How to validate Archibus space data

How to validate Archibus space data

How to Reconcile Room Data Between AutoCAD and Archibus

Have you ever found rooms in Web Central or Smart Client that don't exist in the AutoCAD drawing? Or rooms in the AutoCAD drawing that aren't reflected in the Archibus data?
If so, here's a step-by-step guide to help you identify and resolve discrepancies between the drawing and the database.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Open Smart Client
   Launch Smart Client and open the RM (Room) table.
2. Filter the Data
   Filter the records to the building and floor you're working on.
   Optionally, add an OR filter for the drawing name to match the specific CAD drawing.  This is used to locate rm records that have rooms of the wrong building linked to the drawing.
3. Make Key Fields Visible
   Ensure the Drawing Name and Entity Handle fields are visible in the data grid.
4. Launch AutoCAD
   Start AutoCAD Extensions and open the drawing corresponding to your selected building and floor.
5. Set the Layers
   Adjust your layer visibility so that only the following layers are turned on:
• RM
• RM$
• RM$TXT

Tip: Set the RM$ and RM layers to different colors for easier visual comparison.

6. Uncatalog the Rooms
   Uncatalog all rooms in the drawing. They should all change to the color assigned to the RM layer.
   If any polylines that don’t change color, they may not have their color set to ByLayer.  You will need to investigate and fix those.
7. Check Smart Client Again
   Go back to Smart Client and Refresh the view using the ribbon button.
   Review the Drawing Name and Entity Handle columns. All records should now be blank.
• If some records still have values, verify if the drawing listed is correct.
• If issues remain, use Transfer Out and Transfer In to clear the drawing name and entity handle fields.
8. Catalog the Rooms in AutoCAD
   Return to AutoCAD and re-catalog all rooms. They should change color again to reflect the color of the RM$ layer.
   If a room does not change color and move the RM$ layer:
• Ensure it has a valid room code.
• Confirm the room code is not duplicated elsewhere.
• Check for invalid data or polyline issues.

If the asset text does not change color and layer to the RM$TXT layer:

o   Uncatalog the room

o   Use the remove asset properties command, in the Archibus ribbon, to clear the Archibus xdata from the line.

o   Erase the asset text if it is still shown

o   Use the Attach to Record command, in the archibus ribbon, to attach the rm polyline to the room’s data record

9. Review Data in Archibus
   In Smart Client, Refresh the data again. Look for rooms that still do not have a Drawing Name or Entity Handle.
   These rooms exist in the Archibus RM table but not in the drawing.
• Determine whether each room is valid and address it accordingly.
10. Repeat for Other Data Types
    Once the room data is validated, repeat this process for any other Archibus-linked items in the drawing, such as:

• Equipment
• Tagged or untagged furniture
• Employees
• Other assets

By following this workflow, you can ensure consistency between AutoCAD and Archibus, reducing errors and improving data integrity across your building management systems.

About the Author

FM Support Specialist

More Content by Tim Schaubroeck