How to default to Keep Tool Selected

[larcix]

I'm constantly annoyed by having to re-select a tool and subsequently reselecting Keep Tool Selected (KTS) every time I reopen the software. And it's not like it's just a single click, every single tool you open has it's own KTS option that you have to click for each and every tool you want to use.

How can I just make RISA use KTS as the default option for all tools, for all future projects?

It wouldn't be as annoying if RISA wasn't already so sluggish when doing... anything (tho, the recent update did make it a little snappier).

 

[TrussTheProcess]

Which program? And what tools are you referring to?

 

[larcix]

The program forum that we're in, RISA-3D. I'm not using FLOOR, or CONNECTIONS, or any other related programs.

And all tools. That's the problem. Every tool has an annoyingly unique KTS option. As stated above, if they all linked it wouldn't be as annoying, but you have to select it for each and every tool you plan on using.

 

[JoshPlumSE]

So, it's the newer interface. Because the old interface (I believe) is still used for RISAFoundation and RISAFloor. Right?

Keep in mind that this "new" interface is entirely outsourced to a foreign development team (Ukraine) that probably doesn't have any actual structural engineers and who do not use the program at all. They're very smart people, but I've always felt that when the developers are actual engineers who use the program you don't get weird little things like this because they're always thinking about what annoys them about this program or what engineers want to see it do.

Also, keep in mind that there are really no "senior" people left with the company left over from 2017 when the company was sold. You've got the CEO (Amber) who came from STAAD originally. Their corporate culture is what she grew up with and (IMO) is what she brought to RISA. She slowly changed it during her 10 years or so of working under Bruce (the original owner / founder). Then you've got Debbie (Amber's #2). My guess is that she's basically running the company while Amber deals with all the corporate BS that comes with working for a large international conglomerate. Debbie is okay. She's an OK engineer. But, she has a very caustic personality. My impression is that her "vision" is that RISA should become EXACTLY like the Revit interface. If you don't like that, then you might want to jump ship, because that's what's coming in the future.

Note: It might not be a bad idea to be more "Revit-like". I don't personally like that interface. But, you can argue that the structural engineering industry is moving in that direction.

Caveat:
I worked for RISA for 16 years and left (was force out?) in late 2017 when the Nemutshenk purchase was finalized. I was the VP of engineering. It's probably a good thing (for me) that I left, because the direction of the company is not something that I would have been 100% on board with. And, it seems like Amber / Debbie don't keep anyone around that doesn't 100% buy into their vision. Also, I now work for their largest competitor (Computers and Structures, Inc). Therefore, my opinions about the RISA management and the direction of the company have multiple sources of bias. So, please take that into account when reading my posts.

 

[larcix]

Well hopefully someone over there (German, or whoever else), can see this and takes note. It would be a very simple fix, even in a program with the working complexity of RISA.

 

[TrussTheProcess]

My bad, thought this was the overall Risa forum. I've had similar experiences with other features in the past. I've found that RISA's technical support team is very responsive and open to feedback. They've implemented several enhancements I've suggested over the years (and several they haven't). I recommend reaching out to them directly with your suggestion, if you haven't already.

 

[JoshPlumSE]

My bad, thought this was the overall Risa forum.

It pretty much is. There was a 2nd forum for RISAFloor at one point, but I'm not sure it still exists.

BTW, that's a great profile name for a structural guy (or gal)!