Autodesk software helps engineers design multi-story skyscrapers, and architects plan the green buildings of the future. From their popular Audocad for 2D and 3D plans to Revit for coordinating building information modeling, Autodesk tools are widely used in multiple industries.
But what happens when you want to view a Word document in your Autodesk program or bring in a 3D model from another application? Going through conversions can be tricky and sometimes you’re left with only part of the data or the need for time-consuming fixes and work arounds.
Thanks to the adoption of cloud-based software, we have more ability to connect more and different software in our workflows than ever before and one company taking advantage of that integration and helping drive technology success is Autodesk.
In Q3 2019, Autodesk revenue increased by nearly three times that of its competitors.
Autodesk’s year on year revenue increase in the third quarter of 2019 was 27.51%, and its competitors saw an increase of 10.01% that same quarter. Its work with the Autodesk BIM 360 platform is a contributing reason for that impressive growth advantage.
The Autodesk BIM 360 platform is designed to give you the freedom to build the way you like without worrying about application integrations. It’s not only got a robust partnership ecosystem that includes Office 365, Revizto, Pim 360, and others, it also allows developers to build their own integrations.
This allows architects, engineers, and construction professionals to bridge the gap between different applications and connect project data in real-time through every project stage.
Exploring the Benefits of Autodesk Integration
The ability to have the data from one program read and interpreted by another allows projects to be carried out faster and enables the application of AI and other advanced software visualisations to data provided by multiple sources.
A few of the advantages include:
- Contractors can use data analytics to drive better outcomes
- Field-level data collection can be used by multiple systems
- Workflows can be streamlined by automated, real-time data sharing
- Data can be shared from multiple apps, without worrying about integration conflicts
- Enable AI on photos and videos with direct integration
- Encourage stakeholder participation on projects by making data available in multiple ways
- Avoid duplication of data and efforts
Some of the areas where Autodesk BIM 360 can provide integration between systems used in the design and construction management arena include:
- Cost management
- Field management
- Layout
- Estimating
- Construction management
- Bid management
- Scheduling
- Takeoff
- Design checking
- Accounting
- Realty capture
Autodesk BIM 360 makes integration with multiple apps possible through pre-existing integrations and those you can build yourself. But with so many partners already integrated, it’s easy to share data right away with multiple platforms.
Here are some of those integrations that AEC professionals can get excited about.
Microsoft Office 365
Office 365 is the most popular cloud service in the world according to user count and it’s also a new integration partner that Autodesk announced in May of 2019.
The integration allows Office 365 subscribers to directly edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files from within the web-based Autodesk BIM 360 Document Management module.
This integration is a time-saver and makes it easier to edit and share project documents and keep everything stored in the same location as other project data.
Open Space
Another new integration, just announced in November 2019, is with OpenSpace, a software that enables automated 360 degree photo documentation and analysis.
The integration is going to allow users to generate requests for information (RFIs) from within the site walkthrough images, streamlining the process and allowing builders to add rich visual and location information to RFIs.
Building-Connected and Plan-Grid
Optimising workflows between preconstruction and field teams was the purpose for Autodesk integrating BuildingConnected and PlanGrid. The integration makes it possible for project managers to automatically push design and preconstruction files from one program to the other, reducing the chance of re-entry errors and saving time.
Newforma
In June of 2019, Newforma announced their integration with Autodesk BIM 360 to improve information sharing. Newforma is a project information management software used by architects, engineers, contractors and other professionals.
This integration means that users no longer will have to go searching for project information because they’ll have a unified solution to be able to search and access all their data from a single place, no matter where it resides.
Civil 3D
Many of those in the civil engineering field are familiar with the Civil 3D software which is used to design and document civil engineering projects, such as airports and railways.
Through the new integration with BIM 360, AEC professionals will have the ability to collaborate from the application in real-time from anywhere in the world. They can upload project work and have it immediately accessible by other stakeholders, streamlining the process and greatly improving team coordination.
Get Help with Connected Workflows
A whole new world of efficiency can open up when your applications are connected and sharing real-time data. NetCare consultants can help you review your current workflow and streamline for peak efficiency.
Set up a streamlining consultation today. Call (02) 9114 9920 or .