About Delays When Using Synchronize with Central

When multiple users try to access a project’s central file at the same time, their operations may cause delays for each other.

A Synchronize with Central operation consists of 3 main steps: Querying Changes, Updating Local File, and the Synchronize with Central process. A Reload Latest operation consists of 2 steps: Querying Changes and Updating Local File.

If several users initiate Synchronize with Central operations around the same time, the Revit software interleaves the Synchronize with Central steps for each user as much as possible. However, there is no guaranteed order of completion, such as first-come, first-served. In some cases, for example, the first user to start a Synchronize with Central operation may be the last to finish. In addition, after one user’s Synchronize with Central operation is completed, the other concurrent Synchronize with Central operations must restart. The Revit software manages this process automatically.

Such delays can disrupt your workflow. If activities of other users will interfere with your access to the central file, the Worksharing Monitor issues a notification (Expected delay during your central file accesses). The Central File Access pane shows information about who is accessing a central file. In these cases, you may want to cancel your operation and do it later.

The following table shows how you may be delayed if you and your colleague (Sam) initiate Synchronize with Central operations at the same time. The table shows how you are affected by Sam. Sam is affected by you in a similar way. If more users are involved, more time and waiting are required to complete all Synchronize with Central operations.

Note: The Revit software automatically manages the Synchronize with Central process for multiple users. In general, you do not need to restart a Synchronize with Central operation manually if it does not complete right away.

When Sam’s Synchronize with Central is at...	Your Synchronize with Central begins...	Result
Query Changes	Query Changes	OK
	Update Local File	OK
	Synchronize with Central Changes	OK
Update Local Files	Query Changes	OK
	Update Local Files	OK
	Saving	OK
Saving	Query Changes	OK
	Update Local File	OK
	Synchronize with Central	Blocked