This can be achieved by using a parametric object with an attribute assigned for the standards that need to be followed. In this scenario, Visual Scripting can help by providing feedback automatically which indicates if the component complies with standards or not.
Intelligent Objects: Perform Automatic Buildability ChecksĬhecking whether every component complies with the relevant building standards or guidelines has previously been a manual exercise – which, while very important, means it is also time consuming, error prone, and boring. This not only saves a lot of time, it also helps minimize any errors in the model.ģ.
After checking these are correct and running the script, Allplan will then automatically modify the existing elements based on these rules. This file can contain information such as the material type, face style, layer, color, or others, which are the rules to be applied to the objects. The example script looks for pre-defined rules in a. There is already an example for this issue built into the Examples Library in Allplan, under Attributes. The problem is that you cannot see the attribute value of elements when applying these changes, so there is a high risk of mistakes being made during this process. Using the Change Architectural Properties function would be the usual way to approach this issue. Rule-based modification with Visual Scripting can help overcome this quickly and easily. For example, perhaps when you import IFC data, the visual representation of the architectural elements – such as columns and walls – is wrong. Sometimes, you want to modify many objects at once, but doing so individually is incredibly time consuming. Automate Processes: Use Rule-Based Modification This could potentially save five to ten minutes every time that object needs to be modified – which can add up over the course of a project.Ģ. The trench updates automatically and there’s no need to re-model it again from scratch. Then, if there are any changes in the future, changing the trench is as easy as double-clicking on it, modifying the reference point, axis, or cross-section and confirming the changes. Instead, with Visual Scripting, by adding four nodes (a reference point, cross-section, axis, and sweep), you can define all parameters needed with the first three nodes and have the trench created using the sweep function. If it changes, normally you could modify the object by using the Stretch Entities tool, but that does not always give the result you want. For example, you can create a trench by extruding a shape along a path. With Visual Scripting, however, you can create custom parametric objects that are easy to modify by changing the parameters. Re-modeling objects from scratch is time consuming, error prone, and boring. Or perhaps the client or contractor has requested a change in the design for budgetary or availability reasons. For example, this can be where there are many similar pipes, but with different diameters or openings. One common problem with modeling is that sometimes, if you want to change the object you have just created, you have to re-model it from scratch again. Repetitive Modeling: Create a Custom Parametric Object Let’s take a closer look at how Visual Scripting can help in each of these situations.ġ. How Visual Scripting Helps Solve Common Problems Visual Scripting is useful for all these scenarios and can help make these tasks easier and quicker, as well as more accurate. You wanted to create custom objects or automatic processes, but without the hassle of learning a programming language or setting up a programming environment.You needed to determine if an object is compliant with building standards but wanted to accelerate and automate the process.Perhaps you wanted to modify a large number of objects at the same time or in a similar way, or you wanted to run a specific workflow every time you receive data from an external party. You wanted to automate a process but didn’t know how.You had a repetitive task, such as creating similar – but slightly different – objects over and over, or were recreating objects from scratch because they require some modifications.Have you ever had one of the following situations: Situations Where Visual Scripting is Useful So, what is the point of Visual Scripting and why should you use it? Below, Xinling Xu, Product Owner at ALLPLAN, outlines some common situations where Visual Scripting can help and what you can do with it. However, for anyone who has a design workflow they are used to and efficient with, these tools can seem like they are an optional extra. No-code systems – such as Allplan’s Visual Scripting tool – are becoming increasingly popular for the wide range of possibilities they offer.