Updating the central model

[chluk2425]

I have the following scenario and would like to seek for suggestions / advice.

We are working on a project that involved 2-3 consultants and one company to do the revit modelling, which are independent to the other consultants so we do not have direct intranet connection. The modelling had just started and the first draft have uploaded to the FTP. The model will not contain everything because of the scope limited what will be drawn in revit.

However, we are trying to put some more things (which are out of the scope of the modeller) inside the revit to facilitate our work and here comes the problem. Whenever they update the main file and upload to the ftp, how could we incorporate our part into the main file? Can I save the ftp version as central model, and update it locally, and whenever the modeller updates their main file to ftp, we replace the central model with their new one and sync our part back to it?

[J.Wehmer]

BIM360 is the prime solution for this issue.

Upsides:

1. No more download and replace the central file
2. Complete real-time coordination
3. No hassle of overriding the central (I know this goes in with #1, but sometime it is a real hassle and deserves it's own point)

Downsides:

1. You are dependent on the cloud
2. Costs money
3. You are dependent on the could
4. More software to install

Overall BIM360 is a fantastic product, and I have never had issues with it. I recommend checking it out for just this kind of issue. Many firms, ranging from small to giant operate 100% out of the BIM360 cloud, and have minimal issues.

BIM360 also has a ton of cool tools that come with certain packages, some are really good for on-site modeling/dim. checking, you can access the model on your tablet or phone (even without internet, you just have to get the model first).

Hope This helps!

[RobDraw]

(Not everyone has a need for buying BIM360 licenses, so it may not be so ideal.)

Simple rule of thumb is to keep consultants work in a separate linked file that can be updated easily without losing your work. Keep you additions in your model and you won't have to anything but replace the consultants model when you get updates.

[J.Wehmer]

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@RobDraw wrote:

(Not everyone has a need for buying BIM360 licenses, so it may not be so ideal.)

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Totally agree, at my previous shop we primarily got BIM360 for projects that demanded it. The price (small as it is), is still something else to pay, install and keep up with.

[chluk2425]

Getting a BIM360 will not be the way out as the intention as the model was not meant to be "collaborated". The BIM company was supposed to be the only modeller. What we were trying to do is to add somemore detail in it which are out of their scope. So asking the client to pay more for something they are not expecting will not be entertained. Anyway thanks for your information

[chluk2425]

So I guess this is similar to the XREF in AutoCAD? What about if we want to modify the model created by the BIM company? Say I want to create some steel beam opening on the parts the BIM company had modelled, I won’t be able to do that isn’t it?