March 11, 2014 Update

This document details the complete list of updates and changes made to TOTAL released with the March 11, 2014 update.

Document 60325  |  Last updated:  02/15/2017 MJY

It's been a year since we released TOTAL 2013 as a Labs Preview. With it, we introduced a completely new formfilling engine built for today's multi-processor PCs and an entire suite of new features. From day one, it's been more powerful than any of our previous formfillers. Since then, we've released updates every few weeks — constantly improving stability and adding incredibly useful features based on your feedback.

Coincidentally marking the anniversary, tomorrow's update is a huge leap forward in terms of stability and reliability. We're excited to release it to the public. It delivers significant engine upgrades we've been working on for the past few months, addressing the multi-threading and memory management issues that started when we moved to an engine that's built to multi-task. It's so significant that, based on the scope of the improvements, tomorrow's update could have been called TOTAL "2014". It's that big a difference. (Since TOTAL is always improving and not limited to annual versions, we've since dropped the year naming convention. From now on, it's just "TOTAL".)

Think of it like traffic. Unlike the "two-lane" computers of the past, today's machines are superhighways, equipped with multiple processors and cores — each one like a lane handling traffic in parallel with the others. You'll get to your destination much faster on the superhighway, but only if all the traffic is regulated gracefully simultaneously.

With this engine update, TOTAL does that — taking full advantage of the entire superhighway with better engineering to handle each lane without slowdowns. Everything moves without unnecessary traffic signals, ramps are in the right places, etc.

Now that we've upgraded the engine, you'll notice everything is much faster, more predictable, and smoother. Moving from field to field is quicker, as is typing, scrolling, and more. Not only is TOTAL more responsive, it's also more stable and consumes less computer memory and resources.

Because of this upgrade, TOTAL's form engine now works very well with Dragon NaturallySpeaking or any other voice recognition software. That's been a big request from our customers who would prefer to dictate instead of typing. Check out the notes below for more details about the release.

As always, thanks again for giving us your thoughts via the Feedback feature inside TOTAL. These new features came directly from your feedback. We read them every day and we can track them much better than standard e‑mails. Please keep them coming and we'll keep making TOTAL better.

The TOTAL Product Team
www.alamode.com/TOTAL

P.S. In case you missed our previous update messages, click here for the release note archive.

Comps Database

  • You'll be able to select comparables from the map view while Internet Explorer 11 is installed.

General

  • Significant enhancements to data entry, memory management, and multi-processor thread handling, resulting in better speed and stability.
  • We enhanced compatibility with voice recognition software such as Dragon NaturallySpeaking.
  • The dialogue text shown when removing a form from the Forms PowerView or the Photos PowerView has been updated.
  • We fixed an issue that could cause TOTAL to stop responding during the AutoRecover process in cases where there is limited or no internet connectivity.

Timeline

  • Attempting to recover a report via Timeline when only one window is open will no longer cause TOTAL to stop responding.

Side‑by‑Side

  • Child entries for non-UAD fields will correctly parse into the parent field when switching to the Side‑by‑Side.

Contents

  • Version dates have been removed from UAD form titles in Forms in reports and Favorites to simplify entries and avoid confusion.
  • The UAD Guidance window for certain trigger fields will no longer display on top of the DFE window.

Forms Engine

  • When QuickLists are set to automatically show as drop‑downs, the drop‑down will no longer temporarily display when entering a field without QuickLists.
  • We updated the dialog text shown when removing a form from the Forms PowerView or the Photos PowerView.
  • The estimated area is now inserted automatically when entering data directly into the Dimension field.

Updated Forms

  • Construction Progress Inspection Report

Related Links