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When to use the Far Creator

November 2, 2009 in AutoCAD, CAD, Revit

When to use the FAR Process as the most efficient means to creating Revit Families.

When do you know that you want to be able to use the FAR Process to automate your data into BIM Models (Revit Families) for the architect to use? Just because you can automate the creation of BIM Models does not mean that it justifies doing it.

Attached is a flow chart that presents various scenarios for building manufacturers illustrating the points to consider when creating your product data into BIM Models and when it justifies automating this process with the Far Process.

I’ve highlighted some of the points to consider as you review the Flow Chart.

What are you using to create the designs for your product mix? (AutoCAD; Inventor; SolidWorks; Pro E)
Are your designs 2D or 3D?
What is the most efficient way to create BIM data/Revit Families for your product Type?
Static
If the product is stable (does not go through engineering changes) and unless there is a common design around multiple products, a manual creation of the Revit Families is most cost efficient
When a static product is changeable, the FAR Process is the most efficient method of creating Revit Families
Configurable
Customizable
Both Configurable and Customizable products should follow the same methodology when creating Revit Families
The FAR Process is most efficient to create the Revit Families when provided a basic core model and a list of options that differentiates the product models
When the parametric changes of a product impact the form, fit and function, the FAR Process is the most efficient method to create Revit Families
When the parametric changes impact the dimensional changes of a product, a manual creation of the Revit Families is most efficient
Made to order
When the product is ‘made to order’ and is static (the geometry is non parametric), then the FAR Process is most efficient when creating Revit Families. The AEC Exchange is another option but is only available to Autodesk users on the manufacturing side with some limitations.
Build Design (product design for a specific building project)
The FAR Process is most efficient when creating Revit Families. Again, the AEC Exchange is another option but is only available to Autodesk users on the manufacturing side with some limitations.

Patrick K. Johnson

Building%20Manufacturers.pdf

Source: CAD Enhancement, Inc. – When to use the Far Creator
Go to Source: CAD Enhancement, Inc.

Tags: autocad inventor, BIM, manual creation, Models, Patrick K. JohnsonBuilding, Process, product, product impact, product models, Revit, revit families No Comments »

by CADcaster

When to use the FarCreator

October 13, 2009 in AutoCAD, CAD, Revit

When to use the FAR Process as the most efficient means to creating Revit Families.

When do you know that you want to be able to use the FAR Process to automate your data into BIM data (Revit Families) for the architect to use? Just because you can automate the creation of BIM data does not mean that it justifies doing it.

Attached is a flow chart that presents various scenarios for building manufacturers illustrating the points to consider when creating your product data into BIM data and when it justifies automating this process with the Far Process.

I’ve highlighted some of the points to consider as you review the Flow Chart.

What are you using to create the designs for your product mix? (AutoCAD; Inventor; SolidWorks; Pro E)
Are your designs 2D or 3D?
What is the most efficient way to create BIM data/Revit Families for your product Type?
Static
If the product is stable (does not go through engineering changes) and unless there is a common design around multiple products, a manual creation of the Revit Families is most cost efficient
When a static product is changeable, the FAR Process is the most efficient method of creating Revit Families
Configurable
Customizable
Both Configurable and Customizable products should follow the same methodology when creating Revit Families
The FAR Process is most efficient to create the Revit Families when provided a basic core model and a list of options that differentiates the product models
When the parametric changes of a product impact the form, fit and function, the FAR Process is the most efficient method to create Revit Families
When the parametric changes impact the dimensional changes of a product, a manual creation of the Revit Families is most efficient
Made to order
When the product is ‘made to order’ and is static (the geometry is non parametric), then the FAR Process is most efficient when creating Revit Families. The AEC Exchange is another option but is only available to Autodesk users on the manufacturing side with some limitations.
Build Design (product design for a specific building project)
The FAR Process is most efficient when creating Revit Families. Again, the AEC Exchange is another option but is only available to Autodesk users on the manufacturing side with some limitations.

Patrick K. Johnson

Building%20Manufacturers.pdf

Source: CAD Enhancement, Inc. – When to use the FarCreator
Go to Source: CAD Enhancement, Inc.

Tags: autocad inventor, BIM, creation, manual creation, Patrick K. JohnsonBuilding, Process, product, product impact, Revit, revit families, static product No Comments »

by CADcaster

Far Process Summary

September 16, 2009 in AutoCAD, CAD, Revit

The intention of this blog is to provide you with an overview of the FAR Process and describe how your company can automate the creation of Revit Families as well as manage your library of Revit Families more efficiently and effectively utilizing the FAR Process.

The objectives of the FAR Process are:

To create a Revit Family automatically that is usable, maintainable and sustainable throughout the life of the building project.
To create a tool for Manufacturers to manage/control their product data for Architects using the BIM format without being dependent upon an outside provider to create and maintain their Revit families.
To create an automated Revit Family created that includes product data provided directly from the Manufacturer and is ready to be downloaded into BIM projects.

Overview of the FAR Process:

The FAR Process is built from 3 main components:

1. FAR Creator
2. FAR Data Set

3. FAR Manager

The FAR Creator is not just one application. It is a set of API’s that will be built for each Manufacturer based on their software and their industry. The FAR Creator takes the product data provided by the Manufacturer to create the FAR Data Set required for the FAR Process.

Each Manufacturer will be able to use their own set of API’s to create the FAR Data Set necessary for automating the creation of their own Revit families, from their own manufacturing data using the FAR Process for custom and future product developments.
The FAR Creator allows the Manufacturer to have the ability for updating architect data automatically when changes are made to the engineering data.

The FAR Data Set is a text file that contains the product data and instructions for the FAR Manager.

The FAR Manager uses the FAR Data Set to create a Revit Family within Revit. The FAR Manager also includes a Content Manager interface which allows the user to manage their families within their own file system

We have 4 short video segments on YouTube demonstrating the capabilities of the FAR Manager; BIM Manager Utility Tool and the ability to create a Revit Family from an Inventor file.

Click on the following links to see the YouTube video clips:

1.) FAR Manager Search capabilities
2.) FAR Manager – Importing Types capabilities
3.) BIM Manager Utility Tool capabilities
4.) creating a Revit Family from an Inventor file

Source: CAD Enhancement, Inc. – Far Process Summary
Go to Source: CAD Enhancement, Inc.

Tags: Data, family, far manager, manager interface, Manager Search, Manager.The, Process, Revit, revit families, Set, video segments, YouTube No Comments »

by CADcaster

News Alert: Bentley Appoints Solutions Executives for Utilities and Communications, Power Generation, and Process Manufacturing

September 14, 2009 in Bentley, CAD

Bentley Systems, Incorporated, the leading company dedicated to providing comprehensive software solutions for the infrastructure that sustains our world, has appointed Cyndi Smith, based in Tulsa, Okla., to the position of solutions executive for utilities and communications; Mark Biagi, based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, to the position of solutions executive for power generation; and John Sanins, based in Houston, Texas, to the position of solutions executive for process manufacturing.
Source: Bentley News – News Alert: Bentley Appoints Solutions Executives for Utilities and Communications, Power Generation, and Process Manufacturing
Go to Source: Bentley News

Tags: Bentley Appoints, bentley news, Bentley News - News, bentley systems, communications power, comprehensive software, Cyndi Smith, Edinburgh, executive, generation, HOUSTON, John Sanins, Mark Biagi, Okla., position, power, Process, process manufacturing, Texas, Tulsa, United Kingdom No Comments »

by CADcaster

What is the proper way to market on the web

September 10, 2009 in AutoCAD, CAD, Revit

What is the proper way to market on the web?

The web is a powerful tool for getting the word out but also can be detrimental if one is not careful.

As we have been marketing the FAR Process on the web I have received comments that we are not explaining it in enough detail to potential customers.

Our approach from the beginning was to intentionally provide a ‘high level’ description of the FAR Process in order to intrigue people about how we developed a process to automate the creation of Revit Families. We did this so they would ask what it was and if they could see a demo. Frankly, this approach has worked beyond our wildest dreams. We have been providing demos for some of the largest architect firms in the US and across the globe.

However, we feel we are walking a fine line between providing enough detail for potential customers interested in the product while guarding the proprietary information from competitors. We do not want to ‘show all of our cards’ before we are ready to do so. If you have been following me via Twitter or my blogs you will notice we are providing more detailed information about the FAR Process with each blog. We plan to continue providing more details through these blogs until it is released, which will be occurring in the near future.

My question to you is, “What do you think about marketing on the web and the most effective approach that should be taken?

Do you think we have taken the right approach?

What would you recommend?

Any and all comments would be appreciated.

Here is an example of the new approach we are taking.

We have a video on Searching for a Revit Family
New blog on the BIM Manager Utility

Thank you.

Patrick Johnson

President – CAD Enhancement, Inc

Source: CAD Enhancement, Inc. – What is the proper way to market on the web
Go to Source: CAD Enhancement, Inc.

Tags: approach, architect firms, Enhancement, enhancement inc, Inc, Manager UtilityThank, marketing on the web, Patrick JohnsonPresident - CAD, Process, revit families, US, web, wildest dreams No Comments »

by CADcaster

Inventor ilogic and Far

September 10, 2009 in AutoCAD, CAD, Revit

As we continue moving forward with our development of the FAR Process we have been digging deeper into automating the creation of Revit families from Inventor. Inventor iLogic (a free product add-in for Autodesk subscription users) will play a huge role in the ability to make this happen. I look at iLogic as a ‘rules based’ logic that is attached to the models within Inventor. To me, this is one of the best moves Autodesk has made in a while. I look at iLogic as a tool that is very simple to use but very powerful – oh yeh, there is even a help document with it.

The ability to return and pass data to outside applications and databases is one of the true powers of iLogic. The way we intend to use iLogic for the FAR Process is only one method for using this ‘rules based’ tool. Once you understand how this tool works, its use will be limited only by your imagination.

I know we are only scratching the surface when it comes to utilizing the capabilities of iLogic for our use with the FAR Process. iLogic is worth looking at for the capability to put rules on any or all parts and assemblies, as it will only make your model that much smarter.

Patrick K. Johnson

Source: CAD Enhancement, Inc. – Inventor ilogic and Far
Go to Source: CAD Enhancement, Inc.

Tags: Ability, Autodesk, enhancement inc, Inventor, oh yeh, Patrick K. Johnson Source, Process, revit families, scratching the surface, subscription users, Tool No Comments »

by CADcaster

Far Creator

September 10, 2009 in AutoCAD, CAD, Revit

The FAR Process is built from 3 main components; the FAR Manager, the FAR Data and the FAR Creator. The FAR Creator is the piece of the puzzle for the Manufacturers that will take their product data whether it originates in Inventor, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Pro E, etc. in order to create the FAR Data set required to automate the creation of a Revit Family.

The FAR Creator really is not one application but a set of API’s that will be built for each Manufacturers, based on their software and their industry. The ultimate goal is to get the FAR Creator set up for the Manufacturer so they will not be dependent upon an outside provider for creating and maintaining their Revit families. Each Manufacturer will be able to use their own set of API’s to create the FAR Data necessary for automating the creation of their own Revit families using the FAR Process for custom and future product developments.

Another cost advantage with the FAR Process is that the FAR Creator allows the Manufacturer to have the ability for updating architect data automatically when changes are made to the engineering data – thus eliminating the need to manage multiple sets of data.

In addition, we feel one of the greatest advantages of the FAR Process for Manufacturers and Architects is found when working with customized product data. The FAR Creator allows the ability to create the FAR Data set for customized products for Architects automatically, thus eliminating the cost and reducing the amount of time for both the Manufacturer and the Architect to create this data.

The FAR Creator creates the data and automates the creation of the Revit Family to appear as if it were done manually. The FAR Process has the ability to automatically create an efficient, effective and high quality Revit family consistently, each and every time.

Please feel free to contact us if you are interested in seeing a demonstration of the FAR Process.

Patrick Johnson

Source: CAD Enhancement, Inc. – Far Creator
Go to Source: CAD Enhancement, Inc.

Tags: Creator, Data, enhancement inc, far manager, manufacturer, Patrick Johnson Source, piece of the puzzle, Process, product developments, Revit, revit families No Comments »

by CADcaster

Far Process and Manufacturing

September 10, 2009 in AutoCAD, CAD, Revit

As we started putting together the plan for the FAR project one objective we were trying to accomplish was to automate a process where Manufacturers could create Revit families without the investment of purchasing Revit software, training, and the staff to manage Revit. Our original plan was to create a way for the product data from the Manufacturer to be passed to the Architect who has the FAR Manager and Revit software so Architects could create the Revit family on their side automatically, since Manufacturers were focused on producing products instead of creating data.

For the past 6 weeks we have been presenting demos of the FAR process. Those initial demos were designed to get feedback from both Architects and Manufacturers. One item that we were hearing from the Manufacturers is the desire to create the Revit families themselves. The reason behind this was coming from the marketing side as they want the ability to decide where the Revit families reside in order to get the most exposure for their families and ultimately, their products. As a result of that feedback we are now offering the option for Manufacturers to implement the entire FAR process which includes both the FAR Manager and the FAR Creator to enable the capability for automating the creation of their own Revit families.

I think this was the beauty of these demos, not only did we obtain feedback regarding the concept of the FAR process but we also learned how companies plan on managing their architect data moving forward.

Again, I would like to thank everyone who participated in our initial demos of the FAR process and welcome other Architects and Manufacturers to contact us if interested in scheduling a FAR demo.

Patrick Johnson

Source: CAD Enhancement, Inc. – Far Process and Manufacturing
Go to Source: CAD Enhancement, Inc.

Tags: architects, enhancement inc, far manager, feedback, Patrick Johnson Source, plan, Process, Revit, revit families, software, software training No Comments »

by CADcaster

FAR Demo Summary

September 10, 2009 in AutoCAD, CAD, Revit

Throughout the past 5 weeks CAD Enhancement Inc. has been presenting demos of the FAR (Family Automation Revit) Process which is a tool that automates the creation of Revit families. One of our intentions with the initial FAR demos was to obtain feedback from manufacturers and architects to improve this application to best meet your needs.

The concept of the FAR Process was well received resulting in outstanding feedback that is definitely having a positive influence in the outcome of the FAR Manager and the FAR Creator.

We wanted to share the following feedback and updates with you as a way to keep you informed of the progress we are making with FAR.

Feedback / Suggestions to create:

Searching capabilities for existing Families (to be included in the 2nd Release of the FAR Manager)
Shared Parameters (to be included in the 3rd Release of the FAR Manager)
Ability to add Parameters (to be included in the 1st Release of the FAR Manager)
Alphabetize Groupings and Parameters (to be included in the 1st Release of the FAR Manager)
Ability to save Families or save Types (to be included in the 1st Release of the FAR Manager)
Ability to add Types (to be included in the 1st Release of the FAR Manager)
BIM Manager Tool Set (to be included in the 2nd Release of the FAR Manager).

Will Include ability to set the file directories
· Will include the ability to set-up the search tool
· Will include the ability to batch process the adding of Parameters

Turn-key ability for manufacturers to create Revit families to market their Revit families where they see fit (available with the development of the FAR Creator and set-up of the FAR Manager)
Available standard naming conventions (will be an ongoing process as we add content and receive additional feedback)
Ability to state comments on a family from within the FAR Manager instead of only going to RevitCatalog website (to be included in the 1st Release of the FAR Manager)

Updates: