Autodesk Revit Success: Empowering Amerikooler's Efficiency and Collaboration

Amerikooler, a renowned cold room manufacturer, is currently experiencing a surge in demand from industry professionals for Autodesk Revit models of their products. This increasing interest highlights the critical need for precise and efficient digital modeling to better serve their clientele. However, Amerikooler is encountering a notable challenge: their current approach to product modeling doesn't satisfy those customers' needs. Instead of creating loadable families, which are essential for seamless integration into various projects, they have been utilizing system families such as walls, ceilings, and floors. This method, while functional for certain aspects, falls short in offering the versatility and compatibility necessary for modern design demands.

Recognizing this gap, Digital Drafting Systems sees an opportunity to provide invaluable assistance. By leveraging their expertise in Autodesk Revit, Digital Drafting Systems aim to transform Amerikooler's modeling processes, transitioning from the more limited scope of system families to the more versatile and universally applicable loadable families. This transition is not just about changing the technical approach; it's about reimagining the way Amerikooler's products are presented and utilized in the digital design sphere, significantly enhancing their utility for professionals across the industry.

Moreover, while Amerikooler boasts a team with some experience in Autodesk Revit, there is a need for further development and training. Digital Drafting Systems' involvement would not only be in refining their modeling approach but also in elevating their team's skill set. By providing comprehensive training and resources, Digital Drafting Systems aim to broaden their understanding of Autodesk Revit, thereby unlocking new realms of productivity and creativity. This dual approach of technical and educational support positions Digital Drafting Systems not just as a solution provider but as a catalyst for Amerikooler's long-term growth and adaptation in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

• Drafting Team Training: Enhance the drafting team's proficiency in Autodesk Revit through a structured training program. The program was centered on general Autodesk Revit knowledge, focusing specifically on the tools that the drafting teams would need. Goal: Achieve noticeable improvement in team efficiency and Revit competency over the course of 5 sessions.
• Advanced Skills for Team Lead: Equip the Drafting Team Lead with advanced skills in Autodesk Revit, focusing on family creation and manipulation. This was done via one-on-one coaching sessions covering all aspects of family creation focusing on all components (embedded families) required to assemble into a loadable family. Goal: Enable the Team Lead to proficiently create and manipulate complex Autodesk Revit families within 7 weeks, assessed through benchmark projects.
• Revit Templates Development: Develop and implement a series of standardized Autodesk Revit templates to streamline project workflows. The templates and families were created in accordance with the FCSI (Foodservice Consultants Society International) standards guide. Goal: Complete and deploy a comprehensive set of templates before beginning the training as these would be the basis on which the training would be conducted. Success was measured by reduced project setup times and improved consistency across all projects.
• Families and Embedded Families Creation: Create a versatile library of families and embedded families for future project efficiency. Goal: Develop at least 3 new cold storage families and 17 embedded families, with progress monitored through regular project reviews.

• Creation of Embedded Families: Developed sophisticated embedded families in Autodesk Revit, including walls, floors, and ceilings, to enhance design efficiency and versatility. These families facilitate easy integration into architectural projects, improving drafting teams' ability to produce detailed, accurate models. This initiative boosts the quality and speed of project execution by enabling intricate design elements, crucial for professional model access.
• Customized Revit Template for Efficiency: Introduced a customized Revit template to streamline drafting workflows, facilitating rapid sheet set construction with consistent visual styles. This template improves project consistency, vital for high-quality design communication, and accelerates development while enhancing output quality, aligning with efficient project execution goals.
• Comprehensive Training Program: Implemented a detailed Autodesk Revit training program for drafting teams and leaders, covering both fundamental and advanced aspects. This training, focusing on the effective use of families and templates, aims to boost proficiency, confidence, and productivity, leading to improved project outcomes. The program supports the goal of elevating the team's skills for efficient tool and resource utilization.

• Availability and Visibility: Models are now available for professionals, complete with accurate product and manufacturer contact information, facilitating more effective modeling and easier contact with Amerikooler for new customers and contractors.
• Enhanced Model Delivery and Integration: Embedded families, including walls, floors, and ceilings, come with full product details and contact information, significantly easing the modeling process for external professionals. This grants a competitive edge, improves project planning, and execution, and streamlines communication with Amerikooler, leading to potential business growth and better customer relations.
• Increased Speed and Efficiency in Model Building: Customized Autodesk Revit templates boost the speed of model building and sheet delivery, reducing repetitive tasks and focusing on design creativity. This results in a more efficient workflow, quicker project completion, and the ability to handle more projects, aligning with Amerikooler's growth objectives.
• Expanding Family Catalog for Future Projects: Using Autodesk Revit enables the saving and reusing of family customizations, enlarging Amerikooler's family catalog with each project. This growing library, a key asset, decreases the time and effort needed for future models, speeding up project delivery and enhancing design quality. It supports Amerikooler's commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

• Tailored Solutions Meeting Client Needs: Digital Drafting Systems engagement with the client was distinguished by a deep understanding of their specific needs, which enabled Digital Drafting Systems to deliver highly customized and effective solutions. By closely aligning Digital Drafting Systems' services with the client’s requirements, Digital Drafting Systems ensured not only the fulfillment of their immediate project goals but also contributed to their long-term operational efficiency.
• Empowerment through Training: A key component of our engagement was the comprehensive training provided to the Drafting Team Lead. This training was tailored to build confidence and expertise in using Autodesk Revit, focusing on areas such as family creation and template utilization. As a result, the Team Lead has evolved to take on a more independent and leadership role. This shift has had a substantial impact on the team's dynamics and project outcomes.
• The engagement's uniqueness was further highlighted by its lasting impact on the client's capabilities. The skills and tools provided have empowered the team to operate more independently, reducing their reliance on external assistance for future projects. This independence is not just a short-term benefit but a strategic advantage that positions the client favorably for future growth and challenges.