When i first saw the data exchanges i was really optimistic that they might provide a better vehicle for cross-model coordination and sort of filling in gaps where Copy/Monitor falls a bit short, especially in the MEP context.
I think we're all pretty aware that many teams will use trade-specific models, even going as far as separating M, E, and P models. This gives a lot of independence and security, but takes away some useful coordination aspects from the engineering perspective, specifically the ability to connect elements to systems across models.
one of the great limitations of C/M that data exchanges seem to address is the updating of parameter values. In previous testing, linked or C/M elements would not receive parameter updates, and this appears to function with DE, which is great.
The thing i'm currently looking at is Mechanical-Electrical coordination, where the Mechanical Engineer/Model owns the Mechanical Equipment (or other element with power connector) and the Electrical model wants to be able to connect to those elements, but not own them.
The other challenge that i was hoping this could help address is population/coordination of lighting. It's often a point of discussion between E and A about who selects, places, and owns the lights. The point being that they do need to live in the E model eventually if the Electrical team will be able to take advantage of Electrical Circuits, Panel Schedules, etc.
It looks like system connectors are not transferred as part of the Data Exchange (no Electrical Circuits contextual menu). I'm still trying to review all the documentation. Is there a way to do this? Is this something that could be incorporated into the Data Exchanges?
