How To Clean Up Your Designs With Connect

Photo by Kathryn Hile

Dealers use ofcdesk Connect to translate their CAP 20/20 layouts from AutoCAD to Revit.  Little do they know that Connect can "clean up" CAP designs as well.

In this post I'll show you how you can use Connect to analyze your CAP layout to find improperly scaled items, doubled items, or anything else that will muck up your design.

These symbols may cause problems, as you work to quote your project or translate your design to Revit. Connect's "clean up" will also make sure that your layout is accurate and ensures your Bill Of Material is correct.

This cleaning process is useful because it confirms that your masterpiece design translates properly to Revit, so your client receives an accurate design.

As you see below, after you select your layout in AutoCAD, using the Connect plug-in, a  pop up window will appear; this is the "Translation Analysis Window."

The Translation Analysis Window is the "broom" that helps you clean up your design.

Our server compares your design against our database of millions of up-to-date symbols and finds any discrepancies between what you've created and what the manufacturer can deliver.

The Translation Analysis Window shows you where there are troublesome symbols.  The window will also give you tips and fixes on ways to improve your layout.

Use this window as a way to get up close and personal with the problematic models in your design. The window contains buttons for zooming in, marking, and visually isolating the poor or customized models that you've inserted into your project.

For example Lets look at the most common types of models you insert into your CAP design that could cause problems for your Bill Of Material or Revit translation.

1. Invalid Item

This is an item that our system doesn't recognize.  This is a rare occurrence, though you may enter an AutoCAD file that is improperly named, so the Connect system can't find it.

2. Non-Block Reference

Connect will tell you if an item in your layout is a non block reference.  Connect typically suggests ignoring these items, as they don't have any data worth using in your design.

3. Duplicated Item

Duplicated items can ruin your design and your Bill Of Material.  Connect will tell you if there are two items with the same product number in the same position.  Delete the extra one and move on.

4. Revit Not Available

This means that Connect has concluded that there is no Revit file for the product that you inserted into your layout.  Connect will classify this item as a "Special."  Stay tuned for ways to work with Specials in future posts.

Even if you don't need to translate your CAP layout to Revit, you can use this simple analysis tool to clean up your design and avoid inaccurate quotes.

After that, take the next step to sharing and visualizing your award-winning layout to win the project.

Learn more about ofcdesk Connect.

ofcdesk's Connect debuts at NeoCon 2015

ofcdesk partnered with National Office to spread the word about National’s new Revit® models and to launch ofcdesk’s new Connect software. The turnout in National’s bustling showroom was magnificent. 

Excited dealers and reps, who sell National products, learned that National is now making Revit® versions of their products available for Revit® designers. Visitors also viewed ofcdesk’s new AutoCAD®-to-Revit® translation tool Connect in action for the first time. 

The ofcdesk team demonstrated the process by showing a National Office layout in AutoCAD® and the simple steps it takes to translate that CAD layout to Revit®. 

7 Signs Dealers Need to Invest in Revit Technology

Contract manufacturers and commercial furniture dealers always ask us about the value of investing in Revit technology for their businesses.  The most common question is:  "Is Revit a fad?"

In other posts, we've proven time and time again that Revit technology in the commercial furniture industry is not a fad.  Your clients’ demand for Revit designs is only going to grow in the coming months.   

From conversations that we've had with our clients, I've compiled seven, clear signs that it's time to invest in Revit technology, if you're a dealer.  Read through the following list and ask yourself:  is this something I need to look at?

1. You received an RFP for a project that required you to provide your designs using Revit symbols.

This is the simplest reason to invest in Revit technology.  Your potential customers who have considered you for a project have decided to reach out to you for a chance to win their job.

Most importantly, they see your company as forward thinking enough to offer them the technology they need to help them with their project.  Don't let them down.

2. Your client has told you that they are using Revit.

Clients who use Revit might not always tell you.  This doesn't mean you can overlook the design tools they use.  Anytime you share designs with them they're going to put in more hours to take your design and bring it into their Revit projects.  This process can be taxing and time consuming for your client.

You'll add more work for them and not know it, as they may view you as a company who could not help them.

Ask your clients and see what design tools they use, and then, as you make the transition to Revit technology, you can be prepared to win them over with new capabilities.

3. You've never received a customer request for your designs in Revit... ever.

This is a problem.  If you've never received a request, beware.  This could mean one of two things:  your competitors are receiving those bigger Revit bids, or your clients don't think you have the ability to work with Revit technology.

Either way, there is an opportunity to help your client by understanding their design process, so that you are considered for Revit bids.

4. You're looking for new services to offer your clients.

Competition is high in the dealer world, so businesses are looking for new ways to stand out.  Enabling your business to offer Revit technology to your clients is a potential new revenue stream.

Provide ways you can save your clients' time with Revit designs in the beginning or during the project.  They may be willing to pay a little more, to give you some of their Revit work.

5. The manufacturers you represent have created Revit symbols.

The manufacturers you represent are just like you, businesses looking to increase profits.

If you find that the manufacturers you represent do offer Revit symbols, it's a good sign that they have researched to find that their customers are requesting Revit content from them.

6. You had to turn down a project because you didn't have the ability to offer Revit designs.

If the RFP or bid requires Revit designs and you don't have them, someone else is going to win the bid.  In our experiences, dealers are reactive and not proactive about responding to Revit bids.

Plan ahead and be ready to respond with confidence to those RFPs by having your Revit tools in line. 

7. The number of requests for your designs in Revit has increased in the last three months

When it comes to Revit technology for your business, it's important to assess the demand.  Is it the right time to invest in Revit technology?

You need to justify your investment in Revit technology.  The final and simplest answer to this question is:  If the number of Revit requests has increased in the last three to six months, it's time to invest in Revit technology.

The Revit tidal wave is coming, so prepare for the splash.