Revit, which stands for ‘revise instantly’, has infiltrated the AEC industry and is making its mark with many architectural firms. Top-notch architectural firms and construction companies rely on Revit Architecture when precision and efficiency are of utmost priority. Based on Building Information Modeling (BIM), Revit is much more than a drafting and modeling program. The purpose of this article is not to glorify Revit or denounce AutoCAD, but rather to endorse a clear picture to the end user on whether or not to migrate into Revit platform.

AutoCAD versus Revit Architecture
Migrating to Revit platform or moving forward with AutoCAD? The choice is yours. The following differences between AutoCAD and Revit Architecture would enable you to make informed decision.

• Parametric Family: Revit is a true parametric architectural building modeler. The parametric components carry information about their relationships to other objects in the building in contrast to the blocks and solids used in AutoCAD. For example, Within AutoCAD if a window is deleted or changed, that change is manually incorporated in the project. In Revit when a window is deleted or altered within a view, in-built parametric change technology updates it throughout the entire project including schedules, isometric views, sections, elevations, and walkthroughs etc.
• Standard Families and Blocks: AutoCAD enables users to store symbols as blocks in individual DWG files. Revit stores similar parametric components with varied styles in family, allowing quick organization and data sharing.
• High Level of Flexibility: Revit has many features that allow users the flexibility and freedom to create own intelligent parametric objects or quickly customize the existing ones that does not constrain them to just 2D drawings.
• Access to Single File: AutoCAD enables designers to store and retrieve project data from multiple files. In case of Revit, all project data is stored in the single environment (Revit project file).
  

  Top-notch architectural firms and construction companies rely on Revit Architecture when precision and efficiency are of utmost priority. There are few misconceptions about the Revit Architecture which choke off the idea of a firm when it considers the move to Revit Architecture. Migrating to Revit platform or moving forward with AutoCAD? The choice is yours!

  
• Worksharing of Projects: Revit allows multiple users to work on the same project file and merge their changes with every save. The worksharing capabilities allow management or central authority to check whether the members of the design team are in sync with one another, thus keeping consistent and coordinated files.
• Multiple Design View: Autodesk Revit makes extensive use of various views of the parametric building model. Autodesk Revit allows the designer to work with components in any view, be it plan, elevation, section, perspective or from within a schedule.
• No Command Line or Layers: Unlike AutoCAD’s Freeze/Thaw/On/Off by view point feature, Revit has the Category Visibility features. Even color and line type are also controlled by category.

The Benefits of Using Revit to Improve Building Performance
Applying Revit to design and develop a building deliver a plethora of economic, environmental, and societal benefits — that go far beyond the advantages of AutoCAD. Revit Architecture has the following benefits over AutoCAD:

• Identify Ways to Reduce Field Cycle Time
• On Time and On Budget Delivery
• Short Turn Around Time (TAT)
• Reduce the Amount of Waste on the Project
• Increase on-site Renewable Opportunities
• Detects Errors and Mitigate Risks
• Increase the public’s confidence in Stewardship
• Increase Employee Productivity

Conclusion: Future of Revit
Revit Architecture, loaded with import-export functions and varied features, has become an incredible force in the AEC industry. Both Revit Architecture and AutoCAD were launched by Autodesk. But, with the passing of time Revit Architecture is gaining the momentum in the AEC industry. There are few misconceptions about the Revit Architecture which choke off the idea of a firm when it considers the move to Revit Architecture. Overcoming the resistance to migrate into a new platform and getting users to understand the potential of Revit are two issues architectural firms must deal with. Undoubtedly, the migration to Revit platform requires an investment, but proper training and project management could mitigate the challenges.