Getting Started
VIM Enterprise streamlines the generation of Power BI reports by automating the creation of VIM files, the integration with Microsoft Power BI, and scheduled data updates from the source project or file.
A VIM Enterprise project first defines the source from which the VIM file will be created. The source can be an Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) project, a local Revit project, or an IFC file. A VIM file is created from the source and stored in a local folder defined in the project settings.
The BIM data from the locally stored VIM file is automatically extracted and pushed to an SQL database, where it can be accessed by Power BI and used to generate reports. The database can be an Azure SQL database or a local SQL Server database, and is defined in the VIM Enterprise project settings using a database string.
Because Power BI requires a URL address to display the 3D mesh data in the embedded WebGL Viewer, a copy of the locally stored VIM file is uploaded to an Azure Storage Account.
A sample Power BI template is provided with the VIM Enterprise installation package to get you started generating reports. The template contains several pre-configured Power BI report pages, including various level, mesh, material, and parameter audits. You can modify the provided template as required or create your own templates.
To ensure your Power BI reports have the latest data, you can run VIM Enterprise projects manually to update from the project source, or you can schedule your projects to run at a specific time and day. After a VIM Enterprise project has been updated, the data source must be refreshed in Power BI.
Installing VIM Enterprise
The VIM Enterprise installation package includes VIM Desktop, which includes the VIM for Revit plugin and the IFC to VIM converter used to create VIM files.
If you have previous versions of VIM Desktop or VIM Enterprise installed, they will be updated to the current version when you run the latest installers.
Before you can create a project, you must configure VIM Enterprise. The configuration procedures are typically performed by your IT department.
The following files are included with the VIM Enterprise installer package:
- VIM Enterprise.pdf — information and video links to get you started with VIM Enterprise
- VIM-Enterprise-Setup-vx.x.xx.exe — installer for VIM Enterprise
- VIM-Setup-vx.x.xx.exe — installer for VIM Desktop
- TEMPLATE BIM Audit - Revit - V x.x.x.pbix — sample Power BI template used to configure VIM Enterprise projects
You will also require the VIM Enterprise license string provided with the installer package.
Step 1: Install VIM Desktop
- Double-click on the VIM-Setup-vx.x.xx.exe installer file.
For more information, see the VIM Desktop Getting Started guide.
Step 2: Install VIM Enterprise
- Double-click on the VIM-Enterprise-Setup-vx.x.xx.exe installer file.
Step 3: Configure the VIM Enterprise License
Your VIM license string will have been emailed to you by a customer service representative.
- Open VIM Enterprise. The VIM License dialog is automatically displayed the first time you open VIM Enterprise.
- Paste your license string into the licence field and click Save.
Global Settings
Global Settings for VIM Enterprise are located on the Settings panel.
- VIM License — To update your license, click Update, paste the new license string, and then click Save.
- Close Minimizes to Tray — Enable this setting if you have scheduled project runs. When you close VIM Enterprise it is minimized to the Windows System Tray and remains running in the background. NOTE: If this option is enabled, before uninstalling VIM Enterprise you will need to right-click on the VIM Enterprise icon minimized on the Windows Taskbar and choose Exit.
- Concurrent Project Runs — Limits the number of concurrent project runs to avoid potential resource issues.
Related Topics
Configuring VIM Enterprise
Creating a Project using ACC
Creating a Project using Revit
Creating a Project using IFC