Chalkline Delivers First Spec Solution That Runs Directly in Autodesk Revit

February 8, 2017/in News/by Seamus McGrady

Portland, Maine (February 8, 2017) – Chalkline is pleased to announce the availability of the first application to offer coordinated construction specification writing directly in Autodesk^® Revit^®. VisiSpecs, the next generation of BIM-integrated specifications, has taken another leap forward centralizing the construction document coordination with the BIM model.

Project Architects, engineers, and designers who are using Autodesk Revit to model their designs are now able to also write the coordinated construction specifications side by side with the model. As BIM elements get added to the model, the linked specifications for that element can also be included. As the linked models are added, the specifications for those linked elements can also be added and coordinated with the project specs. Integration and verification of the BIM model and specs without having to export the model first means tighter integration, simplified processes, less data management, and fewer errors and omissions. Contractors can easily link the specs and docs to their construction intent BIM model for estimating, bidding, construction administration, as-builts, and commissioning.

VisiRevit^™ provides the coordination, automation, and verification of the BIM model and specifications reducing design time and errors while improving project data access to the users in the application they already have installed.

Chalkline is delivering the most integrated construction document solutions by leveraging the tools already being used resulting in less implementation effort and higher adoption rates. VisiWord^™ enables users to edit directly in Microsoft Word with additional spec editing and project management functionality like the customizable project tree, spec editing tools, header/footer, and TOC management, and complete publishing of all documents. As VisiSpecs integrates with client BIM model element and material standard naming conventions, the BIM model does not need to be changed in any way. This enables immediate integration of the BIM model and specifications delivering more coordination and verification improving product quality.

“VisiSpecs’ integration, coordination, and verification of the project specifications directly in Revit is a great example of an Autodesk Development Network partner’s solutions,” said Jim Quanci, director of the Autodesk Developer Network. “VisiSpecs brings together two separate processes creating a design environment enabling our customers to produce coordinated construction documents while saving time and reducing design errors and omissions.”

VisiWord is document-neutral and BIM models don’t have to change meaning clients are able to download the free VisiSpecs trial and immediately link their models and specs. Spec editing in Microsoft Word is both familiar and feature-rich while the enhanced editing features and publication tools provide time and cost savings in writing project manuals. Team collaborators can simply open Word to read and comment on specs as well as other related project files and data linked in the project. As the BIM model and specs continue to be designed and written, the verification and coordination checks are done either in Revit or in VisiView^™ for those not using Revit.

“We are proud to be delivering this major upgrade to the BIM users,” said Michael Brennan, CEO and President of Chalkline, Inc. “Listening and working closely with our clients has enabled us to focus on the right solution delivering the highest value.”

VisiSpecs upgrades the editing and publication tools for specifiers while simplifying the BIM model coordination process by not forcing any changes to the existing models. VisiSpecs can also help to highlight areas of the model needing improvement or data changes further improving the quality of the product delivered. Through live model and spec coordination directly in Autodesk Revit, users are not left wondering how old the data is and what has changed since their export.

Those interested in learning more should visit www.chalklineinc.com or email info@chalklineinc.com to request the free trial, register for live webinars, read customer testimonials, and download product information.

About Chalkline, Inc.

Chalkline is a developer of architectural and engineering specification software designed to visually document, coordinate, and verify BIM models and project specifications. VisiSpecs^® is a suite of applications that includes VisiWord and VisiRevit. VisiSpecs is a software as a service (SaaS) cloud solution where its desktop and mobile applications store and access the model and specification data on the company’s cloud servers for easy access and collaboration among distributed team members. Built on familiar applications already in use by most in the market, VisiSpecs requires minimal training and setup time. Users can easily integrate their own masters and project documents with the project models to accomplish true BIM integration without learning to use complicated model applications and without a lengthy integration process. For those who do use model applications, VisiSpecs provides direct access to the project specifications and documentation. For more information, visit www.chalklineinc.com. Autodesk^®, the Autodesk logo and Revit^® 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.

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Customer Testimonials

“In our electrical discipline, we could have saved 1,065 hours last year based on the doc automation functionality in VisiSpecs which took less than 20 hours to set up.”
~ Z. Poynter, HGA

“We’ve mandated the use of VisiSpecs on all projects in 2024 and plan to start implementing BIM and Keynoting integration along with submittal report generation next to continue taking advantage of the process efficiencies VisiSpecs enables.”
~ C. Johnson, Corgan

“Wow!! What an amazing application. My workflow and efficiency have increased dramatically. VisiSpecs has enabled me to save over $10,000 so far, easily. And this is just for myself in the last few months.”
~ D. Pahls, DLR Group

“VisiSpecs is saving me 75% of the time to get our submission documents completed over our previous spec tool! This is always a high-priority job at the 11th hour, so the time savings is extremely helpful and when you need help, Chalkline's customer service is great.”
~ L. Wells, Stellar

“In just two weeks after installing VisiSpecs I was able to complete 4 projects. I would not have been able to meet the tight deadlines without using VisiSpecs. Our masters were easily imported, VisiWord was very easy to learn, and publications were fast and accurate.”
~ D. Duff, Populous

“VisiSpecs is simply the most practical BIM integration and specification management tool in the market. It is intuitive, flexible, and its powerful features can be ramped up over time so you can strategically roll it out without overwhelming your teams.”
~ C. Sawyer, CRB

“Loving the new BPM Selector for choosing manufacturers! It is fast, easy, and no more having to fuss with other tools that don’t work well.”
~ C. Longo, LS3P

“We are ‘over the moon’ in our deployment of BIM keynoting using the VisiSpecs Keynote Manager. Users found it easy to learn and use and the new features developed by Chalkline have been very well received.”
~ C. Shafer, HDR

“The upgrade to VisiSpecs for our engineers has been a smooth process with high user adoption and low tech support. I highly recommend VisiSpecs.”
~ M. Etheridge, Global Chief Engineer,
Black & Veatch

"The ability for our staff to use one program for several types of document editing and achieve a time savings is a big advantage over purchasing standalone individual solutions as it will lead to higher familiarity and adoption."
~ M. Brady, Syska Hennessy Group, Inc.

“VisiSpecs was easy to learn and use and on my first project I saved over 30% of the time over my prior process. I really like the faster formatting and publishing I found in VisiSpecs.”
~ R. Geren, RLGA Technical Services

"VisiSpecs is a fantastic product that improved our workflow, significantly reduced the time needed to process and print a project manual, and it engaged the design team in the spec process much more than before."
~ L. Sheridan, LS3P

“VisiSpecs was selected based on its quick learning curve, ease of cloud based deployment across the many users within the firm, and ability to integrate with BIM applications.”
~ E. Michnovez, HDR

“VisiSpecs is working out great for me boosting my productivity and organization. VisiSpecs has solved our issue of having a consistent and reliable “Master” spec for the firm.”
~ K. Lawson, DCS Design

“VisiSpecs usage within our organization has shown time/labor savings of 4 times over our previous MS Word editing process and supports the wide variety of projects and masters used here. Where VisiSpecs really shines is the simple and intuitive linking between our Autodesk Revit content and the required spec sections enabling a more seamless design process. The integration of the model and specs can be shared with the Client for use in review, construction, commissioning, and other processes. Now the coordination between our designers and the spec writers is seamless, they all work out of a unique platform.”
~ BIM Subject Matter Expert

“Our users editing specifications have all given positive feedback reinforcing our decision to go with VisiSpecs.”
~ L. Ward, TowerPinkster

“Within a month of using VisiSpecs, we are already integrating specs and keynotes in 5 different projects with our Revit models. With shorter deadlines and reduced staff on each project, efficiency is key. VisiSpecs is allowing us to be more efficient and improving specifier and designer coordination.”
~ B. Wlosinski, BNIM

“We have been empowered by VisiSpecs. With the COVID-19 outbreak, we are working remotely from home safely and very efficiently. Being cloud based has been great for our workflow. With all employees working from home, we have limited remote connect into the server with VPN connection. Using VisiSpecs we can work totally ‘off the grid’. This has worked out very well.”
~ E. Stein, SWBR

We are loving VisiSpecs! We just found another use in that VisiSpecs can easily identify old Revit content that gets used in designs that we need to replace with our new content. VisiRevit makes it easy to “search and destroy” improving our design quality.
~ D. Mayer, RLPS Architects

“As a specification consultant, I look for ways to save time producing project specs. The editing and other features in VisiSpecs make me more efficient giving me time for other tasks. VISISPECS IS LITERALLY MY BEST PURCHASE FOR MY BUSINESS!”
~ JMF Technical Documentation Solutions, Inc.

“This is truly an amazing program which is well worth the initial investment. Fast and friendly technical support for any assistance you may require and frankly a must-have tool in your tool belt if you're working with specifications on a regular basis."
~ M. Clemmensen, TechSpecs Consulting, Inc.

“I have had a lot of fun using VisiSpecs. It has great editing and publishing tools that are saving us a lot of time.”
~ M. Farmer, Rosa D Cheney AIA, PLLC

"After editing just two sections I found VisiSpecs was not only very easy to learn and use but also saved us hours of time in the editing and publishing process."
~ A. Arbuckle, Architectural Nexus

“We found VisiSpecs to be very easy to use and transition into from our previous application. We will very quickly be leveraging the VisiSpecs BIM integration into our practice further streamlining our design practices and product delivery.”
~ F. Speicher, Stellar

“We really like the VisiSpecs Submittal report and use it to easily review the submittals in the project and identify any submittals which are extraneous. With its help and an aggressive new “Submittals Diet” policy, we are reducing the number of submittals required by 50%.”
~ S. Hirsch, BNIM

“VisiSpecs is an easy right-out-of-the-box solution with minimal set-up and BIM integration time. One of the greater reasons for our selection of VisiSpecs as our BIM solution for connecting model information to our specifications, is the connection to materials considering our model materials library consists of over 1500 materials.“
~ A. Silva, NAGA Architects

“I was able to trial VisiSpecs spec editing and BIM integration using our project documents and models simply using the included video tutorials as needed. This made the decision to use VisiSpecs at our firm an easy one.”
~ M. Rutherford, Architecttura

“We are using VisiSpecs working together on projects with an independent spec writing firm in a different time zone; the ease of use and collaboration built into VisiSpecs is phenomenal. We’ve completed 5+ projects and really love using the editing and publishing functionality.”
~ B. Reynolds, Path 21 Architecture and Planning

“As a very small firm, we needed a solution that was very easy to use without tedious and complicated learning curves. We looked at 3 other spec writing apps and found VisiSpecs to be much easier to learn and use which allows us more time to focus in other areas of our work.”
~ A. Goodman, Lincoln Lighthill Architects

“Using VisiSpecs saved us many hours even on the 1st project we used it on which easily justifies the pricing for us.”
~ R. Rush, arcDESIGN

“My clients are really happy about the Schedules that I can now provide with VisiSpecs. I also love the QA Report that has saved me a few times, as like a second set of eyes before my Clients receive my final document.”
~ Anonymous Independent Specifier

“The VisiSpecs learning curve so far has been very short and to me that is huge. I’ve been interested in BIM integrated specs for a long time and have not seen such an easy tool to begin the linking process of the specs to my BIM model.”
~ L. Noble, Hormberger +Worstell

“A week after installing the Free VisiSpecs Trial, we had our first small tender project documents ready and within two weeks we’ll deliver the full project. We quickly realized the VisiSpecs time and cost savings using the familiar Microsoft Word application and VisiSpecs editing features. The organization of documents in the project tree and video tutorials enabled a very quick learning curve. We have tried other spec tools in the market, but the VisiSpecs strategy is on target for success.“
~ P. Connell, DSRA Architecture

“After just two projects using VisiSpecs, the BIM coordination between our models and specifications highlighted an issue we could easily fix. That alone pays for the monthly subscription!”
~ D. Lauver, BRiC Partnership

"VisiSpecs includes time savings features such as automatic generation of TOC, insertion of slip sheets, inclusion of consultant files, and header/footer formatting making the generation of the complete manual much easier than with other tools."
~ E. Stein, SWBR

“Wow, that is responsive! Ask for a feature and it is developed and available in just days.”
~ E. Collins, TVA Architects

“I found VisiSpecs to be very powerful and useful and therefore, shared what I learned with my students as they learn more about the value of coordinated designs.”
~ G. Chen, University of Strathclyde

“The VisiSpecs learning curve was very short since VisiWord is an Add-In to Microsoft Word. For a small company, this helps me focus on the project quality instead of fumbling with a new editor.”
~ F. Varela, Architectural Design Studio, LLC

“Installing VisiSpecs, importing my master documents, creating my first project, inserting and editing documents were “excellent” for me. Already onto my second, third, and fourth projects! Learning the software is easy. The support team is great and open to suggestions.”
~ S. Bliss, FCSI, CCS, CCCA, SCIP, LEED

“I must say it looks like you guys have done a fantastic job with VisiSpecs! It has what specifiers need, it is tight, well-organized, and clean.”
~ Anonymous Professional Specifier, CSI, CCS, SCIP

“The VisiSpecs support team’s level of service has been unparalleled vs other vendors technical support.”
~ Client Internal IT Member

"I love VisiSpecs! It’s proof what can happen when you listen to customer’s needs.”
~ M. Malone, TVA Architects

Chalkline Delivers First Spec Solution That Runs Directly in Autodesk Revit

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