Revit 2022 Schedules - The Inside Scoop from Ideate Software
An improvement to the multi-category schedule in Revit is one of several new features added to Revit 2022.
As noted by Autodesk, this feature is listed as a top Revit Ideas Forum request.
If we consult with the Wayback Machine, we’ll see that the Ideate Software team developed a multi-category offering in 2013. As part of our Ideate Software due diligence for our 2022 release, we did an extensive review of this new Revit feature to ensure our own multi-category continues to both align and surpass the Autodesk version.
There are a few noteworthy differences between the Revit 2022 and Ideate BIMLink multi-category data collections that we discovered during that research.
Multi-Category Data Goal: Quantity Takeoffs
One purpose of a multi-category schedule is to be able to do an accurate high-level quantity takeoff. In Jan 2015, the Ideate Software team saw and addressed a discrepancy between the Revit curtain panel data being reported, via the API, and the actual BIM model conditions. Specifically, our early users pointed out that Ideate Explorer was reporting more curtain panels than a corresponding Revit curtain panel schedule would display. Thanks to our valued customers, we were able to fix this problem quickly to ensure accurate takeoffs.
In our review of the Revit 2022 multi-category schedule, we discovered that these extraneous curtain panels unfortunately are included. As shown in side-by-side schedules, the Revit Curtain Panel Schedule shows fewer results than the corresponding multi-category schedule. In the image there are two extraneous Glazed Panels and 11 extraneous custom panels, which will lead to takeoff inaccuracies if the multi-category schedule is used.
The Revit Panel Schedules quantities shown at the left are accurate and are matched within both Ideate Explorer and Ideate BIMLink.
Be careful with the Revit 2022 multi-category schedule, shown at the right, which is inaccurate! This condition occurs when curtain panels are divided.
Multi-Category Data Goal: Quality Control - MEP Device Example
Ideate BIMLink customers know that another benefit of having high-quality multi-category Revit data is that you can review and make bulk changes easily.
In June of 2016, our beta testers requested access to the elevation and offset values for all MEP devices. Being able to edit these values in one place enabled a high level of quality control within their Revit projects.
Additionally, filtering by Category has always been easy with Ideate BIMLink, as shown above. These two features combine to complete this quality control workflow, which is one of the top reasons to have a multi-category schedule.
Unfortunately, the Revit 2022 multi-category schedule does not include the elevation or offset properties, so you cannot achieve this type of goal. Additionally, the Revit multi-category schedule does not let you filter by Category, so it is very difficult to gather all these categories into one place.
These are just two of the ways in which the new Revit multi-category schedule varies from the Ideate BIMLink version.
At Ideate Software, we understand at a deep level the value of a comprehensive multi-category schedule. And when we do not understand, we listen to our customers to quickly improve our data model. We have updated our multi-category definition at least seven times in the past eight years.
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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