Demystifying Autodesk Technology: Unlocking Efficiency for Factory Planning and Factory Design

Welcome back to our blog series aimed at demystifying Autodesk technology for design and manufacturing. In this article, we will investigate how Autodesk Construction Cloud workflows can be leveraged for factory planning and factory design, with insights from our expert, Ives Veelaert, Autodesk's Principal Technical Solutions Executive for EMEA.  

Today, we will focus on multiple collaborative workflows spanning multiple products for factory layout.  Let's break down these workflows into three core elements, each tailored to achieve a unique objective: 

1. To seamlessly depict the building layout in context with the shopfloor, we will look at the interaction between Revit and Inventor. 
2. To foster real-time collaboration and coordination among teams, we will look at BIM Collaborate 
3. To review clash issues within models and in our desktop products, we will look at Navisworks and Revit 

Interaction between Revit and Inventor 

When it comes to factory planning, the smooth integration between architectural layouts and mechanical design is paramount. With Autodesk Construction Cloud's large model viewer, this seamless interaction is possible between Revit and Inventor, two vital components in the Autodesk suite. As an example, let us look at HVAC systems. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Linking Revit and Inventor: 

1. Exploring Views in ACC's Large Model Viewer:
   Begin by navigating through the views within ACC's large model viewer. This dynamic interface allows you to explore various aspects of your design, from structure to intricate details. 
2. Creating a Data Exchange for Specific Views:
   Interested in the HVAC system? You can initiate a link with Inventor by creating a data exchange for the views that need to be visible in Inventor. This integration allows real-time collaboration between Revit and Inventor designers. 
3. Logging the Data Exchange into Inventor:
   Once the desired views are selected, log this data exchange into the system in Inventor. This establishes the communication channel that enables interaction between the Revit designer and the Inventor designer. 

4. Responding to Design Challenges:
   Imagine a scenario where there's not enough clearance for the HVAC system. This intelligent workflow allows you to communicate this issue directly to the Revit designer, prompting them to make necessary adjustments to the system. 
5. Automatic Updates and Version Control in Autodesk Docs
   Once the Revit designer publishes the new file with the relocated HVAC system, the data exchange gets automatically updated through version control in Autodesk Docs. This ensures that everyone stays on the same page, with real-time updates to the design. 
6. Checking for Updates in Inventor
   Simply check for this update in Inventor to confirm that the HVAC system has been successfully moved. This collaborative process enhances the precision and efficiency of your design workflows. 

Design Collaboration  

1. Packaging Different Disciplines for Clear Communication: 

With Autodesk Construction Cloud, you can communicate using "packages." These packages represent different disciplines, such as factory layout, architecture, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing). This unification enables you to check distances and alignments just like you would with Revit and Inventor. 

2. Colour Coding According to Disciplines: 

One of the standout features of BIM Collaborate is the ability to colour-code according to the discipline delivered to the package. This colour coordination corresponds to teams set up within BIM Collaborate, adding another layer of clarity and coherence to the design collaboration process. 

Model Coordination and Clash Detection with BIM Collaborate 

Now, let’s have a look at how clash detection can be performed between all these disciplines in BIM Collaborate. 

Step-by-step guide to Clash Detection in BIM Collaborate: 

1. Filter Views: Use available filtering options to narrow down specific views, levels, and object types relevant to the project 
2. Save and Share Views: Create custom views and share them as public views within Autodesk Docs  
3. Utilise Clash Matrix: See the full scope of clashes within your design to better understand potential conflicts  

4. Highlight and Resolve Issues: Select specific clashes and highlight critical areas of focus 

Navisworks and Revit  

1. Pulling Issues from BIM Collaborate through Navisworks:   

Through Navisworks, you can access the same issues that you have identified and created in BIM Collaborate, all made possible through the plugin for Autodesk Construction Cloud.

The connection between Navisworks, BIM Collaborate and Collaborate Pro helps to pinpoint what the problems are and follow-up on them. 

2. Resolving Issues through Revit: 

To resolve the issues and complete the workflow, you will need to go to Revit and activate the very same issue through Associated Models that was initiated on the package and modify. Then, you can modify it as you see fit, thus resolving the issue and enhancing the overall design. 

Watch the video below: Factory Planning & Design Collaboration

 By streamlining these workflows by integrating Navisworks, Revit, and BIM Collaborate, construction owners are empowered to tackle complex challenges with confidence and precision.  

Stay tuned for our next blog post in the series, where we will continue to explore the possibilities offered by Autodesk technology in the design and manufacturing landscape.