By Carsten Zerbst
PROSTEP has developed a new connector for its OpenPDM SHIP integration platform that enables read and write access to the Autodesk Revit BIM system. Among other things, it offers full access to REVIT information like BOM and drawing for a PLM integration and creates native REVIT models for steel structures from the NAPA shipbuilding CAD system as reference geometry.
Autodesk Revit is a widely used Building Information Modelling (BIM) system, primarily used in architecture and building design. However, due to its comprehensive range of functions, it is also increasingly being used in other areas of application, such as factory planning and shipbuilding. Some large shipyards, for example, utilise it in conjunction with traditional shipbuilding CAD systems for the interior design of luxury yachts or cruise ships.
To ensure digital consistency in their heterogeneous system landscapes, shipyards want to be able to exchange data between the systems they use as automatically as possible. PROSTEP meets these requirements with a new OpenPDM SHIP connector. It enables parts lists, drawings, and space information to be exported from Revit and imported into the connected PLM systems for management. The connector can also be used to transfer status information, such as “already purchased” or “already delivered” and other PLM attributes back to Revit, where they can be updated. In addition to this generic data, the connector also enables the creation of real building models based on steel structures.
OpenPDM SHIP features a wide range of standard connectors for shipbuilding-specific CAD systems, including Aveva Marine, CADMATIC, NAPA, and ShipConstructor, which can be integrated with Revit. As a first step, PROSTEP implemented an integration between NAPA and Revit that generates real Revit models from shipbuilding steel structures such as floors, walls and beams. This can be used as reference geometry for interior design. It will also be possible to transfer requirements for openings to NAPA as change requests via the PLM system.
If you would like to learn more, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us or visit us at this year’s COMPIT, where we will be presenting the integration in a lecture. It will take place on October 7 and 8, 2025, in Pontignano, Italy.