IPR 3.6 onboarding FAQ

Why IPR 3.6?

IPR 3.6 is the next incremental version to the Micad Internet Property Register (IPR).

This FAQ Guide

We have produced this guide to answer any questions you may have regarding the development and release of IPR 3.6. We have tried to think of all the questions you may have but in case we have not please don't hesitate to get in touch:

IPR 3.6

IPR 3.6, is the Micad Internet Property Register system with a completely new interface and yet recognisable user experience of 3.5. IPR 3.6 builds on the same foundation with the added versatility of new technologies and browser platforms. New intuitive features have been introduced to increase productivity and replace cumbersome legacy technologies.

This update features new ways to publish and manage files within the browser and presents more information at a glance in a redesigned screen layout. We make drawings universally accessible for all users with new responsive PDF drawing controls. Along with a new way for all users to instantly share and publish files using simple drag and drop. There’s a new way to sign in to IPR that securely provides instantaneous access. The new User Interface (UI) design is completely optimised and is more responsive across the entire system.

What in summary are the main changes in IPR3.6?

IPR 3.6 brings a fresh new interface with the added versatility of new technologies and browser platforms. New features have been added to enrich the user experience, increase productivity and enable you to replace old legacy technologies.

IPR 3.6 new features include:

• New IPR standard UI
• New universal drawing viewer
• Enhanced security
• Single Sign-On (SSO)
• Full audit trail
• A replacement for FTP
• FileStore and document publishing
• New Faceted search
• Micad Analytics
• New Explorer
• New Maps function
• Micad360
• Wider browser compatibility
• New space data collection tool

Are there any features or modules being dropped?

Yes, the little-used Waste Module and Energy Modules will no longer feature although these topics and others can be catered for through other Micad products such as the Audit application. User opinions were canvased at the Micad User Event on the 21st September 2016 on this topic.

FTP access is no longer offered for IPR 3.6

IPR 3.6 includes its own file manager, so we no longer need FTP to access the server disk contents.  For IPR 3.6, the file management is undertaken by FileStore.

All your documents will be copied over during the upgrade and they will remain accessible and visible in the in the exact same disk folder structures.  There are no file/attachment preparations you need to make before the upgrade happens.  IPR 3.6 FileStore offers the same file management as FTP, its drag and drop file management and all performed inside IPR via the browser.  Look out for FileStore’s great new features in the IPR 3.6 release notes.

Browser independence

We have implemented browser native HTML5 technologies, IPR 3.6 has its own CAD drawing Viewer (CADi Viewer) and traditional Flash charts have been replaced with HTML5 graphics.  This frees us from having to rely on the installation and maintenance of third-party tools.

How to prepare for the upgrade

 Supported web browsers

• Chrome
• Edge
• Safari desktop
• Internet Explorer 11

(if you choose to stay with Internet Explorer 11 – please remove compatibility view for micadipr.net)

You can still use the Autodesk viewers if you prefer.  Although, to do this you are choosing to forfeit some of the new graphic reporting features of IPR 3.6. Internet Explorer 11 and its third-party viewers, Autodesk Design Review 2018 plugin are already legacy products. 

Do I need to do anything with my drawings?

No, IPR 3.6 uses the same original CAD drawings and no conversion is required.

Do I need a different version of the Micad Space Planning Module?

The drawings need no specific IPR 3.6 preparation, your existing Micad space data embedded within the plans remains compatible.

Current Space Planning downloads are here http://updates.micadipr.net/updates/updates.asp.

What version of CAD do I need?

You don’t need to upgrade your AutoCAD but you should check you remain on our supported list.

Check for CAD version compatibility here http://updates.micadipr.net/updates/updates.asp.

How do I access the new IPR 3.6?

Your IPR 3.6 will remain on the same web domain as 3.5 unless you request or specify new addresses.

In all cases, your new IPR 3.6 will be hosted on the domain named MICADIPR.NET

NOTE: You should ask your IT to whitelist *.micadipr.net

If you have users with stored bookmarks, make sure they have stored secured https link to the system, HTTPS://yoursystem.MICADIPR.NET

User accounts need valid email addresses

Before the upgrade commences, check your existing IPR 3.5 user accounts. Because of enhanced security, we have implemented, IPR 3.6 users need to log in using a current email address.

• Has an email account
• The user email account is active and accessible to receive password resets and welcome messages

Password management and reset

Micad cannot create user accounts and set passwords. Your system administrator will need to create and manage users. Please do not ask Micad support staff to create user accounts for you.

NOTE: You should ask IT department to whitelist this Micad email address

[e-mail]

Using single sign-on with IPR 3.6

Single Sign-On (SSO) is an authentication process that allows a user to access multiple applications with one set of browser login credentials.  IPR 3.6 supports Cloud service providers, Google and Microsoft Azure.

Can I run both existing IPR 3.5 and IPR 3.6 side by side for a while?

Yes, you can have an IPR 3.6 system set up in a User Acceptance Testing (UAT) environment. This will be a limited-term (1 month) offer while you conduct your tests.

You should consider this option if you have a userbase that involves third parties, such as surveyors, consultancies that update your data. You may have technical developments such as connections made directly with the IPR 3.5 SQL database.

NOTE: UAT environments copy over 3.5 data in full, they create a working 3.6. Therefore, data added to IPR 3.6 cannot be reversed or merged back with IPR 3.5.  All of IPR 3.6 data will be overwritten at the end of the UAT term (this includes user accounts set up on IPR 3.6).

After UAT testing and when you are satisfied you are ready to move to the IPR 3.6 new system, we will agree a date and time to refresh the data from the current live IPR 3.5. At this point you need ensure no more new data is committed to the old IPR 3.5 system. When the data refresh is completed on the UAT (which can be done on the same day) we will amend the URLs and what was the UAT will essentially become the live system from that point on. At the same time the old IPR 3.5 system will be taken offline.

IPR 3.6 is Firewalled. If I have third party contractors that connect to IPR through the firewall, do I need to prepare in any way?

Yes, please review your user list and check which third parties need to be considered. This doesn’t mean specifically each user, look through the organisations that you require to provide access to.  We need a fresh list of third parties and their IP address for IPR 3.6.

NOTE: Ask your contractors for their business network IP address.  You will need their public address. You can ask them to provide IP address using a website such as www.whatismyip.com, but we you ask your contacts for their IT to assist.

Please compile a list with a unique description for each IP.  This list will only contain business that directly accesses your IPR, so there won’t be many. This does not need to be exhaustive but should include the organisation and IPs you want to provide immediate access to during your UAT term or at go-live.

Organisation Description	IP address start	IP address end
My business 1	81.180.91.51
My business 2	81.40.197.20
My business Wifi	51.67.212.0	51.67.212.255
Our Staff VPN to work	80.51.21.0	80.51.21.5
Our asbestos contractor	49.88.227.80
Our architect practice	241.22.55.21
Working from home user	90.23.50.21

Can I choose to stay on IPR 3.5?

You can nominate how long you want to stay, we will support all system users for as long as possible but the environment in which IPR 3.5 is dependent is becoming outdated and technologies are becoming obsolete beyond the control of Micad. It is likely that legacy Internet Explorer and DWF plugins will become difficult to support by corporate IT very soon.

Will I lose any data when I upgrade?

Data will not be lost in the transition between IPR 3.5 and IPR 3.6. All data is copied over.

You may request Micad to retain a final archive of your IPR 3.5 in a frozen state although charges will apply if you wish to be placed in cold storage.

Is there downtime associated with the upgrade?

Each account is client different and many variables define this time required to undertake the build. Module content, third party dependencies, UAT considerations and of course the amount of data.  Generally, we anticipate that upgrades from IPR 3.5 will result in your system being offline for at least one working day which will be coordinated and agree with you in advance

How to access IPR 3.6 for the first time

IPR 3.6 security has been completely redesigned and enhanced. Upon first connection to IPR 3.6 you will log in via your email address – and your old IPR 3.5 password.  Once connected, you should change your password.  There are 2 ways to do this:

1. Go to My Details > Update password (Top right of IPR 3.6 screen)
2. Log out and then click Forgotten Password at the login screen

Passwords are required to be between 8 and 64 characters long, with at least one letter, one number and one special character.

I had a map and some customised photos on my homepage, will I still have this?

No, custom frontends are replaced by an IPR 3.6 Map feature which accommodates location markers. IPR can also acquire browser GPS location data to refine your position. Marker photographs can be added to your Terrier module to provide the familiar intuitive map-based data interaction.

I have custom reports how will this affect my upgrade?

Many clients have had bespoke reports created or had slight alterations over the course of IPR 3.5’s time.  Prior to your upgrade, you can check these by way of UAT and we can make these IPR 3.6 compatible.  If you have any particular known or specific reports to discuss, please contact us and share the URL of the IPR 3.5 version so that we can advise.

Can I trial IPR 3.6 before the upgrade?

Yes, of course. We have demonstration environments where you can test drive. This won't be your own data but you can full administrative control and these environments often feel that you can't do any damage to your own data.  You will have the freedom to create user accounts and invite colleagues too.  Contact your sale representative if you want to progress this option.

Can I have a demo of IPR 3.6?

Yes, of course. Contact your account manager if you want to progress this option.

Can I choose to go back to IPR 3.5?

Only under exceptional circumstances and only to such a time when IPR 3.5 ceases to be supported. Any new data created in IPR 3.6 cannot be transferred back. Charges may apply where such a request is made.

What will happen to the existing SLA agreement we have for the IPR?

The IPR 3.6 onboarding process will be carried out under a new SLA that will be provided at the time of the UAT being handed over.

Will my existing Micad portal work?

Yes your existing portals will work in the same way and will be directed to read data from the new IPR3.6

Are there any charges or costs for the upgrade?

The upgrade is free of charge to IPR 3.5 existing users. There may be some charges applicable depending on any specific requests but these would be agreed upfront.

Is there a user guide or training available for the new system?

Yes, the system is provided with a link to the systems release notes that are published in the application. Training can be booked (paid for) as required.