Streamlining Cross-Format Data Handling in Vcad
The Vcad team, is always striving to make your experience with BIM data easier and more efficient. Today, we’re excited to introduce a major step forward in that direction: the launch of our new “Unified” conversion type, available for all major file formats.
Important note: this new format will be available to Vcad Standalone and Vcad for ACC users using the Autodesk Platform Services viewer.
With this update, we are adding Unified conversions for Navisworks, Revit, IFC, and DWG file formats. This is a game-changer for anyone working with multiple BIM formats, offering a streamlined approach to working with mixed-model environments.
What Are Unified Conversions?
Unified conversions represent the next step in how Vcad processes and structures BIM data. The idea is that no matter the original format of the model the converted data follows a standardized structure.
In practical terms, this means that once the data is in Vcad, it behaves the same way across all these formats. The result? A simplified and more efficient workflow, where the same Power BI transformations and visualizations can be applied regardless of the model’s original format.
Cross-Format Power BI Transformations: A Single Approach for Multiple Models
One of the main advantages of Unified conversions is how they empower users to streamline Power BI reporting. In the past, creating reports required adapting the transformation steps to each model format. With Unified conversions, those days are behind us. The same set of transformations can now be used across different models. This means less time spent on customization and more time focusing on extracting meaningful insights from your data.
The Unified format focuses the attention on the two main datasets, Assets and Properties, these will contain all the model data. Then if you need to access some file type specific data, e.g. IfcBuilding, you can leverage the data transformation tools to extrapolate that information.
Mixed Runtime Federations: A New Era of Model Coordination
Perhaps the most exciting feature of this update is the ability to create mixed runtime federations, currently only available to Vcad for ACC users.
Previously, it was not possible to work with models from different formats in a single federation. Now, with Unified conversions, you can bring together Navisworks, Revit, IFC, and DWG models into a single, cohesive runtime federation without worrying about compatibility issues.
This opens up new possibilities for projects that need to leverage BIM files from different formats. You can now easily federate models of different formats, run analysis, and generate reports in Power BI, all while maintaining a unified approach to data structure.
What This Means for You
The Unified conversion feature is designed to simplify and enhance your workflows:
- Consistency: Unified data structure across different model formats.
- Efficiency: Reuse Power BI transformations and avoid redundant setup processes.
- Coordination: Federate models from different formats with ease.
To begin using this new format, simply import a new file and select the Unified conversion type.
We’re thrilled about the possibilities this new feature unlocks, and we are confident it will make a big difference in your projects. As always, our team is here to help you take full advantage of this new functionality. Feel free to reach out with any questions or for support as you integrate Unified conversions into your workflows.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to evolve Vcad to meet the growing needs of our community.
