Practical Workflow: From P6 to First Successful Simulation

🎯 Introduction: Now We Start the Real Work

In Part 1 we understood the importance. In Part 2 we chose the software. Now we come to the most important part: practical implementation.

This article will teach you the complete workflow from zero to finish. I'll assume you chose Navisworks (most common) + Primavera P6.

📦 Requirements (Before Starting)

✅ What You Need:

Item	Details	Status
3D Model	Revit model (RVT) - LOD 300 minimum	Ready? ✅
Schedule	P6 Schedule (.XER or .XML)	Ready? ✅
Navisworks	Navisworks Manage 2024+ (not Simulate!)	Installed? ✅
Powerful PC	16GB RAM, CPU i7+, GPU 4GB	Available? ✅

🔄 The Workflow: 7 Steps to Success

Step 1: Preparation in Revit (30 minutes)

A. Clean the Model:

• Hide what you don't need: Furniture, MEP (unless important for 4D)
• Worksets: Enable Worksets if you have them (Optional)
• Phases: Ensure each element is in the correct phase

B. Add Parameters (very important!):

This step is optional but saves enormous time later:

In Revit:
1. Manage → Project Parameters
2. Add → Name: "ActivityCode" | Type: Text
3. Group: Construction | Categories: All elements  
4. OK

Now fill ActivityCode for each element:
Example: Columns in 1st Floor → Activity Code = "A1020.10"
        

C. Export to Navisworks:

File → Export → CAD Formats → NWC

• Convert Element Properties: ✅ ON
• Divide file into levels: as needed

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Step 2: Export Schedule from P6 (15 minutes)

In Primavera P6:

1. Open the Project
2. File → Export → Primavera PM (XER)
3. Select the project
4. Settings:
   • ✅ Include Baselines
   • ✅ Include Resources (if needed)
   • ✅ Include Actual Dates
5. Save as Project_Schedule.xer

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Step 3: Import Model in Navisworks (10 minutes)

1. Open Navisworks Manage
2. File → Open or Append
3. Select the .nwc file
4. Wait for loading (may take minutes for large files)

Quick Check:

• Rotate the model (Mouse Scroll = Zoom)
• Verify all elements appeared
• Open Selection Tree (F5) → View the hierarchy

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Step 4: Import Schedule (TimeLiner) - The Beating Heart! (20 minutes)

A. Open TimeLiner:

Home Tab → Tools → TimeLiner

B. Import Schedule:

1. Data Sources → Add
2. Select Project_Schedule.xer
3. Type: Primavera (XER)
4. Next → Next...
5. Field Mapping: (important!)

   P6 Field	→	Navisworks Field
   Activity ID	→	Task ID
   Activity Name	→	Task Name
   Start Date	→	Planned Start
   Finish Date	→	Planned End

6. Finish → Close

Now the schedule is inside Navisworks! 🎉

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Step 5: Linking - The Real Magic! (1-3 hours)

This is the most important and longest step. Here we link each element to its activity.

Method A: Auto-Attach by Parameter (Fastest!):

If you added ActivityCode in Revit:

1. TimeLiner → Auto-Attach
2. Attach by: Parameter
3. Parameter Name: "ActivityCode"
4. Match with: Task ID
5. Run → Done!

✅ In seconds, everything is linked!

Method B: Manual Selection Sets (if no Parameters):

1. Select elements in model (e.g., all columns on first floor)
2. Sets → Save Selection
3. Name: "Columns_GF"
4. In TimeLiner → select appropriate activity
5. Attach → Search Sets → select "Columns_GF"
6. Appearance: Construct
7. OK

Repeat for each activity... (takes time, but works!)

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Step 6: Fine-tuning and Preparation (30 minutes)

A. Simulation Settings:

1. TimeLiner → Simulate Tab
2. Play Mode: Manual or Auto
3. Interval: 1 day (or 1 week for speed)
4. Appearance Rules:
   • Before Start: Gray (50% transparent)
   • During: Orange (100%)
   • After End: Green (100%)

B. Viewpoints:

Save 3-5 important viewpoints:

• Overall view
• Critical zone view
• Interface area view

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Step 7: First Simulation! 🎬 (5 minutes)

1. TimeLiner → Play button ▶️
2. Watch the magic happen! 🤩
3. Pause ⏸️ anytime
4. Scrub timeline to navigate between dates

⚠️ Common Mistakes (and Solutions!)

Problem	Solution
Elements don't appear at right time	Check linking - maybe linked wrong Set
Navisworks very slow	• Reduce number of activities • Use Saved Viewpoints instead of Real-time
Dates are strange	Check Time Zone in P6 vs Navisworks
Some elements never appear	Check: Are they linked? Is Appearance = "Hide"?
XER import failed	Try exporting as XML instead of XER

🎓 Tips from Experience

1. Start with One Phase Only

Don't try to link the entire project first time. Start with:

• Concrete structure only
• Or one floor
• Or first phase

After success, expand gradually.

2. Use Smart Color Coding

• Gray: Not started
• Orange/Yellow: In progress
• Green: Complete
• Red: Critical path
• Blue: Temporary works

3. Make Templates

After first successful project:

• Save Appearance rules
• Save naming conventions
• Create template NWF file

Next time will take 30% of the time!

4. Clash Detection with 4D

Leverage Navisworks power:

• Run Clash Detection first
• Resolve all clashes
• Then do 4D

= Clean model + sound simulation

📊 Export and Present Results

A. Export Animation:

1. Output → Animation
2. Choose viewpoints
3. Format: AVI or MP4
4. Resolution: 1920x1080
5. Export → Share with team!

B. Export Images:

1. Move timeline to important date
2. Output → Visual Report → Image
3. Use in Presentations

C. Interactive Viewer:

Save as .NWD file:

• File → Save As → NWD
• Share with owner/team
• They view it in Navisworks Freedom (free!)

✅ Conclusion: You're Ready Now!

After following these steps, you now have a complete 4D BIM simulation. The real value appears when:

• Present to owner → instant understanding
• Discover conflict → resolved before site
• Plan the site → data-driven decisions
• Track progress → Planned vs Actual

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