SDS2 and STRUMIS BIMReview Data Transfer Best Practices

Getting Started

To begin, download the STRUMIS BIMReview plugin found in the SDS2 Toolbox. This plugin produces the best results using the proprietary BSWX format, which is preferred over the old SDS2 XML format.

STRUMIS requires you to use one detail and one submaterial per sheet as opposed to the multiple details per sheet available in SDS2.

It is particularly important that the main material on the member (assembly) has the member mark (shipping mark) and not a submaterial (part) mark. You can set this in Project Settings > Fabricator > Piecemarking > Member and Material Piecemarking by checking “Use member mark for member main material in model.”

When working with miscellaneous members, depending on the tool used in SDS2, it is possible to have a member containing no main material. As of the writing of this document, a member with no main material will cause issues in STRUMIS. It is therefore required to set the main material designations used on Miscellaneous members.

Concerning NC files, STRUMIS will only work with DSTV. NC files are generated from the currently set global CNC configuration. If more than one configuration is set as active, the system will export the non-DSTV files and place them in a separate folder.

When the “All members” setting is used, existing members, concrete, joist and any voids or dummy materials will also be included in the export.

Bill of material modification will not come across with STRUMIS, so maintaining the model through revisions is imperative.

Export Tool Locations

The two preferred locations to launch the export are from the Home screen or from the Modeling screen

From the Home screen, go to the Export tab and find “STRUMIS BIMREVIEW” under “MRP.”

If you get an error when running from the STRUMIS BIMREVIEW, you do not have the STRUMIS BIMREVIEW plugin installed. Go here to download the plugin.

NOTE: Do not use the StruMIS link seen in the export list. This is the old XML version and is not preferred.

From the Modeling window, find the STRUMIS BIMREVIEW Export tool on your ribbon.

Export Settings

To set up a default file location and other settings for your exports and avoid having to set this each time, go to Project Settings > Plugin Defaults > Command Plugin Defaults > STRUMIS BIMREVIEW Export Setup from your Home screen.

Only the BSWX file needs to be sent for import into STRUMIS.

Import and Sync with STRUMIS

For a complete demonstration of importing and using the BSWX file in STRUMIS, check out this webinar (STRUMIS demo begins around 17:00)

To have the ability to show STRUMIS fabrication status in the SDS2 model, you will be required to either have SDS2 and STRUMIS on the same network or have an internet connection. Your STRUMIS representative can assist you in setting this up.

Additional Resources

The following resources were created for previous versions of SDS2 and STRUMIS, but can still be helpful guides for exchanging data between the two software products.

Watch a quick video overview here →

For a breakdown on how each of the export settings function, see How/2 Strumis →.

For a complete workflow demonstration of importing into STRUMIS, watch this webinar →

This is a living document. As new releases and software updates come out, we will continue to work together to provide you with the best practices for integrating SDS2 with STRUMIS.