Building Information Modeling (BIM) has revolutionized the construction industry, allowing for more efficient and accurate project planning and execution. And with the introduction of BIM 360, also known today as Autodesk Build, the benefits of BIM can be extended to document management and control. In this article, we will explore how to maximize BIM 360 document management efficiency for construction projects. This is particularly relevant to project owners who, at project closeout, need records of all project information, including BIM 360 documents, but do not, necessarily, need to open them.
BIM 360 Document Management
The Autodesk Construction Cloud features a host of software solutions for AECO industry professionals. This article zeros in on BIM 360, which was acquired and rebranded as Autodesk Build, a comprehensive field and project management software designed to promote easy access and collaboration among its team members. As a cloud-based solution, documents created in Autodesk Build (like its predecessor, BIM 360) are stored in one secure location, making it easier to track and manage changes.
Document Control
One of the key features that made BIM 360 so popular was its document control capabilities. With BIM 360, now Autodesk Build, project managers can set permissions and access levels for different team members, ensuring only authorized individuals have access to sensitive documents. This helps maintain the integrity and security of project documents, reducing the risk of errors and unauthorized changes.
Document Storage
As a robust Common Data Environment (CDE), the Autodesk Construction Cloud features ample document storage for documents created with Autodesk Build – or those historically created within BIM 360. This means all project documents stored in the Autodesk Construction Cloud can be accessed from anywhere, at any time by team members on the project.
On the other hand, it’s important to note that accessibility isn’t as streamlined for those outside the Autodesk Construction Cloud. Fortunately Autodesk Construction Cloud integrations exist to make seamless synchronization possible between popular external platforms, such as Procore and SharePoint.
ProjectReady’s Autodesk Construction Cloud integration, for example, let’s non-Autodesk users sync documents back to their respective platforms for storage or collaboration purposes.
Benefits of External BIM 360 Document Management Solutions
If a partner or vendor on the project uses Autodesk Construction Cloud for its Autodesk Build functionality, but you as a project owner or subcontractor do not, there’s no need to worry. External BIM 360 document management solutions exist. For example, a project owner might be more comfortable working within the Microsoft 365 space, meaning your preferred storage repository for project information is SharePoint.
SharePoint For Construction Information Storage
SharePoint is an excellent choice for construction document storage. It’s a familiar platform. It can be incredibly secure. And the threat of running out of storage is virtually a non-issue. That being said, project owners who may never have to open documents created in BIM 360 or Autodesk Build, can likely get by wonderfully with storing files in SharePoint. However to open, review, and collaborate on files, you will need your own versions of the programs that were used to create the documents if you desire to read or make edits to them.
Procore Integration
While most of your work may take place in the Autodesk Construction Cloud, there will likely be times when you need to work with Procore users. Solutions like ProjectReady include integrations that make it possible to connect and sync content between Autodesk and Procore. There are also tools available, like WorkBridge from ProjectReady, that allows users in both Autodesk and Procore to simultaneously read, collaborate, and respond to RFIs in their preferred platforms.
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BIM 360 Document Management Solutions
If you are looking for a BIM 360 document management solution that makes sense for your role on the project, consider ProjectReady’s integrated data environment for:
- Increased efficiency: Robust Autodesk Construction Cloud, Procore, and M365 integrations facilitates seamless synchronization of content between platforms, which eliminates duplicate data entry.
- Improved accuracy: Advanced metadata and superior taxonomy ensures information is always where it should be and is easily accessibly by those who need access. Additionally, ProjectReady’s user experience deploys notifications when documents are added, changed, or when an action needs to be taken. Furthermore, all transactional information is recorded and stored in your Azure SQL for improved trust and accountability.
- Enhanced security: Whether users are working within the Autodesk Construction Cloud, Procore, or SharePoint for construction project information management, ProjectReady allows users to deploy templated project information repository sites at the onset of the project. These sites include personalized and fully customizable roles matrix. This ensures only the right people have the right access to the right documents at the right time.
- Cost savings: Collaboration is absolutely necessary on construction projects. However, it’s not always feasible for everybody to adopt new software solutions every time a new project is started. ProjectReady eliminates the need to invest in multiple platform solutions and, instead, allows you to gain greater value from your existing investments while keeping collaboration front-and-center.
Conclusion
The Autodesk Construction Cloud’s Autodesk Build (BIM 360) software is a comprehensive solution for document management and control in the construction industry. By utilizing this platform, construction companies can experience increased efficiency, improved accuracy, enhanced security, and cost savings – benefits that transfer beyond the Autodesk Construction Cloud with the help of ProjectReady.
If you are looking for an affordable way to store files created in BIM 360 or need to facilitate collaboration between Autodesk and Procore, request a free ProjectReady demonstration today.