Support Revit Homeworking & Business Continuity with BIM 360

With the country in the process of returning to normal and social distancing rules still in place, businesses have had to make some changes to their working spaces, with a number still allowing their employees to work from home. It is understandable that businesses are concerned about their employee's wellbeing and their own continuity as the globe adjusts to this new way of life, it is natural to expect business-as-usual will look somewhat different as the COVID-19 pandemic dust settles.

Over the last few months, we have seen unprecedented levels of calls from customers seeking advice to support businesses continuity, and solutions that will enable their teams to work from home and continue to deliver against their ongoing commitments. 

Here are some options they considered:

Revit Users& Anyone Else Accessing or Working with CAD / Drawing Formats

It’s Time to Embrace Construction Enabled Cloud Solutions

There is a real win/win opportunity here for businesses and employees alike. If it’s not already, this is a must have a topic for any C-Suite agenda. 

Here is why…BIM 360 has the potential to make it easier for designers, and anyone working with drawings for that matter, to do their jobs more effectively and for businesses to realise enormous productivity gains, whilst enabling working from home, or anywhere, anytime, with absolute confidence.  

Autodesk’s Construction Centric Cloud platform offers businesses and people in the AEC space a real opportunity to work smarter and, given the current climate keep people safe in the process.BIM 360 will help form a solid foundation to support design-lead businesses effectively hereafter.

The following table presents a brief snapshot of how BIM 360 could be leveraged to address core business challenges supporting remote working. 

Challenge	Solution
Any Project Participant Not using Revit
Work from anywhere any time	Once you have been set up, you can sign into BIM 360 using an internet browser or mobile device.
Access all project models and files for which you have permissions	Access to projects, folders, files is controlled so you will only be able to access content that has beenshared with you
View more than 60 2D and 3D CAD formats	BIM 360 Docs supports the viewing of 60 different CAD and other formats from a web browser. This means users can share and view CAD files, models and documents in their native format without having to revert to creating and sharing PDF's.
Revit 2018.3 and Later (You will need a PC at home that can run Revit)
Revit Version 2018.3 or later	Best practice is to use Revit 2018.3 and later for work-sharing as all information contained here relates to the current version of BIM 360 Design.
Work from anywhere any time	Once you have been set up. You can sign into BIM 360 Design using your work email address.
Access all project models and files for which you have permissions	Access to projects, folders, files is controlled so you will only be able to access content that has been shared with you. You will need to have a PC able to run Revit. One option is to take your work computer home with you. Another is to install and activate Revit on your personal PC. Autodesk user’s policy enables a Revit licence to be activated on your home computer under a home use clause.
Revit work-sharing fully enabled	BIM 360 Design is engineered to support Revit collaboration from Revit version 2018.3 and later. This makes it more effective even than hosting the Revit model on your local server.
No lengthy sync with central times	When a Revit project is opened for the first time the file will need to download and cache to your local PC. Thereafter, every time you sync with central only the changes are synced making this typically much faster by comparison.
No sync with central issues that prevent other users from working	Unlike Revit Server, when you sync a model in BIM 360 Design, this process does not affect any other user connected to or working on the model.
Version Control & Backups	All documents uploaded to BIM 360 are automatically versioned and backed up. This means that only the very latest version is visible but previous version can be viewed, made current, and visually compared with the previous version to detect changes. Potentially a great security blanket that is not possible when saving your Revit model to the local server.
Collaboration Sets	Not sure what these are? Consider when you create a copy of your Revit model each week and then spend ages cleaning it up so it only contains the elements (3D views, Sheet, Schedules, etc) that you want to share and then you package this up to share with others. Well, you can stop doing that now.  Using BIM 360 Just create a collaboration sets for each discipline, state, level, phase, etc in your Revit model and simply add the elements you want to share to these sets as you work. When you are ready to share, just publish the set to the relevant shared folder on BIM 360.
All updates fully auditable	This is more for the company’s point of view but when using BIM 360 Design incremental updates by each designer are tracked automatically. All interactions are tracked, and a log of activities can be accessed.
No need to waste time producing pdf’s	BIM 360 supports the viewing of 60 different CAD formats. This means you can share files in their native format without having to waste time dumbing them down and creating PDF's. To share a Revit model or sheet with people who don’t have Revit, just share the Revit model or sheet.See below for raising and tracking issues and marking up drawings.
Security
Full user, role and company permissions control	Only people with rights can access what they have been given permission to access.
Control access at project or folder level	Share projects or folders with internal design teams and/or external parties. You can create a shared environment where external parties can upload data to their own folder - completely eradicating the need for WeTransfer, Dropbox, Zip files etc. - and in a native file format (see viewing below) saving even more time.
Full permissions	Upload, view, edit, download, etc. by name, role, company.
BIM 360 Security Protocols	We’ve created a presentation that answers all your security questions.
Design Review
View more than 60 2D and 3D CAD formats	BIM 360 supports the viewing of 60 different CAD formats from a web browser. This means users can share and view models and files in their native format without having to revert to creating and sharing PDF's.
Raising & Tracking Issues	BIM 360 has built-in Issue Management where stakeholders can raise and assign issues on 2D drawings or 3D models on the fly, from a browser or mobile device.
Centralise the logging and tracking; respond to issues in a single place	Get a complete view of all issues raised with valuable insights such as: issues raised by or assigned to you, total issues raised by project, outstanding issues, time to resolve, issues by theme.
Marking up drawings	Add mark-ups to CAD files and models with tools dedicated to the task.
Backups & Version Control
Backups	All Documents uploaded to BIM 360 are automatically backed up and versioned.
Version Control	All documents uploaded are automatically versioned – this means that only the very latest version is visible but previous version can be viewed, made current, and visually compared with the previous version to detect changes.
Revit Project Management
Project Timeline	BIM 360 Design includes a complete project timeline which reflects when project data was shared and consumed by all parties. This makes it very easy to keep track of all interactions between project design stakeholders.
User updates	During the WIP stages, every time a team member updates the central Revit project, their activity is tracked on the project timeline.
Automated linked project models from other disciplines on approval	When collaborating with other parties or disciplines using BIM 360, shared project models are automatically updated when they are consumed via the project timeline immediately updating the linked Revit file with no effort required by the designers.
IT
No VPN required	Connecting via a VPN does tend to be slow when working with Revit models and other large model formats, but especially slow with Revit work-sharing. This is mostly due to the extremely long lag times in uploading (often much slower speed than downloading) files back to the server when users save or the settings are set to autosave files (which can be set to every 5 minutes for some companies).
Revit work-sharing fully enabled	Unlike a VPN, BIM 360 Design is engineered to support Revit collaboration and work-sharing from Revit version 2018.3 and later. Opening a project for the first time will be like a VPN, however thereafter only changes are synced making it more effective even than hosting the Revit model on your local server.
No lengthy sync with central times	When a Revit project is opened for the first time the file will need to download and cache to your local PC. Thereafter, every time you sync with central only the changes are synced making this typically much faster by comparison to a VPN.
No sync with central issues that prevent other users from working	Unlike a VPN or Revit Server, when you sync a model in BIM 360 Design, this process does not affect any other user connected to or working on the model.
No IT infrastructure required	Nothing to download or install. Just sign in and you are good to go.
No IT admin overhead	No administration to local servers, virus protocols, networks etc.
Unlimited Storage	With BIM 360 there is no storage limit making it possible to store any and all project files and models
BIM 360 Security Protocols	We’ve created a separate presentation to answer your questions on security.
Change Management
Change visualisation	How long does it take to compare changes when you receive a new Revit model? Minutes? Hours?With BIM 360 it can take seconds.  Model elements are coloured green for new, red for deleted and yellow for modified - even if it’s just parameter. Not sure how long that would take to do otherwise.
Compare changes in 2D drawings, pdfs, sheets	Raster and vector PDF's can be compared with changes highlighted in red.
Compare changes in Revit and IFC models	Not only can you view and visually compare Revit models, in a browser, you can also compare changes to an IFC file.

We held a webinar back in March to help our customers further understand how BIM 360 can support homeworking. You can access our webinar recording here: Enable Home Working and Support Business Continuity with BIM 360

Other Options to Consider

Option 1: Office 365 / One Drive

Microsoft Office 365 seems to be somewhat underrated as a collaboration platform. If you run Office 365 then each of your staff has access to 1Tb OneDrive storage essentially allowing employees to access their work from anywhere and collaborate with other employees in real-time. 

Here’s what’s important to understand if you have Office 365:

• Using your work email address, you can sign into your online 365 account where you can access your One Drive https://onedrive.live.com/about/en-gb/signin/

• Each user has One Drive (or can enable One Drive) folder on your local PC

• Files copied or saved to your One Drive on your PC are automatically synced to the cloud. This means all your data is automatically backed up

• Office files stored on your local PC’s One Drive can be easily shared and accessed by others 

• You can share folders and files with others by hitting the Share button on the top right of the menu bar or right clicking on the file/folder and selecting Share

• Documents can be shared using a link to the file (less secure) or by adding a specific email address for secure sharing

• You can also set the permission level for greater control

• Importantly, any number of people can work on the same file at the same time with changes reflected instantly (real-time) for other participants - making it an effective collaboration platform worth considering.

There are tons of articles online explaining the benefits of using Office 365 & One Drive for Business.

Option 2: VPN and Remote Access. 

One option is to enable staff to access data, or remotely control their PCs, from home. Whilst this does need some consideration due to logistics and cost, it is worth considering. Our IT team compiled a quick outline of considerations you can explore here: [Read Blog Here]

People need to ensure they continue to work, not just for their own sanity, but to ensure the company they work for maintains its ability to keep them employed.  Hopefully this blog has given you some additional ideas of how this can be enabled.

Useful Links

For guidance on working from home with your current licensing deployment, please read our blog "Autodesk Licensing and Working from Home." 

For guidance on the impact of remote working on your critical IT infrastructure, please read our blog "Ensuring your Business Continuity during the Current Coronavirus (COVI19) Outbreak."

If you would like further information on BIM 360, please contact us on 01992 807 444 or email marketing@excitech.co.uk

Civil 3D Property Set Secrets

Civil 3D’s Property Sets have been around for a while now, and if you’re working on a BIM project,they are fundamental for adding additional asset data to both Civil 3D and AutoCAD objects.Property Set data will be included with objects when a model is exported to IFC or Navisworks. 

Here are some tips and examples to help you make full use of Property Sets in Civil 3D.

Labels and Tables

Property Sets can be used for adding annotation to Civil 3D drawings. When Property Set data is added to a Civil 3D object, its fields are made available in the Label Text Component Editor.

We can also add the same information to Tables, although the Property Set data isn’t exposed in the Table Editor. To addthis data to a Table Column, type the required field into the Component Editor as follows:

<[PS:Pipes:Bedding(CP)]>

Where Property Set denotes Property Set data, Pipesis the name of the Property Set, and Bedding is the name of the field. The (CP) is a formatting field which in this example denotes Capitals Preserved.

Using Pick Lists

For many types of data, we would want to restrict the user to a specific list of possible values. This can be achieved by adding a List to our Property Data.

In the Style Manager, turn off the Filters.

This gives us access to more features, one of which is the List Definitions.

In this example, we’ve added a new list for Pipe Bedding. The list “Applies To” setting must be assigned to “Manual Property Definition.” 

Items can then be added to the list as required.

In the Property Data set, the list can be accessed by adding a manual property, and then choosing the “List” option for the Type of field.

Notice that there is a Formula field whose source is set to the new Bedding_Class property. This is required as a List field and cannot appear in a Civil 3D label, but the Formula field will do. 

After adding this Property Set to Pipes in the drawing, the user can select a value from the defined list.

VBScript in Formulas

Complex data fields that can read properties of objects and manipulate data can be created by using VBScript in formula fields. One of the issues you may find is knowing what commands are available to you, but the VBScript Code helper is empty.

The information that populates this is saved in an XML file. Since the Property Set feature has been “borrowed” from AutoCAD Architecture, the definition file is still available. It can be downloaded from this link:

https://forums.autodesk.com/autodesk/attachments/autodesk/61/20135/1/ADT_VBScript.xml

Copy the file into C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD 20XX folder.

The helper will then be populated as shown:

VBScript can be used to retrieve data from Civil 3D objects by making use of the Civil 3D API.

Here’s a straightforward example that creates a field that displays either a manhole diameter or length x width, depending on whether it is a circular or rectangular structure.

RESULT="--"

On Error Resume Next

Set oApp=GetObject(, "AutoCAD.Application")

Set oCivilApp=oApp.GetInterfaceObject("AeccXUiLand.AeccApplication.13.0")

Set obj=oCivilApp.ActiveDocument.ObjectIDToObject([ObjectID])

If obj.BoundingShape = 1 Then

Result = CStr(obj.StructureInnerDiameterOrWidth*1000)

Else

Result = Cstr(obj.StructureInnerLength*1000) + " x " + CStr(obj.StructureInnerDiameterOrWidth*1000)

End If

The Civil Application must be set to the correct value depending on the version of Civil 3D you’re working on.

The following codes are valid for these versions: 

2018 - 12.0

2019 - 13.0

2020 - 13.2

To use the code snippet shown above, the Object ID of the structure must first be defined as a property field using an Automatic property definition.

Property Set Commands

Aside from using the Manage ribbonto access the Property Set definitions, there are several commands you can benefit from using on the command line:

AECPSDAUTOATTACH OFF or ON – automatically assigns property sets to relevant objects

PropertyFormatDefine Calls up the Style Manager interface

PropertyData Combines some of the commands in a command line version

PropertyDataBrowse A useful command to see where property data has been assigned to objects

PropertyDataEdit Edit property data on selected objects

PropertyDataExt List and edit attached property data on a selected object

-PropertyDataEdit Scriptable command line version to edit property data on selected items. 

PropertySetDefine Calls up the style Manager with Property Set definitions

PropertySetClean Removes a Property Set from object types to which it no longer applies

PropertySetAccess Edits the visibility and permissions of Property Sets. Used by the IFC Export –Do not use this command!

PropertySetDefSync Do not use this command!(Except perhaps as a last resort if your Property Data is really messed up!)

PropertySetDump Dumps the Property data and other information to the screen

PropertySetDefMerge Combines Property Set definitions

ExportPropertyData Exports Property Data to a Microsoft Access database

I hope you find this post useful. For other useful information and blogs on Civil 3D, visit our website here.

If you require any further information on Civil 3D, please feel free to get in touch by calling us on 01992 807 444 or emailing info@symetri.co.uk.

Archibus V.25.1 Review

Every year Archibus releases their latest version of the CAFM Software.

Follow us, as we look at the new features within V.25.1.

Refreshed Web User Interface

The first thing you will notice when you open the new Archibus version 25.1 is the refreshed web user interface. The old process navigator makes way for the more dynamic side bar navigation. While users will recognise the hierarchy layout, the side bar expands across the screen as you navigate and is organised with renamed modules and applications (For example, Corrective Maintenance replaces On Demand work), split into quick access shortcuts and full navigation and now shows navigation icons to help you quickly make your selection.

The side bar navigation also houses the new user Favourites function, simply click on the star in a view or report and it will appear in the list. The side bar also includes a relocated view search function which continues to offer users quick access to lost views anywhere across Archibus. The side bar can be collapsed to open up the screen size for your work, leaving a thin bar of icons visible for when you need to return. The new user interface includes nice little touches such as a glorious spinning wheel for longer page loads, which has been long awaited.

There is also the new left alignment of standard view buttons like Add, Save and Delete, which might leave more experienced users clicking thin air over on the righthand side of the screen.

The existing Home Page navigation can be used in conjunction with the side bar, although there is a push towards these being used as more graphical dashboard navigations. The Tasks option has been removed and the default pages no longer include task links as standard. Home Page navigations still offer organisations a great way of tailoring the product for different groups of users and presenting heads-up display information and we see it playing an important part of customer facing systems.

The new look extends across into the updated workplace function, with simple graphical screens optimised for touch screen use. It is now easily configurable to your organisations service catalogue, branding, with controllable menus and graphics. Set up is managed in the Service Desk role with a new view with lots of great options including the addition of request specific guidance so you can make sure users know exactly what they need to do. Fields and options can be turned off for each request type which helps keep the request forms clean and simple.

The workplace function continues to offer excellent visibility of your valuable data by providing easy to access tools such as finding rooms, employees, or organisational areas as well as visibility of the floor plan graphics.

The Mobile Maintenance App

The mobile maintenance app has seen some fantastic improvements through the redesign of the interface. The new screens have been reworked very much from a user’s perspective to simplify how your workforce record their work activity. Screens include large function buttons for starting, updating and completing work, helping users log work more quickly and with fewer clicks. Starting a job prompts the user to select a work type which automatically begins running the timer for the work entry and time is accurately recorded with minimal effort.  Basic forms prompt the user at each step of the main workflow and big action buttons like ‘Resume’ on the main menu will mean you can quickly carry on with work you’ve already started. We are confident that users will love the new app spending less time on their mobile and more time delivering services.

The Space Console

It’s good news for those who use Archibus to manage their space, as changes in V.25.1 are focussed on the Space Console administrators view. The view has been re-arranged and condensed to include new functions while retaining a large viewing panel. Floors are selected using the new smart search box, which provides quick access to your floorplans while taking up less space on your screen. Selecting a search result displays the floorplan automatically which now feels quick and responsive. More complex filters can still be applied now using the Advanced Search function, with increased search options that allows organisations with a variety of data structures to use the function to find specific spaces.

The viewing options have been re-organised and given nice new icons and menus for controlling the display and highlight querying of both 2D and 3D plans. You will soon get used to them and start enjoying the extra screen space they give you!

System Administration

Behind the scenes of the CAFM software are big changes too. The Archibus Connectors tool, for years has been the go to place for system integrations, and is now accompanied by a set of true REST APIs. These can be used to quickly establish data flows between Archibus and other applications or data sources. The APIs cover; generic data access – for access and update from anywhere with Archibus, service desk – for integrating with other service management solutions / processes, employee locations – for synchronising data staff locations with ERP solutions etc. We are particularly excited about the service desk API and how it will simplify the connection of request workflows between different platforms.

Find out more about ARCHIBUS here: https://www.symetri.co.uk/ARCHIBUS

And talk to us about your CAFM software: https://www.swg.com/excitech-swg/

#OrbitFromHome: 10 at-home learning resources from SketchUp

We’ve all had to adjust to working from home, which means keeping in touch with colleagues, family and friends remotely. So, to keep you occupied and to help develop your SketchUp skills, we’ve rounded up top 10 learning resources from Trimble that you can benefit from while you #OrbitFromHome.

1. Learn the SketchUp fundamentals from this self-guided course. Reminder: it’s free and subtitled in more than 100 languages!
2. If you’re more experienced at SketchUp, dive into the Skill Builder video playlists and polish up your skills.
3. Discover the Podcast, SketchUp Talk! A great companion to listen to while you’re orbiting away on the axis.
4. Still tight on time while working from home? In under 60 seconds, explore these Quick Wins packed with powerful skills.
5. Curious about how other professionals are using SketchUp? Learn from the best and brightest in our customer case studies.
6. See it all live! Tune in to live model challenges - every Friday at 12 pm MT. Don’t have time to catch it live? Watch the recordings.
7. Try out some of the other products you have access to as a SketchUp Pro Subscriber! Spend some time learning LayOut, share projects with Trimble Connect, model online with SketchUp for Web, or check out SketchUp Viewer for your mobile device!
8. Looking for new ways to customise your workflow? Explore our Extension Inspections to find the perfect plugin for you.
9. Tired of dressing up with nowhere to go? Recover your sense of style by learning how to make (and personalize) your very own 2D Component!
10. *BONUS!* Share how you’re staying inspired over the next few weeks by tagging your designs with #OrbitFromHome for a chance to be featured on Trimble’s social channels!

Whether you’re using your free time to become more proficient and efficient at SketchUp, getting workflow tips from other SketchUp users, or leaning because of your love of design during these times, we hope you’re staying healthy and taking care of yourself and your loved ones.

For further help with SketchUp, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us: https://www.symetri.co.uk/products/sketchup-pro

4 Things you Need to Know About PC as a Service (PCaaS)

As we’ve seen over the years, technology is constantly evolving, everywhere, and the way in which people are working is also changing.

According to ZD Net1, traditional CAD computer sales are declining and will continue to do so for the next decade or more. This is because more and more people are beginning to use mobile devices for their work instead. Why? Because they are easier and cheaper to upgrade and purchase.

However, with the recent emergence of the PC as a Service (PCaaS) model which emulates the subscription model now prevalent in the technology world e.g. mobile phone upgrade plans etc, PC and CAD computer sales are less likely to decline for several reasons. These include: 

1. Simplicity

Within the architecture, engineering, construction and manufacturing industries, the CAD software used on a daily basis needs to be run on a CAD computer with enough power to handle the demands of this software.

It is common for people to purchase the CAD software from one supplier, the CAD workstation from another and support from another also. With PCaaS, the need to use different suppliers is eliminated as it allows you to procure these assets through one, simple subscription.

2. Lifecycle Management

In addition to being able to procure your CAD workstations, software and support as a subscription, it also takes away the stress of managing these assets e.g. making sure that there are enough software licences, making sure that the CAD computer meets the demands of the software and checking that the software is installed and verified across every machine.

With the PCaaS model, this lifecycle management almost completely shifts to the supplier allowing you to focus on more strategic ventures.

3. Scalability

PCaaS allows organisations to easily scale up or down. For instance, whether you are taking on a new project and only need additional CAD workstations for a certain period of time, or whether you have increased/decreased your staff count, you can simply reduce/increase the number of devices you lease from the supplier rather than being left with a surplus of devices you may not ever need again.

4. Latest Technology at Your Fingertips

Most PCaaS terms are annual or over a certain period which means that every year or so, when your subscription is up for renewal, you will be given the option to upgrade to the latest software release and a more powerful CAD workstation, keeping you continuously up to date with the latest technology. This prevents you from holding onto ageing devices and  will eventually save you more money in the long run.

Earlier last year, Excitech launched its own PCaaS offering known as the “Excitech Design as a Service Package” which addresses the specific workflow requirements of construction and manufacturing sector businesses. Learn more about our PCaaS offering here www.excitech.co.uk/Excitech-Design-as-a- Service.

1 ZD Net https://www.zdnet.com/article/why-pc-as-a-service-is-the-next-big-thing/ (20th December 2018).