A while back, I conducted extensive research into Revit content management tools. I was commissioned by Unifi to do this, and I told the story of the process over here. You can also watch the related webinar here. Over the last couple of years, some of you have approached me to gain access to the master Excel comparison matrix document that I produced. Recently, Jay Merlan updated this document on behalf of Unifi and it has now been approved for public release!

Here is a link to download a ZIP archive containing the Excel document.

Data Entry and Scoring Matrix

The document is very detailed and consists of a number of key sections:

  • Matrix – where data is entered and initial scores are calculated. This includes a ‘feature weight’ where you can allocate how important a given feature is to you personally.
  • Screencasts – links to actually tests undertaken
  • Test Results – summary sheet
  • Cost data – a series of sheets for attempting to compare and calculate overall cost of the content management system
  • Summary Pivot Tables and Charts
  • Overall Summary Chart
Summary PivotChart

 

As it is an Excel document using Formulas and Pivot Tables, it could be a very powerful starting point for you to dig in and investigate the various features of Revit and BIM Content Management systems and Content Providers. I hope you find it useful!

Feel free to comment here with any of your thoughts, and if you have any questions about the document and how it works.

Main benchmark categories:

  • Added Value Data 1 – AD1.
  • Batch Tests 1  – BT1.
  • Capability Tests 1 – CT1.
  • Company Info and Support Data – CD1.
  • Feature Comparison Data 1 – FD1.
  • Management Capability Scores 1 – MS1.
  • Management Feature Data 1 – MD1.
  • Metadata Tests 1 – MT1.
  • Speed Tests 1 – SP1.
  • Stability Tests 1 – ST1.
  • User Experience Data 1 – UX1.
  • User Experience Data 2 – Bad – UX2.

Information categories:

  • Company
  • Content
  • Cost
  • Deployment
  • Development
  • Management
  • Platform
  • Revit integration
  • Software
  • Support
  • User

I’m pretty sure this is what Revit Skyscraper is going to look like when it gets released, and I’m guessing it will be called “Collaboration for Revit” or “Revit Collaboration” (sounds like an addin, yeah?). Check out the image:

Those features again:

  • Multi-firm concurrent authoring
  • No IT setup required
  • BIM directly accessible to other Cloud Services

I’m not breaking NDA as this was a mailout from CTC, and you can register for the webinar here.

The latest version of CTC BIM Project Suite installs an Explorer extension that can list the following without even opening Revit:

  • Saved with Revit version
  • Saved with Revit build
  • Last saved path
  • Is Revit LT file
  • Worksharing mode
  • Is central file
  • Preview image

All you need to do is install the trial, and the Explorer extension will become available when you right click an RVT or RFA. The trial includes free tools that do not expire (see image below):

Here is a direct download link

More info on “Revit Properties”


Revit Properties is now available within the CTC BIM Project Suite download, and runs outside of Revit. This user interface provides access to basic data about Revit project files, family files, project template files and family template files.

  • See the version of Revit that last saved the file
  • View worksharing information about project files

This is a free tool that does not have licensing requirements

Main page:
BIM Project Suite – CAD Technology Center

These are part of the Standard, Free BIM Project Suite by CTC:

BIM List is a content management solution providing the ability to sort, search and leverage your families more effectively.
  • Locate and insert families into a Revit project
  • Search parameter data using filters
  • Administrative controls help enforce company standards


Detail Link automates the process of linking AutoCAD DWG details for use in the Revit project environment.
  • Reduce errors and ensure consistency
  • Save time by automating an otherwise manual process


Project Link is an easy and customizable system for finding and organizing documents from inside the Revit interface.
  • Make important documents and hyperlinks accessible from within Revit
  • Locate and group all families that have a hyperlink associated with them
  • Both administrative and user interfaces are provided


Renumbering provides a fast and simple way to renumber your rooms and doors.
  • Auto-swapping avoids duplicates
  • Alphanumeric sequential numbering
  • Add separators and suffixes to room and door numbers

Download at:
BIM Project Suite Standard

Heads-up:
Revit Add-Ons: BIM Project Suite 2014 from CTC – Includes 4 New Tools!