topic Re: SysQue, Thoughts? in Revit MEP Forum

SysQue, Thoughts?

ben — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 16:36:01 GMT

We are beginning to dip our toe into Revit, possibly making the switch from Fabrication CADmep, but it doesn't really do us any good if we can't spool real world parts for fabrication, and I hate the process of "riffing out" everything to Fabrication; it's dumb to have to rely on CAD when using Revit, besides the process is a real pain in the neck. What is everyone's thoughts on SysQue? Good, bad, otherwise.

Re: SysQue, Thoughts?

smbrennan — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 13:29:21 GMT

Have you looked into the new Fabrication Parts for Revit? It will look at the same parts library as your Fabrication CADmep (or at least that's my understanding).

I personally will never ask for a Sysque license. We are a single trade sub contractor, and I can't find justification in a product that's just as much as one of our licenses (>$10k). Their response is that we're getting the full package/library content. I understand, but I don't need the full package/library - I only want 1/3 of it. I'll never need the other 2/3 of the library. Why pay for something you're never going to use?

Re: SysQue, Thoughts?

ben — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 14:05:03 GMT

I have looked into Fabrication Parts for Revit, but from my understanding, which is admittedly minimal, you still have to maintain the database for AutoCAD Fabrication. CAD/FAB use ITM's and Revit uses RFA's; Fabrication Parts in Revit is pretty much a work around by using ITM's in a system that is designed for RFA's. The thing that interests me about SysQue is that it uses RFA's so it actually works in Revit how everything else in Revit works instead of trying to hodgepodge two different systems together that work in two different ways. Basically they took the ITM's and made them into actual RFA's.

It seems like another downfall of Fabrication Parts in Revit is that you still can't spool pieces for prefabrication, which is where SysQue would come in handy. Currently, I would have to draw in Revit and then RIF out my drawing to Fab/CADmep in order to spool it. It just doesn't seem to make sense if were drawing in Revit why we would still have to rely on the old FAB/CADmep database.

We are a subcontractor as well, we do plumbing and heating (hot water heat & chilled lines, no duct work). Yes, the up front cost is definitely some sticker shock, and some of that includes training as well, but after that initial price tag it is really only $500 more per year to maintain the license than we currently pay for Fabrication. We would obviously let our Fabrication license laps because we wouldn't use it any longer. We currently pay for a subscription to Building Data which we use for Fabrication, and BD is also in partnership with SysQue so I wouldn't imagine that would change too much.

I'm hoping that someone here has used it and can tell me if it's worth it to justify the cost. If it's worth every penny, or if it's more hype than anything.

Re: SysQue, Thoughts?

TBodor1 — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 16:31:19 GMT

I agree with the comments from above. Sysque is a neat product just WAY to expensive. We use the Fabrication parts in Revit and have invested in the Victaulic tools for Revit add-in (very economical) to help in spooling. It is a very powerful tool and works very well.

Re: SysQue, Thoughts?

ben — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 16:33:29 GMT

Is it similar to the Grinnell Tools add-in?

Re: SysQue, Thoughts?

TBodor1 — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 16:35:29 GMT

I don't know. I never looked into the Grinnell Tools add-in. Was very happy with the Vic Tools so I stopped looking.

Re: SysQue, Thoughts?

ben — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 16:38:03 GMT

I downloaded the Grinnell Tools because it was free and Vic was on the Building Data website, but Grinnell wasn't, I went to the Grinnell website hoping to find fittings to download when I discovered their add-in

Re: SysQue, Thoughts?

ben — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 16:46:02 GMT

Can you spool anything with Vic Tools (Sanitary Sewer, copper, etc) or is it just for Vic pipe & fittings only?

Re: SysQue, Thoughts?

TBodor1 — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 16:49:03 GMT

It works with anything. Revit families or Fabrication parts not just their stuff. They may have some videos online that you could watch. I know you can reach out to them as well for a demonstration.

Re: SysQue, Thoughts?

Anonymous — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 20:10:17 GMT

Sysque is well worth the money , its native to the revit platform enough said? I have been on alot of big jobs , were sysque has surpassed everyone , on the design side as well as documents. And the support is the best out there .

Re: SysQue, Thoughts?

Scott_D_ — Sun, 09 Jul 2017 14:02:35 GMT

From what I have seen Sysque is great for mechanical but no use for electrical as the electrical library is tiny.

For spool creation use Revit Assemblies.

Re: SysQue, Thoughts?

Anonymous — Sun, 09 Jul 2017 16:24:21 GMT

I prefer using parameters and filters for spools. Too many assemblies in your model is going to slow it down and leave windows for corruption.

SysQue offers a lot more than just a library. It includes automatic hangers, insulation specs that apply themselves as you draw pipe, it can change from tees to taps when certain sizes are used, it utilizes a convenient palette, and it can export for point layout.

Re: SysQue, Thoughts?

ben — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 19:20:13 GMT

By mechanical do you mean duct, plumbing, or hydronics?

Re: SysQue, Thoughts?

Scott_D_ — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 19:48:41 GMT

Domestic services, lthw heating, above ground drainage and ventilation from what I have seen.

Re: SysQue, Thoughts?

Anonymous — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 20:45:53 GMT

Mechanical contractor (Duct, Piping, Plumbing) in Dayton, OH. We use Revit with Sysque. We fab close to 100% or our duct by sending it straight to the shop. We're just starting up a Pipe Fab Shop so I'm probably not much help to your question. We still convert all systems over to Sysque for coordination and that works great.

Re: SysQue, Thoughts?

kyleQUEBM — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 22:06:35 GMT

I'm curious as to what kind of cost we're looking at for SysQue. I do design and fab drawings currently in SolidWorks. The piping library in there is quite lacking but I've got a hang of how it works and have been working it into my needs. We do a lot of custom fabrication as well so it is nice having everything available in 1 program. We just got Revit as being able to work with Navisworks is a requirement for some upcoming contracts, so I'm learning my way around it. It seems fairly simple, but coming from SolidWorks I like having 100% control over everything. I stumbled accross SysQue and if it's as good as it seems I would move 100% over for the pipe work, but I'd obviously have to justify the $$$ to the big man. What kind of automation does it have for the fabrication drawings and how "realistic" are they? Am I just going to get dimensions and have my fabricators figure things out or is it good down to the set back on a slip on flange and good cut lengths for everything? We deal mainly in carbon welded and seamless steel pipe (chilled water and such) and a bit of stainless. A lot of bigger diameter pipe as well, 32"+. Should I worry about the library? And one last question.... it's a long shot... but does anyone know if it can work with concrete/mortar lined and coated pipe??

Re: SysQue, Thoughts?

RobDraw — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 22:15:53 GMT

If they've stayed track with what they were doing a few years ago, they offer a range of levels of content and support. If the powers that be are willing to go third party to get Revit off the ground, it's not a bad option when compared to hiring experienced people to create custom content. Either way, there is a huge cost to get Revit up and running to suit your needs.

Re: SysQue, Thoughts?

smbrennan — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 12:25:01 GMT

The last time I talked to them about pricing, it was a single package for around $10k. That includes capabilities for all trades (M, E & P), as well as all of the content that they create. I can't justify that kind of money right now. If they'd drop it down to $3k because I don't and will never need the M & P side of it, I could. Maybe down the road as our department models for preconstruction on every job ...

Re: SysQue, Thoughts?

Scott_D_ — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 12:27:44 GMT

There isn't really much 'E' in Sysques package, at least not compared to the 'M' and certainly the 'P'.

Re: SysQue, Thoughts?

kyleQUEBM — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 12:46:41 GMT

Ouch that's a hefty price tag.. Looks like Revit is going to be used for layout only, at least for a while. Back to Solid Works I go