ArchiCAD Training Series Vol 5_v17

Using Teamwork

ArchiCAD Training SeriesVol. 5

CreditsVisit the GRAPHISOFT website at http://www.graphisoft.com for local distributor and product availability information.

ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 5Using Teamwork

(International Metric Version)Copyright 2013 by GRAPHISOFT, all rights reserved. Reproduction, paraphrasing or

translation without express prior written permission is strictly prohibited.

TrademarksArchiCAD is a registered trademark of GRAPHISOFT. All other trademarks are the property

of their respective holders.

CreditsWe used the following ArchiCAD projects in most of the training exercises:

Microsoft Office Complex in GRAPHISOFT Park, Budapest

Architect: Lukacs and Vikar Architects, HungaryArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 52

ContentsCONTENTS

Introduction ___________________________________________ 6The Teamwork Concept______________________________________ 8

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork ___________________________12Chapter 1 Installing the BIM Server _________________________ 12Chapter 2 Managing the BIM Server ________________________ 24Managing the BIM Server Locally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Managing the BIM Server Remotely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Chapter 3 Defining Roles __________________________________ 35Chapter 4 Managing Users ________________________________ 41Chapter 5 Sharing the Project ______________________________ 49Sharing the Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Managing the Shared Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Part 2 Working in Teamwork ___________________________65Chapter 1 Joining the Teamwork Project_____________________ 65Architect 1 Joining the Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66Architect 2 Joining the Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69Chapter 2 Reserving Workspaces ___________________________ 75Reserving Elements by Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76Reserving Elements by Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82Creating New Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 53

ContentsChapter 3 Sending and Receiving Changes __________________ 88Sending the Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89Sending and Receiving the Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91Receiving the Changes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93Offline Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94Working Offline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95Releasing Selected Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96Releasing All Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98Chapter 4 Instant Team Communication ____________________ 102Simple Text Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102Element Based Messages Ask for Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107Element Based Messages Requesting Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113Element Based Messages Assigning Elements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120Task Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126Chapter 5 Reserving Other Project Data ____________________ 129Reserving Element Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129Working with Views and Layouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135Chapter 6 Adding a BIM Server Library _____________________ 149Uploading the Library to the BIM Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149Adding a BIM Server Library to the project. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152Chapter 7 Editing and creating Library Parts ________________ 157Editing an Existing Library Part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157Creating a New Library Part and Adding it to a BIM Server Library . . . . 167ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 54

ContentsChapter 8 Using the Backup Function ______________________ 177Manually Backing up the Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177Rolling Back the Project to a Backup Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 55

IntroductionIntroductionWelcome to the ArchiCAD Training Series!

This Guide is part of the ArchiCAD Training Series, which currently includes the following materials:

Vol. 1, The ArchiCAD BIM Concept

Vol. 2, Basic ArchiCAD

Vol. 3, Intermediate ArchiCAD

Vol. 4, Advanced ArchiCAD

Vol. 5, Using Teamwork

You are now reading Vol. 5, Using Teamwork a comprehensive hands-on training to familiarize you with the TeamWork and BIM Server functions of ArchiCAD. This guide is meant for advanced ArchiCAD users and students. We strongly recommend that you complete Training Series Vol. 1-4 before starting with this one.

This training guide consists of two main parts:

Part 1: Setting up Teamwork explains how to install and set up the BIM server and how to share an ArchiCAD project for Teamwork.

Part 2: Working in Teamwork describes how to use Teamwork to work on the shared project within a small architectural team.

Part 1 is intended for users who will actually work on the BIM Server and be responsible for maintaining a smooth workflow within the Teamwork environment, or who will be responsible for Teamwork training, e.g.:

BIM Managers

GRAPHISOFT Partners

Trainers

Part 2 is intended for all ArchiCAD users having at least a basic ArchiCAD knowledge. (We suggest that they complete, at minimum, the ArchiCAD Basic Training Guide). Part 2 can also be completed without Part 1, if the BIM Server installation and Teamwork project setup are already complete.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 56

IntroductionContents of this guide

Training guide e-book: The PDF guide includes detailed explanation of every step, with several screenshots.

ArchiCAD project file: The pre-set training file will help your learning process. Pre-set project views help you to navigate between different steps thus you can focus on the core knowledge.

Movie clips: Narrated movie clips are available on the YouTube channel for GRAPHISOFT ArchiCAD (www.youtube.com/user/Archicad) providing step-by-step instructions for each step of the training guide. The ArchiCAD YouTube Channel can also be accessed from the Help menu of ArchiCAD. Enter the name of this Training Guide in the search field to locate the related videos.

You must have ArchiCAD 17 or later version installed on your computer to use this guide. This e-book and the movie clips were made with the English language version of ArchiCAD. For your conveniance we recommend you to download and use the same version for practicing.

If you do not have ArchiCAD yet, please visit https://myarchicad.com/ to obtain a free ArchiCAD installer:

If you are a student, a teacher or a representative of a school, register and download a fully functional Education Version of ArchiCAD for Students and Teachers.

If you are a professional architect, register and download a fully functional 30-day trial version of ArchiCAD. Projects saved with this TRIAL version can be automatically upgraded to FULL versions upon purchase of a commercial license.

Please contact your local distributor for purchasing commercial ArchiCAD licenses: http://www.graphisoft.com/purchase/

How to use this training material?

Install the required ArchiCAD version

Open the PDF Guide

Open the related movie clips from the GRAPHISOFT ArchiCAD Youtube Channel

Follow the instructions given in the PDF guide and the videos

We hope you will find this training useful and wish you success with your future ArchiCAD projects!

Good Luck!

The GRAPHISOFT TeamArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 57

IntroductionThe Teamwork ConceptThe Teamwork concept introduced in ArchiCAD 13 is a revolutionary concept, enabling collaboration among members of an architectural team and their consultants/clients.

It is a radically different approach from the Teamwork concept implemented in previous versions of ArchiCAD (up to version 12), and also from collaboration solutions available in other BIM applications.

In this section, we give you a brief overview of the concept. In the chapters which follow, we will work with the various features of the latest version of Teamwork.

In Teamwork, several people can work on the same project simultaneously. The Teamwork solution handles all aspects of this collaborative work. For example, Teamwork can be configured to allow only a particular user to modify a given element; enable users to update their versions of the project file with modifications made by others; and allow them to easily communicate with each other in the context of the project.

A Teamwork project is created by sharing a Solo ArchiCAD project as a Teamwork project. When such a project is shared, users must be defined. It is also possible to create a new project as a Teamwork project from the start.

Users are those people who can access and work on the shared Teamwork project. The list of users is maintained in a database. These users then log into the shared Teamwork project using their own User name and Password. This functions much like a web-based e-mail application.

Each user is assigned a role. Roles are access rights that specify what a user is allowed to do in the project file: e.g. which kinds of elements the user can create, and which kinds of modifications he/she can carry out.

Thus, for each Teamwork project, you have to first share a project, then define Users and Roles.

In this new Teamwork solution, both users and roles are defined globally. This means that users and roles do not have to be defined and set for each project separately. Instead, they are defined once and can be used in any project thereafter. For example, if you have a Project Architect who is entitled to work on and modify any detail of any project in the architectural office, then you would create a User name for this person, and assign them the role of Lead Architect. The Lead Architect role, by default, provides access rights to change anything in a project.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 58

IntroductionThis Teamwork solution is a client-server solution. For a computer to be able to function as a BIM Server, the BIM Server application must be started.

Any computer can be a BIM Server. You can start the BIM Server on the local machine on which you are running ArchiCAD. Any machine you run ArchiCAD on is a client machine, since ArchiCAD is the client application. If you start the BIM Server on the local machine on which ArchiCAD is also running, then that computer is the server and the client at the same time.

It is also possible to start the BIM Server on a dedicated server machine in your office. Many architectural offices have a file server. The BIM Server can be started on this machine and ArchiCAD copies running on other machines in the office can connect to this machine through the Local Area Network (LAN). In a large architectural office, it is advisable to separate the BIM Server and the file server machines.

A third option is to connect to the BIM Server through the Internet. This way, an architectural firm with offices in different locations, cities, or even continents can have people from around the world connect through the Internet to a shared Teamwork project. This enables true global collaboration. If one job is in its final phase and there are not enough employees in the local office, other employees from other offices can also work on the project. Or, if offices are in different time zones, arrangements can be made allowing the project to be worked on around the clock so it can be delivered by deadline. The Internet solution makes all these things feasible.

Roles are flexible in that they can be changed or overridden on the project level. Thus the Lead Architect Role may mean full access as default, but with slightly more restricted access on a specific project.

Since all these things are defined and maintained globally for the whole architectural office, it provides flexible and central management of all Teamwork projects.

A database server application is started on any machine that we designate as the BIM Server. This will store the shared Teamwork project file. Running copies of ArchiCAD will communicate with this database server application as clients, much like a web server scenario. The BIM Server can be accessed through the Internet, thus enabling true global architectural collaboration.

Due to its design, Teamwork offers much better performance than other solutions. A so-called Difference Tracker Engine runs on both the server and the client side. Its purpose is to track the changes to the project File. When a user sends the changes from his/her computer back to the database file, only the difference between the two versions of the project file will be sent over the network (whether a Local Area Network or the Internet). This dramatically reduces the size of data packages that travel across the network. In all other current solutions, the entire shared project ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 59

IntroductionFile has to be sent through the network. With larger files, this can slow down the network and can also result in one member waiting for another (to finish sending changes to and receiving from the shared project File) for as much as several minutes. In contrast, Teamwork sends only the changes, making such performance bottlenecks a thing of the past. The only time the whole project needs to travel over the network is when it is initially shared and when users download their initial local copies of the project to their local machines.

Data safety is also greatly enhanced in this version of Teamwork. Its database server technology, in use for many years, represents a very mature and safe solution. All project data are stored in the database. The full project data are also available to any client computer immediately after Sending & Receiving changes. Additionally, backup copies are created either automatically, at regular, pre-set intervals, or manually, at the Project Administrators discretion.

The Teamwork workflow has also been rethought and enhanced with the idea that any global architectural office should be able to use the Teamwork solution, no matter where their offices and most qualified employees are located. Any person defined as a user can join the shared Teamwork project file from any location in the world through the Internet.

Reservation happens on the element level on an as-needed basis. You can reserve elements individually. Furthermore, when you are finished making modifications to reserved elements, you can release their reservations individually, or for all of them at once.

Graphical feedback helps to easily identify which elements are reserved by which user. This is done by color coding: for example, all elements reserved by one user are shown in red, while all unreserved elements are shown in blue.

Non-element data can also be reserved on demand. For example, if you want to modify Project Preferences, you can simply reserve its dialog box, make the modifications, then release the reservation.

Instant Messaging is also built into Teamwork. This enables users to communicate with each other within ArchiCAD, even if they are not physically located near each other. When users work on the same project area, they can request elements from each other using the Instant Messaging system, or they can grant elements using the same.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 510

IntroductionAny user can work on the project in either Online Mode (meaning a live connection between their computer and the server) or in Offline Mode (meaning no such live connection exists). The state of the project is stored on the users computer in a Local Cache Folder. When he/she is Offline, he/she cannot reserve/release elements or send/receive changes. However, as soon as the live link to the server is reestablished, the user can do these things again. Otherwise, there is no difference in the user experience, whether Online or Offline.

The BIM Server offers various useful administrative tools. The BIM Server Managers Server Activities page enables the Server Administrator to monitor CPU and memory load, which indicate whether the current BIM Server computer is becoming overloaded. In such a case, the Administrator can set up additional BIM Server machines as needed.

The BIM Server is a modular application, meaning that a single server program can include v13, v14, v15, v16 and v17 modules, each of which handles projects that were shared with the corresponding ArchiCAD version. All ArchiCAD 13-17 Teamwork projects can be shared at the same time. Teamwork projects started in an earlier version do not need to be migrated to v17 to be able to use the BIM Server. However, it is advisable to limit the number of Teamwork modules to 2.

If a firm is running several BIM Servers, in one or more offices, all data located on these BIM Servers can be kept in synch, since it is possible to export and import all Project/User/Role/Library-related data to and from any of the BIM Servers.

Now that youve read this short overview, lets start using the new ArchiCAD Teamwork solution to see its capabilities demonstrated in real-life situations.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 511

Part 1 Setting Up TeamworkPart 1 Setting Up Teamwork

Chapter 1 Installing the BIM ServerIn this chapter, you will learn how to install and configure the GRAPHISOFT BIM Server on your computer, to provide a safe and solid Teamwork environment for all members of the extended design team. Please note that you need to set up and configure the BIM Server only once; then you will be ready to share as many projects as you wish!

Now lets start installing the BIM Server:

1 Insert the GRAPHISOFT ArchiCAD installation DVD in the DVD Drive of your computer and launch the ArchiCAD Installer by clicking on its icon.You can also download the installer from the myarchicad.com website.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 512

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork2 Run the BIM Server installer program by clicking the Install GRAPHISOFT BIM Server button on the main page of the Install menu.

The installation program is started.

3 Click the Next button in the installer.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 513

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork4 Select the I accept radio button to accept the license agreement and click Next to continue.

5 After setting the desired folders, click Next to continue.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 514

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork6 Click the Install button on the summary page to start the actual installation.

After the installation is complete, you will be asked to specify the necessary settings to configure the BIM Server.

As a first step, give the BIM Server a name by which you will be able to identify it (this becomes important when there are several BIM Servers running in one office).

7 Select the Use Computers name radio button (displaying your local computers name) and click Next.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 515

Part 1 Setting Up TeamworkNow select a folder where all the shared Teamwork projects will be stored. This folder should not be used for other externally linked non-teamwork files, such as drawings from non-teamworked plns, dwgs, jpgs and so on - only for Teamwork projects that will be handled by the BIM Server itself. By default, the location for the Projects folder is a subfolder of the BIM Server program folder. For the sake of this Training Guide, we will use this folder. You will be able to change the location of this folder later in the BIM Server Control Center application, but if you do so, you will have to re-share your projects. It is advisable to use a dedicated folder for your Teamwork projects outside the Application folder.

8 Click the Next button to proceed.

The next page allows you to select a folder where the BIM Server libraries will be stored. By default, this is the Attachment subfolder of the BIM Server program folder. We will use this folder for now. Please note that you will not be able to change the location for this folder later on. ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 516

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork9 Click the Next button to proceed.

On the next page of the dialog, you need to create at least one new user. This user will be the Server Administrator. The Server Administrator manages the BIM Server: he/she has the right to create new projects on the server and create new Users or roles, or modify/delete existing ones.

In this case, we will have a person who is the Lead Architect in our architectural Team and will also be the Server Administrator. Lets create this Administrator Account.

10 Fill out the fields in the dialog box as detailed below. For the password write 123456 in order to easily remember it. The Email address you specify here will be used by ArchiCAD to send your password to in case you forget it. However, as long as you have access to the computer that hosts the BIM Server, you can change the password or create a new administrative account within the BIM Server Control Center.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 517

Part 1 Setting Up TeamworkHint: Make sure to correctly type uppercase and lowercase characters since the Username and Password are case-sensitive.

In the following dialog box you can specify that the BIM Server be accessible from outside the office over the Internet, and set up different port options in case the default ones are already taken. For the sake of this training we will not set either of these options. However, lets open the sub-dialog boxes just to see which parameters can be set.

11 Click the Modify button in the Access field to go to this dialog.

Here you can specify either an IP address (e.g. 172.16.1.1) or a web address (e.g. twserver.graphisoft.com) to allow access to the BIM Server over the Internet. If you leave the address field blank, no access will be allowed from outside the office.

12 Leave the address field blank for the purposes of this training guide and click the Cancel button to return to the previous dialog.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 518

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork13 Click the Modify button in the Ports field to go to its dialog.

As you can see, there are four ports. ArchiCAD sets them to certain default values and normally you do not need to modify these. These ports are used by the various components of the Teamwork solution for communication between the server and clients.

14 Click the Cancel button to leave this dialog box unchanged.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 519

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork15 Check the Start BIM Server with Operating System checkbox.

Checking this checkbox means that the BIM Server will automatically start up every time the operating system starts. We advise that you check this checkbox so you do not have to start the BIM Server each time you wish to continue this training. You will have the option to uncheck this option in the BIM Server Control Center.

16 Click the Next button to proceed.

In this below dialog box, you can specify an SMTP server, used to send email reminders about user passwords.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 520

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork17 Fill out the required fields, then click Next to continue.

18 You have now provided all the necessary data for setting up the BIM Server. Click the Finish button to start the BIM Server.

You have now been redirected to the BIM Server Installation program to finalize the installation.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 521

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork19 On the next page, check the type of shortcut that you want created for the BIM Server application. We suggest that you at least create a Quick Launch icon (Windows) / Dock icon (Mac). Then click Next to continue.

20 On the next page of the installer, make sure the Start GRAPHISOFT BIM Server checkbox is checked, then click Finish to complete the installation of the BIM Server.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 522

Part 1 Setting Up TeamworkThe BIM Server is now started and will be running with all required configurations completed. The BIM Server Control Center application is also displayed.

A new icon will appear in the Taskbar (Windows) / in the top menu bar (MacOS). This is the BIM Server icon. The icon shows the state of the BIM Server by its color: Green means that the BIM Server is running: red means that the BIM Server has been stopped or is not running yet.

21 Hover your cursor over the GRAPHISOFT BIM Server icon in the Taskbar (Windows) / in the top menu bar (Mac) to see basic data about the BIM Server including status, name, IP address, etc.

In this Chapter you have seen

How simple it is to install the GRAPHISOFT BIM Server.

The GRAPHISOFT BIM Server configured in just a few steps during the installation process.

The GRAPHISOFT BIM Server set to automatically start up after system restart, with no need ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 523

for any manual input from the Administrator.

Part 1 Setting Up TeamworkChapter 2 Managing the BIM ServerIn this chapter you will discover how the BIM Server can be managed either locally from the server machine or remotely from a different machine within the office via the LAN, or even via the Internet. Being able to access and manage the BIM Server remotely provides great flexibility for BIM managers to set up Teamwork projects and to manage users and access rights from anywhere around the world.

On the server machine where the GRAPHISOFT BIM Server application is installed, you can control the BIM Server via the BIM Server Control Center application. With this application you have full control over how the BIM Server is configured, as well as the Server Manager functionalities, with which you can configure the shared projects, users, roles, libraries and even monitor server activity.

On a remote machine, you can control the BIM Server via the BIM Server Manager application, which you must install separately using the ArchiCAD installation DVD. With the BIM Server Manager application on a remote computer, you have exactly the same functionality as with the Server Manager on the server machine. However, you do not have access to the other functions of the GRAPHISOFT BIM Server Control Center application for configuring the preferences of the BIM Server itself.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 524

Part 1 Setting Up TeamworkManaging the BIM Server LocallyOn the server machine where the GRAPHISOFT BIM Server has been installed, use the BIM Server Control Center interface to manage the BIM Server. Lets see how it works:

1 Open the BIM Server Control Center. Right-click the BIM Server icon in the Taskbar (Windows) / in the top menu bar (Mac) and select Open GRAPHISOFT BIM Server Control Center from the context menu to open the application.

The first panel of the Control Center gives you basic information about the BIM Server and lets you manually start and stop the BIM Server by clicking the relevant button. The BIM Server status should be on Running, because during the installation process we set it to start automatically along with the operating system. If the BIM Server is not running, click the Start Server button. ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 525

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork2 Click the button to bring up the About this BIM Server dialog, with further information about the BIM Server. The lower half of the dialog lists the installed modules of the BIM Server are listed: in our case, only the version 17 module. For a detailed explanation about the Modular BIM Server, click on the relevant link in the dialog box. Click Close to return to the main page of the Control Center application.

Hint: It is paramount that the BIM Server and the client ArchiCAD versions are of the same Build Number so that they can communicate with each other. You can always check the Build Number of the BIM Server via the above dialog and the Build

Number of the ArchiCAD client versions via the Help menu/About ArchiCAD command. ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 526

Part 1 Setting Up TeamworkThe Build Number is written under the ArchiCAD 17 title - highlighted with a red rectangle in the image below.

The Check for Updates button allows you to make sure you are running the latest version of the BIM Server available, and if not, to download the latest update from the Internet.

The second panel of the Control Center dialog box launches the BIM Server Manager, the central interface for managing shared Teamwork projects, users, roles and libraries. Lets have a look at its functions briefly before going into the details of each.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 527

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork3 Click on Server Manager to continue.

Notice that in the title bar, localhost is written in parenthese. This means you are currently managing the local BIM Server, whose Server Manager application was launched from its Control Center. On the left side of the dialog box, you can select any of the listed themes for further configuration. You will be guided through each theme of the Server Manager in the coming Chapters. ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 528

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork4 For now, click Close at the bottom right to go back to the Control Center. In the Control Center dialog box, click Preferences to open it.

In BIM Server Preferences, you can modify all the parameters that you previously set during the installation process of the BIM Server (except the location of the Default Library folder). We will not detail these parameters, since they are explained in the previous chapter. ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 529

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork5 Click Cancel to close this dialog box.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 530

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork6 In the Control Center window, click Create Link to open its dialog box.

In the Create Link dialog box, you can save a link file of the BIM Server to use with the Server Manager on remote machines to find the server, if it does not appear automatically.

7 Click Cancel for now to leave this dialog without saving a link file.

Up to now you have seen, in brief, the main functions of the BIM Server Control Center and the Server Manager on the local machine. Now lets see how to access the BIM Server remotely, from a different machine.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 531

Part 1 Setting Up TeamworkManaging the BIM Server RemotelyYou can install the BIM Server Manager separately onto any remote machine from to manage the BIM Server. For the purposes of this training, you do not need to use a remote machine; you can use the separate BIM Server Manager application that is automatically installed with the BIM Server. Lets see how this works:

1 Open the BIM Server Manager from Programs/GRAPHISOFT/BIM Server folder (Windows) / Applications/BIM Server folder (Mac) and launch the BIM Server Manager.

In the appearing dialog box, select the BIM Server you would like to access and identify yourself. You must be a Server Administrator for the BIM Server you would like to manage. (Details for the Server Administrator were set during the installation process.)

2 Choose the BIM Server name from the Select BIM Server pop-up list, then enter LeadArchitect into the User name field and the password (123456) into the password field. Then click OK.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 532

Part 1 Setting Up TeamworkNow the BIM Server Manager dialog box opens, showing the current logged in user (username in parentheses) in the title bar, and the BIM Server currently being managed.

You can also log in as a different user by clicking on the icon and identifying yourself.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 533

Part 1 Setting Up TeamworkYou can change the BIM Server to be managed by clicking on the pop-up menu in the Choose BIM Server field and selecting a different server from the list.

The rest of the functions of the BIM Server Manager are the same as when the Server Manager is launched from the BIM Server Control Center.


How simply and easily the BIM Server can be managed on the server machine.

The BIM Server can be controlled remotely from anywhere around the world via the Internet, providing BIM Managers great flexibility to access the servers and manage the shared projects, user accounts and access rights.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 534

Part 1 Setting Up TeamworkChapter 3 Defining RolesIn this Chapter, you will learn how Teamwork roles can be defined in the BIM Server Manager.

Roles define what users are allowed to do in a Teamwork project. A role is a set of access rights which enable a user to create, delete or modify and manage particular element types or data types.

Only Server Administrators are allowed to create or modify roles in the BIM Server Manager. Once a role has been defined, users (users) can be assigned a particular role with which they will be able to join a shared Teamwork project.

Lets see how roles can be defined in the BIM Server Manager:

1 Click on the Roles line on the left side of the dialog box.

When the BIM Server was installed, a number of default roles were automatically created, which are visible in the Roles panel. By default, the Lead Architect role has access to and the right to modify any part of the project file. The Architect role has many access rights, but does not have project management-related rights, such as deleting/modifying attributes, setting libraries etc. The Draftsman has even fewer rights to make modifications in the project. The Viewer has no rights to do anything in the Project except to view it. ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 535

Part 1 Setting Up TeamworkUse the Create button to create a new role. You can also create a new role by duplicating an existing one or importing roles from another BIM Server, either directly or indirectly through bimroles file format.

You will not need to create a new role this time. However, the Architect Role needs some fine-tuning, so lets open the Role Settings dialog box and see how to edit existing roles.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 536

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork2 Select all four roles on the panel and click Settings to bring up the window listing every access right.

In the Role Settings dialog box, you can view, compare and modify the Access Rights for all roles. For the purpose of this training, lets change some of the Access Rights for the Architect Role. ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 537

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork3 Uncheck all of the Attribute Access Rights. Only the Lead Architect should be allowed to create, delete or modify Attributes of a Teamwork project.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 538

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork4 Uncheck the Library Part Delete/Modify Access Right, from the External Content section, for the Architect Role.

5 Also uncheck the Views and Folders Delete/Modify Access Right, from the Project Structure, section for the Architect Role. These Access Rights should only be available for the Lead Architect Role.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 539

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork6 Click OK to close the dialog. The following warning message appears. Click the Apply Changes at next Join button to continue.

Now that you have made the necessary changes to the roles, we can continue with setting up the User accounts for the users who will play a part in this training session.


BIM Server Manager provides pre-defined roles out-of-the-box that can be used straightaway in a Teamwork environment

Should you wish to modify the pre-defined roles, it can be done easily in a view where all of the roles setting are visible at the same time. This way, you can compare the differences at a glance and change the required fields accordingly.

BIM Managers have the option of moving role settings between different BIM Servers easily, using the export and import roles functionality.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 540

Part 1 Setting Up TeamworkChapter 4 Managing UsersIn this Chapter, you will discover how the user accounts can be added and managed for the architectural team that will work on the Teamwork project.

Server Administrators can set up user accounts in the Users panel of the BIM Server Manager. For each User account, a role must be selected that will determine his/her access rights within a shared Teamwork project. It is also possible to assign a different role to a User for a specific project, should the architectural workflow within the office require this.

This training guide involves three different Users who will work together on a shared Teamwork project: the lead architect (Lead Architect) and two architects (Architect 1 and Architect 2). Lets set up User accounts for them:

1 Select the Users line on the left hand of the BIM Server Manager dialog box.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 541

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork2 As you can see, the Lead Architect User account has already been added during the installation process of the BIM Server. Lets check its User Settings by double clicking on the line for the Lead Architect in the Users panel:

The Lead Architect is by default a Server Administrator as well as a Project Administrator and has been assigned the Lead Architect Role. All the other values are filled out as you entered them during the installation process.

Hint: The colored horizontal band below the photo placeholder shows the User's default color. By clicking on the band you can set a new default color for this User. When reserved Elements are displayed by color-coding in ArchiCAD, this color will be used to display elements belonging to this User's Workspace, as you will see in Part 2 of this training guide. These default colors may be customized in each ArchiCAD instance. ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 542

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork3 Click on the colored horizontal band below the photo placeholder and choose green as the Lead Architects user color.

4 Save the changes by clicking OK.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 543

Part 1 Setting Up TeamworkNow lets set up the other two accounts for Architect 1 and Architect 2:

5 Click on the Create button to bring up a pop-up menu, and select Create New User from the list to open the User Settings dialog box.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 544

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork6 In the New User Settings dialog, fill out the fields as shown below. The email address does not have to be a live one, however it must meet the required characteristics in its syntax. (Certainly in a real life situation one would enter a working email address here.) The password should be one that can be easily remembered, like 123456. The role can be selected from a pop-up menu: as a default, the Architect Role is assigned. Finally, change the user color to yellow and click Create to create the User account.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 545

Part 1 Setting Up TeamworkHint: As a default, each new User which is created is Enabled e.g.: can join any shared Teamwork project on the server. In case a user is not meant to work on Teamwork projects for a while (e.g.: the design has reached a stage where interns

are not allowed to work on it anymore), he/she can be made Disabled by selecting the relevant pop-up command beside the User icon in the settings dialog. Then the disabled user will not have access to any shared projects on the server. Once the workflow has progressed to a state where the user is allowed again to work on Teamwork projects, he can be Enabled again by the Server Administrator.

7 Create another User for Architect 2 and fill out the details as shown below, with red as the user color:ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 546

Part 1 Setting Up TeamworkHint: The golden key means the User is a Server Administrator, silver key means a Project Administrator.

Project Administrators have the following rights in all of the projects on the server:

Share projects from a client ArchiCAD

Access and modify all Teamwork Project Settings from a client ArchiCAD

Manage the libraries (e.g. upload, delete, update) on the BIM Server.

Force a user to leave the project

In addition to all of the Project Administrator rights listed above, Server Administrators have full access to the BIM Server Manager and all of its control e.g.:

Add Users to the server

Create Roles and define Access Rights

Manage Projects on this server (e.g. export, create, delete)ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 547

Part 1 Setting Up TeamworkNow you have created the three Users who will play a part in the training guide. You can continue now to share the project you will be working on in the following chapters.


How the Server Administrator can easily set up Users accounts for all users.

Each User is assigned an editable user color that will help show what elements are reserved by him/her while working on a shared Teamwork project.

The ability to assign Project Administrator and Server Administrator rights separately to any Users provides great flexibility for BIM Managers.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 548

Part 1 Setting Up TeamworkChapter 5 Sharing the ProjectIn this Chapter you will share the project in other words, you will configure the project for simultaneous work in the ArchiCAD Teamwork environment. This way, multiple users can work on the same project simultaneously in complete harmony.

In the second part of this Chapter, you will also discover how a shared project can be further managed via the BIM Server Manager. Users and roles can be fine-tuned on a project level, allowing BIM Managers great flexibility in dividing up work and responsibilities within the design team.

Sharing the ProjectBefore we start sharing the project, lets consider the building you will be working on throughout this training guide: the Microsoft Headquarters building, built in GRAPHISOFT Park in Budapest, Hungary in 2007. It was designed by Lukacs and Vikar Architects(http://www.lukacsesvikar.hu). The office complex is divided into two buildings connected by bridges, with a gross floor area of around 11 500 sqm. The design won the well-respected Hungarian ProArchitectura Award in 2009.

Lets open the solo ArchiCAD project and share it for the ArchiCAD Teamwork environment:ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 549

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork1 Open the Teamwork Training.pla file in ArchiCAD.

2 Select the Share menu item from the Teamwork menu.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 550

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork3 The Share this Project dialog comes up, where you are automatically logged in as Lead Architect. If you are sharing the project from a different machine than the one on which you created the User accounts, you must identify yourself in the Login dialog. First select the server, then identify yourself as Lead Architect (User name: LeadArchitect; Password: 123456).

4 From the Category pop-up menu, you can choose or create a project category for your to-be-shared Teamwork project. Categories are useful for offices where there are several shared Teamwork Project running simultaneously on the same server you can more easily differentiate between projects by using Categories. We will not select/create a category for this project now.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 551

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork5 Leave the Enable access of all users of server with their default roles radio button to be selected. This means that all Users defined in the BIM Server Manager will be enabled to join this project with their default roles. Later in this chapter, you will see how User roles can be further customized on a project level.

6 Leave the Replace Linked libraries with Server Libraries automatically radio button selected. This means that all Libraries currently linked to the project are uploaded (copied) to the server. These libraries will then become server libraries that can be loaded into other Teamwork projects as well. We will see how to work with Libraries later in detail, in Chapter 06 of Part 2 of this training manual.

7 The Backup options button brings up the Project Backup Schedule dialog box where you can customize how often ArchiCAD will create a backup copy of the Teamwork project. This option will be discussed in detail later, in Chapter 8 of Part 2 of this training manual. Lets leave this dialog unchanged, and click Cancel.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 552

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork8 Select the Share without Joining option available by clicking the arrow icon to the right of the Share button. This means that the project will be shared, but you will not automatically join the shared Teamwork project as a user.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 553

Part 1 Setting Up TeamworkManaging the Shared ProjectNow the project is being shared and uploaded to the BIM Server. Lets find out how the shared project can be further managed via the BIM Server Manager.

1 Open the BIM Server Manager (either through the BIM Server Control Center if the BIM Server is running locally, or by launching the BIM Server Manager from the Programs/GRAPHISOFT/BIM Server folder (on Windows) or from Applications/GRAPHISOFT/BIM Server folder (on Mac)).

You can see that the Teamwork Training project is listed in the Projects panel under Server Module 17. ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 554

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork2 Click on the Settings button to open the Settings dialog of the project.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 555

Part 1 Setting Up TeamworkLets see now what can be further specified in the Project Settings dialog for a shared Teamwork project:

Beside the Project Name, the lock/unlock toggle control allows you to temporarily lock all users out from accessing this Teamwork project on the BIM Server. If the project is locked, it means that Users can keep working on the project, but will not be able to send or receive project data to or from the BIM Server. ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 556

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork3 Click on the Project Log button to open its dialog box.

The Project Log dialog box lets you view, filter and even export (in a text file) all project activities (Join/Leave, Share, Load, Comments, Send and Receive, Release of Project Data and Backups) of the shared Teamwork project. The Project Log is useful for providing a snapshot of project progress within a given time frame: for example, to check whether all users really did send in their changes last night.

4 Click Close.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 557

Part 1 Setting Up TeamworkThe Users and Roles panel lets you control the list of Users who have access to this project (Users with access). In addition, you can use this panel to edit the project-specific role of a selected user, or to create a customized role, for this project only. By default, Everyone can access the project: Everyone is a special Group user, which includes every user defined on the BIM Server.

You can add individual users to this project from the BIM Servers user list by clicking the Add button and choosing their names.

Even if you keep Everyone as user, you can add some of the user names individually to assign them a project specific role that is not their default role.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 558

Part 1 Setting Up TeamworkThis can be useful if a users role is different for a specific project than his/her usual role. For example, here Architect 1 could be added and a different role (e.g.: Draftsman) selected for him, so that Architect 1 could work on this project as a Draftsman only. However, lets not change the Users and their roles for this project; let Everyone join with their Default role.

The Currently joined users list on the Users and Roles panel of Project Settings gives you feedback on activities by users currently joined into the project. This information is useful for monitoring the server-related activities associated with the current project. You can send a message to any user by selecting the user name and clicking the messaging button.

Server or Project Administrators can also force a User to leave the project by clicking the Force Leave button - for example, if a user has something reserved that needs to be changed and they are not online (they have left for home, are on holiday or are sick).

The Backups panel allows you to display and manage project backups: both automatically scheduled and manual backups. You will discover the Backup functionality more in detail later, in Chapter 8 of Part 2 of this training manual.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 559

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork5 Click Cancel to leave the Project Settings dialog unchanged.

The Projects panel of the BIM Server Manager also allows Server Administrators to create new shared Teamwork projects from an existing one, either by duplicating a project, or importing a Teamwork project from a file or from another BIM Server.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 560

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork6 Click the Libraries menu item on the left side of the BIM Server Manager to see which libraries have been uploaded to the BIM Server.

This Teamwork Training project used the basic ArchiCAD Library, which has been uploaded to the BIM Server. You will discover later how to manage BIM Server Libraries, in Chapter 6 of Part 2 of this training manual.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 561

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork7 Click the Custom Properties menu item on the left side of the BIM Server Manager to see which properties can be assigned to Users and Projects.

In the User Properties panel, Server Administrators can define custom properties (e.g.: Skype address or location), which can help identify users more easily in a large organization. Once a user property is added, each user can fill out the required fields for himself/herself.

In the Project Categories panel, Server Administrators can create categories (e.g.: schematic designs, construction documentation) for projects to help identify shared Teamwork projects, because the projects can be filtered by these categories in the relevant dialog boxes.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 562

Part 1 Setting Up Teamwork8 Click the Server Activities menu item on the left side of the BIM Server Manager to see the sophisticated tools provided for the Server Administrator to control BIM Server performance.

These tools help the Administrators to:

Monitor the servers up-to-the-minute memory usage and activities

Monitor the servers performance history over time, as correlated with distinct events in the servers event log

Check the size and status of the servers projects and users

Get an overview of server-related actions: globally, by project, and/or by user

For a detailed description of the above functionalities, please refer to the ArchiCAD Reference Guide.

9 Close the BIM Server Manager and also close the Teamwork Training.pln ArchiCAD solo project.

You have now shared the project and seen how the BIM Server Manager can help in monitoring and managing the Teamwork environment. You are now ready to discover in detail how users can work simultaneously and seamlessly on the shared project.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 563

Part 1 Setting Up TeamworkIn this Chapter you have seen

How Project Administrators can easily share an ArchiCAD solo project via any client ArchiCAD version.

How shared Teamwork projects can be further managed by Server Administrators using the BIM Server Manager.

The sophisticated tools provided for Server Administrators in the BIM Server Manager to monitor BIM Server performance.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 564

Part 2 Working in TeamworkPart 2 Working in Teamwork

Chapter 1 Joining the Teamwork ProjectIn this chapter you will discover how to join a shared Teamwork project and start to work.

After having joined the project, users will typically remain joined in for the full period of time they are working on the project. When they finish their work for the day, they can send the changes they have made to the BIM Server and also receive the changes contributed by the other users. The next day, when they would like to continue working, they can simply open the project. The BIM Server will ensure that each user will work on an up-to-date version of the Teamwork project. The coordination is done automatically: the users need only send and receive the changes from time to time.

Typically, users will leave a Teamwork project when they no longer wish to work on it. Once they have left the project, their reservations are abandoned and their local copies on their remote machines are deleted. The only time a user must leave a project despite the fact that he/she intends to continue working in it is if his/her role and related access rights have changed: changes will take effect only after users leave and then re-join the project.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 565

Part 2 Working in TeamworkArchitect 1 Joining the ProjectLets see how Architect 1 can join the project:

1 Launch ArchiCAD. Choose the Open a Project option and the Browse for a Teamwork Project option in the Start dialog box and click Browse.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 566

Part 2 Working in Teamwork2 The Open/Join Teamwork Project dialog appears, where the BIM server is already selected and you are logged in as Lead Architect. Select the Different user menu item in order to join the project as Architect 1 instead.

3 The Login dialog box opens. In this window you can select the BIM Server you would like to connect to; you must also identify yourself. All the BIM Servers which are currently online and accessible will be listed in this dialog box. You can select the BIM Server name you set up in Chapter 1 of Part 1 of this manual. Write Architect1 in the User name field, then type the password (123456) into the Password field. Finally, click OK.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 567

Part 2 Working in Teamwork4 The Open/Join Teamwork Project dialog box appears: here you can select among the shared Teamwork projects you are authorized to join. Select the Teamwork Training project, then click Join.

5 The following window appears explaining that you have just joined a Teamwork project. Click OK to join the project.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 568

Part 2 Working in Teamwork6 The project opens. You will notice the name of the server and the active user in the title of the floor plan window in brackets [Balint.Mac-local-Architect1]. This way you can always see which user the currently opened project belongs to.

Architect 2 Joining the ProjectLets see another way to join the project for Architect 2. Ideally you would like to join the project for Architect 2 from a different computer so that you could have the best feedback on how users experience each others contribution in a Teamwork environment. If you cannot utilize another machine for this purpose, you can launch a new instance of ArchiCAD from the same machine and have two open ArchiCADs running at the same time: one for Architect 1 and the other for Architect 2. To more easily differentiate which ArchiCAD instance you are currently working in, we suggest you change the background color of the ArchiCAD project to match the User color.

Therefore, before joining Architect 2 to the Teamwork project, lets change the background color of the floor plans to yellow, the user color of Architect 1.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 569

Part 2 Working in Teamwork1 Open the Teamwork Palette from the Teamwork menu. This will show Architect 1 as a joined User in the Users panel. The user color is also visible beside the photo placeholder.

2 Choose the Grids & Background menu item from View/Grid & Editing Plane Options menu.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 570

Part 2 Working in Teamwork3 Choose a light yellow color for the Background.

4 Save the project by clicking on the File/Save menu item.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 571

Part 2 Working in TeamworkNow lets have Architect 2 join the Teamwork project via the Teamwork menu:

5 From the ArchiCAD instance of Architect 1, click the Open/Join Teamwork Project command from the Teamwork menu.

6 In the upcoming dialog box, check the Launch new instance of ArchiCAD option. (This step is only needed if you join with Architect 2 from the same computer.) Next, to select another user to join the project, select the Different user option from the pop-up menu by clicking on the user icon to the right of the BIM Server name.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 572

Part 2 Working in Teamwork7 Fill in the details for Architect 2, then press OK.

8 Select the Teamwork Training project for Architect 2, then click Join.

9 As with Architect 1, the Teamwork project will be opened for Architect 2, but now in a new instance of ArchiCAD.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 573

Part 2 Working in Teamwork10 Select a light red background color for the project of Architect 2.

11 Click Save for the project of Architect 2.

Hint: To specify the folder in which to save your local copy of the Teamwork project, select the Local Data folder in the Local Data Options dialog in Teamwork menu/ Local Data Manager/Options. In the same dialog, you can set ArchiCAD to issue data

cleanup reminders for local data of a certain age, by checking the Run Local Data cleanup option and specifying the number of days. Please note that ArchiCAD will run faster if virus checking and indexing are disabled for the Local Data folder and its subfolders.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 574

Part 2 Working in TeamworkIn this Chapter you have seen

How simple and straightforward it is for users to join a shared Teamwork project.

All the currently running BIM Servers are always visible in the Open/join Teamwork project dialog.

To streamline the joining process, only those shared Teamwork projects are shown which the current user is authorized to join.

To help the identification of currently open projects in ArchiCAD, the server name and the name of the currently joined user are always shown in the title bar of the floor plan windows.

Chapter 2 Reserving WorkspacesIn this chapter you will see how easy it is to reserve the elements you would like to work on and how other users currently working on the same Teamwork project receive instant feedback about your reservation.

To avoid more than one user reserving the same element at the same time, GRAPHISOFT BIM Server tracks element reservation instantly and notifies other users about reservation changes right away. Therefore everyone in the project team is always informed about who is working on what part of the project, thus avoiding design mistakes based on miscommunication about who is doing what.

You will also experience how ArchiCAD helps the communication of workspaces within the project team by providing easy to apply color schemes for workspace representation.

Finally you will learn about the different ways of how you can reserve elements for editing. These methods support several workflow patterns, which can be applicable for architectural offices and projects different in sizes and complexities.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 575

Part 2 Working in TeamworkReserving Elements by SelectionTo be able to edit any part of a shared project, you must first select the parts you would like to work on and make them part of your workspace. To do this, simply select the required elements and reserve them with a single click. You and the other users will receive instant feedback about the changes in element ownership.

Lets suppose the task of Architect 1 is to finalize the restroom layout. Lets select a wall of the central restroom, reserve it and see what options are available to help visualize whose workspace the selected item is in:

1 In the ArchiCAD instance of Architect 1, open the Chapter 2.01 view in the Teamwork Training folder in the Navigator View Map.

2 Select a wall segment and wait for the Info Tag to appear. You can see the first line of the Info Tag is Free for Reservation, indicating that the element is free to be reserved.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 576

Part 2 Working in Teamwork3 Click the Reserve command from the Teamwork palette to reserve the wall segment.

4 Switch to the ArchiCAD instance of Architect 2 and activate the same view in the Navigator.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 577

Part 2 Working in Teamwork5 Select the Show Reservation by Users in the pop-up menu of the colored workspaces field of the Workspace panel of the Teamwork palette.

6 Notice how the wall segment that has just been reserved by Architect 1 is changed to the user color of Architect 1, while the rest of the elements on the floor plan are colored in blue showing that they are free to be reserved.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 578

Part 2 Working in Teamwork7 Activate the Chapter 2.02 perspective view in the Teamwork Training folder in Navigator-View Map to see the reservation in the 3D window.

8 Switch back to the ground floor plan and select the wall segment. In the first line of the appearing Info Tag, you can see which user has reserved the element.

Hint: The Colored Workspaces field on the Workspace panel of the Teamwork Palette provides different options for displaying the reservations, so that it is easy to identify them:ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 579

Part 2 Working in Teamwork- All with Original Color: All elements are displayed with the colors that were set in their respective Settings Dialogs.

- Gray out unowned Workspace: Elements you have reserved are displayed with their original colors; all other elements with a light gray color.

- Highlight my reservation: This option displays all elements not reserved by you with a light gray color, but will display your reserved elements in red.

- Show Reservation by Users: non-reserved elements are in blue (this as well as other workspace colors - see picture below - can be modified in the Work Environment Dialog). All elements reserved by a user are displayed with that users color (assigned in the Teamwork Palette).ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 580

Part 2 Working in TeamworkAs you can see, any selected element can be reserved with just a single click. The Reserve command can also be executed from the context menu:

The Reserve command can also be applied from the Teamwork menu:ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 581

Part 2 Working in TeamworkReserving Elements by CriteriaTo select multiple elements for reservation which are in several different project views, you can set up selection criteria based on any element parameters and even specify the views of the project from which you would like to reserve them. (This can be easier than selecting each element separately in the various views.)

Lets select the internal partitions from all the stories in one step:

1 Switch back to the ArchiCAD instance of Architect 1.

2 Open the Reserve Elements dialog box from the Teamwork menu, or from the Teamwork palette from the ArchiCAD instance of Architect 1.

3 In the Project Region part of the dialog box add the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors so that the reservation of elements is extended to these floors of the project as well.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 582

Part 2 Working in Teamwork4 In the Criteria part of the dialog box, add the following two criteria to select all the walls from the layer called Interior Partition:

Element type is to be wall

Layer is to be Interior Partition.

Note: The Criteria part of the Reserve Elements dialog box works similarly to the Find and Select dialog box. The criteria sets you create in either of these dialogs automatically appear in the other dialog box as well.

5 Click Reserve Elements to carry out the reservation. See how the walls that have been reserved change color on the floor plan.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 583

Part 2 Working in Teamwork6 Activate Chapter 2.03 perspective view from the Teamwork Training folder in Navigator - View Map to see the extent of the reservation in the 3D window. The reserved elements are shown with the color of Architect 1, while the unreserved elements are shown in blue.

7 Click the My Workspace to show an overview of your reserved elements.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 584

Part 2 Working in TeamworkCreating New ElementsTo create new elements, you do not need to reserve a workspace in advance. Every new element you create will automatically become part of your workspace. However, these new elements will only be available for the other users if you send your changes to the server and they also receive them.

Lets finalize the internal layout of the toilet block and see how the newly created elements will become part of your workspace.

1 Go back to the floor plan view.

2 Activate the Pick Up Parameters button in the standard toolbar.

3 Click on an internal partition of the toilet block with the pipette cursor to transfer its parameters into the Wall Default Settings dialog, thus ensuring that you will create the same type of wall next time you start drawing a wall.

4 Draw a vertical wall segment as shown in the picture.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 585

Part 2 Working in TeamworkHint: You can use the Special Snap Points feature from the toolbar to help place the wall segment. Select the Half and the Between Intersection Points options from the pop-up menu. Now place the wall segment in the exact midpoint of the

horizontal wall segment with the help of the snap point.

5 To place doors for the toilet cubicles, lets pick up the parameter of another door by Alt-clicking on a corner point of an existing cubicle door. Make sure the center geometry method is selected for the door. Now you can place it at the exact midpoint of the wall segments with the help of the snap point.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 586

Part 2 Working in Teamwork6 In the same way, you can place the toilet objects into the cubicles, just make sure you Alt click the toilet object in the hotspot in the middle of its back (to pick up its parameters and place it with the same hotspot by which you Alt-clicked the object).

7 Save the project with the File/Save command.

You can see that the wall segment, the doors and the toilets have been created with the user color of Architect 1. They have automatically become part of the workspace of Architect 1.


How fast and easily users can access Teamwork projects simultaneously

How flexible it is to reserve elements for editing

For creating new elements there is no need to make reservations

There is no need to set up static reservations in advance

You can simply reserve elements on the fly as you work on the project

How the colored workspace schemes help communication within the project teamArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 587

Part 2 Working in TeamworkChapter 3 Sending and Receiving ChangesIn this Chapter, you will learn the difference between saving your project and sending and receiving.

To save the work that you have done so far, you can simply use the File/Save command. However, this Save command will not automatically upload the changes you have made to the centrally shared Teamwork project on the BIM Server. It will merely save your local copy of the file to your computer in a Teamwork database format. (see the Hint on page number 53 for Local Data Options to learn where the local Teamwork copies are kept on your hard drive).

When your work has progressed to a point at which you wish to share it with other users, apply the Send Changes command. Doing so will upload the changes you made to the BIM Server. To update your project with the contributions of the other users, apply the Receive Changes command. You can do both in one step, with the Send & Receive command.

The difference between saving and sending and receiving means that users can decide which part of their work they would like to share with others (sending and receiving), while also ensuring that the project on their computer is securely saved (saving).

At the end of the Chapter, you will also find out what it means to be offline, when you are part of the Teamwork project but not working on it, or to work offline when there is no live network connection to the BIM Server.

Finally, you will see how simple it is to release the elements you no longer wish to work on.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 588

Part 2 Working in TeamworkSending the ChangesLets share with the other users the design work Architect 1 made to the washroom in the previous Chapter. To do this, we must send the changes to the BIM Server.

1 Open the view called Chapter 3.01 from Navigator View Map in the project of Architect 1.

2 Click the arrow button to the right of the Send & Receive command on the Teamwork palette.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 589

Part 2 Working in Teamwork3 Click Send Changes. (You can reach the same commands from the Teamwork menu.)

4 The following warning message may appear, informing you that after the Send Changes command, ArchiCAD will also create a backup copy in a PLN version. To read more about the backup option, please refer to Chapter 8 of Part 2 of this manual.

Click Continue.

As you can see, it took less than a second to send the changes to the BIM Server, due to the low network traffic generated by ArchiCAD Teamworks DELTA-Server technology. This technology ensures that only the changes are sent through the network and processed by the BIM Server, facilitating the sharing of large projects by architectural teams of any size.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 590

Part 2 Working in TeamworkSending and Receiving the ChangesLets switch to the ArchiCAD instance of Architect 2. The task of Architect 2 is to create the furniture layout of the building, so lets place some dining tables and chairs into the central kitchen area.

1 Switch to the ArchiCAD instance of Architect 2. Activate the Chapter 3.01 view in Navigator View Map.

2 Bring up the Favorites palette from the Window/Palettes menu and double click the Dining Table favorite. Place two dining tables with chairs into the kitchen area.

3 Notice that the tables are in red, the user color of Architect 2.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 591

Part 2 Working in Teamwork4 To see the changes that were carried out by other users, as well as to share your design input with them, lets carry out the Send & Receive command. Click Send & Receive on the Teamwork palette.

5 The changes done by Architect 1 were received instantly and are now visible in yellow on the screen.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 592

Part 2 Working in TeamworkReceiving the ChangesCertainly it is also possible in ArchiCAD Teamwork to only receive the changes without sending yours. Lets see an example for this as well by switching to the workspace of Architect 1 and receiving the changes that have just been carried out by Architect 2.

1 Switch back to the ArchiCAD instance of Architect 1 and apply the Receive Changes command.

2 Notice that the two dining tables with chairs have appeared on the floor plan instantly and are displayed in red, showing that they are reserved by Architect 2.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 593

Part 2 Working in TeamworkOffline StatusWhen you are part of a Teamwork project but currently not connected to the BIM Server, the other users will see you as being offline. In this case your preview picture in the Users panel of the Teamwork palette will be grayed out and have a red cross-mark in it.

To see an example, lets close the project of Architect 1 and see how Architect 2 will experience the other user being offline.

1 Save the project of Architect 1 and then close it using the File/Close Project command.

2 Switch back to Architect 2 and see how the preview picture of Architect 1 changes in the Users panel of the Teamwork palette.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 594

Part 2 Working in TeamworkWorking OfflineWhile you are working on a Teamwork project but your connection to the BIM Server is lost for any reason (e.g. network problems, or the server machine breaks down) you will still be able to continue work with some restrictions. You will not be able to change your workspace, send and receive changes or communicate with other users via the messaging functions (see functions explained in detail later in Chapter 5) but you will be able to work within your workspace, create new elements or save your project. Once the communication with the BIM Server is reestablished, you will be able to send and receive changes again.

Lets see an example of working offline.

1 Check the Work Offline pop-up menu in the Teamwork palette and see how the menus in the Workspace panel have been grayed out.

2 Check out the menu to be online again.

3 Save the project.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 595

Part 2 Working in TeamworkReleasing Selected ElementsUse the Release command on any currently selected element and the element will be released instantly. It is recommended to regularly release those elements that you no longer wish to work on. This way you can maintain a flexible workflow in the architectural office.

Lets see an example of how to release selected elements.

1 In the ArchiCAD project of Architect 2, select one of the Dining Table objects.

2 Click the Release button of the Workspace panel of the Teamwork palette to release the selected element.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 596

Part 2 Working in Teamwork3 You can see how the floor plan representation of the object changes from red to blue, showing the element is no longer reserved by any users.

4 Select the other Dining Table object, then click with the right mouse button beside it on the floor plan to bring up the context menu. Select the Release Selected Elements command from the context menu.

5 You can see the other Dining Table object has also been released.

Naturally you can select more than one element and apply the Release selected Elements ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 597

command to them. The command can also be reached under the Teamwork menu.

Part 2 Working in TeamworkReleasing All ElementsWith single click of the Release All command, all your previously released elements will be released in seconds, allowing the other users to work on them straightaway, without having to receive the changes.

1 In the other ArchiCAD instance, open the Teamwork project of Architect 1. In the Open pop-up menu, you will have the recently opened projects listed. The Teamwork projects have a special icon and the server name and user name is also listed in brackets.

2 The floor plan window opens with the reservations shown by user color.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 598

Part 2 Working in Teamwork3 Click the My Workspace button on the Teamwork palette for an overview of the reserved elements.

4 Click the Release All button of the Teamwork palette or alternatively the Release All button on the My Workspace panel.

5 The following warning message comes up informing you that before releasing the reserved elements you have to send the changes you have previously made. Click the Send & Release All button to continue.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 599

Part 2 Working in Teamwork6 Click the My Workspace button on the Teamwork palette to check that you have no elements within your workspace.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 5100

Part 2 Working in TeamworkHint: You can set a preference that your reservation be released automatically each time you close the Teamwork project. This option can be very useful to avoid accidentally holding on to model elements while you are joined in but not working

on the project. The following picture shows you the relevant setting in ArchiCADs Work Environment dialog box.


In what flexible ways ArchiCAD Teamwork supports the architectural workflow by the fine-tuned sending and receiving methods.

There is virtually no waiting time at synchronization due to the low network traffic generated by ArchiCAD Teamworks DELTA-Server technology: only the changes are sent through the network and processed by the server or clients.

Teams of any size can collaborate due to fast Send & Receive operations.

Project information and user statuses are always kept up-to-date between all the users.

How ArchiCAD Teamwork supports offline work methods: in case of network failure, users can continue their work and save the project locally. Once the network connection is reestablished, they can again send and receive changes to and from the BIM Server.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 5101

How easy it is to release the elements that you do not wish to edit any longer.

Part 2 Working in TeamworkChapter 4 Instant Team CommunicationIn this chapter you will be introduced to ArchiCAD Teamworks built-in messaging function, which can increase productivity and helps reduce the risk of design problems.

Teamwork Messaging allows users to instantly communicate, manage workspaces and tasks in the context of the ArchiCAD model. The messaging functions are integrated with the ArchiCAD project: they are tied to elements and actions within the project, so that many messaging functions are automated, reducing the amount of user-initiated communications needed. Moreover, the possible actions are available right from the message itself, making the communication smooth and easy.

Furthermore, you can communicate with users who are not online at the moment: they will receive their messages the next time they are online.

Simple Text MessagesStandard text messages can be sent to individual users or to the entire team. The messages will automatically pop up on the recipients screen.

Lets see an example:

The Lead Architect would like to see how the project is developing, therefore he joins the project. In a text message he will request Architect 2 to start furnishing the offices.

1 Close the project of Architect 1.

2 Join the project in the name of the Lead Architect.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 5102

Part 2 Working in Teamwork3 Select a light green background for the plan view for easier identification.

4 Select Architect 2 from the Users list of the Teamwork palette.

Then click the Send Message icon . Alternatively you can select the New Message command from the Teamwork menu.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 5103

Part 2 Working in Teamwork5 Write a message in the upcoming New Message dialog, then click Send.

6 Switch to the ArchiCAD instance of Architect 2 and see how the message appeared instantly on the screen and then in the Messages panel of the Teamwork palette. Double click on the message in the Messages panel to open its own window.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 5104

Part 2 Working in Teamwork7 Click on the Reply Message icon to bring up the answer message window, in which you can compose your message.

8 Write the answer and send the message.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 5105

Part 2 Working in Teamwork9 Switch back to the Lead Architects ArchiCAD to see the answer.

10 Click on the message with the right mouse button to bring up the context menu with the following options:

11 Click the Move to Completed option to move the message into the Completed folder.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 5106

Part 2 Working in Teamwork12 The content of the Completed folder can be viewed by clicking on the following icon:

13 In this folder you have the option of deleting outdated messages by selecting them and clicking on the icon.

Element Based Messages Ask for ReviewIn Teamwork, messages can be attached to model elements, allowing the recipient to easily find the corresponding model elements just by clicking on the Show Element button inside the message. This can be extremely useful if you are working on a project view where the transferred or requested elements are not visible.

To give this function a try, lets see Architect 2 furnish an office and ask the Lead Architect for review.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 5107

Part 2 Working in Teamwork1 Switch to the ArchiCAD instance of Architect 2 and activate the Chapter 4.01 view in Navigator-View Map.

2 Select all elements on the ground floor by activating the arrow tool in the Tool Box, then apply the Select All command from the Edit menu.

3 Click on the Reserve button on the Teamwork palette to reserve the selected elements. The following message will come up; click Receive & Reserve to continue.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 5108

Part 2 Working in TeamworkAll the elements will be colored to red indicating that they belong to the workspace of Architect 2.

4 Double click the Office Layout Wave object favorite.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 5109

Part 2 Working in Teamwork5 Place two office desk layout objects as shown in the picture below.

6 Select both Office Layout objects, then click the Ask for Review command from the context menu.

7 The following dialog will come up. Click Send & Ask for Review to send the changes to the server. ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 5110

Part 2 Working in Teamwork8 After sending the changes, a New Message dialog will come up with the Review Selected Elements option at the bottom. Select Lead Architect in the To field, compose the message, then click Send.

9 Switch to the ArchiCAD instance of the Lead Architect. Double-click on the freshly arrived message in the Messages panel of the Teamwork palette to open the message in its own window.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 5111

Part 2 Working in Teamwork10 Click Show Elements to continue.

11 The following window will come up, prompting you to receive the changes before you can look at the to be reviewed elements.

Click Receive & Show. ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 5112

Part 2 Working in Teamwork12 ArchiCAD will receive the changes, then zoom to and select the two Office Layout objects in question.

Element Based Messages Requesting ElementsTo work on elements currently reserved by others, ArchiCAD Teamwork lets you request the elements from other users. Lets see an example:

Architect 1 would like to continue working on the internal partitions, but finds out that the ground floor partitions are reserved by Architect 2. Therefore Architect 1 will request the elements from Architect 2, using the internal messaging function.

1 Send and receive the changes in the ArchiCAD instance of the Lead Architect, then save the project and close it.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 5113

Part 2 Working in Teamwork2 Open Architect 1s Teamwork project. The software will prompt you to receive changes, because the project has been updated since Architect 1 last worked on it.

3 Click Receive now to receive the changes.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 5114

Part 2 Working in Teamwork4 Select the Reserve Elements pop-up menu to bring up the Reserve Elements dialog.

5 Architect 1 would like to select all the walls from the Interior-Partition layer on the ground floor. Therefore, in the Reserve Elements dialog, set the parameters as shown below and then continue with element reservation.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 5115

Part 2 Working in Teamwork6 The following dialog comes up informing you that the reservation resulted in conflicting elements, which are currently in some other users workspace. Select the 0. Ground Floor to highlight it and then click on Show Conflict.

ArchiCAD will select the elements in question on the floor plan and zoom to them.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 5116

Part 2 Working in Teamwork7 Next, click Request on the Workspace panel of the Teamwork palette to request these elements from others.

8 The Ownership Request dialog will come up, automatically addressed to Architect 2, with an automated message requesting the elements. Select the High Priority option to the message, then click Request button.

9 Until the is request granted, the message will be filed in the My Pending Requests folder on the Teamwork palette.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 5117

Part 2 Working in Teamwork10 Switch to the ArchiCAD instance of Architect 2 and open the incoming element request message by double-clicking it.

11 In the Ownership Request message, click Show button to select and show the elements in question.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 5118

Part 2 Working in Teamwork12 ArchiCAD will zoom in and select the partition walls.

13 Finally, click Grant to allow Architect 1 to reserve the elements.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 5119

Part 2 Working in Teamwork14 Switch back to Architect 1. The granting message from Architect 2 has already arrived and the elements have been automatically transferred to the workspace of Architect 1.

15 Send and receive the changes and save the project from both Architect 1 and Architect 2 ArchiCAD instances.

Element Based Messages Assigning ElementsIf you wish to ask another user to work on specific elements, you can simply assign the elements in question to the colleague, using a Teamwork message.

Lets assume the Lead Architect accepts the office layout proposal by Architect 2. Next, he would like Architect 2 to make some modifications to the zones stamps in order to have a clear plan view, where the zone stamps do not cover the furniture.

1 Close the project of Architect 1 and open the project of the Lead Architect.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 5120

Part 2 Working in Teamwork2 The following message comes up during the opening process. Click Receive now to continue.

The project will open for the Lead Architect.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 5121

Part 2 Working in Teamwork3 Activate the Chapter 4.02 view in Navigator-View Map.

4 To assign an item to someone else, you must first reserve it for yourself. Select the zone stamp of Office 07 and reserve it.ArchiCAD Training Series Vol. 5122

Part 2 Working in Teamwork5 Assign the selected Zone to Architect 2 by clicking Assign Selected Elements to Architect 2 from the Teamwor

ArchiCAD Training Series Vol 5_v17

Documents

bim server library

archicad bim concept

teamwork project

bim server remotely32chapter

basic archicad

intermediate archicad

advanced archicad

reserving elements