Autodesk Partners Dive Into Key Construction Technologies at AU2021

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At Autodesk University this month, you probably learned about the power of our platform and the breadth of our construction integrations. You may have heard Jim Lynch, SVP & GM for Autodesk Construction Solutions, share during his Keynote that Autodesk Construction Cloud is “enabling general contractors, specialty contractors and owners to control how their data is accessed, shared and managed at every stage.” He also warned, “if your data isn’t connected, you’re only able to see a fraction of what your business is capable of.”  

Autodesk Construction Cloud is dedicated to delivering integrated workflows, exemplified by the more than 200 partners leveraging Partner Cards and APIs to deliver strong and meaningful integrations for customers who want to simplify data management and make more informed decisions. Many of those partners joined us this year at Autodesk University and hosted insightful and informative sessions for customers to unlock new insights and improve productivity with these integrated workflows and automations.  

Autodesk University content is available until October 29th. Check out these Industry Talks and the Solution Markeplace featuring many of our ecosystem partners and integrations! 

Jump to Industry Talk:

  • ERP Integrations for Autodesk Construction Cloud 
  • The Breadth and Depth of the Autodesk Construction Ecosystem 
  • How Strategic Workforce Management Completes More Work with Fewer Resources 
  • A Hitchhiker’s Guide to ArcGIS GeoBIM and the Construction Cloud 
  • How to Automate Repetitive Tasks on BIM 360 to Improve Cloud Collaboration 
  • From BIM to Fabrication with Forge 
  • Dig Deeper into Data with Forge and Digital Twins 
  • Using Forge to Build Connected and Customized Workflows in BIM 360 

 

Top Industry Talks from Partners at Autodesk University 2021 

ERP Integrations for Autodesk Construction Cloud 

Speakers: Josh Cheney, Senior Manager of Strategic Alliances at Autodesk – Sophat Sam, Integration Solutions Engineer for Autodesk Construction Cloud – Michael Newland, Director of Product Management, hh2 Cloud Services 

We walked through hh2’s integration between Sage CRE 300 and Autodesk Build as well as QuickBooks Online, which integrates with Autodesk Build using Autodesk Construction Cloud Connect. 

The speakers shared what makes the integrations so useful, their availability, and highlighted which ERPs integrate into Autodesk Build’s Cost Management capabilities. Listeners also had the opportunity to connect with some construction-accounting system integrators for deeper learning. 

Watch session > 

 

The Breadth and Depth of the Autodesk Construction Ecosystem  

Speakers: Anna Lazar, Strategic Alliances & Partnerships at Autodesk – Lauren Lake, Founder & COO at Bridgit – Lisa Kelly, Executive Director at EarthCam – Lambros Kaliakatsos, Founder & CEO at Plexscape 

Autodesk has firmly committed to an open integration ecosystem to help construction firms collaborate and drive efficiency. As a result, technology partners offer over 200 direct integrations and Autodesk Construction Cloud Connect powers hundreds of possible custom integration workflows. Listen to our key partners across industries such as mixed reality, reality capture, financials and budget planning, data and analytics, site and safety management, and more. 

Watch session >

 

How Strategic Workforce Management Completes More Work with Fewer Resources  

Speaker: Lauren Lake, Founder & COO at Bridgit 

With only 80% of the 1 million construction workers who lost their jobs at the start of lockdown returning to work in construction, contractors feel the effect of the labor shortage now more than ever. Whether it’s improving the information sharing or focusing on data-driven decision making, many contractors are asking “How can we do more work with less resources?” 

This conversation covered: 

  • Building stronger project teams using insights into your workforce  
  • Tracking project data to improve bidding and project management 
  • How to avoid cost overruns by managing resources effectively 
  • Moving from segregated information silos to centralized real-time trusted data 


Watch session > 

 

A Hitchhiker’s Guide to ArcGIS GeoBIM and the Construction Cloud 

Speakers: Anthony Renteria, Product Manager at ESRI – Stephen Brockwell, Sr Product Owner at ESRI 

Get on the road to cloud-cloud integration between geographic information system (GIS) and BIM (Building Information Modeling) with ArcGIS GeoBIM and Autodesk Construction Cloud software. This instructional demo showcased customer examples of the benefits gained from the fusion of geography and BIM data for project portfolio management, collaboration, and construction project insights informed by geography. 

By following best practices for geolocating intelligent models, AutoCAD software, AutoCAD Civil 3D software, and Revit software, users can help ensure effective integration of these models in GIS. This reduces the cost of integration by ensuring upfront data quality. To facilitate this, ArcGIS GeoBIM provideds analytics to identify documents with geolocation errors. Managing and visualization issues during the design, construction, and handover of BIM projects is crucial for financial and operational performance.  

Speakers showed how the integration of GIS and BIM with project and issue performance dashboards significantly improves insights into these critical aspects of project management. 

Watch session > 

 

How to Automate Repetitive Tasks on BIM 360 to Improve Cloud Collaboration 

Speaker: Juan Tena Florez, Regional Digital Design Manager at KEO International Consultants 

BIM 360 and Autodesk Construction Cloud connects teams and data in real time, empowering project members to anticipate, optimize, and manage all aspects of project performance in a cloud-based platform.  

To provide even more flexibility and capability, the software is built on the Forge platform, which can assist anyone with customization or automation of certain tasks that are not built on the platform by default. In this class, we demonstrated different tools and workflows that can automate some of the most tedious and repetitive manual tasks.  

You will also learn how to integrate the software with other platforms such as Microsoft Outlook, OneDrive, SharePoint, and Dropbox—or with files on premises—and more. 

Watch session >

 

From BIM to Fabrication with Forge 

Speakers: Amy Marks, VP of Industrialized Construction at Autodesk – Az Jasat, Industry Manager of Industrialized Construction at Autodesk – Brian Nickel, Co-owner at AlliedBIM – Britton Langdon, CEO at MSUITE 

Leveraging BIM and automation can dramatically reduce fabrication costs and time—allowing you to do more in less time and with less waste. The convergence of construction and manufacturing is happening right now, giving you tools you need to deliver projects faster, with higher quality, efficiency, and safety.  

In this session, speakers shared how Autodesk partners Allied BIM and MSUITE use Forge to marry BIM to machine automation to power new fabrication automation tools and services; and are developing techniques that can be applied across many processes and industries. 

Watch session > 

 

Dig Deeper into Data with Forge and Digital Twins 

Speakers: Jessica Di Zio, Sr. Product Manger at Autodesk – Michael Beale, Software Developer Advocate at Autodesk – Mani Golparvar, CTO & Co-Founder at Reconstruct Inc. – Shawn Weekly,  Principal at Southern Company – Cindy Baldwi, President at VDCO Tech – Anand Desai, Sr Capital Project Manager at Accenture- Adeel Ali, Data Specialist at Accenture 

Digital twins are digital replicas of physical assets—a bridge between the physical and virtual worlds. Combining real-time data from multiple sources (including your design data) with a 3D interactive model can help you generate greater insights into your project—leading to performance improvements at all phases of the project lifecycle. In this session, you’ll hear from three companies that are using Forge to power their digital twins. They’ll talk you through why they needed to create a digital twin, and how they achieved it with Forge. 

Watch session >

 

Using Forge to Build Connected and Customized Workflows in BIM 360 

Speaker: Matt Anderle, BIM Director at AECOM 

Forge enables companies to connect data and processes, build custom integrations, and streamline workflows to extend Autodesk product capabilities. Enterprise customers can elevate the ROI of BIM 360 software to the next level by maximizing Forge web services that come with BIM 360 subscriptions. 

In this session, AECOM shared innovations and stories about how the firm uses Forge to connect BIM 360 with company-specific project administration workflows in a large enterprise environment. You’ll also learn how they optimize the design collaboration, review, and submittal processes for project teams. You will get a better understanding of what’s available in and applicable from Forge to BIM 360 and gain inspiration for driving business value with models and data. 

Watch session >

 

Check out the Solution Marketplace 

Lots of viewers met our partners during live demo sessions where they connected directly with our attendees to answer questions and show off their products and integrations with Autodesk Construction Cloud.  

You can find all these partners and other integration partners in our Solution Marketplace. Must be logged in to view. Be sure to check out: 

  1. Applied Software
  2. Arkio
  3. Bridgit 
  4. Cintoo 
  5. DocuSign 
  6. DroneDeploy 
  7. Eagle Point Software 
  8. EarthCam 
  9. Esri
  10. Eyrus 
  11. hh2 Cloud Services
  12. HoloBuilder 
  13. GoFormz 
  14. GTP STRATUS
  15. Ideate Software
  16. IMAGINiT Technologies 
  17. Join 
  18. Leica Geosystems 
  19. Linxup 
  20. Milwaukee Tools 
  21. Microdesk 
  22. MSUITE 
  23. Multivista 
  24. Newforma
  25. Newmetrix 
  26. ProjectReady 
  27. Topcon Solutions 
  28. The Wild 
  29. Unity
  30. Xinaps

The post Autodesk Partners Dive Into Key Construction Technologies at AU2021 appeared first on Digital Builder.

Behind the Build: Interview with Aisling Goff, Business Unit Quality Manager for Mercury Engineering

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The face of construction is changing. As the industry sheds its brash reputation, it attracts more professionals into long-term construction careers. To discuss this and more, we had a quick chat with Aisling Goff, Business Unity Quality Manager at Mercury Engineering.

 

Aisling, how did you get into the construction industry, and can you tell us a little bit more about your career journey to date?

If I’m honest, it was an accident! Originally, I was training to be a teacher when I realised it wasn’t for me. I took on an admin role in Mercury with the view it would be a short term role, while I figured out what I wanted to do and have been here ever since. I have been lucky enough to work with some fantastic people over the years who took the time and patience to teach me things and I am now the Business Unit Quality Manager for Mercury’s data centre business unit. 

Early on in my time at Mercury, I decided I wanted to do a master’s degree in business which Mercury sponsored. It was a big investment to make in me, and I was fortunate and grateful to be given lots of opportunities to grow.  Over the years, I have spent time working in and across different departments and quality assurance teams learning more about the business and the industry. I’ve also been lucky enough to travel with Mercury and have spent time working in Sweden, the Netherlands, the UK and Germany. I feel this has helped me to become more rounded in my role as I learnt so much about other cultures and observed other ways of working across jurisdictions.

You’ve travelled and worked in lots of different countries across Europe in your current role, what are the main differences you’ve experienced when it comes to approaching construction jobs?

There can be substantial differences to the way construction projects operate across Europe—if you drive for four and a half hours from Amsterdam to Frankfurt, the regulations can differ significantly and this affects how you execute the project from start to finish. This can be from how you deal with local authorities to subcontractor partners, or the contract structure. It’s been fascinating and rewarding to learn about these diverse ways of working.

How do you think we can attract more females into the industry and what changes have you seen over the years when it comes to women in construction? 

Years ago, I could have walked into client and project meetings and been the only woman in the room but it’s great to see that this is changing and quickly. When I look around our data centre business unit in Mercury, I see many more women in a variety of roles demonstrating the industry is diversifying and attracting more female talent. Recently, I’ve been involved in reviewing applications for our graduate programme, and we’ve seen some really strong CVs from young women wanting to break into construction which I think is fantastic. There’s still a long way to go but I feel confident that in a few years the gender balance in construction will be much more equal. 

Traditionally, the construction industry is perceived as being very male-dominated and perhaps a hard industry for women to work in as a result. I used to find the culture seemed very ‘blunt’ and confrontational; I do think women and men are built differently when it comes to the way they adapt to work cultures.  However, I think that this too is changing. The industry is becoming a lot more professional, whereas in the past we were a bit further behind other industries. 

The industry is open to many different types of people and personalities now—it’s not the traditional aggressive industry full of confrontation that many people may view it as. There are opportunities for all kinds of different roles. I believe that technology and innovation are helping to scope out new roles and opportunities.  My advice to any woman thinking about pursuing a career in construction is to give it a chance. Don’t be put off by anything you may have heard previously. The classic approach to construction is gone. The industry is embracing new ideas and ways of working which will bring important benefits to all.

How has technology helped you in your role?

Technology has provided me with a greater overview on projects and a level of transparency that I didn’t previously have. From a quality perspective, being able to deal with any issues upfront when it occurs is so valuable. On our construction sites now, our field teams have tablets to take photos so we have almost instant access to relevant data. This provides us improved insight and a sense of control which means obstacles can be easily resolved.

What’s the one piece of technology that you couldn’t live without?

In my personal life, I’d say my phone – I don’t think anyone can live without their phone! From a professional point of view, BIM 360 and the data and information which all our teams input daily help me do my job more efficiently every day.

The post Behind the Build: Interview with Aisling Goff, Business Unit Quality Manager for Mercury Engineering appeared first on Digital Builder.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.cmcconstruction.net/?p=1106

Key Takeaways from the AGC and Autodesk 2021 Workforce Survey

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With 2022 rapidly approaching, the construction industry is taking stock of upcoming challenges and opportunities in the market. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are still at play as firms look for ways to navigate a difficult labor market, overcome supply chain obstacles, and work more efficiently. 

Each year, the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and Autodesk survey a broad cross section of construction firms to find insights on today’s workforce. Findings from the 2021 Autodesk and AGC Workforce Survey shed light on many of the relevant challenges to be aware of in the coming year, such as labor shortages, project delays, and the rising costs of materials. It also highlights positive emerging trends, including an increased focus on training and development as well as a rise in technology adoption. 

Over 2,100 construction professionals participated in the 2021 Autodesk and AGC Workforce Survey from July to August of this year. Represented firms provide building, highway and transportation, federal construction, and utility infrastructure services. Revenue sizes range from under $50 million to over $500 million. This broad sampling of organizations provides a comprehensive look into the industry’s current obstacles and opportunities. 

 

Firms continue to face workforce shortages

Respondents from across the country revealed that labor shortages still remain a challenge—reporting difficulty in filling nearly every type of position. In fact, there are more openings for craft and salaried positions than there were a year ago.

In last year’s survey, 76% of firms that employ hourly craft workers reported having at least one craft position unfilled. Today, the statistic has increased to 90%. The need to fill salaried positions has also increased, with 62% of firms reporting having openings for these roles. Last year, 42% reported the same. 

Eighty-nine percent of survey respondents say they have a hard time filling hourly craft positions. The hardest hourly roles to hire for are pipelayers (cited by 91% of firms). Bricklayers, concrete workers, installers other than drywall, or truck drivers follow close behind at 88%. 

Eight-six percent of respondents say they struggle to fill open salaried positions. The most difficult to hire salaried roles are project manager and supervisor positions, cited by 79% of firms. On the other hand, fewer than 40% of firms reported difficulty hiring technology and software/database personnel. 

What are the drivers behind the labor shortage in the construction industry? Firms report two key reasons: a lack of qualified candidates and unemployment insurance supplements.

 

Finding employees requires a mix of new and old strategies 

As for recalling furloughed employees, the results are mixed. Of the 25% of firms that have attempted to do so, only 40% say all furloughed employees reported when recalled. The lack of recall varies from unemployment benefits to coronavirus concerns and family responsibilities to unknown reasons. 

Construction firms are employing different strategies to boost the labor market. Nearly one-third have increased spending on training and professional development. Seventy-three percent have increased base pay rates. A little over a third have offered hiring bonuses and incentives. 

Thirty-seven percent are reaching out to career-building programs at high schools and collegiate or technical programs. Nearly a third of firms are using online strategies such as Instagram Live to engage with young applicants. Others, roughly 25%, are connecting with government workforce development and unemployment agencies to find applicants. One out of every four firms is leaning on software to help track incoming applications. 

 

Project delays and material shortages continue in 2021

Project delays continue to be a problem for construction firms. Eighty-eight percent of firms experience project delays, with 75% citing longer lead times or material shortages and 57% reporting delivery delays. Supply chain challenges have led to project changes, postponements, and cancellations for over half of all firms surveyed. 

Even when firms can access materials, they face increasing costs. The rising material prices  have affected projects for 93% of construction firms. 

These challenges have left many industry professionals wondering when they can expect revenues to return to pre-pandemic levels. In our 2020 survey, 38% of firms reported that they believed it would take six months for their business to return to 2019 levels. 26% of firms in the 2021 survey expect it will take six months to match or exceed year-earlier levels, while 17% are unsure when to expect things to go back to “normal.”

 

Construction technology helping offset industry setbacks

In part to offset some of the current industry challenges, construction firms are relying on new technologies. The majority of firms, 57%, say that technology adoption has increased over the past year. An even greater percentage, 60%, anticipate this rate to continue to rise in the next 12 months. The most popular technology investments include:

  • Project management technology (45% of firms have adopted it in the last 12 months)
  • Estimating technology ( 29%)
  • Bidding technology (28%)
  • Document management (28%)
  • Workforce management (27%)
  • Site safety tools (26%)

 

Construction primed for a more resilient future

Allison Scott, Director of Construction Thought Leadership and Customer Marketing at Autodesk, shared in the news release for the 2021 survey, “The continued investments in hiring, training, and technology highlighted in this year’s study show that even while dealing with ongoing challenges nearly two years into the pandemic, the industry remains committed to building better with a resilient workforce.”

If you’d like to discuss the findings of this year’s research and or other industry related topics, please join us in The Big Room, Autodesk’s community of construction professionals.

The post Key Takeaways from the AGC and Autodesk 2021 Workforce Survey appeared first on Digital Builder.

Construction output fall slows in August

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Construction’s ongoing supply chain issues saw output slip for the fifth-month running in August holding new work levels 3.7% below the pre-pandemic high watermark in February 2020.

The small 0.2% fall in August was down to contraction of the refurbishment and maintenance sector with new work remaining flat at the same level as July.

Government economists at the ONS said anecdotal evidence suggested supply chain issues were a key factor behind falling GDP.
Many firms said that order books were healthy but the availability of products was impacting on projects currently underway.

Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, one of the UK’s leading public sector procurement authorities, said: “A decline in output highlights a telling loss of momentum across the construction industry, as energy costs, labour shortages and fast-rising material prices continue to paint a concerning picture heading into winter.

“With attention turning to this month’s Budget and Spending Review, the industry will be considering how best to mitigate these challenges when it is handed the baton to deliver more of the community-focused regeneration needed to deliver on the government’s ‘Levelling-Up’ ambitions.”

Mark Markey, Managing Director of civils contractor Akela Group, said: “It is disappointing that the monthly output has fallen, however this is not reflective of what we are experiencing at Akela Group.

“Instead, we are seeing growing levels of demand for a wide range of ground engineering and civil engineering services, and in fact this appetite has been a key driver in our recent expansion into the English market.

“Our new North of England hub in Leeds is well placed to meet this growing demand, especially in the house building sector.”

According to the three-month trend figures infrastructure, industrial and public housing repair and maintenance were the three main sectors to see continied growth.

Latest figures for building materials for all work in August increased by 2.8% compared with July and 23.5% compared with a year ago.

Specific construction materials with the greatest annual price increase in August were imported plywood (78.4%), fabricated structural steel (74.8%), and imported sawn or planed wood (74.0%).

 

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.cmcconstruction.net/?p=1076

Cement giants hasten plan to cut CO2 emissions

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Forty of the world’s leading cement and concrete manufacturers have joined forces to accelerate the shift to greener concrete by pledging to cut CO2 emissions by a further 25% by 2030.

The world’s most used human-made material accounts for 7% of total global CO2 emissions and is a pivotal material in the response to the climate emergency.

The cement producers target marks the biggest global commitment by an industry to net zero so far – bringing together companies from the Americas, Africa, Asia, including India and China, and Europe.

The firms have affirmed their commitment to net zero concrete by 2050 and agreed to a more ambitious intermediate goal of preventing 5 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions by 2030.

This is equivalent to the CO2 emissions of almost 15 billion flights from Paris to New York.

The roadmap to get there is built around a seven-point plan that seeks to cut the amount of CO2intensive clinker in cement, significantly reduce fossil fuel use in manufacturing, and accelerate innovation in products, process efficiency and breakthrough technologies including carbon capture.

 

Cement industry net-zero plan

The Global Cement and Concrete Association has also called on governments, designers and contractors to play their part by assembling the right public policies and investments to support the global scale transition of the industry.

These include greater development of critical technologies such as carbon capture and storage, and reforms to public works procurement policy to encourage the use of low-carbon cement and concrete products.

Thomas Guillot, GCCA Chief Executive, said: “We now need governments around the world to work with us and use their huge procurement power to advocate for low carbon concrete in their infrastructure and housing needs.

“We require their support to change regulation that limits the use of recycled materials and impedes the transition to a low carbon and circular economy.”

The association counts companies such as CEMEX, CNBM, CRH, HeidelbergCement, Holcim and Votorantim as members.

Click for full cement and concrete roadmap to net zero report.

 

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.cmcconstruction.net/?p=1061

Digital Builder Ep. 20: Evaluating Construction Platforms and Technology

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On the heels of Autodesk University, including dozens of engaging sessions from industry-leaders about the importance of data, the term “platform” came up often. But what does that concept really mean? A true platform is more than just a list of APIs connected to a SaaS solution. It provides a single experience where designers, engineers, and builders can harness the data and tools they need whenever and wherever they need them.

So, how can you ensure you’re getting a true platform experience? We cover top takeaways from the podcast below, including how to evaluate construction platforms and technology, and what to expect from data and digitization in the future.

Jim Lynch, Senior Vice President & General Manager, and Sid Haksar, Head of Construction Strategy, both with Autodesk, join the show to answer that question. Plus, they share pivotal moments from Autodesk University, discuss how to evaluate platforms and construction technology to ensure alignment to your business needs, and offer predictions on where construction is heading.

“The fact of the matter is that almost every SaaS product today has APIs that let you exchange data with other applications; but a true platform really plays a more active role in coordinating how products work together.” —Jim Lynch, SVP & GM, Autodesk Construction Solutions

New Episodes Every Two Weeks

Digital Builder is hosted by me, Eric Thomas. Remember, new episodes of Digital Builder go live every two weeks. You can hear more episodes like this one by subscribing to Digital Builder on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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How to evaluate construction platforms and technology (5 considerations)

A key point of discussion in this episode is the importance of platforms in modern construction, and how AEC professionals can evaluate solutions that best fit their needs. As you’ll learn below, Jim and Sid both share actionable steps to help you do just that. 

But before we get to those tips, it’s worth defining what a platform actually is. 

“Everybody talks about platforms and there are many out there that seem to think that just because they have APIs, they have a platform,” says Jim. 

However, an open API doesn’t necessarily mean that the provider offers a solid platform.

“The fact of the matter is that almost every SaaS product today has APIs that let you exchange data with other applications; but a true platform really plays a more active role in coordinating how products work together.”

Jim continues, “A true platform ensures that data flows seamlessly and bidirectionally across all the capabilities in that platform.”

Sid agrees and adds that those using solid platforms have a more seamless and powerful experience, as it enables “high fidelity connections across teams, workflows, and data.”

So, how can construction professionals ensure that they implement a true platform? Jim and Sid recommend the following steps to help you find and evaluate vendors and solutions for your business. 

 

1. Make sure you know where data is stored and who has access

Getting a proper handle on construction data is essential for every firm. You need to have accurate and up-to-date information in order to execute on your projects. Data is also critical for measuring success and making business decisions.

For this reason, data must be the first factor you consider when evaluating solutions.

According to Jim, a good platform centralizes your data and makes it easy for teams to collaborate. 

“Some solutions limit access to the data. They only allow the license holder to have complete control and ownership of that data.” —Jim Lynch, SVP & GM

“Having a single source of truth is paramount. It is a core pillar in the strategy of really creating ways for companies to work from the same documents while respecting the data ownership aspects of it.”

Speaking of which, ownership and accessibility of information should also be considered, says Jim. 

“Some solutions limit access to the data,” he warns. “They only allow the license holder to have complete control and ownership of that data.”

PRO TIP

Before getting too far along with a technology provider, make sure you’ve asked them about how their platform handles data and how you and your team can access the necessary information. 

 

2. Discuss how the technology provider defines the project lifecycle

“A true construction platform supports the entire project lifecycle—from design, through reconstruction, out to the job site, out to operations and maintenance,” states Jim. That’s why the question of how a vendor defines the project is really important. 

If a vendor’s software only supports a single phase of the project, then it’s not truly a platform.

“I think a lot of providers define a construction project from the point they start on the project site, ending when they push it to operations and maintenance. But that’s not a real platform, that’s a point solution,” he explains. 

 

3. Ask about the solution provider’s customer success and training initiatives

In today’s increasingly competitive and complex construction landscape, you don’t want just any vendor on your side. You need a partner who’ll support you and your team throughout all your projects. 

Jim says that before selecting a technology provider, you need to ask them about the customer support, training, and resources they provide. 

“Do they have the expertise and skillset to support you? Do they have the teams necessary to really help you adopt, embrace, and in fact, get the most from your technology investment?”

These are just some of the questions that you should ask, he says. 

The key is to find a vendor who can support your entire business, not one that’s focused on how fast they can deploy their technology and quickly move on to another customer. The right vendor is there, “to help you take advantage of and collaborate better with the design team, with the team on the job site, with the pre-construction office, and ultimately, with the owner of the project.”

 

4. Explore their ecosystem of partners and integrations

The next step is to look into the other companies and providers that the vendor works with, and explore the depth of their partnerships.

Bear in mind that not all integrations are created equal. As Sid puts it, “Having partner logos on a website does not really mean much if those integrations are weak and limit the customer’s ability to utilize their existing solutions in an efficient and seamless manner.”

He adds that weak integrations that lack data interoperability and require manual processes “can ultimately lead to greater risk on a project.”

As such, properly vetting the vendor’s integrations and figuring out exactly what information is synced will lead to smarter decisions on which solution providers to choose. Autodesk, for instance, has deep integrations with the industry’s top solutions and also makes it easy for users to create flexible integrations through ACC Connect. 

“One of the exciting pieces of news that we announced at AU was that we now have over 200+ integrations leveraging both forge and partner cards,” shares Sid.

“We also have ACC Connect, which enables customers to build their own custom integrations over 100 workflows that we offer, in a no-code environment.”

 

5. Talk about their pricing model

It’s best to go with a vendor that offers flexible licensing. The best solutions don’t limit the way the customer can purchase technology.

As Sid points out, “being a platform comes with a lot of responsibility to customers. We are essentially asking companies to standardize their core processes on one platform.”

“Construction professionals need to ask if these platforms really offer flexibility in how they can purchase software, rather than deploying a one-size-fits-all approach.” —Sid Harska, Head of Construction Strategy

“To that end, construction professionals need to ask if these platforms really offer flexibility in how they can purchase software, rather than deploying a one-size-fits-all approach.”

Sid adds that you should also determine if the vendor has price certainty so you’re not left with uncomfortable surprises during the terms of your contract. 

“In listening to the industry and our customers, [Autodesk] offers multiple ways for people to consume our offerings, whether it’s user-based or account-based. We also strive to offer price certainty and really be a partner to them,” he shares. 

 

The importance of data, digitization, and the future of construction technology

When asked about the future of construction, Jim and Sid both agreed on the importance of data. 

The most successful firms will be the ones who can effectively manage and harness the data that they have—something that many companies are struggling to achieve. According to a recent study by Autodesk and FMI, the majority of construction teams don’t have a formal data strategy in place—and many don’t trust the data they do have available. 

Data management is clearly a challenge that we must overcome, and the first step in doing that is to digitize systems and processes. 

“Embrace digital technology to capture project information from early on in the project through to handover and operations.” —Jim Lynch, SVP & GM

Jim encourages teams to “apply or embrace digital technology to capture project information from early on in the project through to handover and operations.” Taking this step, he says, enables you to amass digital information, which you can integrate into your project management and financial systems. 

“This then leads to the optimization stage, the idea of actually using technologies like machine learning to be able to look back at that information, extract key insights, extract key learnings, and drive better outcomes on future projects.”

In line with this, Sid points out the value of standardization. 

“Getting access to the data is exceedingly challenging, and it’s really a prerequisite in order for companies to start driving actionable insights from that information,” he remarks. 

“I would say standardizing on an open and integrated platform enables that first part of the journey in capturing data in one place. Then subsequent to that is really the ability to surface information in a highly consumable manner so you can make appropriate business decisions.”

The bottom line: data and digitization are the future of construction. The sooner you organize and manage these components in your business, the better positioned you’ll be in the market.

 

Listen to the Full Episode of Digital Builder

Can’t get enough of platforms, data, and construction tech? Catch the full episode of Digital Builder to hear more from Jim and Sid. You can listen to it on:

  • Apple Podcasts 
  • Spotify
  • Stitcher
  • Google Podcasts
  • or wherever you listen to podcasts.

The post Digital Builder Ep. 20: Evaluating Construction Platforms and Technology appeared first on Digital Builder.

200+ Powerful Integrations Built for Every Phase of Construction 

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Construction fails without collaboration.

Can you imagine a GC refusing to work with the project architect or a subcontractor unwilling to reply to submittals? I’m sure they’re out there, but they won’t win much repeat business. So then why would some software vendors create “walled-gardens” or prevent integration with their legacy on-premise software? Shouldn’t software collaborate and communicate the same way you do? 

You need software systems that not only allow, but in fact promote the smooth flow of data and documents to the systems you use. You deserve software that exhibits some key characteristics: 

  1. A broad and ever-expanding ecosystem of integrations, including the cutting-edge technology that may transform your business, as well as the critical workflows on which you rely daily 
  2. A set of technological capabilities that make it easy for other software companies, and for builders like yourself, to integrate data into a central platform 
  3. Continued investment in that ecosystem and those tools 

Last week, we announced that Autodesk Construction Cloud now has over 200 partners who have built direct and seamless integrations with our applications via APIs and Partner Cards. Each one of these partners recognizes that linking data with Autodesk solutions helps customers build better.

What’s more, over 120 of these integrations now work with Autodesk Build, our new, comprehensive field and project management solution that unifies the best-in-class features from BIM 360 and PlanGrid with new capabilities such as cost and schedule management. In just the last few months, the partners listed at the bottom of this article have developed integrations to one or more Autodesk Construction Cloud applications. 

Here’s a little more about our partner ecosystem and integration capabilities: 

 

Autodesk’s robust ecosystem of easy-to-deploy integrations 

Building and maintaining an ecosystem this expansive requires a solid technological foundation. Autodesk Construction Cloud built that foundation with three primary integration methods: Partner Cards, Forge APIs, and Autodesk Construction Cloud Connect.  

 

Partner Cards allow easy integration deployment and use 

Partner Cards provide another way for software applications to integrate with Autodesk Construction Cloud quickly and easily. Partners can embed their application’s interface in a tile within the Insight dashboard in Autodesk Build or the Project Home dashboard in BIM 360.

By selecting and adding these Partner Cards, which support technologies including reality capture, BI tools, workforce planning, and more, our customers create a command center within Autodesk Construction Cloud for their analytics and decision making to drive better, more timely results. 

 

Advanced APIs power critical construction workflows 

Through our Forge Platform, Autodesk has made robust, open APIs available to partners and customers. With the high quality and advanced capabilities of these APIs, enhanced by standardization across many Autodesk products and developer support provided by the dedicated Forge team, partners can confidently build integrations powering critical construction workflows.

hh2’s integration between Autodesk Build and Sage represents just one example as explained below. Partners have also built advanced integrations marrying BIM models to reality capture, tying jobsite activity to risk analytics, and more. 

New ERP and Accounting Integrations 

While our customers embrace new technologies such as drones, virtual reality, and advanced reality capture, they also understand the value of robust and reliable processes and workflows. With that in mind, we are excited that Autodesk Build’s Cost Management capabilities now integrate with leading construction ERP and accounting solutions.

For instance, hh2 Cloud Services’ integration between Autodesk Build and Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate demonstrates the value customers can realize when software tools collaborate. Now, customers can synchronize key financial data between their project management activities in Autodesk Build and their accounting system of record in Sage.

“With [hh2’s Universal Construction Model], Autodesk customers now get technology to make sure their key financial data flows swiftly and error free.” —Devon Dorrity, President & CEO of hh2 Cloud Services

“Financial information must be constantly up to date, no matter which software application you use,” said Devon Dorrity, President & CEO of hh2 Cloud Services. “hh2’s Universal Construction Model, or UCM, has already connected thousands of construction companies to the critical systems they need to manage their projects. With the UCM, Autodesk customers now get technology to make sure their key financial data flows swiftly and error free.” Learn more about how customers benefit from last week’s Autodesk University session featuring hh2. 

 

Autodesk Construction Cloud Connect gives customers ultimate control 

Autodesk Construction Cloud Connect, which itself leverages Forge APIs, democratizes integrations and gives the customer ultimate control over how their integrations work. The solution enables users to lay out their integration workflows in a flowchart-like interface, easily routing data and documents between Autodesk Construction Cloud and hundreds of pre-built connectors to common cloud software tools.

Early customers quickly deployed integrations to solutions such as cloud storage (e.g., Microsoft SharePoint, Box, and Egnyte) and analytics tools (e.g., Smartsheet and Microsoft Power BI). More recently, customers’ creativity and the platform’s flexibility have unlocked even more use cases. For instance, customers now synchronize change orders, purchase orders, and other financial data with QuickBooks Online while others create customized, automated alerts via Microsoft Teams, fostering even greater collaboration. 

 

Our continued investment in integration technology 

Building and growing a strong ecosystem necessitates continued investments in capabilities, such as the ones mentioned above, and updates and enhancements to make developing more powerful integrations even easier. Since last year, Autodesk Construction Cloud has added APIs for many of the capabilities on Autodesk Build, including Assets, Forms, Locations, Photos and more. As additional APIs roll-out over time, customers and partners will undoubtedly create even more impressive and useful integrations. 

We have also continued to invest in Autodesk Construction Cloud Connect. Last week we announced the solution now supports Autodesk Takeoff. Customers can now automate the export of the details of their quantifications in Autodesk Takeoff and capture that information in other tools such as QuickBase, Smartsheet, and a variety of database applications.

Automating these data flows will help customers convert their takeoffs into estimates and budgets faster and more accurately than ever before. Customers could even setup automatic, periodic exports to spreadsheets and immediately distribute them to critical teammates via email or communication tools such as Microsoft Teams. 

In addition to developing new integration technology, we’re also investing in how we support our partners and customers. For instance, over the last year, we have created new training and enablement tools for Autodesk channel partners to teach them the advanced capabilities in Autodesk Construction Cloud Connect. Now several partners stand ready to help customers expand beyond simple and routine integrations to implementing highly advanced and specifically tailored workflows. 

 

Integrations that work for you 

Because collaboration pervades construction, it pervades our approach to construction software. When it comes to integrations, we constantly strive to improve how we connect our solutions with other vendors’ solutions, and how we connect with those vendors. We work hard to enable collaboration by expanding our partner ecosystem, developing technology to support our integrations, and continuing to invest in both our ecosystem and that technology. We are eager to collaborate with project teams to deliver the valuable integrations enabling them to work best.

If there are integrations you need to make your business more efficient or you know software vendors you think Autodesk Construction Cloud should integrate with, please reach out to us via email at [email protected] and please encourage your other software vendors to join our ecosystem. 

 

Latest Integrations for Autodesk Construction Cloud 

This is a list of our latest additions to our Integration Partner Ecosystem. If you’d like to see all 200+ integrations, we encourage you to explore them by category or product here.

 

3D Repo: Automatically import the latest 3D models from Autodesk Build, Autodesk Docs, or BIM 360 into 3D Repo via ACC Connect to easily identify and manage project risks.

Aespada logo, Autodesk Construction Cloud integrationAespada: Manage on-site logistics directly in your Project Home dashboard with the Aespada Partner Card.

Airtable logo, Autodesk Construction Cloud Partner IntegrationAirtable: Embed specific views from Airtable in the Airtable Partner Card, making it easier to track project information. 

Arkio Logo, Autodesk Construction Cloud IntegrationArkio: Easily import BIM 360 models into Arkio to collaboratively explore building spaces, markup existing Revit and Rhino models, and present design options in VR, on your computer, tablet, or phone. 

BIM Holoview Logo, Autodesk Construction Cloud IntegrationBIM Holoview: Construction teams can easily view 3d models and create BIM 360 Issues with photo attachments directly from BIM Holoview on HoloLens and Oculus Quest. 

Build.Works Logo, Autodesk Construction Cloud IntegrationBuild.Works: Effectively manage production planning and execution in Build.Works by easily accessing 3D models stored in Autodesk Build, Autodesk Docs, or BIM 360. 

cupixworks logo, Autodesk Construction Cloud IntegrationCupix: Building teams can now use Cupix’s rich, 3D 360-degree site-view mode to “walk through” job sites remotely, creating RFIs, issues and tasks immediately and assigning them to project stakeholders on the BIM 360 and PlanGrid platforms. The Cupix integration imports 3D models from BIM 360 to compare to 360 images and pushes CupixWorks’ SiteView annotations to RFIs or Issues in BIM 360 and RFIs or Tasks in PlanGrid. 

DAQS Logo, Autodesk Construction Cloud IntegrationDAQS: Embed Revit model quality and performance data from DAQS in an Autodesk Build or BIM 360 Project Home dashboard, showing project managers which project model requires their attention to meet requirements and deadlines. 

eFiler logo, Autodesk Construction Cloud IntegrationeFiler: Leverage eFiler, a Microsoft Outlook plugin, to file emails directly into Autodesk Docs or BIM 360. 

Embneusys Logo, Autodesk Construction Cloud Integrationembneusys: Customers can add the embneusys Partner Card to easily monitor every piece of equipment – from simple generators to their fleets of excavators – on the job site, saving working hours in the field, minimizing downtime from idle equipment, and preventing miscommunications between site managers. 

Esri logo, Autodesk Construction Cloud IntegrationEsri: Import 3D models from BIM 360 into ArcGIS GEOBim to easily collaborate on geospatial and BIM data together in one application. 

Google Workspace logo, Autodesk Construction Cloud IntegrationGoogle Workspace: With the Google Workspace Partner Card project members can display individual Sheets, Slides, Docs and Calendars from Google workspace. Customers can use multiple cards across different Google apps to create their perfect project dashboard in ACC. 

hh2 Cloud Services Logo, Google Workspace logo, Autodesk Construction Cloud Integrationhh2 Cloud Services: hh2 delivers a seamless integration between Autodesk Build – Cost Management and Sage 300 CRE. 

Join Logo, Autodesk Construction Cloud IntegrationJoin: Improve preconstruction collaboration around financials and easily view cost trends and budget items via the Join Partner Card.

 

Novade Logo, Autodesk Construction Cloud IntegrationNovade: Novade’s construction management platform integrates multiple ways with Autodesk Construction Cloud: Easily import quality and safety inspections from Novade to BIM 360, and export BIM 360 drawings to Novade using ACC Connect. Embed Novade’s platform in your Project Home dashboard.

NTI Connect Logo, Autodesk Construction Cloud IntegrationNTI: Seamlessly import Revit models from Autodesk Build, Autodesk Docs or BIM 360 Docs to NTI Connect to easily prepare specification documents for construction.

Oculo Logo, Autodesk Construction Cloud IntegrationOculo: Seamlessly create BIM 360 Issues directly from Oculo’s virtual job site walkthrough to provide full context and locality, and access Oculo 360-degree visuals from navigable floorplans embedded in your Project Home dashboard.

OpticVyu, Autodesk Construction Cloud IntegrationOpticVyu: Embed OpticVyu camera feeds & time-lapse videos alongside construction documentation in Autodesk Construction Cloud via the OpticVyu Partner Card.

ProNovos Logo, Autodesk Construcion Cloud IntegrationProNovos: Add the ProNovos Partner Card to view ProNovos construction intelligence KPIs such as efficiency, liquidity, and profitability ratios directly within Autodesk Construction Cloud. Data collected in the field or from project and financial apps such as FOUNDATION, Viewpoint or Sage is connected in ProNovos to provide project managers valuable insights to make well-informed decisions.

RealWear Logo, Autodesk Construction Cloud IntegrationRealWear: RealWear has integrated its HMT-1 headset to Autodesk BIM 360 to enable voice-enabled, handsfree checklist completion.

SafeSite Logo, Autodesk Construction Cloud IntegrationSafe Site Check In: The Safe Site Check In Partner Card improves job site safety by providing a comprehensive overview of field personnel directly within an Autodesk Build or BIM 360 Project Home dashboard.

Shepherd Logo, Autodesk Construction Cloud IntegrationShepherd: Seamlessly import project data from PlanGrid to streamline insurance applications in Shepherd.

Sitekick Logo, Autodesk Construction Cloud IntegrationSiteKick: With the new SiteKick Partner Card, project members can easily view job site imagery & environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity from SiteKick in an Autodesk Build or BIM 360 Project Home dashboard.

Stevenson Systems Logo, Autodesk Construction Cloud IntegrationStevenson Systems: View 360-Degree Virtual Walkthroughs in Autodesk Construction Cloud using the Stevenson Systems Partner Card.

StructShare Logo, Autodesk Construction Cloud IntegrationStructShare: Improve productivity and cost management with field ordering, automated procurement and seamlessly viewing real-time material costs via the StructShare Partner Card.

Tomorrow Logo, Autodesk Construction Cloud IntegrationTomorrow.io: With the Tomorrow.io Partner Card project teams can view real-time weather data right in an Autodesk Build or BIM 360 Project Home dashboard.

UpKeep Logo, Autodesk Construction Cloud IntegrationUpKeep: Export as-builts from Autodesk Docs, Autodesk Build, BIM 360, or PlanGrid into UpKeep via ACC Connect for efficient maintenance management.

vGIS Logo, Autodesk Construction Cloud IntegrationvGIS: vGIS absorbs Autodesk Docs and BIM 360 models and automatically produces AR and mixed reality visuals that are overlaid on the user’s view of a physical job site helping customers gain instant and comprehensive awareness of their surroundings, saving time and preventing costly mistakes and delays.

viAct Logo, Autodesk Construction Cloud IntegrationviAct: viAct powers any existing job-site camera with scenario-based AI technology to capture various non-compliances that can be viewed in Autodesk Construction Cloud via the viAct Partner Card.

WakeCap Logo, Autodesk Construction Cloud IntegrationWakeCap: With WakeCap’s IoT site solution, customers can easily add and manage their on-site workers, track progress, report on key performance indicators, and monitor safety in real-time to make informed personnel decisions from one place.

The post 200+ Powerful Integrations Built for Every Phase of Construction  appeared first on Digital Builder.

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