Ideate BIMLink: Customizing Document Issue Records
We have had an Ideate BIMLink revision workflow for Revit for quite some time. A blog post by my colleague Sash Kazeminejad explains the process quite well.
We even have an in-depth topic in our online Help that explains the process quite thoroughly. As a bonus to Ideate BIMLink customers, they can request an Excel macro template and dataset that supports the automation of a Document Issuance Record. The resultant Excel file is organized as a matrix with the Sheets as Rows with the Revision dates and per Sheet numbering as the Columns.
We recently had an excellent question from one of our customers, KEO International Consultants, regarding that specific Excel macro template. He was trying to add custom columns to the Excel template immediately to the left of the Ideate BIMLink generated sequence data. We have instructions and setup within the Excel document to explain that the number of columns needs to be set to the left of the sequence data. This number will be set based on the added columns or properties, but we failed to mention that the columns also need to be added to the DIR tab within the Excel spreadsheet. With that little tidbit of information, KEO International Consultants was in Revit Revision heaven, if there is such a place!
“I added the additional columns to the DIR sheet and now it is working as expected. Thank you for the great support and the fantastic software.”
~ Robert L. Fernandez, BIM Manager – Design, KEO International Consultants
Thank you Robert for bringing this question to us! We have now added this important step to our process.
Here’s the process:
On the setup tab of the Excel Macro, the columns left of Sequence Data will calculate the proper number based on the columns to the left of the sequence data.
In my example, I’ve added 4 properties before the sequence data, so the Columns Left of Sequence Data will automatically be set to 4. (A quick way to think about this is that EACH property is a column within Excel.)
Now here is the critical part. For my example, the Sheet Number, Sheet Name, Checked By, and Current Owner MUST be added to the DIR Excel tab as columns in order for the Excel file to work properly.
What is a Named User license?
A Named User license is assigned to one specific person rather than shared across a network. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see the License Wizard section of the Graitec Licensing Help Center.
Are Ideate Suites replacing Ideate Software Bundles?
Yes. Going forward, Ideate Suites replace Ideate Software Bundles.
What's the difference between the Ideate Software Bundle and the Ideate Suite?
Both include the same five tools: IdeateApps, Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky and Ideate StyleManager. What changes is how many people can use them at the same time.
- Bundle: Each tool is licensed separately, so different people can work in different tools at once. For example, with one Bundle, five people could each use a different tool at the same time.
- Suite: One license covers all five tools for one person at a time. That person can move freely between every tool. While they're using the Suite, it isn't available to anyone else on that license until they finish.
A Named User Suite is assigned to one specific person. A Cloud Floating Suite can be shared across your team, one person at a time.
Will my team need more licenses?
If several people on your team use different Ideate tools at the same time, you may need more than one Suite license. Contact us and we'll review your team's usage and help you choose the right setup.
Can I still buy an Ideate Software Bundle?
No. Bundles are no longer available for purchase. New purchases are offered as follows:
- Ideate Suite: Named User or Cloud Floating
- Enterprise Suite: Cloud Floating
- Active Host: Cloud Floating
- Automation: Cloud Floating
- Individual products: Named User or Cloud Floating (IdeateApps, Ideate BIMLink, Ideate Explorer, Ideate Sticky, and Ideate StyleManager)
Can I still buy IdeateApps, BIMLink, Explorer, Sticky, or StyleManager individually?
Yes. Individual products are available as Named User or Cloud Floating licenses.
Will floating (network) licenses still be available?
Yes. Cloud Floating licenses are available for Ideate Suite, Enterprise Suite, Active Host, individual products, and Automation.
My organization has strict security requirements or no internet access. Can I still get a FlexLM license?
Yes. FlexLM remains available for organizations with security requirements, such as environments without internet access. FlexLM is not available through the online store, so please contact your account manager to purchase.
I'm an existing customer. What happens to my current license/s?
Your existing Ideate Software subscription is moving to our new licensing system at no cost. Your license quantities and expiration dates stay the same.
- Standalone licenses become Named User licenses. Set up your Named Users in the Graitec Advantage Portal.
- Cloud Floating (network) licenses become Cloud Floating Suite licenses. Deploy the latest release as you have in the past, using the new license code in your migration email.
- Each Ideate Software Bundle becomes an Ideate Suite.
To keep using Ideate, update to the latest release and activate your new license by March 31, 2027. Older Ideate licenses will stop working in Q2 2027.
Using Ideate with Revit 2022 or earlier? Contact ideatesupport@graitec.com to review your options. For account questions, contact sales@ideatesoftware.com.
I have a Bundle today. What will I receive when I move to the new licensing?
Conversions are one for one. Each Ideate Software Bundle becomes one Ideate Suite, and each network Bundle becomes one Cloud Floating Suite. Your license quantities and expiration dates stay the same.
I have several products that renew on different dates. How will that be handled?
We're finalizing how to handle accounts with multiple renewal dates. Contact sales@ideatesoftware.com and we'll review your account with you.
Where do I manage my licenses?
In the Graitec Advantage Portal. Based on customer requests, starting with the latest Ideate release, license management and license usage information are handled in Graitec Advantage, outside of Revit. We recommend bookmarking the portal.
- Named User licenses: Assign licenses to people on your team in Graitec Advantage.
- Cloud Floating Suite licenses: Deploy the latest release with your new license code as you have in the past, then manage licenses in Graitec Advantage.
Watch the Graitec Advantage walkthrough
Can I transfer a Named User license to another person?
Yes. There's no limit on the total number of transfers, but each license can be transferred up to two times within a 30-day period.
How are licenses issued?
Each product on your order is issued as its own license once your order is processed. To try a product before buying, contact us to request an evaluation license.
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