The Batch Processing Manager (visible after selecting File > Batch Processing) loads all the models in a specified directory and operates upon them according to a procedure you have specified. This procedure may include running macros, generating reports, and saving the final file. This command is useful to those who frequently perform the same set of operations on a model, and, more importantly, need to quickly understand the general trends of the models’ characteristics.
The controls on the Batch Processing tab are:
Input Files area - describes the source of the input files and a method of loading them.
Directory - All of the models in this directory will be treated sequentially.
Load Method radio buttons - Select one of the following:
Replace - the models in the batch files need to work with a secondary model. This option will load each batch file without discarding the secondary model from the Model Manager. For example, this option will keep a reference model in the Model Manager but process a series of test models.
Open - open, process, and close each file individually.
Import - each model in the batch needs to be loaded and remain in the Model Manager without being replaced by a subsequent model.
Actions area - describes the actions to be taken on the input files.
Run Macros checkbox - specifies whether to run a macro on the input files. When checked, the following applies:
Macro Name dropdown - identifies a stored macro to be executed.
Generate & Save Reports checkbox - specifies whether a report will be generated. The reference model must be active in the Model Manager and an automatable report must have been created. When checked, the following applies:
Reports dropdown - XXX
Save Files checkbox - specifies whether loaded files are saved as modified during this batch processing. When checked, the following fields apply:
Format - the storage format of saved files; one of the Supported File Formats.
Filename + - specifies the form a filename suffix such as the date, time, both, or neither.
Save Active Object Only checkbox - specifies whether to save the processed file with the active model only, as opposed to including any secondary models.
Output Files area - describes the destination of processed files.
Directory browse field - specifies the directory into which files are saved.
Suppress errors checkbox - specifies whether
The buttons at the bottom of the dialog are:
Begin button - starts the batch processing as configured.
Cancel button - closes the dialog without processing any files.