything NOT installed with Business Center. I don't care about ANZ Toolbox (because I didn't install it), Help Files in another language, or other utilities that I didn't install in the first place.

OK. That's a start.

Please: add to the list. I am certain there are many more ideas out there from us day-to-day Trimble Business Center users.

Maybe someone is listening...

------------------------------
Marshall Cant
------------------------------

@Robert Hoy    'there's no legend of what all the little data type icons are seen next to observations or the control hierarchy icons': You mean like this? 

------------------------------
Michael Fletcher

Original Message:
Sent: 12-17-2024 17:17
From: Robert Hoy
Subject: DEAR TBC SANTA: All I want for Christmas; A TBC Wish List

I too think Trimble needs to spend a couple of years just updating the user interface, dialog box prompts, without trying to launch a big new feature once or twice a year.  For instance there's no legend of what all the little data type icons are seen next to observations or the control hierarchy icons within a point and no info displays if you hover over them.  Little things like this - the user interface.  Last I heard their list of user submitted "enhancements" that they liked was in the 100s if not 1000s.  Though they do spend a lot of programming time just accounting for new equipment and data that Access launches.

------------------------------
Robert Hoy

Original Message:
Sent: 12-17-2024 11:59
From: Marshall Cant
Subject: DEAR TBC SANTA: All I want for Christmas; A TBC Wish List

I have been using TBC for many years. For the most part it is a great bit of software.

It does some things far more efficiently than many other CAD alternatives (although that is changing very rapidly particularly with Point Clouds and TIN surfaces).

And, yes, I am a TBC Fan Boy. Not afraid to say so.

But in spite of my dedication to TBC, my observation is that over the last 5, or so, years Business Center development has focused increasingly on adding functionality that is highly specialized or completely trivial (new program naming convention to copy Autodesk comes to mind). This focus has come at the expense of ignoring simple, practical, every-day-useful improvements. The result is that the interface itself has become increasingly ragged.

Many of the day-to-day, used-all-the-time features, and functionality are incredibly frustrating because it seems that TBC Development has largely ignored requests for simple improvements; ideas that appear all the time in the discussion forum's pages by long time, dedicated users of the platform.

Case in point: The LAYER MANAGER. Introduced about 6 years ago (if memory serves) it was a great feature. But it was half-baked, not ready for prime time as they say.

Requests to improve the Layer Manager (starting more than 5 years ago!) have not been acted upon. And, sadly, this is typical.

So here is my TBC TOP 10 NO, MAKE THAT 11, IMPROVEMENTS I'D LIKE TO SEE wish list, offered in the spirit of someone who uses the software every day, all day.

1) Not a surprise. The Layer Manager. Make the columns flex to fit the data, once re-sized make the column widths persistent so that if you re-open it you don't have to resize it all again, make the highlight color of a cell so that you can see the cursor, allow the Layer Manager to be minimized not just open on a screen, add the option to show/hide columns that aren't needed/used.

These features probably don't seem like much but as simple as they are they'd make an enormous difference to useability. Ask others, there are more ideas among TBC users.

2) How about a SURFACE MANAGER similar to the Layer Manager (without the shortcomings!). This would be BRILLIANT. Again, a request made over 5 years ago.

3) I know we have a 'profile manager' as a workaround for TBC deleting all customizations, templates etc at EVERY update. NO OTHER software I have used has ever required you to reset interface customizations for every update. With TBC there is ALWAYS a procedure to reset any customizations done and it can take up to 30 minutes EACH time. Remember this is MY TIME you are messing with along with thousands of other users' time. It's unproductive time (and especially galling when Trimble advertises how much productivity will be improved by using their products).

4) How about a DARK MODE that is NATIVE to TBC and doesn't rely on a third party (expensive) add-on. I work with a 48" screen. I couldn't use it if I didn't have a subdued 'darker' mode. No other modern software I know doesn't offer a darkened mode. In fact, it used to be an option within TBC. Lets go crazy and actually allow the interface to be customized. Not everyone likes a dark space to work in like I do. If you want to see sophisticated, highly developed interfaces just take a look at some of TBC competitors for ideas.

5) How about improving the Profile Viewer so that you can edit the profile in the viewer (with grips) and show the grades? The number of times I could use this... (I realize you can bounce back and forth between viewer and plan and sort of do this, or do it by creating an alignment you don't need...).

6) Fix inconsistent behaviour of dropdown choices: some you click the field, some you click the carat...

7) When doing a lot of linework, snap indicators randomly stop working. To get them back you have to save, quit and restart.

8) Again, when doing a lot of linework editing the highlighted lines and grips become 'oversized'. Again, save, quit restart to fix.

9) FULL 4K support in all areas of TBC. The main screen itself is inconsistently scaled but pop ups, utilities etc are really inconsistent.

10) Stop using Sitech or resellers as a pre-filter for highlighting bug fixes, suggestions for improvement, changes to the software. READ the forums and discussion groups and BELIEVE what they say/request. Most of the hardcore, day after day users of TBC know far more than the "sales reps" about the software's behaviours and shortcomings.

11) Stop showing updates available for anything NOT installed with Business Center. I don't care about ANZ Toolbox (because I didn't install it), Help Files in another language, or other utilities that I didn't install in the first place.

OK. That's a start.

Please: add to the list. I am certain there are many more ideas out there from us day-to-day Trimble Business Center users.

Maybe someone is listening...

------------------------------
Marshall Cant
------------------------------

I have been using TBC for many years. For the most part it is a great bit of software.

It does some things far more efficiently than many other CAD alternatives (although that is changing very rapidly particularly with Point Clouds and TIN surfaces).

And, yes, I am a TBC Fan Boy. Not afraid to say so.

But in spite of my dedication to TBC, my observation is that over the last 5, or so, years Business Center development has focused increasingly on adding functionality that is highly specialized or completely trivial (new program naming convention to copy Autodesk comes to mind). This focus has come at the expense of ignoring simple, practical, every-day-useful improvements. The result is that the interface itself has become increasingly ragged.

Many of the day-to-day, used-all-the-time features, and functionality are incredibly frustrating because it seems that TBC Development has largely ignored requests for simple improvements; ideas that appear all the time in the discussion forum's pages by long time, dedicated users of the platform.

Case in point: The LAYER MANAGER. Introduced about 6 years ago (if memory serves) it was a great feature. But it was half-baked, not ready for prime time as they say.

Requests to improve the Layer Manager (starting more than 5 years ago!) have not been acted upon. And, sadly, this is typical.

So here is my TBC TOP 10 NO, MAKE THAT 11, IMPROVEMENTS I'D LIKE TO SEE wish list, offered in the spirit of someone who uses the software every day, all day.

1) Not a surprise. The Layer Manager. Make the columns flex to fit the data, once re-sized make the column widths persistent so that if you re-open it you don't have to resize it all again, make the highlight color of a cell so that you can see the cursor, allow the Layer Manager to be minimized not just open on a screen, add the option to show/hide columns that aren't needed/used.

These features probably don't seem like much but as simple as they are they'd make an enormous difference to useability. Ask others, there are more ideas among TBC users.

2) How about a SURFACE MANAGER similar to the Layer Manager (without the shortcomings!). This would be BRILLIANT. Again, a request made over 5 years ago.

3) I know we have a 'profile manager' as a workaround for TBC deleting all customizations, templates etc at EVERY update. NO OTHER software I have used has ever required you to reset interface customizations for every update. With TBC there is ALWAYS a procedure to reset any customizations done and it can take up to 30 minutes EACH time. Remember this is MY TIME you are messing with along with thousands of other users' time. It's unproductive time (and especially galling when Trimble advertises how much productivity will be improved by using their products).

4) How about a DARK MODE that is NATIVE to TBC and doesn't rely on a third party (expensive) add-on. I work with a 48" screen. I couldn't use it if I didn't have a subdued 'darker' mode. No other modern software I know doesn't offer a darkened mode. In fact, it used to be an option within TBC. Lets go crazy and actually allow the interface to be customized. Not everyone likes a dark space to work in like I do. If you want to see sophisticated, highly developed interfaces just take a look at some of TBC competitors for ideas.

5) How about improving the Profile Viewer so that you can edit the profile in the viewer (with grips) and show the grades? The number of times I could use this... (I realize you can bounce back and forth between viewer and plan and sort of do this, or do it by creating an alignment you don't need...).

6) Fix inconsistent behaviour of dropdown choices: some you click the field, some you click the carat...

7) When doing a lot of linework, snap indicators randomly stop working. To get them back you have to save, quit and restart.

8) Again, when doing a lot of linework editing the highlighted lines and grips become 'oversized'. Again, save, quit restart to fix.

9) FULL 4K support in all areas of TBC. The main screen itself is inconsistently scaled but pop ups, utilities etc are really inconsistent.

10) Stop using Sitech or resellers as a pre-filter for highlighting bug fixes, suggestions for improvement, changes to the software. READ the forums and discussion groups and BELIEVE what they say/request. Most of the hardcore, day after day users of TBC know far more than the "sales reps" about the software's behaviours and shortcomings.

11) Stop showing updates available for anything NOT installed with Business Center. I don't care about ANZ Toolbox (because I didn't install it), Help Files in another language, or other utilities that I didn't install in the first place.

OK. That's a start.

Please: add to the list. I am certain there are many more ideas out there from us day-to-day Trimble Business Center users.

Maybe someone is listening...

7) When doing a lot of linework, snap indicators randomly stop working. To get them back you have to save, quit and restart.

8) Again, when doing a lot of linework editing the highlighted lines and grips become 'oversized'. Again, save, quit restart to fix.

If you open a new profile view window does the issue resolve itself?

I have been using TBC for many years. For the most part it is a great bit of software.

It does some things far more efficiently than many other CAD alternatives (although that is changing very rapidly particularly with Point Clouds and TIN surfaces).

And, yes, I am a TBC Fan Boy. Not afraid to say so.

But in spite of my dedication to TBC, my observation is that over the last 5, or so, years Business Center development has focused increasingly on adding functionality that is highly specialized or completely trivial (new program naming convention to copy Autodesk comes to mind). This focus has come at the expense of ignoring simple, practical, every-day-useful improvements. The result is that the interface itself has become increasingly ragged.

Many of the day-to-day, used-all-the-time features, and functionality are incredibly frustrating because it seems that TBC Development has largely ignored requests for simple improvements; ideas that appear all the time in the discussion forum's pages by long time, dedicated users of the platform.

Case in point: The LAYER MANAGER. Introduced about 6 years ago (if memory serves) it was a great feature. But it was half-baked, not ready for prime time as they say.

Requests to improve the Layer Manager (starting more than 5 years ago!) have not been acted upon. And, sadly, this is typical.

So here is my TBC TOP 10 NO, MAKE THAT 11, IMPROVEMENTS I'D LIKE TO SEE wish list, offered in the spirit of someone who uses the software every day, all day.

1) Not a surprise. The Layer Manager. Make the columns flex to fit the data, once re-sized make the column widths persistent so that if you re-open it you don't have to resize it all again, make the highlight color of a cell so that you can see the cursor, allow the Layer Manager to be minimized not just open on a screen, add the option to show/hide columns that aren't needed/used.

These features probably don't seem like much but as simple as they are they'd make an enormous difference to useability. Ask others, there are more ideas among TBC users.

2) How about a SURFACE MANAGER similar to the Layer Manager (without the shortcomings!). This would be BRILLIANT. Again, a request made over 5 years ago.

3) I know we have a 'profile manager' as a workaround for TBC deleting all customizations, templates etc at EVERY update. NO OTHER software I have used has ever required you to reset interface customizations for every update. With TBC there is ALWAYS a procedure to reset any customizations done and it can take up to 30 minutes EACH time. Remember this is MY TIME you are messing with along with thousands of other users' time. It's unproductive time (and especially galling when Trimble advertises how much productivity will be improved by using their products).

4) How about a DARK MODE that is NATIVE to TBC and doesn't rely on a third party (expensive) add-on. I work with a 48" screen. I couldn't use it if I didn't have a subdued 'darker' mode. No other modern software I know doesn't offer a darkened mode. In fact, it used to be an option within TBC. Lets go crazy and actually allow the interface to be customized. Not everyone likes a dark space to work in like I do. If you want to see sophisticated, highly developed interfaces just take a look at some of TBC competitors for ideas.

5) How about improving the Profile Viewer so that you can edit the profile in the viewer (with grips) and show the grades? The number of times I could use this... (I realize you can bounce back and forth between viewer and plan and sort of do this, or do it by creating an alignment you don't need...).

6) Fix inconsistent behaviour of dropdown choices: some you click the field, some you click the carat...

7) When doing a lot of linework, snap indicators randomly stop working. To get them back you have to save, quit and restart.

8) Again, when doing a lot of linework editing the highlighted lines and grips become 'oversized'. Again, save, quit restart to fix.

9) FULL 4K support in all areas of TBC. The main screen itself is inconsistently scaled but pop ups, utilities etc are really inconsistent.

10) Stop using Sitech or resellers as a pre-filter for highlighting bug fixes, suggestions for improvement, changes to the software. READ the forums and discussion groups and BELIEVE what they say/request. Most of the hardcore, day after day users of TBC know far more than the "sales reps" about the software's behaviours and shortcomings.

11) Stop showing updates available for anything NOT installed with Business Center. I don't care about ANZ Toolbox (because I didn't install it), Help Files in another language, or other utilities that I didn't install in the first place.

OK. That's a start.

Please: add to the list. I am certain there are many more ideas out there from us day-to-day Trimble Business Center users.

Maybe someone is listening...

I have been using TBC for many years. For the most part it is a great bit of software.

It does some things far more efficiently than many other CAD alternatives (although that is changing very rapidly particularly with Point Clouds and TIN surfaces).

And, yes, I am a TBC Fan Boy. Not afraid to say so.

But in spite of my dedication to TBC, my observation is that over the last 5, or so, years Business Center development has focused increasingly on adding functionality that is highly specialized or completely trivial (new program naming convention to copy Autodesk comes to mind). This focus has come at the expense of ignoring simple, practical, every-day-useful improvements. The result is that the interface itself has become increasingly ragged.

Many of the day-to-day, used-all-the-time features, and functionality are incredibly frustrating because it seems that TBC Development has largely ignored requests for simple improvements; ideas that appear all the time in the discussion forum's pages by long time, dedicated users of the platform.

Case in point: The LAYER MANAGER. Introduced about 6 years ago (if memory serves) it was a great feature. But it was half-baked, not ready for prime time as they say.

Requests to improve the Layer Manager (starting more than 5 years ago!) have not been acted upon. And, sadly, this is typical.

So here is my TBC TOP 10 NO, MAKE THAT 11, IMPROVEMENTS I'D LIKE TO SEE wish list, offered in the spirit of someone who uses the software every day, all day.

1) Not a surprise. The Layer Manager. Make the columns flex to fit the data, once re-sized make the column widths persistent so that if you re-open it you don't have to resize it all again, make the highlight color of a cell so that you can see the cursor, allow the Layer Manager to be minimized not just open on a screen, add the option to show/hide columns that aren't needed/used.

These features probably don't seem like much but as simple as they are they'd make an enormous difference to useability. Ask others, there are more ideas among TBC users.

2) How about a SURFACE MANAGER similar to the Layer Manager (without the shortcomings!). This would be BRILLIANT. Again, a request made over 5 years ago.

3) I know we have a 'profile manager' as a workaround for TBC deleting all customizations, templates etc at EVERY update. NO OTHER software I have used has ever required you to reset interface customizations for every update. With TBC there is ALWAYS a procedure to reset any customizations done and it can take up to 30 minutes EACH time. Remember this is MY TIME you are messing with along with thousands of other users' time. It's unproductive time (and especially galling when Trimble advertises how much productivity will be improved by using their products).

4) How about a DARK MODE that is NATIVE to TBC and doesn't rely on a third party (expensive) add-on. I work with a 48" screen. I couldn't use it if I didn't have a subdued 'darker' mode. No other modern software I know doesn't offer a darkened mode. In fact, it used to be an option within TBC. Lets go crazy and actually allow the interface to be customized. Not everyone likes a dark space to work in like I do. If you want to see sophisticated, highly developed interfaces just take a look at some of TBC competitors for ideas.

5) How about improving the Profile Viewer so that you can edit the profile in the viewer (with grips) and show the grades? The number of times I could use this... (I realize you can bounce back and forth between viewer and plan and sort of do this, or do it by creating an alignment you don't need...).

6) Fix inconsistent behaviour of dropdown choices: some you click the field, some you click the carat...

7) When doing a lot of linework, snap indicators randomly stop working. To get them back you have to save, quit and restart.

8) Again, when doing a lot of linework editing the highlighted lines and grips become 'oversized'. Again, save, quit restart to fix.

9) FULL 4K support in all areas of TBC. The main screen itself is inconsistently scaled but pop ups, utilities etc are really inconsistent.

10) Stop using Sitech or resellers as a pre-filter for highlighting bug fixes, suggestions for improvement, changes to the software. READ the forums and discussion groups and BELIEVE what they say/request. Most of the hardcore, day after day users of TBC know far more than the "sales reps" about the software's behaviours and shortcomings.

11) Stop showing updates available for anything NOT installed with Business Center. I don't care about ANZ Toolbox (because I didn't install it), Help Files in another language, or other utilities that I didn't install in the first place.

OK. That's a start.

Please: add to the list. I am certain there are many more ideas out there from us day-to-day Trimble Business Center users.

Maybe someone is listening...

I have been using TBC for many years. For the most part it is a great bit of software.

It does some things far more efficiently than many other CAD alternatives (although that is changing very rapidly particularly with Point Clouds and TIN surfaces).

And, yes, I am a TBC Fan Boy. Not afraid to say so.

But in spite of my dedication to TBC, my observation is that over the last 5, or so, years Business Center development has focused increasingly on adding functionality that is highly specialized or completely trivial (new program naming convention to copy Autodesk comes to mind). This focus has come at the expense of ignoring simple, practical, every-day-useful improvements. The result is that the interface itself has become increasingly ragged.

Many of the day-to-day, used-all-the-time features, and functionality are incredibly frustrating because it seems that TBC Development has largely ignored requests for simple improvements; ideas that appear all the time in the discussion forum's pages by long time, dedicated users of the platform.

Case in point: The LAYER MANAGER. Introduced about 6 years ago (if memory serves) it was a great feature. But it was half-baked, not ready for prime time as they say.

Requests to improve the Layer Manager (starting more than 5 years ago!) have not been acted upon. And, sadly, this is typical.

So here is my TBC TOP 10 NO, MAKE THAT 11, IMPROVEMENTS I'D LIKE TO SEE wish list, offered in the spirit of someone who uses the software every day, all day.

1) Not a surprise. The Layer Manager. Make the columns flex to fit the data, once re-sized make the column widths persistent so that if you re-open it you don't have to resize it all again, make the highlight color of a cell so that you can see the cursor, allow the Layer Manager to be minimized not just open on a screen, add the option to show/hide columns that aren't needed/used.

These features probably don't seem like much but as simple as they are they'd make an enormous difference to useability. Ask others, there are more ideas among TBC users.

2) How about a SURFACE MANAGER similar to the Layer Manager (without the shortcomings!). This would be BRILLIANT. Again, a request made over 5 years ago.

3) I know we have a 'profile manager' as a workaround for TBC deleting all customizations, templates etc at EVERY update. NO OTHER software I have used has ever required you to reset interface customizations for every update. With TBC there is ALWAYS a procedure to reset any customizations done and it can take up to 30 minutes EACH time. Remember this is MY TIME you are messing with along with thousands of other users' time. It's unproductive time (and especially galling when Trimble advertises how much productivity will be improved by using their products).

4) How about a DARK MODE that is NATIVE to TBC and doesn't rely on a third party (expensive) add-on. I work with a 48" screen. I couldn't use it if I didn't have a subdued 'darker' mode. No other modern software I know doesn't offer a darkened mode. In fact, it used to be an option within TBC. Lets go crazy and actually allow the interface to be customized. Not everyone likes a dark space to work in like I do. If you want to see sophisticated, highly developed interfaces just take a look at some of TBC competitors for ideas.

5) How about improving the Profile Viewer so that you can edit the profile in the viewer (with grips) and show the grades? The number of times I could use this... (I realize you can bounce back and forth between viewer and plan and sort of do this, or do it by creating an alignment you don't need...).

6) Fix inconsistent behaviour of dropdown choices: some you click the field, some you click the carat...

7) When doing a lot of linework, snap indicators randomly stop working. To get them back you have to save, quit and restart.

8) Again, when doing a lot of linework editing the highlighted lines and grips become 'oversized'. Again, save, quit restart to fix.

9) FULL 4K support in all areas of TBC. The main screen itself is inconsistently scaled but pop ups, utilities etc are really inconsistent.

10) Stop using Sitech or resellers as a pre-filter for highlighting bug fixes, suggestions for improvement, changes to the software. READ the forums and discussion groups and BELIEVE what they say/request. Most of the hardcore, day after day users of TBC know far more than the "sales reps" about the software's behaviours and shortcomings.

11) Stop showing updates available for anything NOT installed with Business Center. I don't care about ANZ Toolbox (because I didn't install it), Help Files in another language, or other utilities that I didn't install in the first place.

OK. That's a start.

Please: add to the list. I am certain there are many more ideas out there from us day-to-day Trimble Business Center users.

Maybe someone is listening...

I have been using TBC for many years. For the most part it is a great bit of software.

It does some things far more efficiently than many other CAD alternatives (although that is changing very rapidly particularly with Point Clouds and TIN surfaces).

And, yes, I am a TBC Fan Boy. Not afraid to say so.

But in spite of my dedication to TBC, my observation is that over the last 5, or so, years Business Center development has focused increasingly on adding functionality that is highly specialized or completely trivial (new program naming convention to copy Autodesk comes to mind). This focus has come at the expense of ignoring simple, practical, every-day-useful improvements. The result is that the interface itself has become increasingly ragged.

Many of the day-to-day, used-all-the-time features, and functionality are incredibly frustrating because it seems that TBC Development has largely ignored requests for simple improvements; ideas that appear all the time in the discussion forum's pages by long time, dedicated users of the platform.

Case in point: The LAYER MANAGER. Introduced about 6 years ago (if memory serves) it was a great feature. But it was half-baked, not ready for prime time as they say.

Requests to improve the Layer Manager (starting more than 5 years ago!) have not been acted upon. And, sadly, this is typical.

So here is my TBC TOP 10 NO, MAKE THAT 11, IMPROVEMENTS I'D LIKE TO SEE wish list, offered in the spirit of someone who uses the software every day, all day.

1) Not a surprise. The Layer Manager. Make the columns flex to fit the data, once re-sized make the column widths persistent so that if you re-open it you don't have to resize it all again, make the highlight color of a cell so that you can see the cursor, allow the Layer Manager to be minimized not just open on a screen, add the option to show/hide columns that aren't needed/used.

These features probably don't seem like much but as simple as they are they'd make an enormous difference to useability. Ask others, there are more ideas among TBC users.

2) How about a SURFACE MANAGER similar to the Layer Manager (without the shortcomings!). This would be BRILLIANT. Again, a request made over 5 years ago.

3) I know we have a 'profile manager' as a workaround for TBC deleting all customizations, templates etc at EVERY update. NO OTHER software I have used has ever required you to reset interface customizations for every update. With TBC there is ALWAYS a procedure to reset any customizations done and it can take up to 30 minutes EACH time. Remember this is MY TIME you are messing with along with thousands of other users' time. It's unproductive time (and especially galling when Trimble advertises how much productivity will be improved by using their products).

4) How about a DARK MODE that is NATIVE to TBC and doesn't rely on a third party (expensive) add-on. I work with a 48" screen. I couldn't use it if I didn't have a subdued 'darker' mode. No other modern software I know doesn't offer a darkened mode. In fact, it used to be an option within TBC. Lets go crazy and actually allow the interface to be customized. Not everyone likes a dark space to work in like I do. If you want to see sophisticated, highly developed interfaces just take a look at some of TBC competitors for ideas.

5) How about improving the Profile Viewer so that you can edit the profile in the viewer (with grips) and show the grades? The number of times I could use this... (I realize you can bounce back and forth between viewer and plan and sort of do this, or do it by creating an alignment you don't need...).

6) Fix inconsistent behaviour of dropdown choices: some you click the field, some you click the carat...

7) When doing a lot of linework, snap indicators randomly stop working. To get them back you have to save, quit and restart.

8) Again, when doing a lot of linework editing the highlighted lines and grips become 'oversized'. Again, save, quit restart to fix.

9) FULL 4K support in all areas of TBC. The main screen itself is inconsistently scaled but pop ups, utilities etc are really inconsistent.

10) Stop using Sitech or resellers as a pre-filter for highlighting bug fixes, suggestions for improvement, changes to the software. READ the forums and discussion groups and BELIEVE what they say/request. Most of the hardcore, day after day users of TBC know far more than the "sales reps" about the software's behaviours and shortcomings.

11) Stop showing updates available for anything NOT installed with Business Center. I don't care about ANZ Toolbox (because I didn't install it), Help Files in another language, or other utilities that I didn't install in the first place.

OK. That's a start.

Please: add to the list. I am certain there are many more ideas out there from us day-to-day Trimble Business Center users.

Maybe someone is listening...

I have been using TBC for many years. For the most part it is a great bit of software.

It does some things far more efficiently than many other CAD alternatives (although that is changing very rapidly particularly with Point Clouds and TIN surfaces).

And, yes, I am a TBC Fan Boy. Not afraid to say so.

But in spite of my dedication to TBC, my observation is that over the last 5, or so, years Business Center development has focused increasingly on adding functionality that is highly specialized or completely trivial (new program naming convention to copy Autodesk comes to mind). This focus has come at the expense of ignoring simple, practical, every-day-useful improvements. The result is that the interface itself has become increasingly ragged.

Many of the day-to-day, used-all-the-time features, and functionality are incredibly frustrating because it seems that TBC Development has largely ignored requests for simple improvements; ideas that appear all the time in the discussion forum's pages by long time, dedicated users of the platform.

Case in point: The LAYER MANAGER. Introduced about 6 years ago (if memory serves) it was a great feature. But it was half-baked, not ready for prime time as they say.

Requests to improve the Layer Manager (starting more than 5 years ago!) have not been acted upon. And, sadly, this is typical.

So here is my TBC TOP 10 NO, MAKE THAT 11, IMPROVEMENTS I'D LIKE TO SEE wish list, offered in the spirit of someone who uses the software every day, all day.

1) Not a surprise. The Layer Manager. Make the columns flex to fit the data, once re-sized make the column widths persistent so that if you re-open it you don't have to resize it all again, make the highlight color of a cell so that you can see the cursor, allow the Layer Manager to be minimized not just open on a screen, add the option to show/hide columns that aren't needed/used.

These features probably don't seem like much but as simple as they are they'd make an enormous difference to useability. Ask others, there are more ideas among TBC users.

2) How about a SURFACE MANAGER similar to the Layer Manager (without the shortcomings!). This would be BRILLIANT. Again, a request made over 5 years ago.

3) I know we have a 'profile manager' as a workaround for TBC deleting all customizations, templates etc at EVERY update. NO OTHER software I have used has ever required you to reset interface customizations for every update. With TBC there is ALWAYS a procedure to reset any customizations done and it can take up to 30 minutes EACH time. Remember this is MY TIME you are messing with along with thousands of other users' time. It's unproductive time (and especially galling when Trimble advertises how much productivity will be improved by using their products).

4) How about a DARK MODE that is NATIVE to TBC and doesn't rely on a third party (expensive) add-on. I work with a 48" screen. I couldn't use it if I didn't have a subdued 'darker' mode. No other modern software I know doesn't offer a darkened mode. In fact, it used to be an option within TBC. Lets go crazy and actually allow the interface to be customized. Not everyone likes a dark space to work in like I do. If you want to see sophisticated, highly developed interfaces just take a look at some of TBC competitors for ideas.

5) How about improving the Profile Viewer so that you can edit the profile in the viewer (with grips) and show the grades? The number of times I could use this... (I realize you can bounce back and forth between viewer and plan and sort of do this, or do it by creating an alignment you don't need...).

6) Fix inconsistent behaviour of dropdown choices: some you click the field, some you click the carat...

7) When doing a lot of linework, snap indicators randomly stop working. To get them back you have to save, quit and restart.

8) Again, when doing a lot of linework editing the highlighted lines and grips become 'oversized'. Again, save, quit restart to fix.

9) FULL 4K support in all areas of TBC. The main screen itself is inconsistently scaled but pop ups, utilities etc are really inconsistent.

10) Stop using Sitech or resellers as a pre-filter for highlighting bug fixes, suggestions for improvement, changes to the software. READ the forums and discussion groups and BELIEVE what they say/request. Most of the hardcore, day after day users of TBC know far more than the "sales reps" about the software's behaviours and shortcomings.

11) Stop showing updates available for anything NOT installed with Business Center. I don't care about ANZ Toolbox (because I didn't install it), Help Files in another language, or other utilities that I didn't install in the first place.

OK. That's a start.

Please: add to the list. I am certain there are many more ideas out there from us day-to-day Trimble Business Center users.

Maybe someone is listening...

I'm also a big fan of TBC. I just wish they just used the layer manager from Terramodel. It was simple and effective. You already have the code for it Trimble. I absolutely loved that you could turn the snap off on layers too. It was also super simple to create layer states (or layer lists as they were called) and assign them to viewports. Don't get me started on the traverse adjustment routine. That thing is a turd.

I have been using TBC for many years. For the most part it is a great bit of software.

It does some things far more efficiently than many other CAD alternatives (although that is changing very rapidly particularly with Point Clouds and TIN surfaces).

And, yes, I am a TBC Fan Boy. Not afraid to say so.

But in spite of my dedication to TBC, my observation is that over the last 5, or so, years Business Center development has focused increasingly on adding functionality that is highly specialized or completely trivial (new program naming convention to copy Autodesk comes to mind). This focus has come at the expense of ignoring simple, practical, every-day-useful improvements. The result is that the interface itself has become increasingly ragged.

Many of the day-to-day, used-all-the-time features, and functionality are incredibly frustrating because it seems that TBC Development has largely ignored requests for simple improvements; ideas that appear all the time in the discussion forum's pages by long time, dedicated users of the platform.

Case in point: The LAYER MANAGER. Introduced about 6 years ago (if memory serves) it was a great feature. But it was half-baked, not ready for prime time as they say.

Requests to improve the Layer Manager (starting more than 5 years ago!) have not been acted upon. And, sadly, this is typical.

So here is my TBC TOP 10 NO, MAKE THAT 11, IMPROVEMENTS I'D LIKE TO SEE wish list, offered in the spirit of someone who uses the software every day, all day.

1) Not a surprise. The Layer Manager. Make the columns flex to fit the data, once re-sized make the column widths persistent so that if you re-open it you don't have to resize it all again, make the highlight color of a cell so that you can see the cursor, allow the Layer Manager to be minimized not just open on a screen, add the option to show/hide columns that aren't needed/used.

These features probably don't seem like much but as simple as they are they'd make an enormous difference to useability. Ask others, there are more ideas among TBC users.

2) How about a SURFACE MANAGER similar to the Layer Manager (without the shortcomings!). This would be BRILLIANT. Again, a request made over 5 years ago.

3) I know we have a 'profile manager' as a workaround for TBC deleting all customizations, templates etc at EVERY update. NO OTHER software I have used has ever required you to reset interface customizations for every update. With TBC there is ALWAYS a procedure to reset any customizations done and it can take up to 30 minutes EACH time. Remember this is MY TIME you are messing with along with thousands of other users' time. It's unproductive time (and especially galling when Trimble advertises how much productivity will be improved by using their products).

4) How about a DARK MODE that is NATIVE to TBC and doesn't rely on a third party (expensive) add-on. I work with a 48" screen. I couldn't use it if I didn't have a subdued 'darker' mode. No other modern software I know doesn't offer a darkened mode. In fact, it used to be an option within TBC. Lets go crazy and actually allow the interface to be customized. Not everyone likes a dark space to work in like I do. If you want to see sophisticated, highly developed interfaces just take a look at some of TBC competitors for ideas.

5) How about improving the Profile Viewer so that you can edit the profile in the viewer (with grips) and show the grades? The number of times I could use this... (I realize you can bounce back and forth between viewer and plan and sort of do this, or do it by creating an alignment you don't need...).

6) Fix inconsistent behaviour of dropdown choices: some you click the field, some you click the carat...

7) When doing a lot of linework, snap indicators randomly stop working. To get them back you have to save, quit and restart.

8) Again, when doing a lot of linework editing the highlighted lines and grips become 'oversized'. Again, save, quit restart to fix.

9) FULL 4K support in all areas of TBC. The main screen itself is inconsistently scaled but pop ups, utilities etc are really inconsistent.

10) Stop using Sitech or resellers as a pre-filter for highlighting bug fixes, suggestions for improvement, changes to the software. READ the forums and discussion groups and BELIEVE what they say/request. Most of the hardcore, day after day users of TBC know far more than the "sales reps" about the software's behaviours and shortcomings.

11) Stop showing updates available for anything NOT installed with Business Center. I don't care about ANZ Toolbox (because I didn't install it), Help Files in another language, or other utilities that I didn't install in the first place.

OK. That's a start.

Please: add to the list. I am certain there are many more ideas out there from us day-to-day Trimble Business Center users.

Maybe someone is listening...

I have been using TBC for many years. For the most part it is a great bit of software.

It does some things far more efficiently than many other CAD alternatives (although that is changing very rapidly particularly with Point Clouds and TIN surfaces).

And, yes, I am a TBC Fan Boy. Not afraid to say so.

But in spite of my dedication to TBC, my observation is that over the last 5, or so, years Business Center development has focused increasingly on adding functionality that is highly specialized or completely trivial (new program naming convention to copy Autodesk comes to mind). This focus has come at the expense of ignoring simple, practical, every-day-useful improvements. The result is that the interface itself has become increasingly ragged.

Many of the day-to-day, used-all-the-time features, and functionality are incredibly frustrating because it seems that TBC Development has largely ignored requests for simple improvements; ideas that appear all the time in the discussion forum's pages by long time, dedicated users of the platform.

Case in point: The LAYER MANAGER. Introduced about 6 years ago (if memory serves) it was a great feature. But it was half-baked, not ready for prime time as they say.

Requests to improve the Layer Manager (starting more than 5 years ago!) have not been acted upon. And, sadly, this is typical.

So here is my TBC TOP 10 NO, MAKE THAT 11, IMPROVEMENTS I'D LIKE TO SEE wish list, offered in the spirit of someone who uses the software every day, all day.

1) Not a surprise. The Layer Manager. Make the columns flex to fit the data, once re-sized make the column widths persistent so that if you re-open it you don't have to resize it all again, make the highlight color of a cell so that you can see the cursor, allow the Layer Manager to be minimized not just open on a screen, add the option to show/hide columns that aren't needed/used.

These features probably don't seem like much but as simple as they are they'd make an enormous difference to useability. Ask others, there are more ideas among TBC users.

2) How about a SURFACE MANAGER similar to the Layer Manager (without the shortcomings!). This would be BRILLIANT. Again, a request made over 5 years ago.

3) I know we have a 'profile manager' as a workaround for TBC deleting all customizations, templates etc at EVERY update. NO OTHER software I have used has ever required you to reset interface customizations for every update. With TBC there is ALWAYS a procedure to reset any customizations done and it can take up to 30 minutes EACH time. Remember this is MY TIME you are messing with along with thousands of other users' time. It's unproductive time (and especially galling when Trimble advertises how much productivity will be improved by using their products).

4) How about a DARK MODE that is NATIVE to TBC and doesn't rely on a third party (expensive) add-on. I work with a 48" screen. I couldn't use it if I didn't have a subdued 'darker' mode. No other modern software I know doesn't offer a darkened mode. In fact, it used to be an option within TBC. Lets go crazy and actually allow the interface to be customized. Not everyone likes a dark space to work in like I do. If you want to see sophisticated, highly developed interfaces just take a look at some of TBC competitors for ideas.

5) How about improving the Profile Viewer so that you can edit the profile in the viewer (with grips) and show the grades? The number of times I could use this... (I realize you can bounce back and forth between viewer and plan and sort of do this, or do it by creating an alignment you don't need...).

6) Fix inconsistent behaviour of dropdown choices: some you click the field, some you click the carat...

7) When doing a lot of linework, snap indicators randomly stop working. To get them back you have to save, quit and restart.

8) Again, when doing a lot of linework editing the highlighted lines and grips become 'oversized'. Again, save, quit restart to fix.

9) FULL 4K support in all areas of TBC. The main screen itself is inconsistently scaled but pop ups, utilities etc are really inconsistent.

10) Stop using Sitech or resellers as a pre-filter for highlighting bug fixes, suggestions for improvement, changes to the software. READ the forums and discussion groups and BELIEVE what they say/request. Most of the hardcore, day after day users of TBC know far more than the "sales reps" about the software's behaviours and shortcomings.

11) Stop showing updates available for anything NOT installed with Business Center. I don't care about ANZ Toolbox (because I didn't install it), Help Files in another language, or other utilities that I didn't install in the first place.

OK. That's a start.

Please: add to the list. I am certain there are many more ideas out there from us day-to-day Trimble Business Center users.

Maybe someone is listening...

Hi Marshall

We want to assure you that we are actively listening to your feedback. We maintain an ongoing list of enhancements and fixes that we reference when improving and updating Trimble Business Center (TBC). Our goal is to balance resolving issues and bugs with adding new features and supporting new hardware. Here is some feedback on your top 10, sorry 11 list:

1 - We are looking into ways to improve the Layers Manager and we have added your requests to our list of improvements  for TBC.

2 - What functionality do you want to see with a Surface Manager, can you list your top 3 for us.

3 - Made a note of this, will you clarify the 30 min time. Using the User Profile Manage it should just take a few seconds to load your  User Options, Ribbon and Projects Templates you set up and saved and linked to your TID.

4 - Dark mode is on our enhancement list.

5 - Profile viewer is on our list of functions that needs improvement.

6 - Will look into this, please send a screen recording of this as it will help us understand the issue you are having.

7 - Will log this as a bug, again please send us a screen recording that shows the issue when it occurs.

8 - Will log this as a bug, again please send us a screen recording that shows the issue when it occurs.

9 - I will inform the team about this issue so they can investigate the issue for you.

10 - We value all comments and requests from our users and do not use any pre-filters when deciding on the features and fixes for the next release cycle of TBC.

11 - Will look into this for you.

Regards

I have been using TBC for many years. For the most part it is a great bit of software.

It does some things far more efficiently than many other CAD alternatives (although that is changing very rapidly particularly with Point Clouds and TIN surfaces).

And, yes, I am a TBC Fan Boy. Not afraid to say so.

But in spite of my dedication to TBC, my observation is that over the last 5, or so, years Business Center development has focused increasingly on adding functionality that is highly specialized or completely trivial (new program naming convention to copy Autodesk comes to mind). This focus has come at the expense of ignoring simple, practical, every-day-useful improvements. The result is that the interface itself has become increasingly ragged.

Many of the day-to-day, used-all-the-time features, and functionality are incredibly frustrating because it seems that TBC Development has largely ignored requests for simple improvements; ideas that appear all the time in the discussion forum's pages by long time, dedicated users of the platform.

Case in point: The LAYER MANAGER. Introduced about 6 years ago (if memory serves) it was a great feature. But it was half-baked, not ready for prime time as they say.

Requests to improve the Layer Manager (starting more than 5 years ago!) have not been acted upon. And, sadly, this is typical.

So here is my TBC TOP 10 NO, MAKE THAT 11, IMPROVEMENTS I'D LIKE TO SEE wish list, offered in the spirit of someone who uses the software every day, all day.

1) Not a surprise. The Layer Manager. Make the columns flex to fit the data, once re-sized make the column widths persistent so that if you re-open it you don't have to resize it all again, make the highlight color of a cell so that you can see the cursor, allow the Layer Manager to be minimized not just open on a screen, add the option to show/hide columns that aren't needed/used.

These features probably don't seem like much but as simple as they are they'd make an enormous difference to useability. Ask others, there are more ideas among TBC users.

2) How about a SURFACE MANAGER similar to the Layer Manager (without the shortcomings!). This would be BRILLIANT. Again, a request made over 5 years ago.

3) I know we have a 'profile manager' as a workaround for TBC deleting all customizations, templates etc at EVERY update. NO OTHER software I have used has ever required you to reset interface customizations for every update. With TBC there is ALWAYS a procedure to reset any customizations done and it can take up to 30 minutes EACH time. Remember this is MY TIME you are messing with along with thousands of other users' time. It's unproductive time (and especially galling when Trimble advertises how much productivity will be improved by using their products).

4) How about a DARK MODE that is NATIVE to TBC and doesn't rely on a third party (expensive) add-on. I work with a 48" screen. I couldn't use it if I didn't have a subdued 'darker' mode. No other modern software I know doesn't offer a darkened mode. In fact, it used to be an option within TBC. Lets go crazy and actually allow the interface to be customized. Not everyone likes a dark space to work in like I do. If you want to see sophisticated, highly developed interfaces just take a look at some of TBC competitors for ideas.

5) How about improving the Profile Viewer so that you can edit the profile in the viewer (with grips) and show the grades? The number of times I could use this... (I realize you can bounce back and forth between viewer and plan and sort of do this, or do it by creating an alignment you don't need...).

6) Fix inconsistent behaviour of dropdown choices: some you click the field, some you click the carat...

7) When doing a lot of linework, snap indicators randomly stop working. To get them back you have to save, quit and restart.

8) Again, when doing a lot of linework editing the highlighted lines and grips become 'oversized'. Again, save, quit restart to fix.

9) FULL 4K support in all areas of TBC. The main screen itself is inconsistently scaled but pop ups, utilities etc are really inconsistent.

10) Stop using Sitech or resellers as a pre-filter for highlighting bug fixes, suggestions for improvement, changes to the software. READ the forums and discussion groups and BELIEVE what they say/request. Most of the hardcore, day after day users of TBC know far more than the "sales reps" about the software's behaviours and shortcomings.

11) Stop showing updates available for anything NOT installed with Business Center. I don't care about ANZ Toolbox (because I didn't install it), Help Files in another language, or other utilities that I didn't install in the first place.

OK. That's a start.

Please: add to the list. I am certain there are many more ideas out there from us day-to-day Trimble Business Center users.

Maybe someone is listening...

Nice list, but if I may add just one more...   PLEASE give us a way to add a hotkey to disable all snaps and re-enable previous snaps for the love of everything holy. Just like autocad! Actually when it comes to anything in regards to selecting, snaps, layer management or any general cad function just do it like autocad does. Would actually be worth upgrading if I saw changes like these in the change notes rather than a bunch of tuneling enhancments.  

Hi Marshall

We want to assure you that we are actively listening to your feedback. We maintain an ongoing list of enhancements and fixes that we reference when improving and updating Trimble Business Center (TBC). Our goal is to balance resolving issues and bugs with adding new features and supporting new hardware. Here is some feedback on your top 10, sorry 11 list:

1 - We are looking into ways to improve the Layers Manager and we have added your requests to our list of improvements  for TBC.

2 - What functionality do you want to see with a Surface Manager, can you list your top 3 for us.

3 - Made a note of this, will you clarify the 30 min time. Using the User Profile Manage it should just take a few seconds to load your  User Options, Ribbon and Projects Templates you set up and saved and linked to your TID.

4 - Dark mode is on our enhancement list.

5 - Profile viewer is on our list of functions that needs improvement.

6 - Will look into this, please send a screen recording of this as it will help us understand the issue you are having.

7 - Will log this as a bug, again please send us a screen recording that shows the issue when it occurs.

8 - Will log this as a bug, again please send us a screen recording that shows the issue when it occurs.

9 - I will inform the team about this issue so they can investigate the issue for you.

10 - We value all comments and requests from our users and do not use any pre-filters when deciding on the features and fixes for the next release cycle of TBC.

11 - Will look into this for you.

Regards

I have been using TBC for many years. For the most part it is a great bit of software.

It does some things far more efficiently than many other CAD alternatives (although that is changing very rapidly particularly with Point Clouds and TIN surfaces).

And, yes, I am a TBC Fan Boy. Not afraid to say so.

But in spite of my dedication to TBC, my observation is that over the last 5, or so, years Business Center development has focused increasingly on adding functionality that is highly specialized or completely trivial (new program naming convention to copy Autodesk comes to mind). This focus has come at the expense of ignoring simple, practical, every-day-useful improvements. The result is that the interface itself has become increasingly ragged.

Many of the day-to-day, used-all-the-time features, and functionality are incredibly frustrating because it seems that TBC Development has largely ignored requests for simple improvements; ideas that appear all the time in the discussion forum's pages by long time, dedicated users of the platform.

Case in point: The LAYER MANAGER. Introduced about 6 years ago (if memory serves) it was a great feature. But it was half-baked, not ready for prime time as they say.

Requests to improve the Layer Manager (starting more than 5 years ago!) have not been acted upon. And, sadly, this is typical.

So here is my TBC TOP 10 NO, MAKE THAT 11, IMPROVEMENTS I'D LIKE TO SEE wish list, offered in the spirit of someone who uses the software every day, all day.

1) Not a surprise. The Layer Manager. Make the columns flex to fit the data, once re-sized make the column widths persistent so that if you re-open it you don't have to resize it all again, make the highlight color of a cell so that you can see the cursor, allow the Layer Manager to be minimized not just open on a screen, add the option to show/hide columns that aren't needed/used.

These features probably don't seem like much but as simple as they are they'd make an enormous difference to useability. Ask others, there are more ideas among TBC users.

2) How about a SURFACE MANAGER similar to the Layer Manager (without the shortcomings!). This would be BRILLIANT. Again, a request made over 5 years ago.

3) I know we have a 'profile manager' as a workaround for TBC deleting all customizations, templates etc at EVERY update. NO OTHER software I have used has ever required you to reset interface customizations for every update. With TBC there is ALWAYS a procedure to reset any customizations done and it can take up to 30 minutes EACH time. Remember this is MY TIME you are messing with along with thousands of other users' time. It's unproductive time (and especially galling when Trimble advertises how much productivity will be improved by using their products).

4) How about a DARK MODE that is NATIVE to TBC and doesn't rely on a third party (expensive) add-on. I work with a 48" screen. I couldn't use it if I didn't have a subdued 'darker' mode. No other modern software I know doesn't offer a darkened mode. In fact, it used to be an option within TBC. Lets go crazy and actually allow the interface to be customized. Not everyone likes a dark space to work in like I do. If you want to see sophisticated, highly developed interfaces just take a look at some of TBC competitors for ideas.

5) How about improving the Profile Viewer so that you can edit the profile in the viewer (with grips) and show the grades? The number of times I could use this... (I realize you can bounce back and forth between viewer and plan and sort of do this, or do it by creating an alignment you don't need...).

6) Fix inconsistent behaviour of dropdown choices: some you click the field, some you click the carat...

7) When doing a lot of linework, snap indicators randomly stop working. To get them back you have to save, quit and restart.

8) Again, when doing a lot of linework editing the highlighted lines and grips become 'oversized'. Again, save, quit restart to fix.

9) FULL 4K support in all areas of TBC. The main screen itself is inconsistently scaled but pop ups, utilities etc are really inconsistent.

10) Stop using Sitech or resellers as a pre-filter for highlighting bug fixes, suggestions for improvement, changes to the software. READ the forums and discussion groups and BELIEVE what they say/request. Most of the hardcore, day after day users of TBC know far more than the "sales reps" about the software's behaviours and shortcomings.

11) Stop showing updates available for anything NOT installed with Business Center. I don't care about ANZ Toolbox (because I didn't install it), Help Files in another language, or other utilities that I didn't install in the first place.

OK. That's a start.

Please: add to the list. I am certain there are many more ideas out there from us day-to-day Trimble Business Center users.

Maybe someone is listening...

Nice list, but if I may add just one more...   PLEASE give us a way to add a hotkey to disable all snaps and re-enable previous snaps for the love of everything holy. Just like autocad! Actually when it comes to anything in regards to selecting, snaps, layer management or any general cad function just do it like autocad does. Would actually be worth upgrading if I saw changes like these in the change notes rather than a bunch of tuneling enhancments.  

Hi Marshall

We want to assure you that we are actively listening to your feedback. We maintain an ongoing list of enhancements and fixes that we reference when improving and updating Trimble Business Center (TBC). Our goal is to balance resolving issues and bugs with adding new features and supporting new hardware. Here is some feedback on your top 10, sorry 11 list:

1 - We are looking into ways to improve the Layers Manager and we have added your requests to our list of improvements  for TBC.

2 - What functionality do you want to see with a Surface Manager, can you list your top 3 for us.

3 - Made a note of this, will you clarify the 30 min time. Using the User Profile Manage it should just take a few seconds to load your  User Options, Ribbon and Projects Templates you set up and saved and linked to your TID.

4 - Dark mode is on our enhancement list.

5 - Profile viewer is on our list of functions that needs improvement.

6 - Will look into this, please send a screen recording of this as it will help us understand the issue you are having.

7 - Will log this as a bug, again please send us a screen recording that shows the issue when it occurs.

8 - Will log this as a bug, again please send us a screen recording that shows the issue when it occurs.

9 - I will inform the team about this issue so they can investigate the issue for you.

10 - We value all comments and requests from our users and do not use any pre-filters when deciding on the features and fixes for the next release cycle of TBC.

11 - Will look into this for you.

Regards

I have been using TBC for many years. For the most part it is a great bit of software.

It does some things far more efficiently than many other CAD alternatives (although that is changing very rapidly particularly with Point Clouds and TIN surfaces).

And, yes, I am a TBC Fan Boy. Not afraid to say so.

But in spite of my dedication to TBC, my observation is that over the last 5, or so, years Business Center development has focused increasingly on adding functionality that is highly specialized or completely trivial (new program naming convention to copy Autodesk comes to mind). This focus has come at the expense of ignoring simple, practical, every-day-useful improvements. The result is that the interface itself has become increasingly ragged.

Many of the day-to-day, used-all-the-time features, and functionality are incredibly frustrating because it seems that TBC Development has largely ignored requests for simple improvements; ideas that appear all the time in the discussion forum's pages by long time, dedicated users of the platform.

Case in point: The LAYER MANAGER. Introduced about 6 years ago (if memory serves) it was a great feature. But it was half-baked, not ready for prime time as they say.

Requests to improve the Layer Manager (starting more than 5 years ago!) have not been acted upon. And, sadly, this is typical.

So here is my TBC TOP 10 NO, MAKE THAT 11, IMPROVEMENTS I'D LIKE TO SEE wish list, offered in the spirit of someone who uses the software every day, all day.

1) Not a surprise. The Layer Manager. Make the columns flex to fit the data, once re-sized make the column widths persistent so that if you re-open it you don't have to resize it all again, make the highlight color of a cell so that you can see the cursor, allow the Layer Manager to be minimized not just open on a screen, add the option to show/hide columns that aren't needed/used.

These features probably don't seem like much but as simple as they are they'd make an enormous difference to useability. Ask others, there are more ideas among TBC users.

2) How about a SURFACE MANAGER similar to the Layer Manager (without the shortcomings!). This would be BRILLIANT. Again, a request made over 5 years ago.

3) I know we have a 'profile manager' as a workaround for TBC deleting all customizations, templates etc at EVERY update. NO OTHER software I have used has ever required you to reset interface customizations for every update. With TBC there is ALWAYS a procedure to reset any customizations done and it can take up to 30 minutes EACH time. Remember this is MY TIME you are messing with along with thousands of other users' time. It's unproductive time (and especially galling when Trimble advertises how much productivity will be improved by using their products).

4) How about a DARK MODE that is NATIVE to TBC and doesn't rely on a third party (expensive) add-on. I work with a 48" screen. I couldn't use it if I didn't have a subdued 'darker' mode. No other modern software I know doesn't offer a darkened mode. In fact, it used to be an option within TBC. Lets go crazy and actually allow the interface to be customized. Not everyone likes a dark space to work in like I do. If you want to see sophisticated, highly developed interfaces just take a look at some of TBC competitors for ideas.

5) How about improving the Profile Viewer so that you can edit the profile in the viewer (with grips) and show the grades? The number of times I could use this... (I realize you can bounce back and forth between viewer and plan and sort of do this, or do it by creating an alignment you don't need...).

6) Fix inconsistent behaviour of dropdown choices: some you click the field, some you click the carat...

7) When doing a lot of linework, snap indicators randomly stop working. To get them back you have to save, quit and restart.

8) Again, when doing a lot of linework editing the highlighted lines and grips become 'oversized'. Again, save, quit restart to fix.

9) FULL 4K support in all areas of TBC. The main screen itself is inconsistently scaled but pop ups, utilities etc are really inconsistent.

10) Stop using Sitech or resellers as a pre-filter for highlighting bug fixes, suggestions for improvement, changes to the software. READ the forums and discussion groups and BELIEVE what they say/request. Most of the hardcore, day after day users of TBC know far more than the "sales reps" about the software's behaviours and shortcomings.

11) Stop showing updates available for anything NOT installed with Business Center. I don't care about ANZ Toolbox (because I didn't install it), Help Files in another language, or other utilities that I didn't install in the first place.

OK. That's a start.

Please: add to the list. I am certain there are many more ideas out there from us day-to-day Trimble Business Center users.

Maybe someone is listening...

YES!!! Snap hotkey please!  Would be an added bonus if it were F3 as default so my muscles will already know where it is.

Nice list, but if I may add just one more...   PLEASE give us a way to add a hotkey to disable all snaps and re-enable previous snaps for the love of everything holy. Just like autocad! Actually when it comes to anything in regards to selecting, snaps, layer management or any general cad function just do it like autocad does. Would actually be worth upgrading if I saw changes like these in the change notes rather than a bunch of tuneling enhancments.  

Hi Marshall

We want to assure you that we are actively listening to your feedback. We maintain an ongoing list of enhancements and fixes that we reference when improving and updating Trimble Business Center (TBC). Our goal is to balance resolving issues and bugs with adding new features and supporting new hardware. Here is some feedback on your top 10, sorry 11 list:

1 - We are looking into ways to improve the Layers Manager and we have added your requests to our list of improvements  for TBC.

2 - What functionality do you want to see with a Surface Manager, can you list your top 3 for us.

3 - Made a note of this, will you clarify the 30 min time. Using the User Profile Manage it should just take a few seconds to load your  User Options, Ribbon and Projects Templates you set up and saved and linked to your TID.

4 - Dark mode is on our enhancement list.

5 - Profile viewer is on our list of functions that needs improvement.

6 - Will look into this, please send a screen recording of this as it will help us understand the issue you are having.

7 - Will log this as a bug, again please send us a screen recording that shows the issue when it occurs.

8 - Will log this as a bug, again please send us a screen recording that shows the issue when it occurs.

9 - I will inform the team about this issue so they can investigate the issue for you.

10 - We value all comments and requests from our users and do not use any pre-filters when deciding on the features and fixes for the next release cycle of TBC.

11 - Will look into this for you.

Regards

I have been using TBC for many years. For the most part it is a great bit of software.

It does some things far more efficiently than many other CAD alternatives (although that is changing very rapidly particularly with Point Clouds and TIN surfaces).

And, yes, I am a TBC Fan Boy. Not afraid to say so.

But in spite of my dedication to TBC, my observation is that over the last 5, or so, years Business Center development has focused increasingly on adding functionality that is highly specialized or completely trivial (new program naming convention to copy Autodesk comes to mind). This focus has come at the expense of ignoring simple, practical, every-day-useful improvements. The result is that the interface itself has become increasingly ragged.

Many of the day-to-day, used-all-the-time features, and functionality are incredibly frustrating because it seems that TBC Development has largely ignored requests for simple improvements; ideas that appear all the time in the discussion forum's pages by long time, dedicated users of the platform.

Case in point: The LAYER MANAGER. Introduced about 6 years ago (if memory serves) it was a great feature. But it was half-baked, not ready for prime time as they say.

Requests to improve the Layer Manager (starting more than 5 years ago!) have not been acted upon. And, sadly, this is typical.

So here is my TBC TOP 10 NO, MAKE THAT 11, IMPROVEMENTS I'D LIKE TO SEE wish list, offered in the spirit of someone who uses the software every day, all day.

1) Not a surprise. The Layer Manager. Make the columns flex to fit the data, once re-sized make the column widths persistent so that if you re-open it you don't have to resize it all again, make the highlight color of a cell so that you can see the cursor, allow the Layer Manager to be minimized not just open on a screen, add the option to show/hide columns that aren't needed/used.

These features probably don't seem like much but as simple as they are they'd make an enormous difference to useability. Ask others, there are more ideas among TBC users.

2) How about a SURFACE MANAGER similar to the Layer Manager (without the shortcomings!). This would be BRILLIANT. Again, a request made over 5 years ago.

3) I know we have a 'profile manager' as a workaround for TBC deleting all customizations, templates etc at EVERY update. NO OTHER software I have used has ever required you to reset interface customizations for every update. With TBC there is ALWAYS a procedure to reset any customizations done and it can take up to 30 minutes EACH time. Remember this is MY TIME you are messing with along with thousands of other users' time. It's unproductive time (and especially galling when Trimble advertises how much productivity will be improved by using their products).

4) How about a DARK MODE that is NATIVE to TBC and doesn't rely on a third party (expensive) add-on. I work with a 48" screen. I couldn't use it if I didn't have a subdued 'darker' mode. No other modern software I know doesn't offer a darkened mode. In fact, it used to be an option within TBC. Lets go crazy and actually allow the interface to be customized. Not everyone likes a dark space to work in like I do. If you want to see sophisticated, highly developed interfaces just take a look at some of TBC competitors for ideas.

5) How about improving the Profile Viewer so that you can edit the profile in the viewer (with grips) and show the grades? The number of times I could use this... (I realize you can bounce back and forth between viewer and plan and sort of do this, or do it by creating an alignment you don't need...).

6) Fix inconsistent behaviour of dropdown choices: some you click the field, some you click the carat...

7) When doing a lot of linework, snap indicators randomly stop working. To get them back you have to save, quit and restart.

8) Again, when doing a lot of linework editing the highlighted lines and grips become 'oversized'. Again, save, quit restart to fix.

9) FULL 4K support in all areas of TBC. The main screen itself is inconsistently scaled but pop ups, utilities etc are really inconsistent.

10) Stop using Sitech or resellers as a pre-filter for highlighting bug fixes, suggestions for improvement, changes to the software. READ the forums and discussion groups and BELIEVE what they say/request. Most of the hardcore, day after day users of TBC know far more than the "sales reps" about the software's behaviours and shortcomings.

11) Stop showing updates available for anything NOT installed with Business Center. I don't care about ANZ Toolbox (because I didn't install it), Help Files in another language, or other utilities that I didn't install in the first place.

OK. That's a start.

Please: add to the list. I am certain there are many more ideas out there from us day-to-day Trimble Business Center users.

Maybe someone is listening...

fellas fellas,  why not create a shortcut for SNAP MODE.  I have this command setup on my ( i think its called this) one handed keyboard. buttone number 20. one push and open window for snaps.

YES!!! Snap hotkey please!  Would be an added bonus if it were F3 as default so my muscles will already know where it is.

Nice list, but if I may add just one more...   PLEASE give us a way to add a hotkey to disable all snaps and re-enable previous snaps for the love of everything holy. Just like autocad! Actually when it comes to anything in regards to selecting, snaps, layer management or any general cad function just do it like autocad does. Would actually be worth upgrading if I saw changes like these in the change notes rather than a bunch of tuneling enhancments.  

Hi Marshall

We want to assure you that we are actively listening to your feedback. We maintain an ongoing list of enhancements and fixes that we reference when improving and updating Trimble Business Center (TBC). Our goal is to balance resolving issues and bugs with adding new features and supporting new hardware. Here is some feedback on your top 10, sorry 11 list:

1 - We are looking into ways to improve the Layers Manager and we have added your requests to our list of improvements  for TBC.

2 - What functionality do you want to see with a Surface Manager, can you list your top 3 for us.

3 - Made a note of this, will you clarify the 30 min time. Using the User Profile Manage it should just take a few seconds to load your  User Options, Ribbon and Projects Templates you set up and saved and linked to your TID.

4 - Dark mode is on our enhancement list.

5 - Profile viewer is on our list of functions that needs improvement.

6 - Will look into this, please send a screen recording of this as it will help us understand the issue you are having.

7 - Will log this as a bug, again please send us a screen recording that shows the issue when it occurs.

8 - Will log this as a bug, again please send us a screen recording that shows the issue when it occurs.

9 - I will inform the team about this issue so they can investigate the issue for you.

10 - We value all comments and requests from our users and do not use any pre-filters when deciding on the features and fixes for the next release cycle of TBC.

11 - Will look into this for you.

Regards

I have been using TBC for many years. For the most part it is a great bit of software.

It does some things far more efficiently than many other CAD alternatives (although that is changing very rapidly particularly with Point Clouds and TIN surfaces).

And, yes, I am a TBC Fan Boy. Not afraid to say so.

But in spite of my dedication to TBC, my observation is that over the last 5, or so, years Business Center development has focused increasingly on adding functionality that is highly specialized or completely trivial (new program naming convention to copy Autodesk comes to mind). This focus has come at the expense of ignoring simple, practical, every-day-useful improvements. The result is that the interface itself has become increasingly ragged.

Many of the day-to-day, used-all-the-time features, and functionality are incredibly frustrating because it seems that TBC Development has largely ignored requests for simple improvements; ideas that appear all the time in the discussion forum's pages by long time, dedicated users of the platform.

Case in point: The LAYER MANAGER. Introduced about 6 years ago (if memory serves) it was a great feature. But it was half-baked, not ready for prime time as they say.

Requests to improve the Layer Manager (starting more than 5 years ago!) have not been acted upon. And, sadly, this is typical.

So here is my TBC TOP 10 NO, MAKE THAT 11, IMPROVEMENTS I'D LIKE TO SEE wish list, offered in the spirit of someone who uses the software every day, all day.

1) Not a surprise. The Layer Manager. Make the columns flex to fit the data, once re-sized make the column widths persistent so that if you re-open it you don't have to resize it all again, make the highlight color of a cell so that you can see the cursor, allow the Layer Manager to be minimized not just open on a screen, add the option to show/hide columns that aren't needed/used.

These features probably don't seem like much but as simple as they are they'd make an enormous difference to useability. Ask others, there are more ideas among TBC users.

2) How about a SURFACE MANAGER similar to the Layer Manager (without the shortcomings!). This would be BRILLIANT. Again, a request made over 5 years ago.

3) I know we have a 'profile manager' as a workaround for TBC deleting all customizations, templates etc at EVERY update. NO OTHER software I have used has ever required you to reset interface customizations for every update. With TBC there is ALWAYS a procedure to reset any customizations done and it can take up to 30 minutes EACH time. Remember this is MY TIME you are messing with along with thousands of other users' time. It's unproductive time (and especially galling when Trimble advertises how much productivity will be improved by using their products).

4) How about a DARK MODE that is NATIVE to TBC and doesn't rely on a third party (expensive) add-on. I work with a 48" screen. I couldn't use it if I didn't have a subdued 'darker' mode. No other modern software I know doesn't offer a darkened mode. In fact, it used to be an option within TBC. Lets go crazy and actually allow the interface to be customized. Not everyone likes a dark space to work in like I do. If you want to see sophisticated, highly developed interfaces just take a look at some of TBC competitors for ideas.

5) How about improving the Profile Viewer so that you can edit the profile in the viewer (with grips) and show the grades? The number of times I could use this... (I realize you can bounce back and forth between viewer and plan and sort of do this, or do it by creating an alignment you don't need...).

6) Fix inconsistent behaviour of dropdown choices: some you click the field, some you click the carat...

7) When doing a lot of linework, snap indicators randomly stop working. To get them back you have to save, quit and restart.

8) Again, when doing a lot of linework editing the highlighted lines and grips become 'oversized'. Again, save, quit restart to fix.

9) FULL 4K support in all areas of TBC. The main screen itself is inconsistently scaled but pop ups, utilities etc are really inconsistent.

10) Stop using Sitech or resellers as a pre-filter for highlighting bug fixes, suggestions for improvement, changes to the software. READ the forums and discussion groups and BELIEVE what they say/request. Most of the hardcore, day after day users of TBC know far more than the "sales reps" about the software's behaviours and shortcomings.

11) Stop showing updates available for anything NOT installed with Business Center. I don't care about ANZ Toolbox (because I didn't install it), Help Files in another language, or other utilities that I didn't install in the first place.

OK. That's a start.

Please: add to the list. I am certain there are many more ideas out there from us day-to-day Trimble Business Center users.

Maybe someone is listening...

Thanks Francisco but opening up the dialogue box to setup the snaps wouldn't produce the desired effect to the work flow. We're actually looking for a one press on/off toggle of all the snaps regardless of the current status. The ultimate would be; hold the hot key down while clicking and no snaps (other then free of course) are applied. Then when the key is released, the previous snap state is restored. 

fellas fellas,  why not create a shortcut for SNAP MODE.  I have this command setup on my ( i think its called this) one handed keyboard. buttone number 20. one push and open window for snaps.

YES!!! Snap hotkey please!  Would be an added bonus if it were F3 as default so my muscles will already know where it is.

Nice list, but if I may add just one more...   PLEASE give us a way to add a hotkey to disable all snaps and re-enable previous snaps for the love of everything holy. Just like autocad! Actually when it comes to anything in regards to selecting, snaps, layer management or any general cad function just do it like autocad does. Would actually be worth upgrading if I saw changes like these in the change notes rather than a bunch of tuneling enhancments.  

Hi Marshall

We want to assure you that we are actively listening to your feedback. We maintain an ongoing list of enhancements and fixes that we reference when improving and updating Trimble Business Center (TBC). Our goal is to balance resolving issues and bugs with adding new features and supporting new hardware. Here is some feedback on your top 10, sorry 11 list:

1 - We are looking into ways to improve the Layers Manager and we have added your requests to our list of improvements  for TBC.

2 - What functionality do you want to see with a Surface Manager, can you list your top 3 for us.

3 - Made a note of this, will you clarify the 30 min time. Using the User Profile Manage it should just take a few seconds to load your  User Options, Ribbon and Projects Templates you set up and saved and linked to your TID.

4 - Dark mode is on our enhancement list.

5 - Profile viewer is on our list of functions that needs improvement.

6 - Will look into this, please send a screen recording of this as it will help us understand the issue you are having.

7 - Will log this as a bug, again please send us a screen recording that shows the issue when it occurs.

8 - Will log this as a bug, again please send us a screen recording that shows the issue when it occurs.

9 - I will inform the team about this issue so they can investigate the issue for you.

10 - We value all comments and requests from our users and do not use any pre-filters when deciding on the features and fixes for the next release cycle of TBC.

11 - Will look into this for you.

Regards

I have been using TBC for many years. For the most part it is a great bit of software.

It does some things far more efficiently than many other CAD alternatives (although that is changing very rapidly particularly with Point Clouds and TIN surfaces).

And, yes, I am a TBC Fan Boy. Not afraid to say so.

But in spite of my dedication to TBC, my observation is that over the last 5, or so, years Business Center development has focused increasingly on adding functionality that is highly specialized or completely trivial (new program naming convention to copy Autodesk comes to mind). This focus has come at the expense of ignoring simple, practical, every-day-useful improvements. The result is that the interface itself has become increasingly ragged.

Many of the day-to-day, used-all-the-time features, and functionality are incredibly frustrating because it seems that TBC Development has largely ignored requests for simple improvements; ideas that appear all the time in the discussion forum's pages by long time, dedicated users of the platform.

Case in point: The LAYER MANAGER. Introduced about 6 years ago (if memory serves) it was a great feature. But it was half-baked, not ready for prime time as they say.

Requests to improve the Layer Manager (starting more than 5 years ago!) have not been acted upon. And, sadly, this is typical.

So here is my TBC TOP 10 NO, MAKE THAT 11, IMPROVEMENTS I'D LIKE TO SEE wish list, offered in the spirit of someone who uses the software every day, all day.

1) Not a surprise. The Layer Manager. Make the columns flex to fit the data, once re-sized make the column widths persistent so that if you re-open it you don't have to resize it all again, make the highlight color of a cell so that you can see the cursor, allow the Layer Manager to be minimized not just open on a screen, add the option to show/hide columns that aren't needed/used.

These features probably don't seem like much but as simple as they are they'd make an enormous difference to useability. Ask others, there are more ideas among TBC users.

2) How about a SURFACE MANAGER similar to the Layer Manager (without the shortcomings!). This would be BRILLIANT. Again, a request made over 5 years ago.

3) I know we have a 'profile manager' as a workaround for TBC deleting all customizations, templates etc at EVERY update. NO OTHER software I have used has ever required you to reset interface customizations for every update. With TBC there is ALWAYS a procedure to reset any customizations done and it can take up to 30 minutes EACH time. Remember this is MY TIME you are messing with along with thousands of other users' time. It's unproductive time (and especially galling when Trimble advertises how much productivity will be improved by using their products).

4) How about a DARK MODE that is NATIVE to TBC and doesn't rely on a third party (expensive) add-on. I work with a 48" screen. I couldn't use it if I didn't have a subdued 'darker' mode. No other modern software I know doesn't offer a darkened mode. In fact, it used to be an option within TBC. Lets go crazy and actually allow the interface to be customized. Not everyone likes a dark space to work in like I do. If you want to see sophisticated, highly developed interfaces just take a look at some of TBC competitors for ideas.

5) How about improving the Profile Viewer so that you can edit the profile in the viewer (with grips) and show the grades? The number of times I could use this... (I realize you can bounce back and forth between viewer and plan and sort of do this, or do it by creating an alignment you don't need...).

6) Fix inconsistent behaviour of dropdown choices: some you click the field, some you click the carat...

7) When doing a lot of linework, snap indicators randomly stop working. To get them back you have to save, quit and restart.

8) Again, when doing a lot of linework editing the highlighted lines and grips become 'oversized'. Again, save, quit restart to fix.

9) FULL 4K support in all areas of TBC. The main screen itself is inconsistently scaled but pop ups, utilities etc are really inconsistent.

10) Stop using Sitech or resellers as a pre-filter for highlighting bug fixes, suggestions for improvement, changes to the software. READ the forums and discussion groups and BELIEVE what they say/request. Most of the hardcore, day after day users of TBC know far more than the "sales reps" about the software's behaviours and shortcomings.

11) Stop showing updates available for anything NOT installed with Business Center. I don't care about ANZ Toolbox (because I didn't install it), Help Files in another language, or other utilities that I didn't install in the first place.

OK. That's a start.

Please: add to the list. I am certain there are many more ideas out there from us day-to-day Trimble Business Center users.

Maybe someone is listening...

Would be nice to somehow fast switch to only free snap especially when drafting!

Thanks Francisco but opening up the dialogue box to setup the snaps wouldn't produce the desired effect to the work flow. We're actually looking for a one press on/off toggle of all the snaps regardless of the current status. The ultimate would be; hold the hot key down while clicking and no snaps (other then free of course) are applied. Then when the key is released, the previous snap state is restored. 

fellas fellas,  why not create a shortcut for SNAP MODE.  I have this command setup on my ( i think its called this) one handed keyboard. buttone number 20. one push and open window for snaps.

YES!!! Snap hotkey please!  Would be an added bonus if it were F3 as default so my muscles will already know where it is.

Nice list, but if I may add just one more...   PLEASE give us a way to add a hotkey to disable all snaps and re-enable previous snaps for the love of everything holy. Just like autocad! Actually when it comes to anything in regards to selecting, snaps, layer management or any general cad function just do it like autocad does. Would actually be worth upgrading if I saw changes like these in the change notes rather than a bunch of tuneling enhancments.  

Hi Marshall

We want to assure you that we are actively listening to your feedback. We maintain an ongoing list of enhancements and fixes that we reference when improving and updating Trimble Business Center (TBC). Our goal is to balance resolving issues and bugs with adding new features and supporting new hardware. Here is some feedback on your top 10, sorry 11 list:

1 - We are looking into ways to improve the Layers Manager and we have added your requests to our list of improvements  for TBC.

2 - What functionality do you want to see with a Surface Manager, can you list your top 3 for us.

3 - Made a note of this, will you clarify the 30 min time. Using the User Profile Manage it should just take a few seconds to load your  User Options, Ribbon and Projects Templates you set up and saved and linked to your TID.

4 - Dark mode is on our enhancement list.

5 - Profile viewer is on our list of functions that needs improvement.

6 - Will look into this, please send a screen recording of this as it will help us understand the issue you are having.

7 - Will log this as a bug, again please send us a screen recording that shows the issue when it occurs.

8 - Will log this as a bug, again please send us a screen recording that shows the issue when it occurs.

9 - I will inform the team about this issue so they can investigate the issue for you.

10 - We value all comments and requests from our users and do not use any pre-filters when deciding on the features and fixes for the next release cycle of TBC.

11 - Will look into this for you.

Regards

I have been using TBC for many years. For the most part it is a great bit of software.

It does some things far more efficiently than many other CAD alternatives (although that is changing very rapidly particularly with Point Clouds and TIN surfaces).

And, yes, I am a TBC Fan Boy. Not afraid to say so.

But in spite of my dedication to TBC, my observation is that over the last 5, or so, years Business Center development has focused increasingly on adding functionality that is highly specialized or completely trivial (new program naming convention to copy Autodesk comes to mind). This focus has come at the expense of ignoring simple, practical, every-day-useful improvements. The result is that the interface itself has become increasingly ragged.

Many of the day-to-day, used-all-the-time features, and functionality are incredibly frustrating because it seems that TBC Development has largely ignored requests for simple improvements; ideas that appear all the time in the discussion forum's pages by long time, dedicated users of the platform.

Case in point: The LAYER MANAGER. Introduced about 6 years ago (if memory serves) it was a great feature. But it was half-baked, not ready for prime time as they say.

Requests to improve the Layer Manager (starting more than 5 years ago!) have not been acted upon. And, sadly, this is typical.

So here is my TBC TOP 10 NO, MAKE THAT 11, IMPROVEMENTS I'D LIKE TO SEE wish list, offered in the spirit of someone who uses the software every day, all day.

1) Not a surprise. The Layer Manager. Make the columns flex to fit the data, once re-sized make the column widths persistent so that if you re-open it you don't have to resize it all again, make the highlight color of a cell so that you can see the cursor, allow the Layer Manager to be minimized not just open on a screen, add the option to show/hide columns that aren't needed/used.

These features probably don't seem like much but as simple as they are they'd make an enormous difference to useability. Ask others, there are more ideas among TBC users.

2) How about a SURFACE MANAGER similar to the Layer Manager (without the shortcomings!). This would be BRILLIANT. Again, a request made over 5 years ago.

3) I know we have a 'profile manager' as a workaround for TBC deleting all customizations, templates etc at EVERY update. NO OTHER software I have used has ever required you to reset interface customizations for every update. With TBC there is ALWAYS a procedure to reset any customizations done and it can take up to 30 minutes EACH time. Remember this is MY TIME you are messing with along with thousands of other users' time. It's unproductive time (and especially galling when Trimble advertises how much productivity will be improved by using their products).

4) How about a DARK MODE that is NATIVE to TBC and doesn't rely on a third party (expensive) add-on. I work with a 48" screen. I couldn't use it if I didn't have a subdued 'darker' mode. No other modern software I know doesn't offer a darkened mode. In fact, it used to be an option within TBC. Lets go crazy and actually allow the interface to be customized. Not everyone likes a dark space to work in like I do. If you want to see sophisticated, highly developed interfaces just take a look at some of TBC competitors for ideas.

5) How about improving the Profile Viewer so that you can edit the profile in the viewer (with grips) and show the grades? The number of times I could use this... (I realize you can bounce back and forth between viewer and plan and sort of do this, or do it by creating an alignment you don't need...).

6) Fix inconsistent behaviour of dropdown choices: some you click the field, some you click the carat...

7) When doing a lot of linework, snap indicators randomly stop working. To get them back you have to save, quit and restart.

8) Again, when doing a lot of linework editing the highlighted lines and grips become 'oversized'. Again, save, quit restart to fix.

9) FULL 4K support in all areas of TBC. The main screen itself is inconsistently scaled but pop ups, utilities etc are really inconsistent.

10) Stop using Sitech or resellers as a pre-filter for highlighting bug fixes, suggestions for improvement, changes to the software. READ the forums and discussion groups and BELIEVE what they say/request. Most of the hardcore, day after day users of TBC know far more than the "sales reps" about the software's behaviours and shortcomings.

11) Stop showing updates available for anything NOT installed with Business Center. I don't care about ANZ Toolbox (because I didn't install it), Help Files in another language, or other utilities that I didn't install in the first place.

OK. That's a start.

Please: add to the list. I am certain there are many more ideas out there from us day-to-day Trimble Business Center users.

Maybe someone is listening...

Would be nice to somehow fast switch to only free snap especially when drafting!

------------------------------
Erik Petersen

Original Message:
Sent: 01-14-2025 06:58
From: Richard Tyndall
Subject: DEAR TBC SANTA: All I want for Christmas; A TBC Wish List

Thanks Francisco but opening up the dialogue box to setup the snaps wouldn't produce the desired effect to the work flow. We're actually looking for a one press on/off toggle of all the snaps regardless of the current status. The ultimate would be; hold the hot key down while clicking and no snaps (other then free of course) are applied. Then when the key is released, the previous snap state is restored. 

------------------------------
Richard Tyndall

Original Message:
Sent: 01-14-2025 05:13
From: Francisco Guerrero
Subject: DEAR TBC SANTA: All I want for Christmas; A TBC Wish List

fellas fellas,  why not create a shortcut for SNAP MODE.  I have this command setup on my ( i think its called this) one handed keyboard. buttone number 20. one push and open window for snaps.

------------------------------
Francisco Guerrero

Original Message:
Sent: 01-09-2025 13:00
From: Ben Wall
Subject: DEAR TBC SANTA: All I want for Christmas; A TBC Wish List

YES!!! Snap hotkey please!  Would be an added bonus if it were F3 as default so my muscles will already know where it is.

------------------------------
Ben Wall

Original Message:
Sent: 01-09-2025 10:38
From: steve schuler
Subject: DEAR TBC SANTA: All I want for Christmas; A TBC Wish List

Nice list, but if I may add just one more...   PLEASE give us a way to add a hotkey to disable all snaps and re-enable previous snaps for the love of everything holy. Just like autocad! Actually when it comes to anything in regards to selecting, snaps, layer management or any general cad function just do it like autocad does. Would actually be worth upgrading if I saw changes like these in the change notes rather than a bunch of tuneling enhancments.  

------------------------------
steve schuler

Original Message:
Sent: 01-07-2025 16:37
From: Albert Olivier
Subject: DEAR TBC SANTA: All I want for Christmas; A TBC Wish List

Hi Marshall

We want to assure you that we are actively listening to your feedback. We maintain an ongoing list of enhancements and fixes that we reference when improving and updating Trimble Business Center (TBC). Our goal is to balance resolving issues and bugs with adding new features and supporting new hardware. Here is some feedback on your top 10, sorry 11 list:

1 - We are looking into ways to improve the Layers Manager and we have added your requests to our list of improvements  for TBC.

2 - What functionality do you want to see with a Surface Manager, can you list your top 3 for us.

3 - Made a note of this, will you clarify the 30 min time. Using the User Profile Manage it should just take a few seconds to load your  User Options, Ribbon and Projects Templates you set up and saved and linked to your TID.

4 - Dark mode is on our enhancement list.

5 - Profile viewer is on our list of functions that needs improvement.

6 - Will look into this, please send a screen recording of this as it will help us understand the issue you are having.

7 - Will log this as a bug, again please send us a screen recording that shows the issue when it occurs.

8 - Will log this as a bug, again please send us a screen recording that shows the issue when it occurs.

9 - I will inform the team about this issue so they can investigate the issue for you.

10 - We value all comments and requests from our users and do not use any pre-filters when deciding on the features and fixes for the next release cycle of TBC.

11 - Will look into this for you.

Regards

------------------------------
Albert Olivier
TBC Technical Product Manager

Original Message:
Sent: 12-17-2024 11:59
From: Marshall Cant
Subject: DEAR TBC SANTA: All I want for Christmas; A TBC Wish List

I have been using TBC for many years. For the most part it is a great bit of software.

It does some things far more efficiently than many other CAD alternatives (although that is changing very rapidly particularly with Point Clouds and TIN surfaces).

And, yes, I am a TBC Fan Boy. Not afraid to say so.

But in spite of my dedication to TBC, my observation is that over the last 5, or so, years Business Center development has focused increasingly on adding functionality that is highly specialized or completely trivial (new program naming convention to copy Autodesk comes to mind). This focus has come at the expense of ignoring simple, practical, every-day-useful improvements. The result is that the interface itself has become increasingly ragged.

Many of the day-to-day, used-all-the-time features, and functionality are incredibly frustrating because it seems that TBC Development has largely ignored requests for simple improvements; ideas that appear all the time in the discussion forum's pages by long time, dedicated users of the platform.

Case in point: The LAYER MANAGER. Introduced about 6 years ago (if memory serves) it was a great feature. But it was half-baked, not ready for prime time as they say.

Requests to improve the Layer Manager (starting more than 5 years ago!) have not been acted upon. And, sadly, this is typical.

So here is my TBC TOP 10 NO, MAKE THAT 11, IMPROVEMENTS I'D LIKE TO SEE wish list, offered in the spirit of someone who uses the software every day, all day.

1) Not a surprise. The Layer Manager. Make the columns flex to fit the data, once re-sized make the column widths persistent so that if you re-open it you don't have to resize it all again, make the highlight color of a cell so that you can see the cursor, allow the Layer Manager to be minimized not just open on a screen, add the option to show/hide columns that aren't needed/used.

These features probably don't seem like much but as simple as they are they'd make an enormous difference to useability. Ask others, there are more ideas among TBC users.

2) How about a SURFACE MANAGER similar to the Layer Manager (without the shortcomings!). This would be BRILLIANT. Again, a request made over 5 years ago.

3) I know we have a 'profile manager' as a workaround for TBC deleting all customizations, templates etc at EVERY update. NO OTHER software I have used has ever required you to reset interface customizations for every update. With TBC there is ALWAYS a procedure to reset any customizations done and it can take up to 30 minutes EACH time. Remember this is MY TIME you are messing with along with thousands of other users' time. It's unproductive time (and especially galling when Trimble advertises how much productivity will be improved by using their products).

4) How about a DARK MODE that is NATIVE to TBC and doesn't rely on a third party (expensive) add-on. I work with a 48" screen. I couldn't use it if I didn't have a subdued 'darker' mode. No other modern software I know doesn't offer a darkened mode. In fact, it used to be an option within TBC. Lets go crazy and actually allow the interface to be customized. Not everyone likes a dark space to work in like I do. If you want to see sophisticated, highly developed interfaces just take a look at some of TBC competitors for ideas.

5) How about improving the Profile Viewer so that you can edit the profile in the viewer (with grips) and show the grades? The number of times I could use this... (I realize you can bounce back and forth between viewer and plan and sort of do this, or do it by creating an alignment you don't need...).

6) Fix inconsistent behaviour of dropdown choices: some you click the field, some you click the carat...

7) When doing a lot of linework, snap indicators randomly stop working. To get them back you have to save, quit and restart.

8) Again, when doing a lot of linework editing the highlighted lines and grips become 'oversized'. Again, save, quit restart to fix.

9) FULL 4K support in all areas of TBC. The main screen itself is inconsistently scaled but pop ups, utilities etc are really inconsistent.

10) Stop using Sitech or resellers as a pre-filter for highlighting bug fixes, suggestions for improvement, changes to the software. READ the forums and discussion groups and BELIEVE what they say/request. Most of the hardcore, day after day users of TBC know far more than the "sales reps" about the software's behaviours and shortcomings.

11) Stop showing updates available for anything NOT installed with Business Center. I don't care about ANZ Toolbox (because I didn't install it), Help Files in another language, or other utilities that I didn't install in the first place.

OK. That's a start.

Please: add to the list. I am certain there are many more ideas out there from us day-to-day Trimble Business Center users.

Maybe someone is listening...

------------------------------
Marshall Cant
------------------------------

Hi Marshall

We want to assure you that we are actively listening to your feedback. We maintain an ongoing list of enhancements and fixes that we reference when improving and updating Trimble Business Center (TBC). Our goal is to balance resolving issues and bugs with adding new features and supporting new hardware. Here is some feedback on your top 10, sorry 11 list:

1 - We are looking into ways to improve the Layers Manager and we have added your requests to our list of improvements  for TBC.

2 - What functionality do you want to see with a Surface Manager, can you list your top 3 for us.

3 - Made a note of this, will you clarify the 30 min time. Using the User Profile Manage it should just take a few seconds to load your  User Options, Ribbon and Projects Templates you set up and saved and linked to your TID.

4 - Dark mode is on our enhancement list.

5 - Profile viewer is on our list of functions that needs improvement.

6 - Will look into this, please send a screen recording of this as it will help us understand the issue you are having.

7 - Will log this as a bug, again please send us a screen recording that shows the issue when it occurs.

8 - Will log this as a bug, again please send us a screen recording that shows the issue when it occurs.

9 - I will inform the team about this issue so they can investigate the issue for you.

10 - We value all comments and requests from our users and do not use any pre-filters when deciding on the features and fixes for the next release cycle of TBC.

11 - Will look into this for you.

Regards

I have been using TBC for many years. For the most part it is a great bit of software.

It does some things far more efficiently than many other CAD alternatives (although that is changing very rapidly particularly with Point Clouds and TIN surfaces).

And, yes, I am a TBC Fan Boy. Not afraid to say so.

But in spite of my dedication to TBC, my observation is that over the last 5, or so, years Business Center development has focused increasingly on adding functionality that is highly specialized or completely trivial (new program naming convention to copy Autodesk comes to mind). This focus has come at the expense of ignoring simple, practical, every-day-useful improvements. The result is that the interface itself has become increasingly ragged.

Many of the day-to-day, used-all-the-time features, and functionality are incredibly frustrating because it seems that TBC Development has largely ignored requests for simple improvements; ideas that appear all the time in the discussion forum's pages by long time, dedicated users of the platform.

Case in point: The LAYER MANAGER. Introduced about 6 years ago (if memory serves) it was a great feature. But it was half-baked, not ready for prime time as they say.

Requests to improve the Layer Manager (starting more than 5 years ago!) have not been acted upon. And, sadly, this is typical.

So here is my TBC TOP 10 NO, MAKE THAT 11, IMPROVEMENTS I'D LIKE TO SEE wish list, offered in the spirit of someone who uses the software every day, all day.

1) Not a surprise. The Layer Manager. Make the columns flex to fit the data, once re-sized make the column widths persistent so that if you re-open it you don't have to resize it all again, make the highlight color of a cell so that you can see the cursor, allow the Layer Manager to be minimized not just open on a screen, add the option to show/hide columns that aren't needed/used.

These features probably don't seem like much but as simple as they are they'd make an enormous difference to useability. Ask others, there are more ideas among TBC users.

2) How about a SURFACE MANAGER similar to the Layer Manager (without the shortcomings!). This would be BRILLIANT. Again, a request made over 5 years ago.

3) I know we have a 'profile manager' as a workaround for TBC deleting all customizations, templates etc at EVERY update. NO OTHER software I have used has ever required you to reset interface customizations for every update. With TBC there is ALWAYS a procedure to reset any customizations done and it can take up to 30 minutes EACH time. Remember this is MY TIME you are messing with along with thousands of other users' time. It's unproductive time (and especially galling when Trimble advertises how much productivity will be improved by using their products).

4) How about a DARK MODE that is NATIVE to TBC and doesn't rely on a third party (expensive) add-on. I work with a 48" screen. I couldn't use it if I didn't have a subdued 'darker' mode. No other modern software I know doesn't offer a darkened mode. In fact, it used to be an option within TBC. Lets go crazy and actually allow the interface to be customized. Not everyone likes a dark space to work in like I do. If you want to see sophisticated, highly developed interfaces just take a look at some of TBC competitors for ideas.

5) How about improving the Profile Viewer so that you can edit the profile in the viewer (with grips) and show the grades? The number of times I could use this... (I realize you can bounce back and forth between viewer and plan and sort of do this, or do it by creating an alignment you don't need...).

6) Fix inconsistent behaviour of dropdown choices: some you click the field, some you click the carat...

7) When doing a lot of linework, snap indicators randomly stop working. To get them back you have to save, quit and restart.

8) Again, when doing a lot of linework editing the highlighted lines and grips become 'oversized'. Again, save, quit restart to fix.

9) FULL 4K support in all areas of TBC. The main screen itself is inconsistently scaled but pop ups, utilities etc are really inconsistent.

10) Stop using Sitech or resellers as a pre-filter for highlighting bug fixes, suggestions for improvement, changes to the software. READ the forums and discussion groups and BELIEVE what they say/request. Most of the hardcore, day after day users of TBC know far more than the "sales reps" about the software's behaviours and shortcomings.

11) Stop showing updates available for anything NOT installed with Business Center. I don't care about ANZ Toolbox (because I didn't install it), Help Files in another language, or other utilities that I didn't install in the first place.

OK. That's a start.

Please: add to the list. I am certain there are many more ideas out there from us day-to-day Trimble Business Center users.

Maybe someone is listening...

Hi Marshall

We want to assure you that we are actively listening to your feedback. We maintain an ongoing list of enhancements and fixes that we reference when improving and updating Trimble Business Center (TBC). Our goal is to balance resolving issues and bugs with adding new features and supporting new hardware. Here is some feedback on your top 10, sorry 11 list:

1 - We are looking into ways to improve the Layers Manager and we have added your requests to our list of improvements  for TBC.

2 - What functionality do you want to see with a Surface Manager, can you list your top 3 for us.

3 - Made a note of this, will you clarify the 30 min time. Using the User Profile Manage it should just take a few seconds to load your  User Options, Ribbon and Projects Templates you set up and saved and linked to your TID.

4 - Dark mode is on our enhancement list.

5 - Profile viewer is on our list of functions that needs improvement.

6 - Will look into this, please send a screen recording of this as it will help us understand the issue you are having.

7 - Will log this as a bug, again please send us a screen recording that shows the issue when it occurs.

8 - Will log this as a bug, again please send us a screen recording that shows the issue when it occurs.

9 - I will inform the team about this issue so they can investigate the issue for you.

10 - We value all comments and requests from our users and do not use any pre-filters when deciding on the features and fixes for the next release cycle of TBC.

11 - Will look into this for you.

Regards

I have been using TBC for many years. For the most part it is a great bit of software.

It does some things far more efficiently than many other CAD alternatives (although that is changing very rapidly particularly with Point Clouds and TIN surfaces).

And, yes, I am a TBC Fan Boy. Not afraid to say so.

But in spite of my dedication to TBC, my observation is that over the last 5, or so, years Business Center development has focused increasingly on adding functionality that is highly specialized or completely trivial (new program naming convention to copy Autodesk comes to mind). This focus has come at the expense of ignoring simple, practical, every-day-useful improvements. The result is that the interface itself has become increasingly ragged.

Many of the day-to-day, used-all-the-time features, and functionality are incredibly frustrating because it seems that TBC Development has largely ignored requests for simple improvements; ideas that appear all the time in the discussion forum's pages by long time, dedicated users of the platform.

Case in point: The LAYER MANAGER. Introduced about 6 years ago (if memory serves) it was a great feature. But it was half-baked, not ready for prime time as they say.

Requests to improve the Layer Manager (starting more than 5 years ago!) have not been acted upon. And, sadly, this is typical.

So here is my TBC TOP 10 NO, MAKE THAT 11, IMPROVEMENTS I'D LIKE TO SEE wish list, offered in the spirit of someone who uses the software every day, all day.

1) Not a surprise. The Layer Manager. Make the columns flex to fit the data, once re-sized make the column widths persistent so that if you re-open it you don't have to resize it all again, make the highlight color of a cell so that you can see the cursor, allow the Layer Manager to be minimized not just open on a screen, add the option to show/hide columns that aren't needed/used.

These features probably don't seem like much but as simple as they are they'd make an enormous difference to useability. Ask others, there are more ideas among TBC users.

2) How about a SURFACE MANAGER similar to the Layer Manager (without the shortcomings!). This would be BRILLIANT. Again, a request made over 5 years ago.

3) I know we have a 'profile manager' as a workaround for TBC deleting all customizations, templates etc at EVERY update. NO OTHER software I have used has ever required you to reset interface customizations for every update. With TBC there is ALWAYS a procedure to reset any customizations done and it can take up to 30 minutes EACH time. Remember this is MY TIME you are messing with along with thousands of other users' time. It's unproductive time (and especially galling when Trimble advertises how much productivity will be improved by using their products).

4) How about a DARK MODE that is NATIVE to TBC and doesn't rely on a third party (expensive) add-on. I work with a 48" screen. I couldn't use it if I didn't have a subdued 'darker' mode. No other modern software I know doesn't offer a darkened mode. In fact, it used to be an option within TBC. Lets go crazy and actually allow the interface to be customized. Not everyone likes a dark space to work in like I do. If you want to see sophisticated, highly developed interfaces just take a look at some of TBC competitors for ideas.

5) How about improving the Profile Viewer so that you can edit the profile in the viewer (with grips) and show the grades? The number of times I could use this... (I realize you can bounce back and forth between viewer and plan and sort of do this, or do it by creating an alignment you don't need...).

6) Fix inconsistent behaviour of dropdown choices: some you click the field, some you click the carat...

7) When doing a lot of linework, snap indicators randomly stop working. To get them back you have to save, quit and restart.

8) Again, when doing a lot of linework editing the highlighted lines and grips become 'oversized'. Again, save, quit restart to fix.

9) FULL 4K support in all areas of TBC. The main screen itself is inconsistently scaled but pop ups, utilities etc are really inconsistent.

10) Stop using Sitech or resellers as a pre-filter for highlighting bug fixes, suggestions for improvement, changes to the software. READ the forums and discussion groups and BELIEVE what they say/request. Most of the hardcore, day after day users of TBC know far more than the "sales reps" about the software's behaviours and shortcomings.

11) Stop showing updates available for anything NOT installed with Business Center. I don't care about ANZ Toolbox (because I didn't install it), Help Files in another language, or other utilities that I didn't install in the first place.

OK. That's a start.

Please: add to the list. I am certain there are many more ideas out there from us day-to-day Trimble Business Center users.

Maybe someone is listening...

I have been using TBC for many years. For the most part it is a great bit of software.

It does some things far more efficiently than many other CAD alternatives (although that is changing very rapidly particularly with Point Clouds and TIN surfaces).

And, yes, I am a TBC Fan Boy. Not afraid to say so.

But in spite of my dedication to TBC, my observation is that over the last 5, or so, years Business Center development has focused increasingly on adding functionality that is highly specialized or completely trivial (new program naming convention to copy Autodesk comes to mind). This focus has come at the expense of ignoring simple, practical, every-day-useful improvements. The result is that the interface itself has become increasingly ragged.

Many of the day-to-day, used-all-the-time features, and functionality are incredibly frustrating because it seems that TBC Development has largely ignored requests for simple improvements; ideas that appear all the time in the discussion forum's pages by long time, dedicated users of the platform.

Case in point: The LAYER MANAGER. Introduced about 6 years ago (if memory serves) it was a great feature. But it was half-baked, not ready for prime time as they say.

Requests to improve the Layer Manager (starting more than 5 years ago!) have not been acted upon. And, sadly, this is typical.

So here is my TBC TOP 10 NO, MAKE THAT 11, IMPROVEMENTS I'D LIKE TO SEE wish list, offered in the spirit of someone who uses the software every day, all day.

1) Not a surprise. The Layer Manager. Make the columns flex to fit the data, once re-sized make the column widths persistent so that if you re-open it you don't have to resize it all again, make the highlight color of a cell so that you can see the cursor, allow the Layer Manager to be minimized not just open on a screen, add the option to show/hide columns that aren't needed/used.

These features probably don't seem like much but as simple as they are they'd make an enormous difference to useability. Ask others, there are more ideas among TBC users.

2) How about a SURFACE MANAGER similar to the Layer Manager (without the shortcomings!). This would be BRILLIANT. Again, a request made over 5 years ago.

3) I know we have a 'profile manager' as a workaround for TBC deleting all customizations, templates etc at EVERY update. NO OTHER software I have used has ever required you to reset interface customizations for every update. With TBC there is ALWAYS a procedure to reset any customizations done and it can take up to 30 minutes EACH time. Remember this is MY TIME you are messing with along with thousands of other users' time. It's unproductive time (and especially galling when Trimble advertises how much productivity will be improved by using their products).

4) How about a DARK MODE that is NATIVE to TBC and doesn't rely on a third party (expensive) add-on. I work with a 48" screen. I couldn't use it if I didn't have a subdued 'darker' mode. No other modern software I know doesn't offer a darkened mode. In fact, it used to be an option within TBC. Lets go crazy and actually allow the interface to be customized. Not everyone likes a dark space to work in like I do. If you want to see sophisticated, highly developed interfaces just take a look at some of TBC competitors for ideas.

5) How about improving the Profile Viewer so that you can edit the profile in the viewer (with grips) and show the grades? The number of times I could use this... (I realize you can bounce back and forth between viewer and plan and sort of do this, or do it by creating an alignment you don't need...).

6) Fix inconsistent behaviour of dropdown choices: some you click the field, some you click the carat...

7) When doing a lot of linework, snap indicators randomly stop working. To get them back you have to save, quit and restart.

8) Again, when doing a lot of linework editing the highlighted lines and grips become 'oversized'. Again, save, quit restart to fix.

9) FULL 4K support in all areas of TBC. The main screen itself is inconsistently scaled but pop ups, utilities etc are really inconsistent.

10) Stop using Sitech or resellers as a pre-filter for highlighting bug fixes, suggestions for improvement, changes to the software. READ the forums and discussion groups and BELIEVE what they say/request. Most of the hardcore, day after day users of TBC know far more than the "sales reps" about the software's behaviours and shortcomings.

11) Stop showing updates available for anything NOT installed with Business Center. I don't care about ANZ Toolbox (because I didn't install it), Help Files in another language, or other utilities that I didn't install in the first place.

OK. That's a start.

Please: add to the list. I am certain there are many more ideas out there from us day-to-day Trimble Business Center users.

Maybe someone is listening...

I'd appreciate if they would address maybe a handful of the over 50 bugs and annoyances of the existing product that just I alone have reported through our dealer last year. Worldwide this must go into the hundreds.

Looking at the super short release notes of the latest versions I don't have high hopes that many of them will be addressed before I retire though.

------------------------------
Ronny Schneider

Original Message:
Sent: 12-17-2024 11:59
From: Marshall Cant
Subject: DEAR TBC SANTA: All I want for Christmas; A TBC Wish List

I have been using TBC for many years. For the most part it is a great bit of software.

It does some things far more efficiently than many other CAD alternatives (although that is changing very rapidly particularly with Point Clouds and TIN surfaces).

And, yes, I am a TBC Fan Boy. Not afraid to say so.

But in spite of my dedication to TBC, my observation is that over the last 5, or so, years Business Center development has focused increasingly on adding functionality that is highly specialized or completely trivial (new program naming convention to copy Autodesk comes to mind). This focus has come at the expense of ignoring simple, practical, every-day-useful improvements. The result is that the interface itself has become increasingly ragged.

Many of the day-to-day, used-all-the-time features, and functionality are incredibly frustrating because it seems that TBC Development has largely ignored requests for simple improvements; ideas that appear all the time in the discussion forum's pages by long time, dedicated users of the platform.

Case in point: The LAYER MANAGER. Introduced about 6 years ago (if memory serves) it was a great feature. But it was half-baked, not ready for prime time as they say.

Requests to improve the Layer Manager (starting more than 5 years ago!) have not been acted upon. And, sadly, this is typical.

So here is my TBC TOP 10 NO, MAKE THAT 11, IMPROVEMENTS I'D LIKE TO SEE wish list, offered in the spirit of someone who uses the software every day, all day.

1) Not a surprise. The Layer Manager. Make the columns flex to fit the data, once re-sized make the column widths persistent so that if you re-open it you don't have to resize it all again, make the highlight color of a cell so that you can see the cursor, allow the Layer Manager to be minimized not just open on a screen, add the option to show/hide columns that aren't needed/used.

These features probably don't seem like much but as simple as they are they'd make an enormous difference to useability. Ask others, there are more ideas among TBC users.

2) How about a SURFACE MANAGER similar to the Layer Manager (without the shortcomings!). This would be BRILLIANT. Again, a request made over 5 years ago.

3) I know we have a 'profile manager' as a workaround for TBC deleting all customizations, templates etc at EVERY update. NO OTHER software I have used has ever required you to reset interface customizations for every update. With TBC there is ALWAYS a procedure to reset any customizations done and it can take up to 30 minutes EACH time. Remember this is MY TIME you are messing with along with thousands of other users' time. It's unproductive time (and especially galling when Trimble advertises how much productivity will be improved by using their products).

4) How about a DARK MODE that is NATIVE to TBC and doesn't rely on a third party (expensive) add-on. I work with a 48" screen. I couldn't use it if I didn't have a subdued 'darker' mode. No other modern software I know doesn't offer a darkened mode. In fact, it used to be an option within TBC. Lets go crazy and actually allow the interface to be customized. Not everyone likes a dark space to work in like I do. If you want to see sophisticated, highly developed interfaces just take a look at some of TBC competitors for ideas.

5) How about improving the Profile Viewer so that you can edit the profile in the viewer (with grips) and show the grades? The number of times I could use this... (I realize you can bounce back and forth between viewer and plan and sort of do this, or do it by creating an alignment you don't need...).

6) Fix inconsistent behaviour of dropdown choices: some you click the field, some you click the carat...

7) When doing a lot of linework, snap indicators randomly stop working. To get them back you have to save, quit and restart.

8) Again, when doing a lot of linework editing the highlighted lines and grips become 'oversized'. Again, save, quit restart to fix.

9) FULL 4K support in all areas of TBC. The main screen itself is inconsistently scaled but pop ups, utilities etc are really inconsistent.

10) Stop using Sitech or resellers as a pre-filter for highlighting bug fixes, suggestions for improvement, changes to the software. READ the forums and discussion groups and BELIEVE what they say/request. Most of the hardcore, day after day users of TBC know far more than the "sales reps" about the software's behaviours and shortcomings.

11) Stop showing updates available for anything NOT installed with Business Center. I don't care about ANZ Toolbox (because I didn't install it), Help Files in another language, or other utilities that I didn't install in the first place.

OK. That's a start.

Please: add to the list. I am certain there are many more ideas out there from us day-to-day Trimble Business Center users.

Maybe someone is listening...

------------------------------
Marshall Cant
------------------------------

Came back from about 5 months' vacation, haven't missed out on anything. What a shame. Our dealer claimed early this year that we'll see some bug fixing, but my bug list keeps showing red on most things.

It remembers now the last used dimension style and "Create point" increments now the last number, instead the first one. That is copying two lines of code for save/restore a setting, and changing a boolean value, less than 5 minutes for the developer.

And they might have done something to the performance of the layer manager, editing text via double click, whiteout plotting and hatch plotting. But unclear to what extent, maybe just side effects.

No improvements to UI, CAD, corridors, earthworks, IFC-BIM creation/handling. If Trimble would do its job and listen to the customers than 80-90 % of my own, ANZToolbox and Rockpile macros wouldn't be necessary since the functionality would be in the box.

That patch for orthophotos with survey feet units is in the works since mid of July, 3 months, luckily I don't have to worry about that one.

It continues to be a loot-box.

I'd appreciate if they would address maybe a handful of the over 50 bugs and annoyances of the existing product that just I alone have reported through our dealer last year. Worldwide this must go into the hundreds.

Looking at the super short release notes of the latest versions I don't have high hopes that many of them will be addressed before I retire though.

I have been using TBC for many years. For the most part it is a great bit of software.

It does some things far more efficiently than many other CAD alternatives (although that is changing very rapidly particularly with Point Clouds and TIN surfaces).

And, yes, I am a TBC Fan Boy. Not afraid to say so.

But in spite of my dedication to TBC, my observation is that over the last 5, or so, years Business Center development has focused increasingly on adding functionality that is highly specialized or completely trivial (new program naming convention to copy Autodesk comes to mind). This focus has come at the expense of ignoring simple, practical, every-day-useful improvements. The result is that the interface itself has become increasingly ragged.

Many of the day-to-day, used-all-the-time features, and functionality are incredibly frustrating because it seems that TBC Development has largely ignored requests for simple improvements; ideas that appear all the time in the discussion forum's pages by long time, dedicated users of the platform.

Case in point: The LAYER MANAGER. Introduced about 6 years ago (if memory serves) it was a great feature. But it was half-baked, not ready for prime time as they say.

Requests to improve the Layer Manager (starting more than 5 years ago!) have not been acted upon. And, sadly, this is typical.

So here is my TBC TOP 10 NO, MAKE THAT 11, IMPROVEMENTS I'D LIKE TO SEE wish list, offered in the spirit of someone who uses the software every day, all day.

1) Not a surprise. The Layer Manager. Make the columns flex to fit the data, once re-sized make the column widths persistent so that if you re-open it you don't have to resize it all again, make the highlight color of a cell so that you can see the cursor, allow the Layer Manager to be minimized not just open on a screen, add the option to show/hide columns that aren't needed/used.

These features probably don't seem like much but as simple as they are they'd make an enormous difference to useability. Ask others, there are more ideas among TBC users.

2) How about a SURFACE MANAGER similar to the Layer Manager (without the shortcomings!). This would be BRILLIANT. Again, a request made over 5 years ago.

3) I know we have a 'profile manager' as a workaround for TBC deleting all customizations, templates etc at EVERY update. NO OTHER software I have used has ever required you to reset interface customizations for every update. With TBC there is ALWAYS a procedure to reset any customizations done and it can take up to 30 minutes EACH time. Remember this is MY TIME you are messing with along with thousands of other users' time. It's unproductive time (and especially galling when Trimble advertises how much productivity will be improved by using their products).

4) How about a DARK MODE that is NATIVE to TBC and doesn't rely on a third party (expensive) add-on. I work with a 48" screen. I couldn't use it if I didn't have a subdued 'darker' mode. No other modern software I know doesn't offer a darkened mode. In fact, it used to be an option within TBC. Lets go crazy and actually allow the interface to be customized. Not everyone likes a dark space to work in like I do. If you want to see sophisticated, highly developed interfaces just take a look at some of TBC competitors for ideas.

5) How about improving the Profile Viewer so that you can edit the profile in the viewer (with grips) and show the grades? The number of times I could use this... (I realize you can bounce back and forth between viewer and plan and sort of do this, or do it by creating an alignment you don't need...).

6) Fix inconsistent behaviour of dropdown choices: some you click the field, some you click the carat...

7) When doing a lot of linework, snap indicators randomly stop working. To get them back you have to save, quit and restart.

8) Again, when doing a lot of linework editing the highlighted lines and grips become 'oversized'. Again, save, quit restart to fix.

9) FULL 4K support in all areas of TBC. The main screen itself is inconsistently scaled but pop ups, utilities etc are really inconsistent.

10) Stop using Sitech or resellers as a pre-filter for highlighting bug fixes, suggestions for improvement, changes to the software. READ the forums and discussion groups and BELIEVE what they say/request. Most of the hardcore, day after day users of TBC know far more than the "sales reps" about the software's behaviours and shortcomings.

11) Stop showing updates available for anything NOT installed with Business Center. I don't care about ANZ Toolbox (because I didn't install it), Help Files in another language, or other utilities that I didn't install in the first place.

OK. That's a start.

Please: add to the list. I am certain there are many more ideas out there from us day-to-day Trimble Business Center users.

Maybe someone is listening...

Welcome back from vacation Mr. Schneider!  I've always thought you were the TBC Santa.  Some of the many commands you have freely posted on here are my most useful ones.  Actually I keep a TBC v5.81 installed on my system so I can use your 'Write GeoRef WorldFiles" command.  After using rockpile's PDF manager to import the various plan sets (usually about 50-150 sheets) I then bring it into v5.81 and use your command to export jpgs with world files for all the sheets to be used as background images on the collectors.  Thank you for your contributions!

Came back from about 5 months' vacation, haven't missed out on anything. What a shame. Our dealer claimed early this year that we'll see some bug fixing, but my bug list keeps showing red on most things.

It remembers now the last used dimension style and "Create point" increments now the last number, instead the first one. That is copying two lines of code for save/restore a setting, and changing a boolean value, less than 5 minutes for the developer.

And they might have done something to the performance of the layer manager, editing text via double click, whiteout plotting and hatch plotting. But unclear to what extent, maybe just side effects.

No improvements to UI, CAD, corridors, earthworks, IFC-BIM creation/handling. If Trimble would do its job and listen to the customers than 80-90 % of my own, ANZToolbox and Rockpile macros wouldn't be necessary since the functionality would be in the box.

That patch for orthophotos with survey feet units is in the works since mid of July, 3 months, luckily I don't have to worry about that one.

It continues to be a loot-box.

I'd appreciate if they would address maybe a handful of the over 50 bugs and annoyances of the existing product that just I alone have reported through our dealer last year. Worldwide this must go into the hundreds.

Looking at the super short release notes of the latest versions I don't have high hopes that many of them will be addressed before I retire though.

I have been using TBC for many years. For the most part it is a great bit of software.

It does some things far more efficiently than many other CAD alternatives (although that is changing very rapidly particularly with Point Clouds and TIN surfaces).

And, yes, I am a TBC Fan Boy. Not afraid to say so.

But in spite of my dedication to TBC, my observation is that over the last 5, or so, years Business Center development has focused increasingly on adding functionality that is highly specialized or completely trivial (new program naming convention to copy Autodesk comes to mind). This focus has come at the expense of ignoring simple, practical, every-day-useful improvements. The result is that the interface itself has become increasingly ragged.

Many of the day-to-day, used-all-the-time features, and functionality are incredibly frustrating because it seems that TBC Development has largely ignored requests for simple improvements; ideas that appear all the time in the discussion forum's pages by long time, dedicated users of the platform.

Case in point: The LAYER MANAGER. Introduced about 6 years ago (if memory serves) it was a great feature. But it was half-baked, not ready for prime time as they say.

Requests to improve the Layer Manager (starting more than 5 years ago!) have not been acted upon. And, sadly, this is typical.

So here is my TBC TOP 10 NO, MAKE THAT 11, IMPROVEMENTS I'D LIKE TO SEE wish list, offered in the spirit of someone who uses the software every day, all day.

1) Not a surprise. The Layer Manager. Make the columns flex to fit the data, once re-sized make the column widths persistent so that if you re-open it you don't have to resize it all again, make the highlight color of a cell so that you can see the cursor, allow the Layer Manager to be minimized not just open on a screen, add the option to show/hide columns that aren't needed/used.

These features probably don't seem like much but as simple as they are they'd make an enormous difference to useability. Ask others, there are more ideas among TBC users.

2) How about a SURFACE MANAGER similar to the Layer Manager (without the shortcomings!). This would be BRILLIANT. Again, a request made over 5 years ago.

3) I know we have a 'profile manager' as a workaround for TBC deleting all customizations, templates etc at EVERY update. NO OTHER software I have used has ever required you to reset interface customizations for every update. With TBC there is ALWAYS a procedure to reset any customizations done and it can take up to 30 minutes EACH time. Remember this is MY TIME you are messing with along with thousands of other users' time. It's unproductive time (and especially galling when Trimble advertises how much productivity will be improved by using their products).

4) How about a DARK MODE that is NATIVE to TBC and doesn't rely on a third party (expensive) add-on. I work with a 48" screen. I couldn't use it if I didn't have a subdued 'darker' mode. No other modern software I know doesn't offer a darkened mode. In fact, it used to be an option within TBC. Lets go crazy and actually allow the interface to be customized. Not everyone likes a dark space to work in like I do. If you want to see sophisticated, highly developed interfaces just take a look at some of TBC competitors for ideas.

5) How about improving the Profile Viewer so that you can edit the profile in the viewer (with grips) and show the grades? The number of times I could use this... (I realize you can bounce back and forth between viewer and plan and sort of do this, or do it by creating an alignment you don't need...).

6) Fix inconsistent behaviour of dropdown choices: some you click the field, some you click the carat...

7) When doing a lot of linework, snap indicators randomly stop working. To get them back you have to save, quit and restart.

8) Again, when doing a lot of linework editing the highlighted lines and grips become 'oversized'. Again, save, quit restart to fix.

9) FULL 4K support in all areas of TBC. The main screen itself is inconsistently scaled but pop ups, utilities etc are really inconsistent.

10) Stop using Sitech or resellers as a pre-filter for highlighting bug fixes, suggestions for improvement, changes to the software. READ the forums and discussion groups and BELIEVE what they say/request. Most of the hardcore, day after day users of TBC know far more than the "sales reps" about the software's behaviours and shortcomings.

11) Stop showing updates available for anything NOT installed with Business Center. I don't care about ANZ Toolbox (because I didn't install it), Help Files in another language, or other utilities that I didn't install in the first place.

OK. That's a start.

Please: add to the list. I am certain there are many more ideas out there from us day-to-day Trimble Business Center users.

Maybe someone is listening...