Revizto: A Model Solution for Efficient Collaboration and Communication

Contractors are finding Revizto, which converts building information modeling and CAD models into lightweight 3D environments, aids in collaboration and communicating plans and ideas to clients

"We are using it on projects to expedite the communication back and forth with the coordination team and the design team," says Chad Holbrook, virtual construction manager for Barton Malow in Southfield,

Revizto, from Vizerra in San Francisco, uses video game and cloud technology to make a model easy to navigate without users having to learn BIM software. All of the BIM object data and linked files are

preserved. Users can merge several models together to create a full scene of the project. The editor feature allows users to change the lighting or materials used in finishes.

"The beauty of it is the design team does not need to use Navisworks and the coordination team does not need to use Revit," Holbrook says. "The coordination team can create a markup in Navisworks,

and the design team can review that same markup inside Revit using the same location and orientation for clear communication. The same holds true for communication in the other direction."

In the issue-tracking feature, contractors can upload a photo and assign responsibility for problems found and determine a deadline for resolution. The software sends an email to the responsible person.

"It brings new efficiency and collaboration within a fragmented team," says Arman Gukasyan, CEO, founder and product manager of Revizto.

The person initiating the issue can make it private if he or she does not want everyone else to see it. The tracker can be used offline and synced when an internet connection is available. Users can attach

PDF documents as comments to the issue. Issues also can contain a markup on the drawing.

The software runs issue reports, so contractors can keep track of the status of various problems, statistics and tasks. The software’s filtering system makes it easy to find any issue.

Revizto is compatible with Oculus and other virtual reality platforms, giving owners an opportunity to experience their new facility before it is built.

"We also use it for business development purposes, creating nice looking renderings for clients to look at," Holbrook says. "It works well with Oculus. You can walk around the model. It’s powerful to

show the client what certain things will look like later."

Contractors can use Revizto on an iPad or Android device that is 7 inches or larger. Revizto Viewer is free and allows users to view the model someone shared with them but not upload a new one. A professional use package costs $5,000 for 20 collaborators and $15,000 for 100 collaborators.

"It’s nothing compared to the efficiency of the billable time of your construction team," Gukasyan says. "Companies get back a return on investment within two months of starting to use the software. We