AutoNews BIM Monthly Newsletter – March 2025
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Bridging Design and Workplace Management: How Autodesk and Archibus Are Revolutionizing Building Operations
Autodesk and Archibus by Eptura are strengthening their collaboration to address a long-standing challenge in the building industry: the disconnect between architectural design and workplace management. By integrating advanced tools such as the Archibus Smart Client Extension for Revit, Autodesk Tandem, and BIM Collaborate Pro, they are creating streamlined workflows that ensure continuity from design to operation. This partnership is revolutionizing how organizations manage their facilities, improve efficiency, and achieve sustainability goals.
The Challenge: Bridging Design and Operations
Traditionally, the transition from building design to operational management has been fraught with inefficiencies. Data generated during the design phase often becomes inaccessible or outdated once a building is handed over to facility managers. This gap leads to increased operational costs, reduced asset performance, and missed opportunities for optimization. Autodesk and Archibus are addressing this issue by integrating their software solutions to create a unified approach.
Archibus Smart Client Extension for Revit
The Archibus Smart Client Extension for Revit plays a key role in connecting design data with workplace management systems. Its benefits include:
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Bi-Directional Integration: Provides seamless synchronization between Revit models and Archibus enterprise data using Web Services.
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Ease of Use: Allows facility managers to access BIM data without requiring extensive Revit expertise.
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Enhanced Productivity: Ensures real-time updates between design models and operational data for improved accuracy.
By bridging the gap between BIM models and facility management systems, this extension ensures that design data remains relevant throughout the building lifecycle.
Autodesk Tandem: Digital Twins for Real-Time Insights
Autodesk Tandem complements this integration by enabling digital twin creation. Key features include:
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Real-Time Data Integration: Reflects live operational data within a virtual replica of the physical building.
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Performance Visualization: Helps users understand building systems in their spatial context post-handover.
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Effortless Handover: Facilitates smooth transitions of digital twins to facility owners, ensuring alignment between design intent and operational realities.
Digital twins created with Tandem provide actionable insights that improve decision-making during operations.
Autodesk BIM Collaborate Pro: Unified Collaboration
Autodesk BIM Collaborate Pro enhances team collaboration across all project phases. Its advantages include:
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Cloud-Based Co-Authoring: Enables real-time collaboration in Revit among designers, architects, engineers, and facility managers.
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Centralized Data Management: Improves visibility across teams by consolidating project information into a single source of truth.
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Streamlined Communication: Reduces fragmented workflows and ensures alignment between stakeholders.
This tool ensures that all contributors remain connected throughout the building lifecycle, reducing errors and inefficiencies.
Optimizing Space Management
The integration of Archibus’s space planning tools with Autodesk’s BIM solutions enables organizations to optimize space usage effectively:
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Conduct vacancy analyses and occupancy planning with precision.
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Visualize alternative space plans directly within BIM models.
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Track reservations and manage spaces efficiently.
This integration helps organizations maximize their facility portfolios while reducing wasted resources.
Simplifying Asset Lifecycle Management
By synchronizing asset data between Autodesk’s platforms and Archibus’s Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS), organizations can streamline asset management:
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Connect Revit models directly to maintenance schedules in Archibus.
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Create accurate real-time inventory databases for equipment tracking.
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Reduce downtime and extend asset lifecycles through preventive maintenance.
This approach ensures that assets are managed efficiently throughout their lifespan.
This partnership also addresses sustainability goals by enabling better-informed decisions regarding energy efficiency and resource utilization. The integrated systems provide detailed insights into building performance metrics post-occupancy, allowing stakeholders to adjust operations proactively to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprints. Consequently, organizations can meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations while optimizing their facility portfolios.
Ultimately, the collaboration between Autodesk and Archibus by Eptura represents a significant advancement in closing the gap between building design and workplace management. By integrating powerful tools such as the Archibus Smart Client Extension for Revit with Autodesk Tandem’s digital twins and BIM Collaborate Pro’s cloud-based collaboration capabilities, organizations can achieve seamless transitions from design through operation. This holistic approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also positions companies to meet future challenges in sustainability and asset management effectively.
Interested in trying any of these powerful tools for yourself or your company?
Contact us by filling out the Form Below
Send us a message or just call us at 201-792-6300
Changes to Autodesk’s 2025 Pricing
To help you plan ahead, we want to share important Autodesk price and policy changes taking effect in May 2025.
1. Price Increase & Policy Change for M2S & TNU Subscriptions
- Effective May 7, 2025: Autodesk will increase renewal prices for Move to Subscription (M2S) and Transition to Named User (TNU) subscriptions by 5% globally (consistent with their 10-year commitment).
- Effective May 10, 2025: These discounted subscriptions will only be available for annual renewal. Multi-year subscriptions will automatically convert to discounted annual terms.
✅ Recommended Action: Renew or extend your M2S or TNU subscriptions before May and consider switching to a 3-year term to lock in current rates.
2. General Autodesk Subscription Price Increase
- Effective May 7, 2025: Autodesk will implement an approximate 3.3% price increase for most new and renewing single-user subscriptions (annual and multi-year).
- Some products may see higher increases, particularly those previously subject to discounted or exception pricing.
✅ Recommended Action: Renew, extend, or purchase new subscriptions before May, and consider a 3-year term to maximize savings.
If you have any questions or need assistance reviewing your Autodesk subscription options, we’re here to help!
Take Action Today
Contact our team now to learn more by replying to this email or by calling 201-792-6300 to talk with your account manager, or email the sales team at [email protected].
Why Choose Robotech CAD Solutions Resources?
By purchasing directly from us, you gain access to:
- Personalized renewal support.
- Expert license management and assistance tailored to your needs.
- Industry-leading guidance for your digitization journey.
FAQs
- Why is Autodesk making these changes?
The adjustments align Autodesk’s pricing globally and streamline renewal policies across regions. - Are there exceptions?
Yes, certain globally priced subscriptions (Premium, Flex) and Enterprise Business Agreements are unaffected. - Can I still get discounts?
Yes, 3-year subscription renewals will retain the 5% discount, and EMS subscriptions in select markets will also receive specific discounts.
AutoCAD Tutorial: Advanced Layer Management Techniques
Welcome to our tutorial on advanced layer management techniques in AutoCAD! Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a beginner looking to improve your drafting efficiency, mastering layer management can significantly enhance your workflow. In this guide, we’ll explore layer filters, layer states, and property overrides to help you organize your drawings like a pro.
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Why Advanced Layer Management Matters
In complex drawings, managing layers can become overwhelming. Advanced techniques like layer filters, layer states, and property overrides allow you to:
– Quickly isolate and work with specific layers.
– Save and restore layer configurations for different tasks.
– Temporarily override layer properties without altering the original settings.
Let’s dive into each of these techniques!
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- Using Layer Filters
Layer filters help you organize and display only the layers you need at any given time. This is especially useful in drawings with dozens or hundreds of layers.
Steps to Create a Layer Filter:
- Open the Layer Properties Manager:
– Type `LA` in the command line and press Enter.
– Alternatively, find it in the Home tab under the Layers panel.
- Create a New Filter:
– In the Layer Properties Manager, click the New Property Filter button (funnel icon).
– Name your filter (e.g., “Electrical Layers”).
- Set Filter Criteria:
– Use the filter dialog to specify criteria like Layer Name, Color, or Line Type.
– For example, filter layers with names containing “ELEC” for electrical components.
- Apply the Filter:
– Once created, the filter will display only the layers that match your criteria.
– You can toggle the filter on or off as needed.
*Example: A layer filter isolating electrical layers.*
In complex drawings, managing layers can become overwhelming. Advanced techniques like layer filters, layer states, and property overrides allow you to:
– Quickly isolate and work with specific layers.
– Save and restore layer configurations for different tasks.
– Temporarily override layer properties without altering the original settings.
Let’s dive into each of these techniques!
—
- Using Layer Filters
Layer filters help you organize and display only the layers you need at any given time. This is especially useful in drawings with dozens or hundreds of layers.
Steps to Create a Layer Filter:
- Open the Layer Properties Manager:
– Type `LA` in the command line and press Enter.
– Alternatively, find it in the Home tab under the Layers panel.
- Create a New Filter:
– In the Layer Properties Manager, click the New Property Filter button (funnel icon).
– Name your filter (e.g., “Electrical Layers”).
- Set Filter Criteria:
– Use the filter dialog to specify criteria like Layer Name, Color, or Line Type.
– For example, filter layers with names containing “ELEC” for electrical components.
- Apply the Filter:
– Once created, the filter will display only the layers that match your criteria.
– You can toggle the filter on or off as needed.
*Example: A layer filter isolating electrical layers.*
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- Saving and Restoring Layer States
Layer states allow you to save the current visibility, color, line type, and other properties of layers. You can restore these states later, making it easy to switch between different views or configurations.
Steps to Save a Layer State:
- Configure Your Layers:
– Adjust layer properties (e.g., turn off layers, change colors) to your desired setup.
- Open the Layer States Manager:
– Type `LAYERSTATE` in the command line and press Enter.
– Alternatively, find it in the Home tab under the Layers panel.
- Create a New Layer State:
– Click New and give your state a name (e.g., “Floor Plan View”).
– Choose which properties to save (e.g., On/Off, Color, Line Type).
- Restore a Layer State:
– To restore a saved state, open the Layer States Manager, select the state, and click Restore.
*Example: Saving and restoring a layer state for a floor plan view.*
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- Using Property Overrides
Property overrides allow you to temporarily change the appearance of layers in specific viewports without altering the original layer properties. This is particularly useful for creating presentation drawings.
Steps to Apply Property Overrides:
- Switch to a Layout Tab:
– Click on a layout tab to access paper space.
- Enter a Viewport:
– Double-click inside a viewport to enter model space.
- Open the Layer Properties Manager:
– Type `LA` and press Enter.
- Override Layer Properties:
– In the Layer Properties Manager, look for the “VP” columns (Viewport Overrides).
– Click on a property (e.g., Color, Line Type) to override it for the current viewport.
- Exit the Viewport:
– Double-click outside the viewport to return to paper space.
*Example: Overriding layer colors in a viewport for a presentation drawing.*
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Tips for Effective Layer Management
– Use Descriptive Layer Names: Avoid generic names like “Layer1.” Instead, use names like “Walls,” “Doors,” or “Electrical.”
– Group Related Layers: Use layer filters or prefixes to group similar layers (e.g., “A-Walls,” “A-Doors” for architectural layers).
– Save Multiple Layer States: Create layer states for different tasks, such as “Editing,” “Printing,” or “Presentation.”
– Leverage Templates: Save your layer setups in a template file (`DWT`) to reuse them in future projects.
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Conclusion
By mastering advanced layer management techniques in AutoCAD, you can streamline your workflow, reduce errors, and create more organized drawings. Whether you’re using layer filters to isolate specific elements, saving layer states for quick configuration changes, or applying property overrides for presentations, these tools will help you work smarter, not harder.
Feel free to experiment with these techniques and incorporate them into your daily workflow. Happy drafting!
Revit Tutorial: Using View Range Settings in Revit to Control Visibility in Floor Plan Views
Welcome to this beginner-friendly tutorial on using View Range settings in Autodesk Revit! View Range is a powerful tool that allows you to control which elements are visible in your floor plan views. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll understand how to adjust these settings to display exactly what you need in your drawings.
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What is View Range?
In Revit, the View Range determines how much of the model is visible in a floor plan view. It defines the vertical range (height) of the view and controls which elements are cut, visible, or hidden. Think of it as a “slice” through your building model at a specific height.
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Key Components of View Range
The View Range settings consist of four primary planes:
- Primary Range
– Top: Defines the upper limit of the view.
– Cut Plane: Defines the height at which elements are “cut” (e.g., walls, doors, windows).
– Bottom: Defines the lower limit of the view.
- View Depth: Extends below the Bottom plane to show additional elements (e.g., foundations or floor slabs).
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Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting View Range
Step 1: Open a Floor Plan View
- Open your Revit project.
- Navigate to the floor plan view you want to adjust.
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Step 2: Access View Range Settings
- In the Properties palette, scroll down to the Extents section.
- Click on View Range to open the View Range dialog box.
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Step 3: Understand the View Range Dialog Box
The dialog box will display the following fields:
– Top: Set this to the highest level you want to see in the view (e.g., the level above).
– Cut Plane: Set this to the height where elements are cut (typically 4 feet for floor plans).
– Bottom: Set this to the lowest level you want to see in the view (e.g., the current level).
– View Depth: Set this to extend below the Bottom plane if you want to see additional elements.
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Step 4: Adjust the Settings
- Set the Cut Plane: For most floor plans, set the Cut Plane to 4 feet (1200 mm) to cut through doors and windows.
- Adjust the Top and Bottom: Set the Top to the level above and the Bottom to the current level.
- Extend the View Depth: If you want to see elements below the floor (e.g., foundations), set the View Depth below the Bottom plane.
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Step 5: Apply and Check the Results
- Click OK to apply the settings.
- Review your floor plan to ensure the desired elements are visible.
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Tips for Beginners
– Experiment: Don’t be afraid to adjust the settings and see how they affect your view.
– Use Defaults: Start with the default settings and tweak them as needed.
– Check Visibility Graphics: If elements are still not visible, ensure they are not hidden in the Visibility/Graphics settings.
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Visual Aid
The images below are an example of how the View Range dialog box looks and how it affects a floor plan view:
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Conclusion
Mastering the View Range settings in Revit is essential for creating accurate and clear floor plan views. By following this tutorial, you should now feel confident in adjusting these settings to control the visibility of elements in your projects.
Happy modeling!
If you have any questions about Revit or access the View Range, feel free to leave a comment down below and one of our instructors can reach out.
From CAD to BIM: Revolutionizing AEC Technology
The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry has undergone a seismic shift over the past few decades, driven by the evolution of technology from Computer-Aided Design (CAD) to Building Information Modeling (BIM). This transformation has not only revolutionized how buildings are designed and constructed but has also redefined collaboration, efficiency, and sustainability in the industry. From the early days of 2D drafting to the sophisticated 3D modeling and data-rich environments of today, the journey from CAD to BIM is a testament to the power of innovation in shaping the future of construction.
The Timeline of CAD to BIM: A Journey Through Innovation
1960s: The Birth of CAD
The story begins in the 1960s, when the first CAD systems emerged. These early tools, such as Sketchpad developed by Ivan Sutherland, allowed designers to create digital 2D drawings. While revolutionary at the time, these systems were limited in scope and required significant computational power, which was expensive and inaccessible to most.
1980s: The Rise of 2D CAD
By the 1980s, CAD software became more accessible and widely adopted. Programs like AutoCAD, introduced by Autodesk in 1982, enabled architects and engineers to create precise 2D drawings more efficiently than manual drafting. This era marked the beginning of the digital transformation in the AEC industry, as firms began to transition from paper-based workflows to digital ones.
1990s: The Emergence of 3D Modeling
The 1990s saw the introduction of 3D modeling capabilities in CAD software. Tools like Autodesk’s 3D Studio and Bentley Systems’ MicroStation allowed designers to create three-dimensional representations of buildings. While this was a significant step forward, these early 3D models were primarily visual and lacked the data-rich features that define modern BIM.
2000s: The Dawn of BIM
The concept of BIM began to take shape in the early 2000s. Unlike traditional CAD, BIM is not just about creating drawings or models; it’s about creating a digital representation of a building that includes both geometric and non-geometric data. Autodesk Revit, launched in 2000, was one of the first BIM platforms to gain widespread adoption. Revit allowed architects, engineers, and contractors to collaborate on a shared model, integrating design, construction, and operational data into a single platform.
2010s: BIM Goes Mainstream
The 2010s marked the mainstream adoption of BIM across the AEC industry. Governments and organizations worldwide began mandating BIM for public projects, recognizing its potential to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance collaboration. During this time, Autodesk Revit continued to evolve, adding features like parametric modeling, cloud collaboration, and integration with other tools such as Navisworks for clash detection and analysis.
2020s: BIM and Beyond
Today, BIM is no longer just a tool but a foundational element of the AEC workflow. The integration of BIM with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and the Internet of Things (IoT) is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. For example, AI-powered tools can now analyze BIM data to optimize building performance, while VR allows stakeholders to visualize and interact with BIM models in immersive environments.
The Essential Role of BIM in Modern AEC Workflows
BIM has become indispensable to the AEC industry, transforming how projects are planned, designed, constructed, and managed. Unlike traditional CAD, which focuses primarily on geometry, BIM provides a holistic approach by embedding critical data into every component of a building model. This data-driven methodology enables better decision-making, reduces errors, and improves collaboration among stakeholders.
One of the standout BIM platforms in the industry is Autodesk Revit. Revit’s robust features, such as parametric modeling, real-time collaboration, and interoperability with other software, make it an ideal choice for architects, engineers, and contractors. Its ability to create detailed, data-rich models ensures that all project stakeholders are working from the same information, minimizing misunderstandings and rework. Furthermore, Revit’s integration with Autodesk’s ecosystem, including tools like BIM 360 for cloud-based collaboration, enhances its utility in modern construction projects.
The Future is BIM
The evolution from CAD to BIM represents more than just a technological shift; it signifies a fundamental change in how the AEC industry approaches building design and construction. BIM’s ability to integrate data, improve collaboration, and enhance efficiency has made it an essential tool for modern construction projects. As the industry continues to embrace digital transformation, platforms like Autodesk Revit will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of construction, enabling smarter, more sustainable, and more innovative buildings. The journey from CAD to BIM is far from over, and the possibilities for what comes next are as exciting as the progress we’ve already made.
