Worksharing in Revit: A Comprehensive Guide

Worksharing in Revit is a collaborative feature that allows multiple users to work on the same project file simultaneously. This functionality is essential in large architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) projects where various team members need to contribute to the design and documentation process. Worksharing optimizes workflow, enhances productivity, and ensures that all stakeholders can collaborate effectively. This article provides an in-depth look at worksharing in Revit, including setup, best practices, and troubleshooting.

What is Worksharing in Revit?

Worksharing in Revit enables a distributed team to work on different parts of a model simultaneously. The central concept revolves around the use of a central model that multiple users can access and modify. Changes are synchronized between local copies of the model and the central model, allowing for real-time collaboration and coordination.

Key Components of Worksharing

1. Central Model
   • The central model is the main file stored on a network location. It serves as the source of truth for all project data.
2. Local Copies
   • Each user works on a local copy of the central model. Local copies are synchronized with the central model to update and receive changes.
3. Worksets
   • Worksets are subsets of the project model that can be checked out and edited independently. They allow users to divide the model into manageable sections.
4. Synchronization
   • Users synchronize their local copies with the central model to share their changes and receive updates from other team members.

Setting Up Worksharing in Revit

1. Prepare the Model
   • Ensure the model is clean and error-free before enabling worksharing.
   • Audit and purge unused elements to optimize performance.
2. Enable Worksharing
   • Open the model in Revit.
   • Go to the “Collaborate” tab and click on “Worksets.”
   • Click “OK” to enable worksharing, which will create the initial worksets: “Shared Levels and Grids” and “Workset1.”
3. Save as Central Model
   • Save the model as the central model on a network location accessible to all team members.
   • Use the “Save As” function and check the “Make this a Central Model after save” option.
4. Create Additional Worksets
   • Create additional worksets as needed based on the project’s requirements.
   • Assign elements to appropriate worksets to organize the model effectively.

Best Practices for Worksharing

1. Workset Management
   • Clearly define worksets based on logical project divisions (e.g., architectural, structural, mechanical).
   • Assign responsibility for each workset to specific team members.
2. Regular Synchronization
   • Synchronize with the central model frequently to minimize conflicts and ensure everyone is working with the latest information.
   • Establish a regular schedule for synchronization to avoid delays and bottlenecks.
3. Communication
   • Maintain clear communication among team members regarding changes and updates.
   • Use Revit’s built-in communication tools, such as comments and clash detection, to resolve issues promptly.
4. Conflict Resolution
   • Develop a protocol for resolving conflicts that arise from simultaneous edits.
   • Use the “Relinquish All Mine” option to release worksets and elements when tasks are complete.
5. Performance Optimization
   • Keep the model lightweight by purging unused elements and managing the number of linked files.
   • Use Revit’s performance audit tools to identify and address any issues.
6. Backup and Version Control
   • Regularly backup the central model to prevent data loss.
   • Maintain a version history to track changes and revert to previous versions if necessary.

Troubleshooting Common Worksharing Issues

1. Sync Errors
   • If synchronization errors occur, check network connectivity and ensure the central model is accessible.
   • Resolve any conflicting changes manually and synchronize again.
2. Slow Performance
   • Slow performance can be caused by a large file size or excessive linked models. Optimize the model by purging unused elements and managing links.
   • Ensure that hardware meets Revit’s recommended specifications.
3. Lost Changes
   • If changes are lost, verify that the local copy was synchronized correctly. Check the backup folder for recent versions.
   • Implement a regular synchronization schedule to minimize the risk of lost changes.
4. Workset Ownership Issues
   • If workset ownership issues arise, use the “Relinquish All Mine” option to release worksets and elements.
   • Communicate with team members to resolve ownership conflicts and reassign worksets as needed.

Advanced Worksharing Features

1. Revit Server
   • Revit Server allows geographically dispersed teams to collaborate on a central model stored on a central server.
   • It provides better performance for large projects by enabling faster access to the central model.
2. BIM 360 Design
   • BIM 360 Design is a cloud-based collaboration tool that integrates with Revit.
   • It allows teams to access and work on the central model from anywhere, providing real-time collaboration and project management features.
3. Worksharing Monitor
   • Worksharing Monitor is a tool that provides information about the status of worksharing activities.
   • It helps users keep track of synchronization status, workset ownership, and system performance.

Worksharing in Revit is a powerful feature that facilitates collaboration and coordination in complex AEC projects. By setting up worksharing correctly and following best practices, teams can work efficiently and effectively on the same project model. Regular synchronization, clear communication, and proper workset management are key to successful worksharing. With tools like Revit Server and BIM 360 Design, worksharing can extend beyond the office, allowing for seamless collaboration across different locations.