01 / Principle

BIM is a process, not just Revit

Revit is a BIM tool, but it does not create a BIM process by itself. If the team works with different versions of files, does not control coordinates and changes, problems still end up on the construction site.

Therefore, the introduction of BIM should start with the rules: who is responsible for the models, how the data is updated, where the relevant information is stored and how interdisciplinary BIM coordination takes place .

The value of BIM is determined not by the program, but by the controlled movement of relevant data between all participants.

02 / Mixed medium

Is it possible to combine Revit and AutoCAD?

Yes. For many companies, a hybrid environment is the most realistic transition stage. Architecture and structures can work in Revit, and some MEP disciplines – in AutoCAD. This approach is used both in BIM projects of residential buildings and during the coordination of industrial facilities.

The transitional phase can combine different tools if all disciplines work according to agreed rules.

03 / Exchange Rules

What does a mixed team need to agree on?

When part of the team works in Revit and the other in AutoCAD, it is important to determine the order of data exchange in advance. BIM model management helps maintain common rules and up-to-date file versions.

Rules for Revit and AutoCAD

  • coordinate system and levels;
  • Work with DWG and Xrefs;
  • filenames and versioning;
  • Model update frequency;
  • BIM execution plan (BEP);
  • Common Data Environment (CDE).

Unique coordinates, clear versioning and regular exchange allow you to coordinate disciplines without simultaneously changing programs throughout the company.

04 / First cycle

Where to start BIM implementation?

The best is from one pilot project. First, conduct a process audit, define BIM goals, prepare data exchange rules and start regular coordination cycles.

Collision detection is only part of the job. It is not enough to find the intersection between the pipe and the beam: you need to determine the technically correct solution, make changes and recheck the model.

  1. AuditProcesses, files and roles
  2. BIM-goalsExpected result
  3. RulesBEP, CDE and data sharing
  4. CyclesCheck and reconciliation

05 / Practice

Ziggurat Experience

Ziggurat works with Revit, AutoCAD and mixed BIM environments. This allows for the coordination of teams with different levels of BIM maturity without the requirement to simultaneously change the entire workflow.

The practical approach is as follows: first standardize the data, then organize BIM model management and system coordination, and only after that gradually increase the share of BIM models where it provides the most value.

Conclusion

Managed transition is more important than quick tool change

The goal of BIM implementation is not to abandon AutoCAD as soon as possible, but to build a controlled digital process:

  1. Current data
  2. Unique coordinates
  3. Defined roles
  4. Exchange rules
  5. BEP and CDE
  6. Regular coordination

When all disciplines work with up-to-date information, engineering conflicts can be resolved before construction begins.