Contacting Autodesk for Revit Information

[michael_desrochers97]

Hello to all,

Thank you for taking the time to read this post.

I am currently looking into Revit to see if it would fit the needs and uses of my company. We deal with structural steel design along with CFS wall and floor panel designs. We produce shop drawings for members along with installation plans/details/elevations/sections, etc. 

We are looking to receive more information regarding Revit to see if it can fill our needs with our work, and are looking to talk to an expert regarding this, through Autodesk.

I have had a hard time trying to find a place to talk to an actual person or email, instead of an AI chat or robot. If anyone has any resources then please let me know. If anyone also has any other product recommendations, that would also be very much appreciated.

Thank you and have a good day.

[jeremy_tammik · Accepted solution]

Dear Michael, 

I am happy to confirm that I am a human being. Unfortunately, though, I can hardly help you at all, and this is not the optimal place to raise such a question. Please note that this discussion forum is exclusively dedicated to programming Revit using the Revit API. For end user issues such as yours related to structural steel design,. you might be able to get some advice in the Revit Structure forum:

• https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/revit-structure-forum/bd-p/153

I hope they can help you there.

I hear your unwillingness to interact with any AI agents, but I am currently so fascinated by their capabilities that I was unable to resist passing on your question to the Gemini LLM as well. I'll append its response below, hoping that might provide additional help and guidance for you in your evaluation.

Best regards

Jeremy

Gemini answers:

It's excellent that you're evaluating Revit for your structural steel and CFS design needs. It can be a powerful tool, but it's essential to understand its capabilities and limitations before making a decision. Here's a breakdown of how to get the information you need and what to consider:

1. Direct Contact with Autodesk:

• Autodesk Sales: The most direct route is to contact Autodesk sales directly. They can connect you with a sales representative specializing in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry and your region. They can schedule a demo tailored to your specific requirements. You can find contact information on the Autodesk website. Be prepared to discuss:
  • Your company's size and typical project types.
  • Your current workflow and pain points.
  • Specific Revit features you're interested in (e.g., structural modeling, detailing, shop drawing creation, collaboration).
• Autodesk Authorized Resellers: Consider contacting an Autodesk Authorized Reseller in your area. Resellers often have deep technical expertise and can provide personalized consultations, training, and support. They can be a valuable resource even after you purchase the software.

2. Preparing for Your Consultation:

To make the most of your conversation with Autodesk or a reseller, prepare a list of questions and requirements. Here are some key points to consider:

• Structural Steel Capabilities:
  • Modeling: How well does Revit handle complex steel connections, framing, and bracing?
  • Analysis: Does Revit integrate with structural analysis software (e.g., Robot Structural Analysis, ETABS, SAP2000)? This is critical for design validation.
  • Detailing: Can Revit generate detailed shop drawings, including dimensions, annotations, and bills of materials, according to your standards?
  • Fabrication: Does Revit support exporting data in formats suitable for CNC machines and fabrication workflows (e.g., DSTV)?
• Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) Capabilities:
  • Panel Design: Can Revit effectively model and detail CFS wall and floor panels, including studs, tracks, and sheathing?
  • Framing: How easy is it to create and manipulate CFS framing members?
  • Connections: Does Revit handle the specific connection types used in CFS construction?
• Shop Drawing Creation:
  • Automation: How much automation is possible for generating shop drawings? Can you customize the output to meet your company's standards?
  • Annotation and Dimensioning: Can you control the appearance and content of annotations and dimensions?
  • Bill of Materials: Can Revit generate accurate bills of materials for fabrication and ordering?
• Collaboration:
  • Multi-user Projects: Can multiple users work on the same Revit model simultaneously?
  • Data Exchange: Can Revit exchange data with other software you use (e.g., CAD software, project management tools)?
• Implementation and Training:
  • Training Options: What training options are available for your team?
  • Customization: Can Revit be customized to meet your specific needs?
  • Support: What level of support does Autodesk provide?

3. Beyond the Sales Pitch:

• Autodesk Forums: Explore the Autodesk Revit forums. You can find discussions related to structural steel and CFS design and see how other users are leveraging the software.
• Revit Structure Community: Look for online communities and user groups specifically focused on Revit Structure.
• Case Studies: Search for case studies of companies using Revit for structural steel and CFS projects. This can provide valuable insights into real-world applications.
• Trial Version: If possible, get a trial version of Revit to experiment with it yourself. This hands-on experience will be invaluable in evaluating its suitability for your workflows.

Key Questions for Autodesk/Resellers:

• "Can you demonstrate how Revit handles complex steel connections and generate shop drawings for them?"
• "How well does Revit integrate with structural analysis software for steel and CFS design?"
• "Can you show us examples of CFS panel design and detailing in Revit?"
• "What level of customization is possible for shop drawing creation and bill of materials generation?"
• "Can you provide references to other companies using Revit for similar projects?"
• "What are the training and support options available?"

By thoroughly investigating Revit's capabilities and asking the right questions, you'll be well-equipped to make an informed decision about whether it's the right tool for your business. Don't hesitate to ask for detailed demonstrations and examples relevant to your specific workflows.