Getting Started with GRAPHISOFT BIM Server

[Istvan Moharos]

Related versions: v18 and newer

This article will guide you through the BIM Server installation and configuration step by step with some additional information.

Before Installing

Checklist for installing the BIM Server in the local area network (LAN)

• Verify the hardware and software configuration: Make sure to have a dedicated computer which meets the system requirements. Consider using a recommended hardware configuration.
• Administrative rights: You need to have administrative rights on the computer where BIM Server will be installed.
• Disable WiFi: Do not use WiFi connection on the computer where BIM Server will be installed.
• IPv4 network: BIM Server only supports IPv4 network.
• Static local (private) IP address: The computer where BIM Server will be installed has to have a static local (private) IP address.
• Virus checker and Indexer applications: Disable these applications before the installation, and make sure to add BIM Server to the exception list after the installation.
• Firewall(s): Open all necessary ports in every firewall. See the default port numbers in the Network Requirements.

Additional checklist for access from the Internet

• Static public IP address: make sure to have a static public IP address for your office. A static public IP address can be purchased for a fee from your Internet provider.
• Fully Qualified Domain Name (optional): The FQDN is not mandatory, but it makes accessing the BIM Server easier (e.g. instead of using the IP address, users can connect to the BIM Server by name, e.g. bimserver.company.com). This will require a DNS server.
• Firewall: Open all necessary incoming ports in the router's firewall settings and forward them to the computer where the BIM Server will be installed. See the default port numbers in the Network Requirements. On the remote client side, make sure to open the same outgoing ports in the router's firewall settings.

Backup strategy

It is essential that you have a backup strategy before you start using the BIM Server. Please see the BIM Server Backup Guide for detailed information about the possibilities.

Installation steps

Installation Wizard

1. Start Installation Wizard

   Click on Install GRAPHISOFT BIM Server on the Start-up menu of the ARCHICAD DVD or run the BIM Server Installer directly to start the Installation Wizard.

2. Welcome Screen

   
   1. Make sure to close all running applications before you proceed with the installation. On Windows Server operating systems, make sure to close Server Manager before continue.
   2. Click Next to continue.

3. License Agreement

   
   1. Read the license agreement carefully and accept it.
   2. Click Next to continue.

4. Installation Folder

   
   1. Define the path of the installation. Use the default settings (recommended) or modify the installation path and application folder if you like.
   2. Click Next to confirm the settings and continue.

5. Installation Summary

   
   1. Read the summary information and make corrections if necessary. Click Next or Back to move among the pages of the wizard.
   2. Click Install to begin installation.

6. Complete the installation

   
   1. Click Configure to continue and start the configuration phase.

Configuration

1. BIM Server Manager Configuration

   
   1. Display name: All server pop-ups will identify the BIM Server by this name, by default the BIM Server will use the name of your computer.
   2. Port: Select a free port, or use the "Find an available port" command to automatically find one. See the default port numbers in the Network Requirements.
   3. Master administrator password: Create a secure password for the Master Administrator (masteradmin) user. This user will always be able to log in to the BIM Server with full access. The masteradmin user is created for maintenance and troubleshooting purposes.
   4. Data folder: This is the BIM Server Manager's data storage folder. Note that project and library data are stored in a different folder, see the next step.
   5. Click Start to continue.

2. BIM Server Module Configuration

   
   1. Port: Select a free port, or use the "Find an available port" command to automatically find one. See the default port numbers in the Network Requirements.
   2. Projects folder: Enter or Browse the location of the project data folder. This will be the location of Teamwork projects on the BIM Server. If you have other BIM Server version(s) installed, make sure to choose a different folder for the project data!
   3. Libraries folder: Enter or Browse the location of the library data folder. This will be the location of Teamwork libraries on the BIM Server. If you have other BIM Server version(s) installed, make sure to choose a different folder for the library data!
   4. Cache folder (from v20): Enter or Browse the location of the Cached data folder. This folder stores cache files from projects and libraries which are actively used. Note that the size of this folder can be really large based on the actively used projects and libraries.
   5. Click Start to continue. This will automatically open a browser window.

3. Continue the Configuration in a Browser

   
   1. Click Start to continue.

4. Log in as Master Administrator

   
   1. Enter the Master Administrator password to log in to the BIM Server.
   2. Click Continue.

5. Create the first user

   
   1. Enter data for the first user. This user will be the first Server Administrator on the BIM server. Note that the Login name is case sensitive!
   2. Click Continue.

6. Set up server address

   
   1. Enter the address of the computer where BIM Server is installed with the Manager's port number. This address will be the primary address of the BIM Server. It is recommended to use a fixed IP address, a computer name or a fully qualified domain name. Use the Show current addresses for hints or see the Network Requirements for further information about the possibilities. The address can be changed later on the BIM Server Manager's Settings panel.
   2. Click Continue.

7. Set up mail server (optional)

   
   1. Using a mail server is optional. However, if you do not define a mail server here, you will not be able to send emails (e.g. password reminders) to users from the BIM Server. The mail server settings can be modified or set up later in the BIM Server Manager's user interface. Click Skip this step if you want to set up later.
   2. Click Continue to finalize the configuration.

8. Complete the Configuration

   
   1. Click Continue as Master Administrator to log in to the BIM Server and continue with the activation.

After the Installation

Activate and finalize the BIM Server

1. Activate the BIM Server

   Although the BIM Server does not require a separate license, it must be activated before its use. This activation is one time only, requires Internet connection and a GRAPHISOFT ID. If you do not have a GRAPHISOFT ID, the activation process will help you create one. The activation can be done from any computer which can access the BIM Server from a browser.
   
   1. Open the Home page of the BIM Server Manager's user interface in a browser.
   2. Click Activate and go through the activation steps to activate and start the BIM Server.

2. Verify the Connection Settings

   This step has to be done only if the BIM Server is accessed with different addresses (e.g. if the server is accessed from both the local area network and over the Internet).
   1. Navigate to the Modules page on the BIM Server Manager's user interface.
   2. Select the BIM Server Manager from the Modules list.
   3. Open the Settings panel.
   4. Edit the Connection Settings and make sure to add all addresses as an alternative address which will be used to access the BIM Server, then save the settings.
   5. Select the BIM Server Module from the Modules list.
   6. Edit the Connection Settings and make sure to add all addresses as an alternative address which will be used to access the BIM Server, then save the settings.
   7. Log out as the Master Administrator. Note that for everyday tasks it is not recommended to use the Master Administrator account.

Test Teamwork

1. Run ARCHICAD on a client computer.
2. Create a New Project.
3. Select Teamwork > Project > Share... from the menu.
4. Enter the BIM Server's address and the previously created user's data in the Log in to BIMcloud / BIM Server dialog then click on the Run Network Diagnostic to check the connection.
   
5. Open the Details panel and select all components one by one from the Components list. Verify that all components are properly accessible. If you experience any issues, please follow the troubleshooting process.
   
6. Click OK to close the Network Diagnostic dialog.
7. Click Log in.
8. Click Share in the Share Teamwork Project dialog.
   
9. Wait while ARCHICAD is sharing the project.