This really comes down to one question: Are you are a design contractor, build contractor or a design/build contractor?
If you are a design contractor, then even thinking the word 'Fabrication' is a waste of time.
If you are a build contractor (like my good self), then Fabrication Parts are a brilliant tool for transitioning from a drawing or model into manufactured ductwork at the click of a button. It basically removes the need for someone to interpret shop drawings and enter duct pieces for fabrication. You will get exactly what you draw in the model. We have been using Fab Parts supplemented by .rfa's for about two years and the increase in productivity and decrease in the double handling of data has made the switch absolutely worth it. I don't need to put nearly as much detail into my shop drawings as the fabrication process has become mostly automated.
If you are a design/build contractor then you would design in .rfa's before converting to Fabrication Parts once the construction issue comes around. I am yet to extensively test the efficiency and accuracy of the conversion process but it certainly works.
I would argue that Fabrication Parts can be as fast to use as .rfa's if not faster. It does however take a significant amount of time to set it up correctly, for which you will need a Fabrication Product. I do agree that .rfa based systems are easier to edit, but not by a large margin. The big difference is application, as noted above.
If you have any more specific questions I'd be happy to respond.
If my post answers your question, please click... Just kidding!
