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Can Offshore Resources Make the Move from CAD to Revit-based Designing Easier in the US?

19 May 2023
Shalini John
CAD Outsourcing Services

‘When in Rome, . . .’ Close to being the norm, most American AEC firms are now using BIM software extensively. According to a survey by the American Institute of Architects, all large architectural firms and more than a third of small firms use BIM for billable work. As a BIM-enabled software, Revit is thus gaining traction rapidly. However, change is not always easy. Sometimes, CAD-experienced professionals need to be dragged kicking and screaming onto the Revit bandwagon for homebuilding design development. Investment in training and hardware may be inevitable, and there may be a need for changes in actual business processes. Not exactly pleasant.

How can US firms move from CAD design services to Revit-based designing more easily?

First, what does such a move entail?

Some may favour just diving right in by training the entire staff. Others may have to pick and choose who to train and who not to. Switching to Revit successfully can affect workflows, staffing and efficiency.

There is always the danger of difficulties if the transition to Revit from CAD is executed poorly, so:

Understand Its Benefits

Firms must fully comprehend and communicate the benefits of BIM to their teams, benefits such as:

  • BIM may be a mandatory requirement for new projects.
  • BIM processes lead to efficient project documentation.
  • BIM technology use leads to improved coordination and troubleshooting.
  • Others are already using BIM, and this necessitates familiarity with it.
  • BIM technology is the future of the industry.
Estimate Startup Costs

For a firm that does not have the required infrastructure to support BIM, the up-front cost may be potentially expensive.

  • High-functioning servers are necessary for files to be shared by employees.
  • High-processing local computers are required, with RAM and video card capability that can run BIM programs such as Revit.
  • Plan for the upgrade of every computer in use.
Invest in Training
  • Set aside time to train employees on how to use Revit.
  • Invest in special training courses for staff by a third party.
  • To maintain the level of knowledge beyond initial training, assign someone to coordinate Revit application and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
Develop Standards
  • Someone will need to consider current firm output in terms of drawings, renderings, etc., and translate existing standards to those compatible with Revit.
  • By creating these standards for working files and product sets, valuable time will be saved.
  • A formal document must be created that details all of the firm’s output standards.

Implementing Revit-based designing requires a steep learning curve, and in-house teams will need to adjust to new standards and workflows. So, there’s clearly an upheaval of sorts involved.

To make the transition easier, US firms can opt for a strategic partnership with offshore resources.

Offshoring Revit-based Designing

Established offshore partners can provide specific and well-qualified technical expertise in Revit-based services. By outsourcing specific Revit services, such as residential design drawings, residential construction drawings, residential design development sets and other construction development sets, US firms can redirect their time, focus and resources to generate income, while saving operational and labour costs.

An effective outsourcing partner will have:

Experience

Experienced outsourced companies will have portfolios and testimonials to indicate the company’s product knowledge and professionalism.

Expertise

An expert offshore CAD team will also be adept at using Revit and able to deliver design requirements, including high-quality DD and CD sets.

Flexibility

Operating through different time zones, the outsourced partner will have sound communication options and business models while adapting to the required business structure, schedules and processes. An effective partner will offer a range of services and be flexible in their delivery.

Clear Communication

Ideal outsourced partners will be conversant with the business requirements and have good language skills for ease in communication and to produce accurate services.

Technological Collaboration

Trusted outsourcing partners will use collaborative online working tools to provide access to its progress and activity on projects. In addition, these outsourcing firms will be keen on using new technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI) tools, to both speed up work and improve quality. This way, US firms can benefit from technology without investing time and effort into the technological advancements in the industry.

High Quality

Well-known and established international quality credentials and a clear, detailed Service Level Agreement (SLA) stating the scope of work and process flows with quality assurance will ensure that the outsourced partner delivers high-quality output.

Revit Expertise

Foolproof features of an effective Revit partner include:

  • Culture in the firm – focus on delivery of Revit services while meeting Western standards
  • Relevant Revit software and hardware
  • Confidentiality in delivery of services using Revit
  • Reasonable costs of services delivered using Revit
  • Confidence of employees using Revit
  • Pilot projects delivered using Revit

When a US firm locates the right outsourcing Revit partner, business and profits are bound to improve. Outsourcing Revit services will take care of most of the challenges of moving from 3D CAD modelling services and other CAD services to Revit-based designing and ensure high levels of technical expertise for a range of services that are delivered on schedule, despite changing requirements.

XS CAD has valuable experience providing CAD design services for homebuilders, general contractors and design consultants. Our range of services for global firms include residential construction drawings, homebuilding design development, residential Revit BIM modeling, residential design development sets, construction development sets and 3D CAD modelling services. We offer retained teams when required, and we create these models, drawings and BIM services by using Revit, AutoCAD and BIM Collaborate Pro for cloud collaboration.

Speak to one of our agents in your region TODAY!