The 2017.f version of CYPE programs includes an add-in for Revit from AutoDesk©, which includes Revit in the Open BIM workflow.
Since CYPE initiated the integration of its programs in a collaborative, multidisciplinary and multi-user Open BIM workflow, applications of other software manufacturers have been able to participate in this project development system by interchanging information using IFC files.
With the Open BIM add-in for Revit, communication between Revit and CYPE’s group of specialised tools is improved. This way, the BIM workflow of projects modelled in Revit and analysed with CYPE programs, is optimised.
The following sub-sections describe the improvements this CYPE add-in provides for Revit:
- Open BIM workflow
- Project modification updates
- Automatic configuration of the export to IFC from the add-in
- Collaboration in the cloud (BIMserver.center®)
Features of the Open BIM add-in for Revit
Open BIM workflow
With the "Open BIM add-in for Revit", users can directly begin an Open BIM project in Revit. This way the architectural model can communicate with CYPE's simulation programs, and so achieving a two-way collaboration in real time amongst the various disciplines of the project and Revit using IFC interchange files. This collaboration can be carried out locally (the IFC files making up the project are in a local or internal network directory) or in the cloud (using the BIMserver.center® platform).
Project modification updates
CYPE's Open BIM add-in for Revit informs Revit users of the modifications that have been generated in the projects of the different disciplines, allowing them to decide whether to update the information of the project or not. Without this add-in, i.e. with only the direct link to Revit using IFC format files, users must update the project in Revit.
Automatic configuration of the export to IFC from the add-in
The export process to an IFC file using the Open BIM add-in for Revit, automatically optimises the IFC file that is generated so that CYPE programs can interpret it correctly, as long as the modelling of the project in Revit has also been introduced correctly.
Collaboration in the cloud (BIMserver.center®)
Using CYPE's Open BIM add-in for Revit, the Autodesk application can use the BIMserver.center® service directly. "BIMserver.center®" is a service managed by CYPE to save, synchronise and share BIM project files. This service offers:
- Safe storage in the cloud of BIM project files. All intervening agents can access it from any device and share them in a coordinated manner.
- Acts as a collaboration platform to centralise all files in real time.
- Optimises BIM workflow and communication amongst professionals.
- Until now, only CYPE programs could use the BIM storage service for projects. Now Revit, using the new Open BIM add-in created by CYPE can also use this service, regardless of whether or not there is a connection to other CYPE programs.
Installation of the Open BIM add-in for Revit
Users can install the Open BIM add-in for Revit the CYPE program menu, by selecting the Install Open BIM add-in for Revit tool.
To be able to install the add-in, Revit (2015 version or higher) must be installed on the same computer where the add-in installation will be executed.
User license
The "Open BIM add-in for Revit" is a free access application. Logically, for it to operate users must hold a Revit user license (2015 version or higher, with the IFC 2015 or IFC 2016 add-in – higher versions of Revit already include this add-in).
If users also wish to include their Revit projects in the Open BIM workflow with CYPE programs, they must hold a CYPE program user license (2017.f version or higher), which includes the programs on which they wish to collaborate.
