How Architects can deliver projects in record time with Snaptrude & Revit

What's in this blog?

• Why BIM workflows fail at concept stage
• Supercharge your BIM workflow with Snaptrude & Revit
• How to best leverage Snaptrude with Revit
• How to try the Snaptrude-Revit bi-directional plugin

Why BIM workflows fail at concept stage

Architecture firms face intense competitive pressure due to a rapidly changing business environment. The need for collaboration and integrated project delivery methods has never been more vital. Many architecture firms are moving towards BIM workflows to tackle these challenges head-on. But the problem remains that technology is still lacking in providing a truly integrated workflow.

To paint a clearer picture, we've mapped below the basic activities undertaken in an Architecture firm during design development. These activities help clients & stakeholders understand, visualize and eventually construct the project. You'll notice that we've listed the most popular software used in each activity, assuming that the firm is 'BIM enabled'. Essentially, we're trying to understand how well software work together in a typical BIM workflow, i.e., how easy it is to transfer information from one tool to another without rework. You'll also see how most design environments are non-collaborative, even when Architectural teams are always more than one person.

Despite using a BIM tool like Revit in the workflow, you'll notice that over 80% of the supporting software is disconnected and non-collaborative. Disconnected software means Architects recreate information every time they use another software or receive a change order. They're also severely restricted with collaboration, creating gaps in how information is communicated between project participants. Can you imagine time lost in this process? At Snaptrude, we're trying to create the most efficient BIM workflow. Using our Revit-Snaptrude bi-directional link, Architects can seamlessly transfer data between the two products. The bi-directional link drastically reduces the number of software an architecture firm needs to complete a project. Let's see how!

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Supercharge your BIM workflow with Snaptrude & Revit

The Revit to Snaptrude bi-directional plugin allows Architects to transfer building data seamlessly between the two, with no data loss! Architectural workflows that are cluttered with disconnected tools can now save over 40% of time and software costs by using Snaptrude with Revit. The two products together, drastically improves collaboration, communication, productivity and efficiency in projects. To understand what this means, take a look at the workflow below. You'll notice that we've eliminated most of the the tools that are required during for a project. Moreover, both Snaptrude and Revit are multiplayer environments where many people can work together.

How to best leverage Snaptrude with Revit

The biggest challenge faced by small and large Architectural practices, Design-Build, or commercial interior firms, is collaborating effectively with both team and client. Current design workflows share information through 2D drawings, emails, presentations, etc. While they are good, a 3-dimensional BIM model is much more potent in communicating ideas or information. However, firms are unable to leverage BIM models directly because the standard software is a closed environment even today. They work great for internal teams but fail when non-specialists have to collaborate. They are also great in detailing projects or documenting them, but weak with ideation or conceptualization. They lack the buttery smooth modelling that a Rhino or Sketchup provides.

Here is where Snaptrude's bi-directional link with Revit is a game changer.
It allows anyone to collaborate, make changes, comment, or access project data on Snaptrude and sync it back to Revit with no data loss. It's like using a "3D version of Bluebeam" but with Revit integration.

Project stakeholders can leverage the bi-directional link in two ways:
(i) Import Revit models into Snaptrude for collaborative design review, make changes in 3D and easily append changes to the Revit model with a click of a button
(ii) Collaboratively design conceptual models on Snaptrude and seamlessly export to Revit for detailing and documentation

Snaptrude is much more accessible and user-friendly than Revit, Autodesk Viewer, or BIM 360, allowing firms to collaborate with clients over 3D BIM instead of 2D drawings and sheets. Meetings can be conducted directly on Snaptrude, allowing teams to capture comments, iterate over options, and access building data. This replaces emails, WhatsApp, Slack, and other platforms and centralizes communication.

Because Snaptrude is also a BIM tool, it has all the relevant building data. For example, if your clients want to explore design changes, you can quickly do it on Snaptrude and see how it affects cost/quantity/areas or compliance. Hence, decisions can be taken then and there. Once the client approves the changes, the model can be synced back to your Revit file for further documentation.

How to try the Snaptrude-Revit bi-directional plugin

If you're interested in exploring the Revit-Snaptrude link, please book a demo. We'd love to listen to your challenges and offer our input.

For free and pro users of Snaptrude, this feature will soon be available to use. Make sure to sign up to Snaptrude to receive timely updates!