Managing Command Preferences

- or "I'm picking up good mutations..."

Even with as few as two users it's difficult to manage InRoads Settings.  The XIN file tends to be rolled out incomplete (there isn't really ever a "finished" XIN file) and standards tend to mutate.  Most mutations tend to be bad.  Some are good and need to be managed.

Saving Beneficial Mutations

There are there types of "Beneficial Mutations:"

• Personal Efficiency Mutations
• Project-Specific Mutations
• Standards Updates or Additions

One of the top goals in managing InRoads settings is eliminating re-work in changing settings.  Keys are using appropriate keywords and in the case of shareable changes maintaining good communication with the administrator.

If you are changing settings that can benefit other project members, the entire office or the entire company, it is important to share the improvements.

If the results of a command look bad:

1. Verify that there isn't a better preference already set up for that command.
2. Set up the command so that it conforms to appropriate standards.
3. Save the preference with a descriptive name (which standard) and a keyword suffix (-update).
4. Notify the InRoads Administrator (jeff) that there is an updated preference that everyone will thank you for (let him know what the keyword is).

When adding or correcting command preferences it's important to save the change with an appropriate keyword. 

Use Xini Manager to extract your good mutations (by keyword) from the full .xin file.

Notify the InRoads administrator that you have an improvement and he can share it with the rest of the staff.