Interscale Content Hub – As AEC projects get more complex, it’s becoming clear that being able to manage nested files in Revit BIM 360 efficiently is a key skill.
As we know, nested files, which are essentially Revit models linked within other Revit models, provide a structured way to handle large projects. Nested files allow teams to work on individual components while maintaining a cohesive overall design.
Mastering the effective management of nested files within Revit BIM 360 can significantly streamline project workflows and enhance team collaboration.
This is why we will be discussing how to manage those nested files in this session.
What are Nested Files?
In Revit, nested files are a way of linking models together in a hierarchical structure. In this setup, the main model, which we call the host, has many linked models, which we call nested files.
This method lets you manage different project parts separately but still make them work together seamlessly.
For example, in large-scale projects, you might start with architectural, structural, and mechanical models and then link them into a master model.
This approach helps you organize complex projects and makes it easier to make updates and modifications.
In BIM 360, managing nested files means making sure these linked models are in sync and accessible to everyone on the team.
This is all about keeping everything in sync and ensuring everyone can work together in real time.
BIM 360 makes this process easier by providing a cloud-based platform for storing, managing, and sharing all project data. This ensures that every team member has access to the most current information.
Setting Up Nested Files in Revit BIM 360
The first thing to do is to create individual Revit models for different project components, such as architectural, structural, and MEP systems.
Then, you link the models together using Revit’s linking functionality.
This modular approach lets each discipline manage its own model while still integrating seamlessly into the overall project.
Once you’ve linked the models, you’ll need to upload them to BIM 360. This platform is basically a central hub for all the project data.
By uploading models to BIM 360, everyone on the team can access the latest versions of the files, which helps to keep everything consistent and makes it easier to work together in real time.
The next big step is to assign the right permissions to team members. BIM 360 has some pretty solid permission settings that let project managers control who can access the nested files at different levels.
Another thing to think about is optimizing models for cloud use. Cloud-optimized models update automatically, which is really important for effective visualization and aggregation in the BIM 360 viewer. This ongoing update process helps keep the project data accurate and intact.
In practice, the process starts with creating or getting the host model, which could be the overall project model or a specific discipline model.
You’ll also need to prepare the individual Revit models, which show different parts of buildings or systems.
Once you’ve prepared the host and nested models, you can upload them to BIM 360 Docs to ensure everyone on the project team can access them and that they’re all up to date.
To link the host model to the nested models in BIM 360, just use the “Link Revit” tool.
It’s important to make sure these models are positioned and coordinated properly to avoid any alignment issues and to ensure a coherent integration of all project components.
Please remember properly placing and coordinating these models is important to avoid any alignment issues and to make sure all the project components fit together well.
For another problem-solution reference, kindly read “BIM 360 Model Not Showing Up in Revit: A Newbie Hint to Revit Oblivion.”
Working with Nested Files in Revit
Good management of nested files in Revit means following a few key practices to help everyone work together more effectively and get the job done right the first time.
Revit’s worksharing tools let you work on the same model at the same time with different team members.
BIM 360’s cloud-based worksharing keeps everyone up to date with real-time updates, so everyone has the latest project data and avoids any errors or delays.
Remember, it’s beneficial to maintain consistency between your models to ensure everything remains on track.
BIM 360’s model coordination tools identify and address any discrepancies between nested files, eliminating the need for additional effort and ensuring seamless integration.
BIM 360’s automated clash detection and issue management features make it easier to track and resolve conflicts.
BIM 360 tracks all the updates by regularly publishing them. This way, everyone on the team has access to the most up-to-date versions of the project models, which makes it easier to coordinate and avoid mistakes.
BIM 360’s regular publishing and version tracking help us manage changes effectively, so we can be sure we’re all on the same page throughout the project lifecycle.
Syncing Nested Files with BIM 360
Keeping your nested files and BIM 360 in sync prevents conflicts and ensures all project data is consistent, which makes project management and execution a lot more efficient.
To sync changes made to nested files with the central model stored in BIM 360, just use the “Sync with Central” tool in Revit.
This means that all your changes are saved to the central model, and any updates from other team members are incorporated into your local model, so the project data is always up to date and accessible.
It’s a good idea to regularly publish your Revit models to BIM 360 by uploading the latest versions to the cloud.
This process keeps all the linked and nested files up to date and in sync, so that everyone on the team always has the most recent information.
BIM 360’s cloud worksharing capabilities let multiple users work on host and nested models simultaneously, which helps avoid errors from outdated data and facilitates real-time collaboration.
Make sure you publish shared coordinates from the host model to BIM 360 so that all linked models stay in alignment. This is important for proper coordination.
You can also read “Stress Changing Sheets in Revit BIM 360 Cloud Projects? You Not Alone,” for reference about changing sheets in Revit.
Best Practices for Managing Nested Files in BIM 360
To ensure your project runs smoothly and your data is always up to date, here are a few simple best practices for managing nested files in BIM 360.
First, use clear and consistent naming conventions for all files and models. This makes it easier to manage files and keeps things organized.
It’s also a big deal to do regular audits of Revit models and BIM 360 project setups. These audits help make sure that all nested files are linked and synced up right, so we can avoid any problems before they get out of hand.
Also, we should always keep training and support going for team members so they can keep up with managing nested files in Revit and BIM 360.
Then, we need to understand the tools and features for file management and collaboration. These can really help the team work more efficiently and get better results on projects.
BIM 360’s model review tools let you keep an eye on the status and health of nested files all the time.
This proactive approach helps us spot and fix problems early on in the project, which helps keep the project on track and reduces the chance of errors.
If you organize your files in a logical folder structure within BIM 360 Docs, it’ll be easy for team members to find what they need.
And make sure everyone is aware of any changes made to nested files at all times. This communication style helps avoid any confusion and ensures everyone is on the same page.
If you would like to learn more about this process, we recommend you visit the Autodesk community forum.
Transform Your Approach to Leveraging Revit and BIM 360
Are you feeling icky about all those nested files in Revit BIM 360? You’re not the only one.
Many AEC pros struggle with the details of managing these linked models on their big projects.
Are you facing delays due to miscommunication or errors caused by outdated files?
Is your team struggling to collaborate effectively within the nested file structure?
These challenges can slow down your project, cost you more money, and ultimately make your deliverables less good.
That’s why we at Interscale focus on creating BIM management strategies that fit your projects.
We’ll work with you to make your nested file setup as efficient as possible, streamline your collaboration processes, and make sure everything in your project models is up to date.
We’d love for you to do a little digging into what Interscale can do for you. For now, check our Interscale BIM Management Service page to see how we’ve helped clients like K2LD Architects streamline their project workflows.
Conclusion
So, what can you do with nested files in Revit BIM 360? Well, they offer a great framework for managing complex projects, fostering collaboration and maintaining data integrity.
So, we need to know the principles of nested file management and follow the best practices. The main goal is to help you optimize your project workflows, enhance communication, and ultimately deliver successful projects.
You can also use Interscale to help you on your BIM journey, including managing nested files in Revit BIM 360.
