Never Ask "Which File Is Latest?" Again
Every save creates a snapshot you can go back to. Compare any two versions side by side and roll back with one click.
The Problem
Building model files are managed the same way they were 20 years ago. Files named "Final_v3_REAL_FINAL.ifc" fill up the shared drive. No one knows which file is the latest, who changed what, or whether the structural engineer is working from the same version as the architect. When something breaks, there is no way to see what changed or go back to a known-good version.
Without ApexBIM: save a new copy of the file with a version number in the name (Project_v1.ifc, Project_v2.ifc, Project_v2_FINAL.ifc, Project_v2_FINAL_REAL.ifc). Email the team to tell them which file is the latest. Hope no one is working from an old version. When a problem is found, try to remember what changed since the last good version — and hope the old file has not been deleted.
- 1
Work on the live model
There is only one model — the live online version. Everyone on the team sees the same thing at the same time. No file copies, no version numbers in filenames.
- 2
Save creates a snapshot
Every save creates a snapshot of the entire model. The snapshot includes element positions, properties, materials, and a summary (element count, cost estimate, carbon footprint, conflict count).
- 3
Compare versions
Select any two versions and see them side by side. The viewer highlights what changed — added elements, moved elements, deleted elements — so you can understand the impact at a glance.
- 4
Roll back if needed
If a change causes problems, roll back to any previous version with one click. The model goes back to that state, and a new version is created (so you never lose history).
The Outcome
Version confusion is gone. Everyone always works on the latest version. When a problem is found, you can see exactly what changed and when — and roll back in seconds. The record of who changed what is invaluable for compliance.
Results
Features Used
ApexBIM capabilities that power this workflow.
Related use cases
Who this helps
This use case is relevant to the following roles:
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