Revit + Smartsheet: Mapping Asset Data from BIM to an External Data Source
In the realm of PropTech, I’ve encountered the same struggles faced by many in the industry. Triple Zero Labs had the privilege of developing an internal DevOps tool for a prestigious retail client which has transformed the way they handle procurement and forecasting of their physical retail store fixtures.
The Problem
The challenges were clear from the start and can be summarized in three points.
1. Manual data entry is expensive and error-prone.
One of the most pressing issues we faced was the inefficiency and susceptibility to errors inherent in manual data entry. Despite the client’s best efforts with advanced Excel workflows, the process was not only time-consuming but also prone to costly mistakes. Each manual entry carried the risk of transcription errors, misplaced decimals, or simple oversight, all of which could have significant repercussions down the line.
2. Managing data within Revit models is difficult.
Another significant pain point our client encountered was the arduous task of managing data within Revit models. This challenge was particularly daunting because it was not just a matter of time and effort; it also limited accessibility and collaboration within our team. Typically, this responsibility fell squarely on the shoulders of our BIM managers, who were tasked with navigating the complexities of Revit to update and maintain asset data. However, this centralized approach created bottlenecks and hindered productivity, as all changes had to go through a single point of contact. Moreover, the intricate nature of Revit made it difficult for team members outside of the BIM department to contribute or make updates, leading to a disconnect between different stakeholders involved in the project.
3. Spinning up a web server and database is too technical.
Our initial idea was to spin up a web server and database infrastructure along with a light API using Django. We quickly realized that relying on traditional methods of setting up servers and databases was not only time-consuming but also required a high level of technical expertise. On top of that, our client being a large corporation, had difficulty approving a web server and database due to security risk and cost. The traditional approach often involved significant upfront costs and ongoing maintenance efforts, diverting resources away from our core objectives.
Solution
In addressing the challenges faced by our retail client, we found ourselves at a crucial juncture: harnessing the power of existing tools while innovating to bridge the gap between disparate platforms. Discovering the client’s reliance on Smartsheet for data management and the untapped potential of the Revit API, we crafted a solution that seamlessly integrated the two. Leveraging the Revit API’s capabilities and the client’s pre-approved use of Smartsheet, we devised an elegant solution: a custom Revit add-in that serves as the conduit between Revit’s rich BIM data and Smartsheet’s intuitive collaboration features. By tapping into both the Revit API and Smartsheet API, our solution empowers users to effortlessly pass data back and forth, unlocking new levels of efficiency, collaboration, and productivity in procurement and forecasting workflows.
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Revit + Smartsheet: Mapping Asset Data from BIM to an External Data Source
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