The team runs clash tests. The results are saved as a list of "Clash Groups." These clashes are assigned to specific team members (e.g., "Clash #45 assigned to Electrical Team"). The contractor exports a report to share with the design team.
Download the free 30-day trial of Navisworks Manage from Autodesk, grab a sample model from their gallery, and run your first clash test. The mistakes you find will save your next project.
Problem: Clash Detective says a pipe hits a wall, but the pipe is actually 2 feet away. Solution: You have a units mismatch. One file is modeled in millimeters; the other in feet. Go to Options > Model > Units and ensure "Rescale on file merge" is set correctly. The Future: Is Navisworks Manage Dying? Given Autodesk's push toward cloud workflows (Autodesk Docs, BIM Collaborate, ACC), many younger engineers wonder if the desktop version of Navisworks Manage is obsolete. naviswork manage
is the heavyweight champion of this virtual coordination space. While the learning curve is steep (expect 40+ hours to master Clash Detective and TimeLiner), the return on investment is undeniable. A single clash found in the office—such as a structural steel column blocking a main sanitary line—can save $50,000 in rework.
Each authoring tool requires an NWC exporter (free from Autodesk). This converts proprietary data into a lightweight, open format Navisworks can read. The team runs clash tests
For VDC managers, senior BIM coordinators, and general contractors, proficiency in Navisworks Manage isn't just a resume booster; it is the baseline for modern construction delivery.
Each trade creates their model. The structural engineer models steel in Revit. The MEP firm models ductwork in AutoCAD MEP. Download the free 30-day trial of Navisworks Manage
For heavy clash detection involving thousands of individual clashes, the desktop Manage version remains superior because of its computing power. The cloud versions cannot process complex "soft clash" logic (e.g., "Is there enough clearance to swing a door?") as efficiently.