Hope Everyone is staying safe out there!
In this article we wanted to provide as many resources and clarity on what options you have as a Revit user to work from home (WFH) effectively. Generally speaking, users fall into one of the following categories:
Desktop User Options
Users that operate on a "local" deployment of Revit (non-workshared) have limited needs to share files amongst multiple users. Often times a computer or laptop setup is sufficient and files can be saved directly on their machine. There may be some instances where users are having to work via Remote Desktop or VPN service, or even purchase new hardware. The following resources apply for Desktop Users of Revit:
Hardware should conform to Revit System Requirements: https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/revit-products/learn-explore/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-Autodesk-Revit-products.html
Revit Server User Options
Many projects are hosted on WAN servers and projects are connected through Revit Server. This has been a great option to connect multiple offices together to Workshare on a Revit project. Users that are now working from home and need to connect to Revit Server through another means should reference Other Options for Remote Access (above).
Revit server over VPN or Remote Desktop should be tested. If you do use Revit Server on top of either Remote Desktop/VPN/or Citrix environment, slight delays could occur in Revit performance as it is running across bandwidth/networks. If speeds are hindered to the point where productivity is suffering or the user experience is not great, you should consider testing a Trial of BIM360 Design.
How to use Remote Desktop: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4028379/windows-10-how-to-use-remote-desktop
Other Options for Remote Access: https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/revit-products/learn-explore/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Revit-options-for-Remote-Access.html
Cloud User Options (BIM360 Design Trial)
For users that are starting new projects or need to provide access to their users as quickly and easily as possible, consider a Trial of BIM360 Design. As of this Article, Autodesk is providing access until May 31, 2020 on an extended access program. Customers signing up for the trial typically fall under two scenarios: 1) brand new to BIM 360 Design or 2) have some projects in BIM 360 Design but now need to allow many more access to the service on a trial basis (short term, free access). Either scenario should reference the Trial video/information below:
BIM360 Design Trial Sign up: https://bim360.autodesk.com/bim-360-design-trial/ One Person Per company should sign up and follow the steps above to invite users in. If you have a PAID Account of BIM360 Design but are trying to add more users in the short term on the trial basis, you NEED to still sign up for the trial and follow the steps in the video above. You will have 2 accounts: your trial site, and your PAID site. In the trial account you must go through the project setup and invite ALL trial users in. Once added to a TEAM, their trial service will automatically trigger in Autodesk's system. NOTE: if an individual user has signed up for the trial in the past, they will need to sign up with a different email.
Extended Access Program FAQ: https://knowledge.autodesk.com/search-result/caas/simplecontent/content/extended-access-program-questions-and-answers.html#bim-360-design
BIM 360 Design Getting Started Guide: https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/bim-360/learn-explore/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/BIM-360-Design-Getting-Started.html
Best Practices for Working Remotely in BIM360 Design: https://projectdelivery.autodesk.com/blog/working-remotely-bim-360-design/
BIM 360 Design Day One (Setup/How to Videos): http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLS0SRT0TYHUJwu7u1hwsj6n4nGZQlQkp
Workflow Considerations
BIM 360 Design allows teams to connect Revit models together for either internal execution of a specific discipline (ie, Architecture) OR allows you to connect all Revit teams together into one project environment to truly collaborate together. This video walks through some of the considerations in your setup process. If you are new to the tool and are trying to coordinate multiple companies:
More info on Linking Cloud Models in BIM360 Design: https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/bim-360-support/linking-cloud-workshared-models-in-bim-360-design/td-p/7930384
