Changes and Improvements for DynaSCAPE Design v5 ‘Standalone’

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This release is a brand new ‘Standalone’ version that includes some exciting new features!

We’re still working hard to put the finishing touches on a new Version 5 of DS|Design, which will be launched and available to all subscribed Design and Quote users later this summer.  This summer release will integrate it with the current version of DS|Quote. 

However, if you don’t use Quote-related functionality, you can order our DS|Design v5 ‘Standalone’ version upgrade immediately.  With this new release, we are now clearly separating our Design Solutions from our Business Solutions, each of which will henceforth be available for purchase separately.  In other words, starting with v5, DS|Design is now available without the need for DS|Quote, hence the name ‘Standalone’. This DS|Design v5 ‘Standalone’ version requires a new installation CD, and is not available as a download.

This DS|Design v5 is a ‘Standalone’ version and will appeal to any subscribed Design and Quote user who does not currently use DS|Quote to:

  • Generate quotes and other reports
  • Label hardscape items and kits
  • Generate Plant Care Packages. 

If you currently rely upon DS|Quote for any of those functions, then we recommend not upgrading to DS|Design v5 ‘Standalone’ right now.  Instead, please wait until the official, fully-functional release DS|Design v5 later this summer.  It will be worth the wait!

If you have designs you have already started working on, it is best to finish them before installing DS|Design v5. The new layer list in DS|Design v5 means Modes and library figures will not work the same for your older drawings. You will, however, be able to view and print older drawings in DS|Design v5.

 

Overview of this release:

  • Software Changes!  Key features now built into DS|Design means DS|Design is now available without the need for DS|Quote.
  • New Feature!  New Horticopia powered Online Plant Database
  • New Feature!  Plant List Editor for managing your plant database built into DS|Design
  • New Feature!  Material lists right from DS|Design
  • New Feature!  Plant Picture Catalogue right from DS|Design
  • Other improvements include:
    • Improved Softscape Label Panel
    • Changes to the layer list
    • Reorganized layer list and new layers added (view layer comparison chart)
    • All new Prototypes
    • Reorganized libraries and new figures

More…

Software Changes!

Key features now built into DS|Design means DS|Design is now available without the need for DS|Quote.


This version of Design does not integrated with DS|Quote or DS|Manage  (coming in the next release). Instead, key functionality – managing your own plant lists for labeling a drawing and creating material lists - has now been built directly into DS|Design v5.

New Feature!  

New Horticopia®powered Online Plant Database


DynaSCAPE has partnered with Horticopia®, the leading source of horticultural information software for the green industry, to bring you a brand new Online Plant Database that integrates with DS|Design in much the same way the current Online Plant Encyclopedia did. This database has over 9,000 plants, with a ‘Horticopia preferred’ picture for every plant.  

New Feature!

Plant List Editor for managing your plant database built into DS|Design


A Plant List Editor has been built right into Design. This built in editor allows you to build and manage your own list of plants, independent of DS|Quote. It includes all the important information you need to choose plants, label drawings and create material lists. Sixes and prices can be included.

Download the updated chapter from the manual that covers the new Plant List Editor:

Chapter 12 - Labeling Plants and the Plant List.

New Feature!  

Material lists right from DS|Design

Now you can produce a list of plants, without DS|Quote. Generate in either MS Word or Excel, from your drawings right in DS|Design. This new material list includes plants names, quantities, sizes and prices.

New Feature!  

Plant Picture Catalogues right from DS|Design

Now you can produce picture sheets, with photos of the plants from your design, to accompany the drawings you present to your clients. This document, called a Plant Picture Catalogue, is generated right from DS|Design and replaces the Plant Care Package in DS|Quote (Plant Care Packages can still be generated with the new version of Manage).

General Improvements


The Softscape labelling panel has been streamlined, making it easier to use!

  • A single tab with type-ahead functionality for maximum efficiency
  • Plant searches are no longer zone-dependent, unless specified by the user

Reorganized layer list and new layers added!

  • The layer list has been modified to accommodate a few additional layers and are grouped into more logical order (view layer comparison chart)
  • Text labelling layers now have a slightly thicker line weight to improve legibility on printouts
  • Modes have been adjusted to accommodate the new layer list

New Prototypes for Version 5.0!

  • New prototypes have been built to include the new layer list

Reorganized libraries and new figures!

  • Large libraries have been divided into smaller libraries:
    • ACCESSORIES has been divided into (4): ARCH_ACCESSORIES, SITE_FURNITURE, STRUCTURES and T-BLOCK_ACCESSORIES
    • TBLOCKS_VERT has been divided into libraries for each sheet size and new title blocks were added so that each sheet size has a title block for each scale

 

How to get your copy of DS|Design v5 'Standalone':*

To order your copy of DS|Design v5 'Standalone', click on the link below. This update requires a new installation CD, and is not available as a download:

Order DS|Design v5 Upgrade Now! (through 'My Account' page - free to all current subscribers)

If you have forgotten your user name or password, click on the 'I forgot my password button' and DynaSCAPE will send it to your e-mail address.

 

*Special Note for Schools:

Please contact DynaSCAPE sales to discuss how this update will affect you.

 

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Questions? Call DynaSCAPE at 1-800-710-1900