Biosphere in Montreal, Canada by Matthieu Joannon
One of the heavy hitters of software tools for Building Information Modeling (BIM) is Autodesk’s Navisworks. Two of the main versions of this BIM tool are Navisworks Simulate and Navisworks Manage. But which one is better for your project or business goals: Navisworks Simulate vs Manage?
We’ll give you the lowdown so you can make the safest and most profitable decision.
Table of Contents:
Introduction: What is Navisworks?
Navisworks (known for a while as JetStream) is a coordination and review software that allows AEC professionals to improve BIM delivery. With it, you can assess integrated models and data with stakeholders before construction begins.
Three versions of Navisworks are available: Simulate, Manage, and Freedom.
Navisworks Freedom is free and creates compressed NWD format files
Navisworks Simulate is a base level and includes functionalities with the exception of Clash Detective
Navisworks manage is the top level and has all features
What Can You Do With Navisworks?
With Navisworks, you can:
Identify and resolve interference problems and clashes prior to construction, hence saving time and money with less work and rework
Streamline collaboration and teamwork with issues integration with Autodesk Construction Cloud
Visualize and unify construction and design information in one federated model
Note that you can install Navisworks on up to 3 computers or devices. However, only the named user can sign in and utilize the software on a single device at any given point.
Major Benefits of Navisworks
Aside from clash detection, 3D rendering, quantification and construction simulation, here are some major advantages of using Navisworks.
1. Integration With Other Autodesk BIM Packages
Since Navisworks comes from the Autodesk stock, it can integrate seamlessly with other Autodesk BIM bundles, such as Civil 3D and Revit. All your Civil 3D and Revit files can easily be exported into Navisworks.
2. Control Costs & Schedules Using 4D & 5D Simulation
Animate & interact with model objects for simulations
Use project modules to directly create schedules
Import cost items & schedules from external project management apps
Use the TimeLiner tool to create 4D simulations
3. Run Seamless Projects
You can connect studio and field teams with compatible BIM software.
Manage, detect, and resolve constructability challenges with Revit, Navisworks and Autodesk Construction Cloud
Revit, Navisworks and other tools are available together in the Architecture, Engineering & Construction Collection
4. Easily Capture Material Quantities from 2D/3D Designs
Create synchronised project views from AutoCAD & Revit files
Measure areas, counts and lines from 3D models or 2D sheets
Export take-off data to Excel
Navisworks Simulate vs Manage
When it comes to Navisworks Simulate vs Manage, it depends on what you require. The difference between Navisworks Manage and Simulate largely comes down to pricing and number of features.
Navisworks Simulate
Priced at $1,020 per year, Simulate has everything that Manage has – except the clash detection tool.
If you are not planning on conducting clash detection but still want the other features, such as 5D scheduling, 3D animation, and review management, then we recommend using Navisworks Simulate.
Features
5D project scheduling
Integrated model take-off
2D sheet take-off
BIM coordination with AutoCAD
BIM 360 integration
Model file & data integration
DWF & NWD publishing
Model aggregation
Navisworks Manage
Manage is priced at $2,520 per year and includes the full feature set. It is the most powerful version of Navisworks and can bring fantastic value to your projects.
Features
Clash detection & interference checking
Clash & interference management
DWF & NWD publishing
Photorealistic model rendering
BIM coordination with AutoCAD
Model aggregation
Model file & data integration
Integrated model take-off
2D sheet take-off
5D project scheduling
BIM 360 integration
If you are unsure whether to use Navisworks Simulate vs Manage, you can always conduct a free trial, available from the Navisworks website. If you do decide to purchase one of them, there are options to pay monthly, yearly, or every 3 years.
Conclusion
In Navisworks Simulate vs Manage, the main difference is the inclusion of clash detection in Manage.
However, it is important to remember that clash detection comes with a number of large benefits. Previously, clash detection would take place on the construction site, and clashes had to be resolved then and there. This led to major delays and skyrocketing costs.
But you can save yourself the cost and trouble of purchasing Navisworks Simulate or Navisworks Manage. Instead, just take advantage of BluEntCAD’s BIM services. We cater to architectural and engineering companies, general contractors, design build contractors and MEP and HVAC subtraders.
Want to make your project safer, more streamlined and more profitable? Contact us for BIM modeling services now!
Maximum Value. Achieved.
