Excel, a traditional key tool for change
Progress is unstoppable. The construction industry is undergoing a paradigm shift with the implementation of BIM (Building Information Modeling), a revolution not only in the way project stakeholders communicate but also in the type of information generated using powerful software and interactive tools. However, as with any implementation,
problems and questions always arise.
In fact, the difficulty for architects is not only that they must move from the traditional method of drawing plans to a completely digital environment, but also that they must do so in the shortest possible time. It’s not enough to simply purchase an online tutorial or learn how to do it on YouTube; BIM requires team commitment , 3D software, tools, and proper training for a successful implementation.
At BIMCommunity, we understand the difficulty of change and propose how a simple, accessible tool can help improve the way your team works:
1. Templates
It’s important to repeatedly check that buildings comply with local regulations and standards, especially in the preliminary design phase. Although new technologies offer powerful tools, this phase is still often done manually using Excel. But what if we left it for last? The more intelligent and human our approach to building design, the more effective it will be.
Obviously, as professionals, there isn’t enough time to sit at a computer for days or weeks checking whether the building has the correct number of plumbing fixtures, detailed elements, or parking components. Fortunately, there are several BIM software programs that automate changes based on the latest design modifications, such as Autodesk’s Revit . With the Xinaps Requirement Assistant, you can perform an automatic 3D check instantly, adapting to any changes in Revit.
So, if all of this can be automated with any BIM tool, what’s the point of using the old, archaic Excel method? It’s very simple: once the template is configured with Excel, it can be very helpful for administrative purposes (document management), presentations, and even for starting to create a project database.
2. Excel es universal
Working in the AECO sector involves multiple teams and agents, so architects, engineers, and contractors will need to perform different calculations for the same designs. This can be a source of disputes, so Excel becomes a perfect standardization tool. Its use helps present relevant and essential information to the entire team and saves you the trouble of ensuring each project agent’s data is in a compatible format (for example, the budget estimate Excel spreadsheet can be uploaded to the Revit Financial Simulator plugin). This allows each change to be common and editable by all team members. Additionally, the Revit plugin allows data to be viewed in different graphs and comparative price scenarios can be created. This final file can be exported to Excel.
3. Customize with Excel
As you may already know, many changes are made at the last minute and impact the decision-making process. This is a critical point when checking whether the building’s design complies with local requirements and regulations. Using styles in Excel, you can ensure information consistency.
Let’s say you want to check lighting requirements and local standards using a Revit plugin. You’ll likely have specific jargon that you use with your team members, but it’s not widely used at a professional level. No problem! Import all the data into BIM software and customize it with your own Excel template. When you have a presentation or meeting with the rest of the stakeholders, you can easily export an updated Excel file where you can easily add charts and graphs.