But trimble connect does not work with local files. It needs cloud sync. That stops me for using it for more than backing up our work and sending models to stakeholders
My way:
All data I saved inside a Dropbox folder on a local drive. All data will be synced by Dropbox to all our computers in office and home as well.
I’m not use Trimble Connect Sync app that required install an instance in Windows. But when working inside SketchUp, instead press save the file, I press publish model from Trimble Connect toolbar (the extension toolbar is include with SketchUp). This will do 2 jobs in once action: save the file to local drive and push the file into Trimble Connect Project on cloud.
Now not only you can get all the benefits that Trimble Connect brings to you (xref model just one of) but also you can do all the normal tasks like you did.
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I didn’t know about that, but that doesn’t work for collaboration. Another person will only know that the file has been updated once it’s online. Also, working locally, won’t lock local files or manage their syncing directly.
Wait for Fredo’s XRef plugin… I think you might like it. 
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Judging by all other Fredo Plugins, it will be fully featured. Can’t wait!
With me, it’s the best solution for Collaboration at this time, only require Internet connection.
Image below is an example how we track issues right in SketchUp working file.
It helps me auto capture view then I can raise this issue, write comment, assign task for my colleague in that file, or in 3D Viewer with Trimble Connect browser by PC or Smart phone.
When open the file, our colleague will check this Collaboration Manager, click to view and SketchUp will jump to exact view that captured by me and knows what to do.
And I’m very curious about the area where you are living. How much time in a day your internet connection could be disconnected? In my area, It’s 100% always online, if there is disconnect event happen, that may be a natural disaster or a war.
Here is a live link of a project that we’re working on, without Trimble Connect I can’t do this.
Every building in this link is a separate SketchUp file, the view you see here is a combination view by Trimble Connect.
Everytime I press “publish” in a SketchUp file, buidling in the link will be automatically updated.
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That is an impressive model. I should take a second look at that.
How do you extract documentation from that Trimble Model? You don’t? You use Sketchup for that? You use CAD?
I just use only SketchUp in my office do all phases, from Concept to Construction Documents and BIM. Not CAD at all.
Here is a live link of drawings of a small buidling in the Trimble Connect link I sent in previous post.
This drawing was created by send the model to LayOut for annotations and dimensions
The model was saved to the local drive (Dropbox also sync to cloud) to update for Layout and sync to Trimble Connect at the same time just by press “publish” to Trimble Connect via toolbar inside SketchUp.
You’ll see a QR Code attached at the top right corner in drawing title block. Anyone has this drawing can access this 3d model with the latest version via this QR Code and can download if I open the permision for downloading. This QR Code is a link to my SketchUp file sync with Trimble Connect, and that model was use in combine view in the link above.
The link I send you via Dropbox, the model you can watch via Trimble Connect. Always live and are the latest.
Generally, I’m using “Center Model” as the main workflow. The “Center model” must be unique, every design and changes must be done in the center model.
We changed the point of views about our workflow from “Drawing is center” into “Model is center”. With this workflow: 2D drawings (PDF, DWG…), 3D views, presentation, rendering just a “product” exported from this center model.
With that point of views, I took the initiative to expand the bussiness beyond geographical barriers with an online service solution, so as not to have to change our Worfkflow as work sources increasingly expanded across the team. Teams working far apart or in different countries.
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Long time no update
Eneroth Reference Manager now allows you to lock and unlock all instances of your linked components with a few clicks.
Happy basecamping!
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I think the 2nd word is “Reference” ?
Good catch! I’ve been extending too much at work lately…