Naviswork Manage |link|

Navisworks Manage is a comprehensive project review software suite primarily used in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) for Building Information Modeling (BIM). It allows users to open and combine 3D models from various design software tools into a single coordinated model.

Here are the core features produced by and available within Navisworks Manage:

The Typical Workflow: How Teams Use Navisworks Manage

Implementing Navisworks Manage isn't about opening a single file. It follows a disciplined workflow cycle.

Step 1: Authoring Each trade creates their model. The structural engineer models steel in Revit. The MEP firm models ductwork in AutoCAD MEP. naviswork manage

Step 2: Exporting (NWC Exporters) Each authoring tool requires an NWC exporter (free from Autodesk). This converts proprietary data into a lightweight, open format Navisworks can read.

Step 3: Aggregation (The NWF File) The VDC manager opens Navisworks Manage and creates an NWF (Navisworks File Set) file. This file does not contain the model data; it contains references to the original NWC files. By using an NWF, as designers update their models (new versions), you simply refresh the NWF—you don't rebuild from scratch.

Step 4: Clash Detection & Resolution The team runs clash tests. The results are saved as a list of "Clash Groups." These clashes are assigned to specific team members (e.g., "Clash #45 assigned to Electrical Team"). The contractor exports a report to share with the design team. Navisworks Manage is a comprehensive project review software

Step 5: Resolution & Re-testing Designers fix the clashes in their original software (e.g., moving a pipe 2 inches in Revit). They republish NWCs. The PM hits "Refresh" in Navisworks Manage. The clash disappears. This cycle repeats until the project is "clash-free."

5. Quantification (Takeoffs)

• Automatic Counting: It can automatically count objects (like doors, windows, or light fixtures) within the model.
• Volume/Area Calculation: It produces quantity takeoffs for materials (concrete volume, floor area, wall surface area), which can be exported for estimation.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Even experts hit walls with Navisworks Manage. Here is how to troubleshoot:

Pitfall 1: The file is too slow (Lag).

• Solution: Use the LOD (Level of Detail) slider. Reduce the resolution of curved pipes (Arc & Circle Tessellation). Convert everything to the native .NWD format, which is compressed.

Pitfall 2: Clashes keep reappearing after being "fixed."

• Solution: Ensure consultants are modeling to the correct Z-height base point. Often, one engineer models relative to sea level (+0.0) and another relative to the first floor (+100.0). Check the Transform coordinates before appending.

Pitfall 3: You cannot select a specific object.

• Solution: You are likely in "Selection" mode but the object is nested in a link. Use the Selection Tree to drill down into the specific file. Alternatively, hold Ctrl and click to cycle through overlapping objects.

---