dsewell
2009-12-04, 02:47 PM
It would be nice if Revit could create central files of building models that would link to local files of numerous projects. We often have many different projects inside of large existing structures and we have yet to find an efficient way of dealing with this situation with Revit Structure. Ideally, we would like to have a central file with the building that didn't have any drawing sheets associated to it and local files for the individual projects with the sheets. The current system doesn't allow for numerous projects inside the same building to utilize the same file because all the project numbers need to be the same (short of making the project number an instance parameter which causes more problems). It also doesn't allow for duplicate sheet numbers which is handy when working with one project but a real pain when working with mulitple projects.
The synchronize with central command should have more options to allow for better change management. While revit has phasing options, they currently are not very powerful when it comes to change management. For instance, if we design a project inside an existing building that requires modifications to the original structure, these changes must be made in the central file of the building. What happens if that project never gets built? Now the original building model is either shown incorrectly or we have to delete the record of the work we've done. Neither case is the proper way of handling this situation. Revit should allow model merging with a line by line approval process to accept changes to existing objects. We have encountered numerous situations with central files and project phasing that show many weaknesses in the Revit platform. There should be significant improvements in these areas because not all 3D modeling occurs in nice new green field situations and other platforms handle these situations much better.
The synchronize with central command should have more options to allow for better change management. While revit has phasing options, they currently are not very powerful when it comes to change management. For instance, if we design a project inside an existing building that requires modifications to the original structure, these changes must be made in the central file of the building. What happens if that project never gets built? Now the original building model is either shown incorrectly or we have to delete the record of the work we've done. Neither case is the proper way of handling this situation. Revit should allow model merging with a line by line approval process to accept changes to existing objects. We have encountered numerous situations with central files and project phasing that show many weaknesses in the Revit platform. There should be significant improvements in these areas because not all 3D modeling occurs in nice new green field situations and other platforms handle these situations much better.