iTwin updates should only change the analytical data, nothing else!

the symbology of our framing plans is driven by a pretty extensive list of rules. we apply those rules by part and family assignments (if this p/f then use this rule). we work predominantly with RAMSS. it does not allow for accurate modeling of TOS in some cases (a dropped terrace area on an upper floor). We adjust for that in ODB by applying offsets to the members, usually a minus y number to drop the steel down. We do not move the member. that would mess with the analytical line for the element. we simply use an offset.

after our first import, we go through and change the part/family as needed as well as apply offsets, if needed. we create our plans.

the problem comes when we do the subsequent update from iTwin. even if those few members we modify did not move (end points do not change) or change design (size, cambers, studs, reactions), iTwin resets the part/family to the default and resets the offsets back to 0.

this is really frustrating. we can't be reworking p/f assignments and offsets after every import. annoying for a small model. an incredible waste of time for a large one, bordering on impossible to remember all the incremental tweaks we've made during design.

when an element gets updated in OBD, the only things that should get updated are the analytical components - section size, analytical end points, camber, studs, reactions, grade of steel, etc. iTwin should care less if I apply offsets. if the end points move, absolutely move the end points. but we need the offsets to compensate for analytical and modeling differences. do NOT set theme back to 0.

similarly, if the element already exists, iTwin should care less about the assigned part/family. leave it alone and just modify the analytical changes. if the element does not exist, give it the default part/family, but don't reset it back to the default every time.

if you don't understand what I'm frustrated with here, shoot me an email and we can arrange a phone call to discuss.