Creative BIM Training Solutions Exposed!
Brian Andresen
Director, CAD/BIM Systems
© 2012 Autodesk
Introduction
Brian Andresen
WLC Architects Inc.


Director, CAD/BIM Systems
Revit user since 2001
AUGI (Autodesk User Group International)


HotNews Production Manager
AUGI Member since 2004
LARUG Consortium


Los Angeles Revit User Group
Live: LA, OC, IE, SF & Online
The ANT Group


Architecture & New Technologies
Forward thinking, Future Products
Contact Info:
bandresen@wlcarchitects.com
http://about.me/cadbimmanager
brian.andresen@augi.com
brian.andresen@theantgroup.com
cadbimmanager@live.com
twitter.com/cadbimmanager
youtube.com/user/cadbimmanager
linkedin.com/cadbimmanager
cadbimmanager.blogspot.com
© 2012 Autodesk
Session Organization
Broken into 6 Modules (Avg. Time: 8 Min.)
1) Assessments In Mindsets
2) Training Breakdown
3) Infrastructure Buildup
4) Internal Coordination
5) External Communication
6) Conclusion & Continuation
© 2012 Autodesk
Session Organization
Broken into 6 Modules (Avg. Time: 8 Min.)
 Each module contains: 3 Steps, with 1 Goal
 All build on (Reference) each other
Feedback Appreciated
 Please
contact me for details
 Please rate this class for feedback
 THANK YOU for your time!
…Let’s Get Started!
© 2012 Autodesk
Creative BIM Training Solutions Exposed!
Part 1 – Assessments In Mindsets
Brian Andresen
Director, CAD/BIM Systems
© 2012 Autodesk
Assessments In Mindsets
Step 1: Assess Firm Structure
Step 2: Assess Users/Non-Users
Step 3: Assess Objectives/Goals
Goal: Make A Plan…And RUN!
© 2012 Autodesk
Step 1: Assess Firm Structure
Transition to BIM
Firm Functionality
Key Players
© 2012 Autodesk
Step 1: Assess Firm Structure
Transition to BIM

We know what BIM is (consistency of process and realism of design)
 How far can we (should we) take this? IPD, FM, 3D, 4D, 5D…
Firm Functionality
Key Players
© 2012 Autodesk
Step 1: Assess Firm Structure
Transition to BIM

We know what BIM is (consistency of process and realism of design)
 How far can we (should we) take this? IPD, FM, 3D, 4D, 5D…
Firm Functionality

What has been done in the past? What worked/failed?
 Work from that: Different (better) methods, paths, concepts
Key Players
© 2012 Autodesk
Step 1: Assess Firm Structure
Transition to BIM

We know what BIM is (consistency of process and realism of design)
 How far can we (should we) take this? IPD, FM, 3D, 4D, 5D…
Firm Functionality

What has been done in the past? What worked/failed?
 Work from that: Different (better) methods, paths, concepts
Key Players

Who are the lovers/haters?
 Who are the decision makers?
© 2012 Autodesk
Step 2: Assess Users/Non-Users
Current Times
Users are too busy to learn what’s new
 Owners are trying to save every penny
 Older generations HATE change

Key Players

See who accepts/hates change
 Discover who makes things happen
 Notice the talkers w/no action
Use as a reference, not a weapon
© 2012 Autodesk
Step 3: Assess Objectives/Goals
Objective
Typical training is not always the best…
 Discover alternative out-of-the-box solutions
 Provide Constant Training Opportunities

Keep These Three
1.
2.
3.
Your users interested
Your owners happy
Your own sanity
© 2012 Autodesk
Step 3: Assess Objectives/Goals
How involved is “Training” to overall implementation?
(Referenced from my 2010 BIM Managers Tips/Tricks Class)
Duties/Responsibilities (By Category)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Seek, learn, and maintain the best software
Support and maintain current software
Create and maintain templates and standards
Create and maintain software training and manuals
Update and improve components and details
Work with IT between hardware and end user
Discover fixes, shortcuts, workarounds, and tips/tricks
Transparency between Owner and end user
Staying ahead of the curve, providing leadership
© 2012 Autodesk
Step 3: Assess Objectives/Goals
How involved is “Training” to overall implementation?
(Referenced from my 2010 BIM Managers Tips/Tricks Class)
Duties/Responsibilities (By Category)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Seek, learn, and maintain the best software
Support and maintain current software
Create and maintain templates and standards
Create and maintain software training and manuals
Update and improve components and details
Work with IT between hardware and end user
Discover fixes, shortcuts, workarounds, and tips/tricks
Transparency between Owner and end user
Staying ahead of the curve, providing leadership
© 2012 Autodesk
Goal: Make A Plan…And RUN!
Goals

Best Training Solutions for your firm
 Information to improve consistency/productivity
 Note: Training allows proactive, not reactive success
I say “RUN” because…


Your not alone
Economic conditions =
A. More Competition = Harder to stand out
B. Less Overhead = More creativity required for training
C. More users NOW want to learn BIM
© 2012 Autodesk
Goal: Make A Plan…And RUN!
From the last 10 years, I learned the following




Training is the foundation of progress
Implement standards into your training
Continue to learn. You will NEVER know enough!
You will always be updating things…this job never ends
…The solution: Training cannot be finished, but it can be controlled
© 2012 Autodesk
Please continue to: Part 2 – Training Breakdown
Contact me with questions/comments
Also, rate my class for feedback
THANK YOU for your time!
© 2012 Autodesk
Autodesk, AutoCAD* [*if/when mentioned in the pertinent material, followed by an alphabetical list of all other trademarks mentioned in the material] are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and
services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document. © 2012 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.
© 2012 Autodesk
Creative BIM Training Solutions Exposed!
Part 2 – Training Breakdown
Brian Andresen
Director, CAD/BIM Systems
© 2012 Autodesk
Introduction
Brian Andresen
Director, CAD/BIM Systems
WLC Architects Inc.
For my contact info, See Part 1

Email any Questions/Comments
 Please rate my class for feedback
 THANK YOU for your time!
© 2012 Autodesk
Training Breakdown
Step 1: Typical Training is…
Step 2: Analyze Opportunities
Step 3: Breakdown Process
Goal: Provide Continuous Training!
© 2012 Autodesk
Step 1: Typical Training is…
Consider In-House Training

Save costs (no travel expenses)
 Material can be customized to your firm
 Scheduling/time restraints can be modified
 Pull Standards/Workflows into Training
Provide flexible training options
•
•
•
Take the normal 3-5 day course concept
Drop the filler, tighten the core, make it fun
End with five half day classes users will enjoy
© 2012 Autodesk
Step 2: Analyze Opportunities
Benefits & Outcomes

Supportive role gets noticed
 Work with an appreciative staff
 Users spend the other half of the day:
A. Getting their regular work done
B. Review the software (Practice)
© 2012 Autodesk
Step 3: Breakdown Process
Break it Down Further

Divide into lunch sessions
 Deadlines KILL everything, even half days
 Missed (or reviews of) specific sections
 If you work with them, they will work with you (usually)
Other Lunch Session Opportunities
Don’t neglect other software support
 Stay involved and current
 Step outside your comfort zone
 Show diversity and support Information Technology

© 2012 Autodesk
Goal: Provide Continuous Training!
Implementation worked best w/ the following

(Phase 1) Half day, week long Fundamentals training
 (Phase 2) Monthly lunch seminars (lunch and learns)
 (Phase 3) Half day, week long Advanced training
 (Phase 4) Update manuals every 2-3 years + refresher courses
© 2012 Autodesk
Goal: Continuous Training!
Training Tips and Tricks
Don’t label the course “Beginners”
 Find alternative to “Advanced”
 Avoid Intermediate and Extra courses
 Consider Maintenance and upkeep
 Combine as much as possible
 Find ways to make it fun!

© 2012 Autodesk
Please continue to: Part 3 – Infrastructure Buildup
Contact me with questions/comments
Also, rate my class for feedback
THANK YOU for your time!
© 2012 Autodesk
Autodesk, AutoCAD* [*if/when mentioned in the pertinent material, followed by an alphabetical list of all other trademarks mentioned in the material] are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and
services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document. © 2012 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.
© 2012 Autodesk
Creative BIM Training Solutions Exposed!
Part 3 – Infrastructure Buildup
Brian Andresen
Director, CAD/BIM Systems
© 2012 Autodesk
Introduction
Brian Andresen
Director, CAD/BIM Systems
WLC Architects Inc.
For my contact info, See Part 1

Email any Questions/Comments
 Please rate my class for feedback
 THANK YOU for your time!
© 2012 Autodesk
Infrastructure Buildup
Step 1: Find a Way - Set it Up
Step 2: Gather Information
Step 3: Approve the Best
Goal: Spread it Like Wildfire!
© 2012 Autodesk
Step 1: Find a Way - Set it Up
Set up a “BIM Corner” database

Centralized network location (Read Only)
 Best results include access to an intranet
 Users can search/reference anytime for Q&A
 Great when you’re not available (@ AU)
Make sure to include

FAQ Section (w/PDF & Video)
 All past support requests & training
 Metadata for searchable options
© 2012 Autodesk
Step 2: Gather Information
Items include

Past support requests
 Training courses
 Conference materials
 Company/Website Tips & Tricks
 Solutions in multiple formats (PDF, Video, DWG, RVT)
 Begin mixing standards with training
 Include libraries & processes into the system
(The next few items are referenced from my 2010 BIM Managers Tips/Tricks Class.
Please, if possible, view that recording as well for even more applicable information.)
© 2012 Autodesk
Step 2: Gather Information
With BIM, components hold the bulk
Add “Component Standards” into training
 Create/reference a “Component Catalog”
 Every family has a name, image, and file location

Revit Detail Library
Component Catalog
Partial Inside View
© 2012 Autodesk
Step 2: Gather Information
Create an SSR form

Software Support Requests
 Digital, archive-able, searchable
 Electronic or paper version
 Date stamp, pushes completion
 Users enjoy asking immediately
Include these in the database
© 2012 Autodesk
Step 2: Gather Information
Provide CTW email’s to your firm

Weekly Email with simple solutions
 Doesn’t have to be Revit
 Doesn’t have to be major
 Tips or Tricks, Fixes or Finds
 PDF attachments, not just email
Include these in the database
© 2012 Autodesk
Step 3: Approve the Best
Consider the following

Create a checklist with requirements
 Only include the Latest and Greatest
 Vibe with YOUR firms methodology
 Make this a high priority
 Make this available to all ASAP
 Don’t get stuck in a PDF mindset, offer Video alternatives:
 Jing = short support video clips
 Snag-it = screen captures
 I did a test… (PDF vs. Video)
© 2012 Autodesk
Test: PDF vs. Video
I used a simple support test
• PDF = 10 min (capture, mark up, create)
• Video = 30 seconds (immediate results)
Result: Video Wins…by a mile!
• 100% easier, faster and more efficient
© 2012 Autodesk
Goal: Spread it Like Wildfire!
Get a few items in there

Small FAQ
 Limited SSR’s & CTW’s
Send it out!

Announce it by email/word of mouth
 Reference it often (get them used to the concept)
Continuously Improve

Include the rest and make it a strong reference
 Maintenance is minimal, time saved is infinate
© 2012 Autodesk
Please continue to: Part 4 – Internal Coordination
Contact me with questions/comments
Also, rate my class for feedback
THANK YOU for your time!
© 2012 Autodesk
Autodesk, AutoCAD* [*if/when mentioned in the pertinent material, followed by an alphabetical list of all other trademarks mentioned in the material] are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and
services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document. © 2012 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.
© 2012 Autodesk
Creative BIM Training Solutions Exposed!
Part 4 – Internal Coordination
Brian Andresen
Director, CAD/BIM Systems
© 2012 Autodesk
Introduction
Brian Andresen
Director, CAD/BIM Systems
WLC Architects Inc.
For my contact info, See Part 1

Email any Questions/Comments
 Please rate my class for feedback
 THANK YOU for your time!
© 2012 Autodesk
Internal Coordination
Step 1: Breakdown the Staff
Step 2: Organize a Tiered Structure
Step 3: Emphasize Coordination
Goal: Divide and Conquer
© 2012 Autodesk
Step 1: Breakdown the Staff
Create “Team Focus Groups”

Weekly devotion to a specific group
 Solves direct, project specific needs
 Most users prefer 1-on-1, Hands-on training
Results to Consider

Working on projects, best way to sharpen skills
 Able to coordinate workflow, standards, etc.
 Knowing your projects is important
 Knowing your users is more important
 Communication is key
© 2012 Autodesk
Step 2: Organize a Structure
Create “BIM-tors” (BIM+Mentors)

Choose a leader (or two)
 This creates a middle tier
 Meet privately weekly for coordination
Results to Consider

Minimize user support
 Assist new projects
 Point out any training/support needs
 Quarterly meetings with all BIM-tors
© 2012 Autodesk
Step 3: Emphasize Coordination
Quarterly Board Meetings

Know your path
 Support it
 Direct it
Annual Company Presentations

Show the path
 Explain processes involved
 Share examples
Consider this: TRANSPARENCY!
© 2012 Autodesk
Goal: Divide and Conquer
By providing these

Weekly TFG meetings
 Monthly BIM-tors meetings
 Quarterly board meetings
 Annual company presentations
Your firm gains all of these

Better workflow and coordination
 Stronger communication
 Increased knowledgebase
 Maximum transparency
© 2012 Autodesk
Please continue to: Part 5 – External Communication
Contact me with questions/comments
Also, rate my class for feedback
THANK YOU for your time!
© 2012 Autodesk
Autodesk, AutoCAD* [*if/when mentioned in the pertinent material, followed by an alphabetical list of all other trademarks mentioned in the material] are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and
services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document. © 2012 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.
© 2012 Autodesk
Creative BIM Training Solutions Exposed!
Part 5 – External Communication
Brian Andresen
Director, CAD/BIM Systems
© 2012 Autodesk
Introduction
Brian Andresen
Director, CAD/BIM Systems
WLC Architects Inc.
For my contact info, See Part 1

Email any Questions/Comments
 Please rate my class for feedback
 THANK YOU for your time!
© 2012 Autodesk
External Communication
Step 1: Meet the Internet
Step 2: Meet the Community
Step 3: Share To Learn
Goal: Become Your Firms “Google”
© 2012 Autodesk
Step 1: Meet the Internet
Topics
You NEED to make time for R&D!
 Software
 Autodesk Labs: http://labs.autodesk.com/
 Hardware
 Steve Stafford’s blog: http://revitoped.blogspot.com/
 Add-ons/Utilities
 The Revit Kid blog: http://therevitkid.blogspot.com/
 Alphas/Betas
 AUGI support forums: www.augi.com
 Workarounds
 LUG’s: http://www.augi.com/chapters/local/
 Tips & Tricks

http://www.caddigest.com/subjects/management/index.htm
 New techniques
 http://www.cadalyst.com/management
 The list goes on…
 http://forums.augi.com/forumdisplay.php?f=32
© 2012 Autodesk
Step 2: Meet the Community
Conferences

AU (Autodesk University)
 RTC (Revit Technology Conference)
 CAD Americas (Previously CAD Camp)
Local Venues

USGBC Chapters
 AIA / SCI Chapters
 State / Community Colleges
 User Groups…
Information is everywhere, gathering that is half the battle© 2012 Autodesk
Step 3: Share To Learn
Join a LUG. Can’t find one, start one!

Vast amount of opportunities
 Special Guest speakers
 Monthly presentations
 New software demos
 Q&A panel sessions
 Project showcases
 Anything is possible…
© 2012 Autodesk
Goal: Become Your Firms “Google”
Work to Provide

You NEED to make time for R&D
 Make it a daily task (habit)
 Attend events like these
 Join or start a LUG in your area
Become a data hub to your firm

Provide the info from outside
 Include it into the previous infrastructure buildup
 Save your users time = money = profits = success
© 2012 Autodesk
Please continue to: Part 6 – Conclusion/Continuation
Contact me with questions/comments
Also, rate my class for feedback
THANK YOU for your time!
© 2012 Autodesk
Autodesk, AutoCAD* [*if/when mentioned in the pertinent material, followed by an alphabetical list of all other trademarks mentioned in the material] are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and
services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document. © 2012 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.
© 2012 Autodesk
Creative BIM Training Solutions Exposed!
Part 6 – Conclusion & Continuation
Brian Andresen
Director, CAD/BIM Systems
© 2012 Autodesk
Introduction
Brian Andresen
Director, CAD/BIM Systems
WLC Architects Inc.
For my contact info, See Part 1

Email any Questions/Comments
 Please rate my class for feedback
 THANK YOU for your time!
© 2012 Autodesk
Conclusion & Continuation
Step 1: Take What You’ve Learned
Step 2: Gather More From AU2012
Step 3: Apply it to Your Firm
Goal: Become Your Firms “Successful” BIM Manager
© 2012 Autodesk
Step 1: Take What You’ve Learned
With these ideas, you get the following done

More information taught
 Less direction (AKA “force”) needed
 Owners save money and resources
 Production can continue to excel and improve
© 2012 Autodesk
Step 2: Gather More From AU2012
Autodesk feedback

Autodesk labs website
 Feedback forums
 Use Autodesk Support Requests
 Sign up for beta Testing https://beta.autodesk.com
Stay involved, get ahead

Attend Events like this
 Dedicate time daily or weekly to the AUGI forums
 Collaborate with everyone
 The more you share, the more you learn
© 2012 Autodesk
Step 3: Apply it to Your Firm
First steps

Understand your firm/users
 Create a hub (Network location)
 Gather all training/support information
 Get involved in outside events
Second steps

Create BIMtors & Team Focus Groups
 Analyze your training methods
 Organize your hubs resources
© 2012 Autodesk
Step 3: Apply it to Your Firm
Third steps

Breakdown your training
 Announce the hub
 Meet with TFG/Owners regularly
 Make LUG’s a monthly routine
Final steps

Continue to build the hub
 Constantly improve the training
 Prove that “Share to Learn” Works-
© 2012 Autodesk
Goal: Become Your Firms “Successful” BIM Manager
Be proactive, not reactive

Provide constant opportunities
 Record/archive EVERYTHING
 Direct users to it, or they will forget
Training includes YOU:

Be a leader, show dedication
 Be an example, not a tyrant
 Share data, don’t hoard it
© 2012 Autodesk
Conclusion
Recap:

Understand your firms core needs
 Stay connected to your users and owners
 Immerse users into constant training opportunities
 You have a TON of resources available!
 Contact me anytime for more information, direction, or support-
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME!
© 2012 Autodesk
Autodesk, AutoCAD* [*if/when mentioned in the pertinent material, followed by an alphabetical list of all other trademarks mentioned in the material] are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and
services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document. © 2012 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.
© 2012 Autodesk