The 4th revolution that is AI is waiting to take the world by storm while the AEC industry is yet to fully transition to information-based modelling. This corporate indolence in taking part in advancements in the technology domain has rendered the AEC industry as one that is slow and stubborn to change. This is the era of intelligent object design and of course you want a front row seat to be a part of the action. The benefits of autocad to revit transition are multifold:
1. BIM
BIM is all the rage now and for good reason. Gone are the days of yore when building models would consist of hundreds of drawings from multiple trades and services. Once the transition to BIM is complete, an information intense model can be fit into a single project file. Emphasis should be placed on the I in BIM. The models produced are information rich and update in real time. A change made in any part of the project will reflect alterations in corresponding sections. For instance, if a wall is moved a few inches in the plan view, this change will reflect in all other corresponding views and schedules, saving time and minimising chance for error. With a strong BIM execution plan, firms can elevate their workflow processes.
2. Smoother workflows
Only after transitioning to Revit will you fully comprehend the inherent defects of the AutoCAD framework. These aren’t intrinsic flaws of the software but derivatives of the fact that AutoCAD is in essence a drafting tool. When using it for its purpose, you are only limited by your imagination. However, what the construction sector requires or rather, deserves, is a modelling tool based on data. Workflows on Revit can be tailor made to suit your firm and maximise the efficiency of your team.
3. Collaboration
Revit architecture, revit mep and revit structure enable several users to work real time on the same project. With a centrally linked model usually handled by a bim manager, different engineers and architects can work on their trade drawings simultaneously on the same model. Collaboration in such a way can improve communication and coordination among trades.
4. Automation
Revit together with BIM opens avenues for workflow automation like never before. Using tools like Dynamo and Forge that work on Revit API and Autodesk’s Design Automation API, a myriad of tasks can be automated with ease. Automated tasks can be customized to suit your workflow, speeding up the design process. With the release of Generative Design with Revit 2021, Revit is even more powerful in the design automation space. Generative design can be explored to decide on optimal layout creation and efficient positioning. Tasks like placement of light fixtures in a ceiling can be automated easily. Automating workflows can be a tedious task to get into but can be highly rewarding once executed perfectly.
5. It’s a no brainer if you already use AutoCAD
As both software come within the line-up of Autodesk products, moving from one to the other is easier than any other platform change. AutoCAD drawings can even be linked to Revit models. If your firm holds company specific data like details, title blocks, etc., you can easily transfer or convert them to Revit details. You can create a revit family according to an existing block or even purchase ready made versions.
6. Faster takeoffs
Creating Revit models enables the use of Navisworks, another Autodesk product which can hasten the process of material quantity takeoff. Instead of going through every single drawing to manually analyse, count and measure details, takeoff processes can be completed in a matter of minutes by simply running the project files through Navisworks. At your disposal will be a quantity list with specifics of each pipe, fitting, or accessory.
7. Smart schedules
Manually filling up schedules is a rather dull chore all in itself. With projects that keep transforming, the chance for errors to creep in also increases. With Revit, the mundane task of filling up schedules will be taken care of by the software itself. Moreover, the schedules update automatically with changes made in the design. If a single pane window is replaced by a double pane equivalent, the same will be updated in all corresponding views and schedules.
8. Design for performance
The idea of designing for performance is at the heart of Building Information Modelling. Optimization of design can be done early in the design process. With the help of simulation engines available, energy, heating and cooling demands, radiation and lighting assessments can be performed leading to efficient intelligent designs. The performance of the model can be evaluated over the building’s lifetime with the help of smart systems that integrate well with BIM.
9. Visualising done easy
Walking through your models with VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality) technologies can elevate the design experience and improve communication across platforms. You can easily convey ideas to clients and the team. Workers on site can easily visualize models by placing virtual models over real spaces using AR.
10. Take your workflow to the cloud
It’s possible to have a high functioning decentralized office with the use of BIM. Remote employees or freelance professionals can access and work productively on projects by utilizing the cloud worksharing functionality of Revit. Without having to share haphazard bits and pieces of information online and reworking them afterwards, people can work together on the same project across the globe.
Endnote
No matter how pretty a solution is, it’s pointless if it doesn’t correlate to monetary savings. With a nominal cost of transition, the benefits to reap are much larger. By utilizing the smart features of this software suite, you can truly transform your workflow into an intelligent and highly efficient system.
In the end, the transition to BIM only seems inevitable. As the market moves forward and tasks get more demanding, depending on conventional processes alone will turn out to be challenging or even impossible. Make the shift and grow smarter.