With the application of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to architectural design in Autodesk® Revit®, every contributor to an architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) enterprise can now access the data representing each stage of a structure’s digitized 3D mock-up. So-called “Families” are the building blocks of a Revit model. Therefore, the integrity of any AEC project is founded upon the proper creation and management of these Families.
CTC Software offers an array of BIM Suites, within which are Revit add-ins specifically crafted to streamline Family creation and management. By integrating these extensions, AEC managers can establish and enforce best practices tailored to their ventures’ particular contours.
CTC Software for Family Creation in Autodesk Revit
Like real Families, Revit Families are the point of origin in a lifecycle–your project’s lifecycle, that is. Following this metaphor, Family “genes” are known as elements (e.g., windows, doors, furniture). In contrast, “members” of a Family are called assemblies.
One can think of simple assemblies as nuclear families, which tend to have fewer elements. For instance, a wall section could be considered a simple assembly, with its elements being the layers of the wall itself (i.e., structure, substrate, insulation, exterior material), the finish on the wall’s exterior, and any portals, such as windows or doors.
Complex assemblies are analogous to extended families, comprising elements grouped together to facilitate more intricate mechanisms. This is exemplified by a mechanical assembly made up of HVAC, piping, and structural support elements.
CTC Software’s BIM Manager Suite™ solves the inefficiencies and incongruences that plague Family creation within Revit. This Suite is a treasure trove of accoutrements for Family formation that fix best practices from the start. Notably, the Family Processor™ replaces tedium with automation, resulting in quicker Family generation.
However, unlike humans, who tend to make mistakes as they pick up the pace, the Family Processor limits the margin of error in Family creation. The secret to this balance is the Family Processor’s capacity to process alterations to a Revit Family file (or files) in batch. A user can, for instance, edit Family parameters in bulk, saving hours of manual labor and the diminishing focus that attends it.
CTC Software for Family Management in Autodesk Revit
The BIM Manager Suite simultaneously serves as the root of Family creation and the gardener tending to that root. With this CTC Software collection, best practices can be enacted when Families are formulated and reinforced as a project develops.
Managing Families after creation is systematized with add-ins, such as the Family Checker™, which automates aspects of Family evaluation. BIM managers must examine Revit Families based on criteria sourced from numerous parties. The Family Checker eases the burden of integrating this often-disjointed data by automatically creating a single spreadsheet of all project criteria. This is just one way BIM managers can swiftly (and accurately) evaluate Family uniformity.
BIM managers can also find relief by availing themselves of the BIM Batch Suite™. CTC Software curated this Suite to expedite synchronous processes related to Revit Families.
Where many Families must be updated or replaced, the BIM Batch Suite enables batch loading of Families with the Family Loader™. This add-in is especially helpful in large projects requiring BIM managers to regularly verify that all project contributors are working with the same Revit Families.
The Family Loader also aids BIM managers by giving them the option to “[o]nly reload families that already exist in each project.” This option ensures that the Families with which various users interact are updated, ensuring cohesion across an entire AEC project.
Best Practices for Revit Families Begin with CTC Software Add-Ins
Revit Families constitute the bedrock of any AEC endeavor grounded in Autodesk. The BIM Manager Suite and BIM Batch Suite contain essential tools for instituting and maintaining best practices for Family operations. But, optimizing Autodesk Revit demands a comprehensive BIM toolkit.
You can effectively create and handle Revit Families by utilizing those add-ins alongside CTC Software’s BIM Suites dedicated to data, project, and content management. But, you can also further BIM’s grander goal: holistic collaboration amongst AEC disciplines to successfully and cost-effectively transform a blueprint into a physical building. Reach out to learn more.
