BIM 360 Glue + Navisworks 2017: Reinforcing Construction Collaboration

In 2015, we introduced the concept of the ‘connected desktop’ to Navisworks.  Now, Navisworks 2017 continues to enhance these integrated workflows with BIM 360, supporting construction collaboration in the cloud.  As we continue to build and extend upon the connection with BIM 360 Glue, this interoperability provides project teams with a more complete, connected solution for BIM project collaboration and coordination.  This connected solution provides construction project teams with the familiar, powerful features of Navisworks and the easy, accessible and collaborative capabilities of BIM 360 Glue seamlessly.

BIM 360 Shared Views

Navisworks 2017 enables project teams to more tightly integrate their workflows between desktop and cloud, using the Shared Views feature.  From any connected BIM 360 client, shared views can now be created and used in workflows such as clash and coordination review. The video below shows how this can be used in the context of a collaborative project:

Shared Views created in any BIM 360 Glue connected client retain view fidelity, including:

• Object Visibility (hidden state)
• Object Overrides – color and transparency*
• Section Planes and Boxes

Shared Views can be saved directly in Navisworks, renamed, moved into folders**. They can also be deleted (if the user has the appropriate BIM 360 Glue permissions).

BIM 360 Glue / Navisworks 2017 Shared Views

*Shared Views do not retain ‘level of transparency’ – transparencies are fixed at 95%

**Shared View folders cannot be created in Navisworks. Folders created in BIM 360 Glue are supported, however, and can be used for organizing shared views in Navisworks.

European Region (EMEA) Support

Navisworks 2017  provides European Region Support access to BIM 360 Glue Projects.  After sign-in, choose projects hosted in the United States and Europe through  your regional server.

Regional EMEA server access provided

Autodesk 2017 Product Integration

To help ensure the latest version of design models and data can be reviewed and analyzed, Navisworks 2017 has updated Autodesk file readers, exporters and integrations. As part of  an integrated workflow, Navisworks now also supports integration of Autodesk Vault 2017 and Autodesk Recap 2017.

Autodesk 3DS Max 2017 has an updated file exporter, and AutoCAD 2017 and Civil 3D 2017 have updated file readers and exporters. Additionally, the file reader and support for ReCap point cloud data have been updated for Inventor 2017.

In addition, support for Revit 2017 includes the file reader and exporter.

These Navisworks 2017 updates help ensure a smooth and integrated workflow with the latest version of design models and data.

A smooth and fully integrated workflow

Quality and Stability

As we continue to support a connected experience, this release wraps up many fixes that respond to your feedback and CER reports. Some notable updates include:

• Faster and more reliable model display when loading BIM 360 Glue files , streamlining your cloud workflows and helping you meet project deadlines quicker.

• BIM 360 access is easier and more intuitive with selected UI updates.

• CLIC licensing brings cohesive access via a single license, supporting both desktop and cloud services. Cloud Licensing     enables your business to design and optimize your program usage in real time, enabling your team to license only what’s needed under the terms that meet your unique business goals.

• New Arrow Redline Tool allows greater clarity to assist with model markup.

• New additions of CADworx custom data property fields.

• Viewpoint switching improvements assist with greater performance for more complex and override heavy views.

• Navisworks and BIM 360 Glue – A Connected Experience.

Navisworks 2017 and BIM 360 Glue continue to connect to the same project data as part of an integrated desktop, cloud and mobile solution. However the two products have distinct strengths that satisfy the needs of different participants of your projects.

For clarity sake, think of the comparison of the two products in this way:

BIM 360 Glue = A cloud-based coordination and collaboration solution that connects the entire project team – internal and external – and streamlines project review and coordination workflows.

Navisworks = A BIM project review toolset for the power user to help perform advanced clash detection, quantification, 4D/5D analysis and construction simulation.

As a BIM/VDC manager working within a collaborative project environment, Navisworks Manage assists with advanced analysis, such as performing advanced clash detection, integrating 2D and 3D takeoff data for bills of quantity, and simulation of construction activity. BIM 360 Glue transforms your traditional coordination workflows by providing easy-to-use features that empower the extended team: designers, subcontractors and fabricators to coordinate and collaborate on a continual basis. The connected experience that these products bring together help teams to collaborate more effectively, across device and platform, and iterate faster, for proven results and improved quality in their BIM construction projects.  Teams can use the familiar and powerful functionality of Navisworks within the collaborative environment of BIM 360 Glue to remove silos and embrace efficient project teaming.

Questions about BIM 360 Glue, Navisworks or anything contained in this article?

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