About DataManager and Reporter

DataManager provides a visual portal to Autodesk Navisworks allowing you to easily link, access and manage complete project data and documentation from a Navisworks model which can then be handed over or shared between project stakeholders throughout the design, construction, management and lifecycle phases.

DataManager and Reporter includes our Data Management and Reporter modules running a Navisworks-like graphical user interface built around an SQL database that can be easily integrated with other database applications.

DataManager provides the means to manage an entire project containing information and documentation into a single manageable resource that can be handed over or transferred between project stakeholders throughout the design, construction, management and lifecycle phases.

Running Navisworks with DataManager provides the functionality to search, link, tag and report on information stored in Navisworks models or BIMs, as well as the ability to add new construction and maintenance data captured on-site.

Navisworks with DataManager used as a Field BIM application using the above process facilitates continuation of the BIM process after the design phase for construction, fit-out and then FM. Building and associated information is added to the model during fit-out and subsequently handed over to the operations team.

DataManager is a tool for builders, planners and subcontractors. Information collected in DataManager helps define a comprehensive digital model that can be handed over to the project’s owner/operators as a deliverable, thereby allowing our customers to offer extra value to their clients and help them win more business.

About IFC

Building SMART International is an alliance of organizations within the construction and facilities management industry. It also develops and maintains the specification for Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), an open vendor-independent neutral file format that captures both geometry and properties of ‘intelligent’ building objects and their relationships within building information models.

About IFC Exporter

With IFC Exporter you can export any file that can be opened in Navisworks to the IFC2x3, IFC4 and IFC4x3 formats. When exporting Navisworks model items can be mapped to corresponding IFC objects. This plugin will export both the model geometry (BREP) and the related data (Property Sets)

The plugin will function in 2 different ways. Straighforward way is to select model items (selection) that you want to export from the Navisworks model and export them without mapping objects. If using this way all IFCElements in the IFC file are represented as IfcBuildingElementProxy.

Another way is to use object mapping. Then you need to create predefined selection or search sets for each different object type in the Navisworks model and tell plugin which IfcType to use when exporting them.

About Console Application

GenerateIFC console application is a complementary application to use together with IFC Exporter Navisworks plugin. After creating a class mapping file (.xml) by using the IFC Exporter plugin, you can use it in console application.

Class mapping file tells console application what is the scope of the model items to export and how they are mapped with corresponding IFC elements.

Name of the console application is GenerateIFC.exe and it is installed together with main plugin.


GenerateIFC.exe takes following command line parameters:

1st         Input file (.nwd)

2nd        Output file (.ifc)

3rd        Class mapping file (.xml)

4th        IFC schema to use (2x3, 4 or 4x3)

About IFC Extension

IFC Extension is a simple low-cost Autodesk Navisworks add-on which brings real benefits when using IFC files in a Navisworks Project. IFC Extension comprises of a simple user interface that enables the user to load an associated IFC file and then view the full IFC hierarchy in an easy to read format. Objects can be selected from the IFC hierarchy tree which is then referenced in the Navisworks model and selection tree.

IFC extension also contains its own reporting tool for easy generation of custom IFC reports including quantity calculations which can then be output to a variety of file formats including Excel, PDF and csv files.

IFC Extension is especially beneficial in BIM and Plant projects where IFC is the current preferred or only format available to import data from specific CAD tools into Autodesk Navisworks.

Using IFC models effectively in Navisworks work process

Reading IFC models into Autodesk Navisworks and including them as a part of the QA/QC and collaboration processes has been possible since the early version of Autodesk Navisworks. More recently in later releases there has been increased support of the IFC format in line with the increased usage of IFC as the standard format used in BIM projects.

IFC property data can be viewed using Navisworks properties but the structure and hierarchy of the full IFC data model can be difficult to read. It is also very difficult to generate custom reports of this IFC property data. Using IFC Extension all project stakeholders can easily view and generate reports based on IFC properties form the Autodesk Navisworks project

Benefits in using Naviswork in QA/QC process of a BIM project

Autodesk Navisworks software can be used as a QA/QC tool in both AEC, Infrastructure and Process Plant, where multiple formats of data can be aggregated to enable project management and collaboration throughout the entire life-cycle of a project. This data can include native CAD data, point cloud data from laser scanned as-built projects and standard industry formats such as IFC for BIM projects.

Today there is a common requirement to include point cloud data from laser-scans into the QA/QC process especially in renovation and refit projects. Autodesk Navisworks is the ideal tool to undertake this as it support multi CAD native formats, all the commonly used laser scan data formats and the BIM standard IFC format.

The increased information display and reporting facilities included in IFC extension improves the user experience when working with IFC data in a multi format BIM project and adds value to users needing to access full project information.

In combination with the Navistools project portal, the IFC extension offers even more value to all BIM project stakeholders using Autodesk Navisworks

• Manage and Visualise IFC data better in Autodesk Navisworks
• Access IFC files and hierarchy directly from Navisworks
• Enables smarter viewing and management of IFC properties
• Create custom IFC property reports  with quantities
• Manage IFC data better
• Easy to use
• Benefits your BIM processes when using IFC files in Navisworks

About Navistools DWG Exporter

With DWG Exporter you can export any file (or part of the large file) that can be opened in Navisworks to the .DWG format

Depending on settings the DWG Exporter will create 3D DWGs that contains either PolyFaceMeshes, SubDMeshes or Blocks.

If blocks are selected then also mapped Navisworks data properties can be converted to attributes.

Which are displayed inside blocks.

About Clash Manager Extension

Clash Manager Extension is a Navisworks Clash Detective extension. It is easy to use but still effective tool for managing project's clash results.

Clashes can be grouped and sorted by many options. If Navisworks model has at least one grid system, then clashes can be also grouped by levels and/or grid intersections. Clashes can be visualized by clash markers. They mark the location of the clashes in top and front projections of the model when user is generating a clash report.

About Reporter

Report generator is easy to use tool which creates a Pdf clash report of selected clash results. Report consist of detailed view of the clash result and both top and front projections of the model with location of the clash result marked. It also contains all metadata of the clash result including added comments.