MEP Workflow - Project Setup

[jwinklerSB4SV]

I've just received an ARCH model with 100+ plan views.  -Typical for a new project, and we receive about 3 new projects per week.  My task is to create identical floor plan views (same scale, scope box, naming convention) into each of our 5 templates (M,E,P,FP,T).  Is there really no way to copy the views from one project to another?  Do I really have to manually create and re type the name of 100+ plan views, assign scope boxes, assign linked views - and then repeat that same process 5 times?  We are talking days of work just to set up a project.

[ASCunningham]

Unfortunately yes you have to create all of them. There are add-on programs that can duplicate a sheet but in order for that to work all the views that need to be placed onto the sheets will need to be created first.

May I ask why you have separate models for all the disciplines? We are also MEPF and we work out of one model. I understand that in some cases this is not possible but I was just wondering because then you only need to setup one project. 

[pawel.romaniuk]

Hello @jwinklerSB4SV

It's worth to post this question also on Dynamo Forum there is a room to implement some scripts which can automate this task - not ideal but worth to try out.

[jwinklerSB4SV]

Thanks.  Our project team went through the pros and cons of 1 model vs per discipline a while ago.  We tested both methods, and found that:

1.   12 people accessing one central file at the same time was creating latency, especially during sync to central and open file.

2.  Each discipline has hundreds of sheets, and several hundred views - makes for an overloaded project browser and large file, and more items to sort through in the browser.

3.  Do not want an electrical engineer to accidentally delete a mechanical unit, or upgrade a central file.  We are dealing with different skill levels.

4.  Our template would be easier to manage as combined, but very large file size with a lot of content.

5.  Some projects do not involve all disciplines.

The project setup process is making me re-think this.  I have worked with other companies that used the separated discipline approach successfully, but then I was not involved in project setup - they must have used add-ons for that.

[ASCunningham]

I understand that it can be a difficult decision to make. I have just a few comments that might help you out. Ei

1.   12 people accessing one central file at the same time was creating latency, especially during sync to central and open file. By setting up a Revit Server and saving and accessing your project files on there, you shouldn't get the latency issues. We have multiple offices and this is the only way we can utilize people in different parts of the country. Revit server doesn't cost anything but you would need a good IT person to set it up.

2.  Each discipline has hundreds of sheets, and several hundred views - makes for an overloaded project browser and large file, and more items to sort through in the browser. Creating discipline worksets gives you the ability to open a project and specify which worksets you want to load. The views and sheets will still load but not equipment, piping, etc.

3.  Do not want an electrical engineer to accidentally delete a mechanical unit, or upgrade a central file.  We are dealing with different skill levels. Not much you can do about that.

4.  Our template would be easier to manage as combined, but very large file size with a lot of content. Our template is about 80mb and all disciplines combined on a large 7 story hospital project the file size is 600mb. It takes a few minutes to open through revit server but once it is open we don't have any slowdown issues.

5.  Some projects do not involve all disciplines. Those views sheets could be deleted when the project is first setup

I'm not trying to persuade you in any way just wanted to give you a few ideas since we are in the same type of company. Good luck

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Have you looked at Rushforth Projects for this?

You would need to generate your views first using the software, then, using the software again, apply the view settings from the linked file to the views.  The software also automates the copying of the scope boxes. 

Unfortunately I haven't tried it myself on a project but can see that in principle it seems to work for what you want.

I have no commercial interest in the application.

http://www.rushforthprojects.com/

[jwinklerSB4SV]

Using Rushforth Tools now.  It appears to have the features to do what I need (create sheets/views based on ARCH model), but it has been running overnight and is not finished creating views.  I have created a project template using RF Tools, and if it works, this will be a huge time saver in the future.  I’ll let you know what happens.

[smartinez8Z8RC]

So did it work out in the end? 

[jwinklerSB4SV]

You really need an add-on like Rushforth.  Rushforth is a great tool, but I believe it is a 3 month trial, so you need to buy it.  They are taking advantage of Autodesk's disconnect with the MEP industry, and I can't say I blame them.