...but I'll start with these two:
1) In the updated forms, they've removed the "Uploads" button that used to be right next to where they required that you provide whatever applicable uploads to the credit you were working on. Now, the form still tells you to provide these uploads, but there is no obvious link as to where they should go. Those of us who regularly use the website know that you can go back to the credit form, under the credit you are working on, and click the Uploads button there, which will take you to where all related uploads should go. If you are new to LEEDOnline (or just not as computer/website savvy), you're left staring at the form trying to figure out where to put your documents. Additionally, having to go back outside of the form forces two additional 'clicks' for navigation. I'm sure we all know how painfully slow LEEDOnline can be, especially during the main day hours when all time zones are working, so any additional navigation adds a significant amount of downtime for frequent users, such as myself.
I left feedback on this issue, and actually got a quick response from GBCI, as follows: "We would like to inform you that, as per customer's feedback have removed linkages between forms, upload buttons in the forms and have generic upload in the upload page. Customers can fill out entire credit form and then go to uploads section to upload all the files at one place and at a time. Which will reduce the time navigating between upload tab and forms tab. It is simpler and quicker for customers to work."
Do they not realize that much of the time, it is not one individual filling out the entire form at once, and uploading all items at once? Also, if we're QC'ing completed items, we can no longer toggle between the form and the uploads to review sections. A separate problem with the QC portion is that, for the downloads, you must individually click on, open/save each file in order to view it, which is additionally tons of processing time. Separate issue, though.
2) The updated forms that I have come across so far for my v3 projects are no longer linked to the PI Forms. This was one function that I loved in the update between v2.2 and 3 websites. It eliminating tons of problems with continuity of information reported, especially in regards to occupancy, space types, and SF takeoffs for the building and site. Why would they remove that function?!
I'm hoping this is a temporary glitch that will be remedied soon. I also gave feedback on this issue, but have yet to receive a response.
Ok, that's all my venting for the moment. Argh.
Allen Cornett
Sustainable ConsultantINSPEC Sustainability Group LLC
50 thumbs up
April 14, 2016 - 4:20 pm
I have spent more time on the phone with GBCI and using the feedback button today than getting actual work done.
RETIRED
LEEDuser Expert
623 thumbs up
April 16, 2016 - 3:54 pm
Emily and Allen - I have reached out to USGBC to see if I can communicate with someone about the issues you've raised. Hang in there!
emily reese moody
Sustainability Director, Certifications & ComplianceJacobs
LEEDuser Expert
476 thumbs up
April 19, 2016 - 2:44 pm
I got a very helpful response about the lack of linked fields from the PI Forms to others:
" We don’t have linked functionality in V06 Version.
Please let us know if you have further questions or feedback."
I really just don't understand why this function would be removed. They're just creating way too many opportunities for mistakes amongst team members, with everyone coming in with potentially different SF takeoffs, occupancy info, etc.
RETIRED
LEEDuser Expert
623 thumbs up
May 3, 2016 - 7:49 pm
Thanks to Emily's detailed comments and concerns, I have had two meetings with USGBC and GBCI staff including the Technology Department regarding the changes with the v06 forms. USGBC will be issuing an article next week on what has changed in the LEED Online working experience with the v06 forms.
Experienced users who were familiar with the pre-v06 forms and the way LEED Online worked with them (linkages, upload buttons on forms, etc.) will need to evolve to the new streamlined v06 forms, the change to uploads, and the offline calculators.
I admit it is a lot to digest and adapt to. I will post an update to the article in this forum to summarize and reference the USGBC article.
Stay tuned!
RETIRED
LEEDuser Expert
623 thumbs up
May 17, 2016 - 2:03 pm
My contact at USGBC tells me she has still not been able to get the article on the v06 forms approved for publication. So, I still can't update my article for this forum.
As soon as I hear more, I'll let you know.
emily reese moody
Sustainability Director, Certifications & ComplianceJacobs
LEEDuser Expert
476 thumbs up
May 17, 2016 - 2:31 pm
This is all great, and much better than not hearing anything from them. Thanks for your followup work.
This may already exist, but is there a way for them to set up some sort of response committee for mass changes like these where power users could provide feedback/reactions before things are implemented? It sounds like they're taking their online feedback and running with it in a lot of cases. I'm part of a very large firm that manages 100s of LEED projects, and it seems like other individuals with similar setups could provide some valuable insight for them.
emily reese moody
Sustainability Director, Certifications & ComplianceJacobs
LEEDuser Expert
476 thumbs up
May 19, 2016 - 2:24 pm
Ok, one more thing I've noticed...
In the uploads section for each credit, it no longer tells you what the required upload is. Since their previous response indicates that they removed the upload button on the template so that we could upload all items at once to save time, do they expect the users to keep their own list of what each credit requires for each upload?
Under each credit, it now just says "Provide all required uploads listed in the form. Please ensure that filenames are accurate and descriptive."
This just seems like pure laziness on their part, and will require additional time and cause confusion for non-regular users who are not familiar enough with each credit to just 'know' what should be uploaded.
*sigh*
Christopher Davis
Sr. Sustainability Project ManagerCodeGreen Solutions
43 thumbs up
May 20, 2016 - 4:18 pm
I agree the lack of connectivity between forms isn't ideal, but I believe it was removed because it increased the complexity of the forms (making it hard to ensure that they all operate perfectly) and it slowed down the system.
Regarding the list of uploads, the way I get around this is by having the form and uploads page open in separate browser tabs, so you can refer back to the form while uploading. Multiple tabs is a huge improvement in this version of LEED Online, compared to the first v3 LEED Online.
RETIRED
LEEDuser Expert
623 thumbs up
May 30, 2016 - 1:28 pm
Christopher has shared some of the insight that everyone can gain once USGBC posts the article on the new forms for LEED 2009 projects this week.
Also, USGBC is working on text to add to LEED Online to alert people of the changes and address how to handle uploads. They will also provide a link to the new article.
Thanks for the insight and tips! I agree multiple tabs is a great improvement.
RETIRED
LEEDuser Expert
623 thumbs up
June 6, 2016 - 11:57 am
I'm waiting for LEEDuser to post my summary of USGBC's article to the forum article above. In the meantime, here is the USGBC article in case you missed it - http://www.usgbc.org/articles/new-forms-online-leed-2009-and-leed-v4-pro....