Batch Utility File Creation Coordination & Management - Navisworks Manage 2016

[brentcole3410]

I need input and/or opinions on coordinating and managing the Batch Utility to publish project NWD files in Navisworks Manage 2016.

At all times we have at least twelve projects requiring Navisworks model creation and coordination with Clients.

1. Should one person coordinate and manage this batch utility task?

2. Will the batch utility have any conflicts if scheduled automated file creation times overlap?  (We currently only have one network license of Manage.)

I have not found any documents or publications showing workflow or networking recommendations for the batch utility.

Thanks,

Brent

[dgorsman · Accepted solution]

You should have one person per project running the batch tool; if more than one computer tries to pull that single license then the batch process will fail.  If you have more than one computer trying to create the same file you can get competing updates.  You might want to consider a dedicated computer to do nothing but automated NWD publishing.  We had that on one extremely large project to publish multiple NWD files several times each day.  Having one person or one computer ensures consistency in how the constituent files are managed, color settings, and so on.

Also watch out for path lengths - the Windows Scheduled Task Manager (what schedules the batch process) has some character limits for input and output.  You might need to have a local NWF file for input, and a local folder for output, and have the batch process call a BAT file or other means to copy the output up to the network.

[brentcole3410]

Excellent advice.  Thanks.

[Patrick_Aps_9121]

My experience also: use one Computer to create the NWD overnight.
same license may be used during the day with other computers, but make sure that they cannot borrow it.
Store the NWFs (each for one project) on the local drive of that computer.
Make sure all models are attached to the NWF using UNC paths only.
Create the NWD also on the local hard drive
then, in a separate action, overwrite the NWD on the network location. You might need to OPENFILES /CLOSE on that NWD first if someone left his Navisworks open with that NWD.