Need for a Dedicated Autodesk Precast Software – Looking for Community Feedback

[robert12546358]

Hello everyone,

I would like to start a discussion around the current limitations we face while using Revit for precast concrete projects.

In many precast workflows, we rely on Revit along with multiple add-ins or external tools for:
- Precast product modeling (walls, beams, columns, slabs, piles, etc.)
- Full 3D rebar modeling and rebar clash detection
- Cast-in items such as lifters, anchors, inserts, plates, sleeves
- Centroid and weight calculation for lifting and handling
- Shop drawings, rebar schedules, embed schedules
- Manufacturing and production-ready outputs

While Revit is a powerful BIM tool, it is not a complete end-to-end solution for precast detailing and manufacturing. Most of us still depend heavily on third-party plugins and manual workflows.

Because of this, I have submitted an official idea to Autodesk suggesting the development of a dedicated Autodesk Precast software that can cover the full precast lifecycle—from modeling and detailing to shop drawings and production data.

I would really like to hear from other Revit Structure users:
- Are you facing similar challenges in precast projects?
- Do you feel a native Autodesk precast solution is needed?
- What features do you think are most critical for precast workflows?

If you support this idea, I would appreciate your vote and comments on the Autodesk Ideas portal (link below).

Thank you, and looking forward to your thoughts and experience.

Dedicated Autodesk Software for Precast Concrete Modeling & Detailing - Autodesk Community

[ctm_mka]

@robert12546358 curious your thoughts on the already included tab of tools in 2025  (no idea if they available before 2025) & up:

[robert12546358]

@ctm_mka It’s quite easy to use when setting things up for the first time. However, when it comes to making changes later, it becomes problematic. Every small update triggers regeneration, which reduces manual control and slows down the workflow. Because of this, it’s not very helpful for long-term use or scenarios that require frequent changes.

[bh_chand]

@robert12546358 I have also raised the idea of precast modelling.
https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/revit-ideas/precast-modelling-using-dedicated-precast-family-template... 

[jay_colc]

Take a look at the AEC Revit Structure roadmap as there may be some additional information there!

Concrete Tab/Ribbon

Revit - Structure Roadmap - AEC Tech Drop

I know they adopted transferring Precast Configurations in 2026.4 which can help sharing precast information between Projects

[navya_gelli]

Hello, @robert12546358 ,

Just checking in—did the responses shared by @jay_colc help clarify your question?

If so, please consider clicking the "Accept Solution" button on the post(s) that solved your problem. Doing so helps others in the community easily find useful answers.

If your question still needs more attention, feel free to reply here with an update. This way, other members can jump in with further suggestions or guidance to help you move forward.

All the best,

Navya | Community Manager

[robert12546358]

@jay_colc Yes, I’ve reviewed the AEC Revit Structure roadmap and the update about transferring Precast Configurations in 2026.4 is definitely helpful for sharing precast information between projects.

However, regarding the precast configuration feature — it works well when creating it for the first time. The issue arises when we need to update it later. If we modify any voids or change the shape, Revit generates an entirely new drawing instead of updating the existing one.

This makes the workflow less edit-friendly and significantly impacts efficiency, especially during revision stages. Ideally, the configuration should allow incremental updates rather than recreating the full drawing each time.

In fact, we executed one project using this workflow, and it turned out to be a very bad experience for us due to these limitations. It created rework and coordination challenges during revisions.