Right now the
interest that we are seeing in Navisworks has expanded exponentially. I
attribute this to a handful of reasons. The Autodesk's Suites have increased
the overall reach of Navisworks by putting licenses in the hands of Revit users
at a fraction of the cost compared with purchasing completely separate packages
of software. Navisworks represents an
extremely important platform for a BIM. We can now rely on the strengths of
Navisworks as a near universal model aggregation tool, including integration of
DWF or DWG sheet files. Navisworks can truly hold all 2D and 3D intelligent
information and even "connect the dots" digitally between the
different file formats of the same project. There is also several tiers of
Navisworks that allow for the users that need to run and track clashes to have
access to a deeper version of the software, and those that need to view and
markup a free tool to do only that.
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| Get it? The Clash |
Most new users want
to use the Clash Detection tools inside of Navisworks Manage to collaborate
digitally prior to construction. This, above all other functions, is the most
valued of Navisworks and only available in the Manage version. The Timeliner tool is a distant second in
unique functions although, considering the improvements in 2013, it has the
ability to pick up many construction simulation modelers looking to more
seamlessly integrate data and geometry inside one comprehensive tool. Plus, there are more applications that can
tap the data into other formats (e.g. e-SPECS for Navisworks) for many
different uses of the model.
The backbone of the
solution is the bevvy of formats that
read well into Navisworks. Keep in mind: geometry fidelity and the quality,
organization and consistency of data inside of the geometry can make the
difference between a easy integration or a process that is much more manual.
Simply put, it all depends on what you put in and what you are asking it to do.
Just because you can doesn't necessarily mean it is worthwhile to do. Pick your
battles. There are also security features to Navisworks files that protect
intellectual property and can serve as reliable record copies.
The simple tools for
complex projects that Navisworks packs,
as well as the increased saturation in the AEC market, creates a real need in
the industry to know the simple strategies to get the most out of the tool. This
usually comes in the form of simple tips and ideas around setting up an
iterative approach and generally getting your ducks in a row for digital
coordination.
The point is
Navisworks has the potential to be the platform for model aggregation for BIMs
of all shapes and sizes, from all different locations. It has both a free
solution, it has a comprehensive solution. 2D, 3D, 4D, 5D. Seriously. I
remember the first time I told people that I work in software that goes to the
5th dimension they looked at me like I was an idiot. And while it is an overly
clever way to say "time and data" on top of the 3D, it is true. I would prepare for Navisworks to become a
fixture in the digital design, construction, and facilities management
practices for the foreseeable future.
