I made a post a few months back wanting to know how to link my estimation software to Revit. While I got no response, I continued reading up on Revit further. I've come to the decision that creating Custom Family Libraries might be the best possible solution. However, I still have many queries about this.
1) Will I need to create some Shared Parameters files to supplement the Custom Family?
I've read that Shared Parameter files can be transported from project to project, and seem ideal for what I have in mind. Will these be part of the Custom Family of will I need to get these created separately?
2) How flexible are Parameters?
They (I've read) are at the heart of Revit, and all info. on it moves through these. We have a ton of info. that pertains to these. However, our info. is slightly off. We don't have just 'Length', we have 'Pipe Length', 'Tank Height', 'Bolt Length', 'Door Height', 'Rod Diameter' etc. All similar, but require custom heads. And it doesn't stop there. Our units vary from mm, cm, inch, feet to meter; and this is just for Length units. Our other units can vary from kg., tonne (weight) to kw, mw, ampere (electrical).
I know we can choose division and have Parameters pertain to that particular division. We currently divide all our properties (Parameters, in Revit speak) in divisions also, so linking the two will not be a big problem.
3) Can I cross match Parameters between different Divisions?
Things like Rotation (angle) Parameter is listed in Structural, but I find it useful for Piping too (angle of pipe fitting bend). This is just a small example. I have this issue for many of our other property heads.
As usual, any help or guidance will be highly appreciated.
P.S.- In case you can help me, please feel free to read my original post on this matter too.