The Building Safety Bill is fast-approaching the UK construction sector, and promises widespread change.

The government is aiming to “overhaul regulations, creating lasting generational change and setting out a clear pathway on how residential buildings should be constructed, maintained and made safe.”

Although the Fire Safety Act is now in place, the Building Safety Bill is still being finalised and it may be difficult to know how to get ready. So, what are the headlines from the bill – and what should owners and construction firms do today?

Here’s a summary of the Building Safety Bill and six key takeaways for UK businesses.

An overview of the Building Safety Bill 

• Building owners will need to demonstrate that they have effective, proportionate measures in place to manage safety risks.
• A golden thread of building safety information must be maintained from planning to completion of each high risk building project.
• Duty holders must be appointed to take responsibility for fire and building safety throughout the lifecycle and provide the accountable person with the golden thread of information.
•  A new Building Safety Regulator will oversee the implementation and enforcing of the legislation, with stringent penalties for noncompliance.
•  The legislation is expected to be passed in April 2022.

Get ready for change – because it will impact everyone

First of all, it’s important to acknowledge that there are gaps in the practical guidance out there for construction companies. Right now, the details are being worked out and it’s hard to see exactly how organisations will consistently meet the requirements.

But nonetheless, it’s vital that all construction businesses get ready for change. From owners to individual subcontractors and suppliers, the Building Safety Bill will place new obligations on every collaborator in the supply chain.

This isn’t just for tier one contractors; everyone will have to buy in, and there will be strong legislative punch to enforce the changes. Irrespective of your size and scale, understanding what’s around the corner and starting to get ready is critical.

Prepare for a mental shift about project information

The principle of the golden thread of information will require everyone in the supply chain to maintain a record of every project. It’s not just about handing over documents at the end of the project, or even uploading project files onto the cloud.

Everyone from designers to contractors will need to maintain a local electronic audit trail, rather than relying on clients to hold the data. Choosing data platforms that easily integrate with others will be important, to ensure that data records can be slotted together.

That’s not to say that everyone will need to use advanced modelling tools, but internal records will be critical – particularly in the event that something goes wrong in the future. It might not be as disastrous as a fire, but the identification of a faulty or dangerous component that needs to be removed from other builds is essential.

Again, this applies to all companies – no matter your size or scale. Small suppliers will need to revisit how they collect and store project information, just like everyone else. And positively, this also offers the chance of process improvements within businesses, from improved efficiency to quality control. 

The onus will be on owners, so know what to ask for

Arguably owners face the biggest challenge from the Building Safety Bill, especially if they aren’t already on a digital transformation journey. It will be critical to have systems in place to receive, and then manage and maintain, project data throughout the operational life of an asset.

That can’t be racks of drawings or folders of paper stuck in a cupboard. Owners will need to consider the best way to structure information – for example, in a common data environment – to ensure that it’s as easy to manage and access as possible.

Owners should work to set out their information requirements, so that they know what to ask for at the start of each project. Again, this richer dataset can offer other benefits for owners, such as more efficient asset management and more straightforward refurbishments in the future.

Prepare for skills shortages by investing in people

We will need to see a skillset shift across the construction industry to meet these new regulatory demands. Arguably, right now the sector suffers from an on-demand approach to specialist skills, with businesses waiting until there’s a problem to go and find someone who can solve it.

The issue with the obligations being imposed through the Building Safety Bill is that there simply aren’t that many people with the skills and availability to help. It might not be normal practice to spend funds on training at very traditional organisations; nonetheless, businesses will absolutely need to invest in staff to prepare for the potential avalanche of demand.

This is a definite change of approach. Companies will need to plan differently, while owners will need to recognise that the cheapest approach won’t always be acceptable. But without more digitally confident staff, businesses won’t be able to cope with the demands – and the uncertainties – inherent in any new legislation of this kind. 

Existing technology can be used in creative ways, but interoperability is critical

Although we’ll see a step change in information management, companies won’t need to build Revit models to track every component. There are actually lots of different ways of meeting the regulations, sometimes using existing technology in new and creative ways.

For example, Oculus has developed a system that uses camera footage to record on-site processes, like installations or subsequent inspections. The video record is timestamped to show progress over a project, and can then be linked with model-based information sets to create a detailed dataset or reviewed with other snapshots to show progress or changes over time.

However, the way that we connect these different technologies and approaches together will be critical, to ensure data can be transferred and collated seamlessly. At the company level, choosing open data platforms will help to ensure interoperability with other systems.

At a national level, there are a number of working groups developing an information management framework, such as the National Digital Twin Programme and the Government and Industry Interoperability Group (GIIG). All of this will not only support the golden thread of information on projects, but help the industry as a whole to create more consistent data and deliver better outcomes.

Embrace the positives – this could be a turning point for quality and sustainability

Meeting new legislation always seems like a bit of a headache. But it’s important to recognise that these are extremely positive developments overall. It’s not only about trying our utmost to avoid another horrific incident like the Grenfell Fire, but cascading information across the industry, to enable us to fix things that might be faulty or at risk.

Access to more detailed digital information can also help construction businesses ensure the quality of their work – while increasing efficiency and highlighting ways to boost productivity across the organisation.

Similarly, with a record of the materials used in each asset, owners can move towards the circular economy: designing buildings that can be dismantled, reused or repurposed, to massively improve the sustainability of the built environment.

Finally, it might seem that businesses are facing multiple changes in tandem right now, from the BIM Mandate Initiative to the Construction Playbook and digital twin initiatives. But arguably, the UK is much more joined up in its strategy than anywhere else in the world.

There’s a clear link between aspiration and execution – and by meeting these demands, companies will be helping to create a safer, greener and more productive sector. That is a huge advantage.

The post How to Prepare for the Building Safety Bill appeared first on Digital Builder.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.cmcconstruction.net/?p=1535

The U.S. foreign trade deficit deteriorated further in the latest month, sinking to -$972 billion USD in September 2021, an unwelcome record. The shortfall comes entirely in the trade of ‘goods,’ -$1.178 billion. The ‘services’ balance, which includes business and tourism travel, plus between-country costs of transporting cargo, remained above water, +$206 billion USD.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.cmcconstruction.net/?p=1531

Discover the latest updates to Autodesk’s construction software

Our product team continues to pinpoint valuable ways to improve your favorite Autodesk products. I’m excited to share the launch of over 50 new feature releases and enhancements across Autodesk Construction Cloud products.

From creating higher quality designs to speeding up RFI workflows, the latest product updates within Autodesk Construction Cloud can be found below.

Jump to releases by product:

• • Autodesk Construction Cloud Unified Platform
  • Autodesk Build
  • Autodesk BIM Collaborate
  • Autodesk Takeoff
  • BuildingConnected
    • Bid Board Pro
  • BIM 360
  • Assemble

 

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Autodesk Construction Cloud Unified Platform

* = features on both Autodesk Construction Cloud unified platform & BIM 360

Dashboards | Additional Partner Cards

Both Autodesk Construction Cloud Unified Platform and BIM 360 users now see new partner cards for Aespada, DAQS.io, Embneusys, Geometrid, Oculo, Pronovos, Safe Site Check In, Structshare, Viact.ai, and WakeCap.

Dashboards | Send Dashboard as Reports*

Both Autodesk Construction Cloud unified platform and BIM 360 users can now share data from a dashboard within Insight as a PDF report to any external team members. A great example of this is if a general contractor wanted to share a dashboard view with an owner who did not have an account. This broadens visibility into project data and allows teams to create custom dashboards and easily share relevant views. Note: PDF reports of dashboards do not include partner cards in this initial release.

Dashboards | Unified Account Level UI Enhancements

From within the Executive Overview dashboards within Insight, both Autodesk Construction Cloud unified platform and BIM 360 users now see a consistent UI to help indicate that all projects shown on this overview list are pulled from projects across both BIM 360 and ACC. This ensures that executives see a holistic view of all projects, regardless of the product used, and help improve the migration experience.

Desktop Connector | Non-Conforming File Validation*

Autodesk Construction Cloud unified platform and BIM 360 users now have the ability to select specific files, and put them through the naming validation tool to rename them in order to meet the project’s naming standard in Docs.

Desktop Connector | Right-click to Rename Files*

For any file, a user be able to right click and rename a file from Desktop Connector without needing to navigate to Docs in the web browser.

Files | Import/Export of Naming Standard*

As a project admin setting up the naming standard on a project, the admin now have the option to export a .xlsx template. They can also make adjustments to the naming standard attributes in MS Excel for ease of use and import to a single project or multiple projects.

Files | Improvements to ISE File & Folder Operations*

Autodesk Construction Cloud unified platform and BIM 360 users can now take advantage of ISO naming standards validation when moving or copying files from enforced to enforced folders​ and when making a file “current”​. Additionally, users can now have their search results be a method to organize files for selection to move or copy to an enforced folder.

Files | Open and Edit DWG with AutoCAD (web app)

From within Files, users can now right click on a .dwg file type to open the drawing within the AutoCAD web app, exposing the use of native AutoCAD tools (viewing and editing). NOTE: Once the file is clicked, a new tab is opened, exposing the AutoCAD web interface.

Library | Search & Sort

There is a new search bar as well as the option to sort within the account level library in the Autodesk Construction Cloud unified platform. This makes it easier to find library components so that teams can use consistent practices and drive standardization across all projects.

Reports | Issue Summary & Issue Detail Filter by Custom Attribute

Autodesk Construction Cloud unified platform users can now filter both the Issue Summary and Issue Detail reports by any custom attribute. This allows teams to run more specific reports that are catered to the way individual companies track issues.

Reports | Logo Management

Project Admins can now customize the logo that shows up on reports by either selecting the account logo or adding in a net new logo. This allows teams to improve the branding of their reports and provide clarity of ownership when sharing reports externally.

Reviews | Add Custom Attributes to Workflows*

The project admin can now add custom attributes to a workflow so that each review initiated has the custom attribute columns for the approve to complete as needed. Note: For BIM 360 users, only projects created after Mar 23, 2021 will have this feature.

 

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Autodesk Build

** = features in both Autodesk Build & BIM 360
*** = features in both Autodesk Build & PlanGrid
**** = Autodesk Docs feature (available across all unified products)
***** = features in both Autodesk Build and Autodesk BIM Collaborate
Note: This list is alphabetical. Please see this blog post for Autodesk Build updates organized by workflow.

Assets | Bulk Edits on Web & Mobile

Within Autodesk Build or the PlanGrid Build mobile app, teams can now make bulk edits to a selected group of assets by simply scanning barcodes, QR codes, or NFC tags in sequence. This allows teams to better standardize information and make updates faster.

Assets | NFC Support

In addition to using barcode / QR code scanning within the Assets tool of Autodesk Build, users can now use Near Field Communication technology to pull up detailed asset information. This saves teams time since they can simply set a device within range of the asset, and all asset related information stored within the PlanGrid Build mobile app will instantly appear.

Assets | RFI References

Within the Assets tool flyout panel, teams now see an added reference option for RFI’s. This means that users can link a specific asset to an RFI, connecting information and making it more accessible throughout both the assets and RFI workflow. Note: Mobile functionality will come by the end of the month.

Assets | Schedule References

Within the Assets tool flyout panel, teams now see an added reference option for Schedule. This means that users can link a specific asset to schedule item which gives visibility into where an asset status is in relation to the broader project schedule. Having this level of visibility helps teams better plan and forecast dates. Note: Mobile functionality will come by the end of the month.

Bridge | Automatic Sheet Sharing

As a follow up to the ability to share sheets across accounts (released in July 2021), team members can now specify certain sheets that they are sharing to automatically update when a new version is published. This ensures teams, even if they are from different companies or using different accounts, are always looking at the most up to date sheet information. NOTE: We are currently working on building up the feature functionality of the Bridge tool. Please watch for more enhancements to Bridge in future releases.

Bridge | Import Functionality

Within the ‘Incoming’ tab of Bridge, Autodesk Build users see a new option to ‘Import’ and select sheets from other projects, in which they are also a member, to add to their current project. This improves cross-team and cross-project collaboration, and gives users the ability to surface relevant information to their teams. NOTE: We are currently working on building up the feature functionality of the Bridge tool. Please watch for more enhancements to Bridge in future releases.

Cost Management | Enhanced Document Review Functionality**

Autodesk Build and BIM 360 Cost Management users can open and edit Microsoft Word documents online directly from the document package section within the items details flyout panel, enhancing and accelerating the document review processes.

Cost Management | Expense Photo References

Autodesk Build Cost Management users can now add photo references (e.g., delivery tickets, receipts, etc.) to expenses, ensuring accounting has what they need to process payments.

Cost Management | Home Page**

Autodesk Build and BIM 360 Cost Management users now have access to a new Home Page within Cost Management, displaying an aggregated calendar view of important dates across the system for increased visibility.

Cost Management | Issue to Potential Change Order

Expanding on the ability to create a Potential Change Order (PCO) from an RFI or Submittal Item, Autodesk Build Cost Management users can generate a PCO directly from Issue. Continuing to help teams capture the origin of change orders.

Data Connector | Photos Data

Autodesk Build users can now extract Photos data using the Data Connector. This is especially important to teams tracking quality and safety and wanting to see details around things like how many photos have been captured.

Data Connector | Progress Tracking Data

Autodesk Build users can now extract Progress Tracking data using the Data Connector. This gives teams the ability to create custom dashboards around the use of Progress Tracking and further analyze installation progress of objects on a project using other BI tools.

Handover | Files & Issues in As Built Export

Autodesk Build users can now export Files and Issues data as a part of the As Built Export tool. This adds to the RFI, Submittals, and Sheets download that was currently available and further improves the handover process by saving time, enhancing documentation accuracy, and improving owner satisfaction. Note: Files data will not be available until the end of November.

Issues | Add reference to submittals, forms, PCOs

In addition to the existing ability to link photos, files, RFIs and assets, user can now also add a reference to submittals, forms and PCOs, directly from the issue. This way, teams ensure even more of the issue’s context gets captured.

Meetings | Upload Attachments Directly from Computer*****

Users can upload and remove attachments directly from their PC. Attachments can be added at a meeting or at an item level. This ensures up-to-date information is shared and reviewed during the meeting.

RFIs | Roles and Companies as Users

Within each RFI, all roles and companies can now be specified as a watcher or co-reviewer. This release improves ease of use when creating, editing, or assigning RFIs.

RFIs | Short RFI Creation on Mobile

Users have the option to create an RFI by simply filling out the information for three fields: RFI title, question, and photos. This feature allows users to save time on RFI creation in the field.

RFIs | Step Back From Manager to Subcontractor

This feature allows RFI managers to request additional information from subcontractors by sending the RFI back to the sub. This release helps to speed up the RFI workflow by making sure necessary changes are made in a timely manner.

Schedule | Add Cost reference

Users can reference cost items from the cost management tool to an activity in schedule.

Schedule | Enhanced iOS support

iOS users can filter schedule information by Activity codes/ Outline codes imported from the schedule authoring tools. Allowing teams to find the right information, faster.

Schedule | Suggestions [coming soon]

Users with the right permissions can now submit an update suggestion on an activity to the schedule manager, improving communication across stakeholders. The schedule managers can review, approve or reject the suggestions. The schedule manager must update the master schedule in the schedule authoring tool to ensure the latest schedule is imported into Autodesk Build.

Submittals | Import Enhancements

During the upload process, Autodesk Build users get a new processing loader which can be referred to as a progress bar. This release supports a friendlier and more transparent import process.

Submittals | Project Home Support on Mobile

Users can now view a submittals work status card on iOS & Android. This allows access to critical and actionable information faster from any device at any time.

Submittals | Report Enhancements

From the Submittal tool, users can generate both the detail and summary reports, and have the option to include specific submittal items when exporting the report. Report enhancements now also include a single item report that can be generated from the action menu. Users can also copy a public link to share the report from the panel once the report has been generated. These enhancements allow customers to have more flexibility when exporting submittal reports.

Submittals | Review & Annotate PDF Attachments

Autodesk Build users now can view and annotate submittals, such as adding an approval stamp (image stamp), text, arrow, cloud, highlighter and various shapes directly in Autodesk Build. This enables a faster and more efficient review process.

Submittals | Upload Attachments from Files or from Computer

Autodesk Build users can select up to 10 existing files from Autodesk Docs and attach it to the specific submittal item. Now, Document Management and Project Management workflows are even more connected.

Learn more about this month’s product releases specific to Autodesk Build in this blog post.

 

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Autodesk BIM Collaborate

****** = features in both Autodesk BIM Collaborate and BIM 360

Change Analysis | Easier navigation

Design changes are now more easily managed and analyzed with a new experience that allows users to select the models they want to compare and quickly apply filters by discipline, category or modification type (shape, property, transform). Teams now have more control over the changes they decide to focus on and how those changes affect them.

Change Analysis | Review of non-consecutive designs

Previously, architects and engineers who review design changes before consuming them could only review the differences between the new design and the last design. Now, any design from the past can be reviewed alongside the latest.

Go Online | Revit Issues Add-In******

Architects, engineers, and BIM managers using Revit can immediately access issues, clash information, and models from cloud applications like Autodesk BIM Collaborate or Autodesk Docs. When an issue gets resolved in Revit, designers can use this quick link to access related files or check their work against other models using the clash matrix—making it easier to create high quality designs.

Model Coordination | Advanced grouping******

Group clash results with a greater level of granularity with advanced grouping capabilities. Now, clashes can be grouped by any property of a clashing object. Choose standard properties or custom ones to group and organize clashes for faster clearing and resolution.

Model Coordination | IFC, NWC, and VUE File Support******

With the added support of NWC and VUE files and extended support for IFC files for automatic clash detection or model aggregation, Autodesk BIM Collaborate offers greater flexibility for BIM managers, design teams, and trade partners to engage in model coordination.

 

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Autodesk Takeoff

Snapshots

Autodesk Takeoff users can preserve critical information including sheets and/or models along with associated takeoffs and inventory within a project at a given point in time. Users can access saved snapshots to view prior versions of takeoffs and inventory for a specific milestone or other key events. These stored references provide estimators confidence in their work by citing key information critical to the takeoff detail.

Flexible Output for Takeoff Types

Users can assign a code from both primary and secondary classification system to any output (primary or unlimited “additional” outputs) when creating takeoff types. The classification field is now optional, allowing estimators to create takeoffs faster when needed. The outputs not classified are automatically grouped as “unassigned” to make it easier for users to track and reassign later if needed. Each output can be assigned up to 2 classification codes—one from each classification system uploaded.

Inventory Enhancement

Users can view information from both primary and secondary classifications at the same time in the inventory panel. Multiple outputs can be seen together, grouped by takeoff type, when appropriate. A new grouping has been created in the inventory for “unassigned” outputs. Location information is also surfaced in the inventory panel.

Locations Support

Users can assign takeoffs to specific locations created in the “Project Admin” tool so quantities can be assigned accordingly. Whether you are allocating quantities by Floors, Levels, Phases or Zones, locations are a great way to organize your takeoff inventory.

 

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BuildingConnected

Bid Board Pro

Opportunity Rules

Users can create opportunity rules (“if/then” statements) to help organize opportunities and filter out junk invites by either applying tags or removing followers. This helps to streamline the Bid Board experience and remove unwanted invites automatically.

 

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BIM 360

 

****** = features in both Autodesk BIM Collaborate and BIM 360

Daily Logs | XLS Report from Field Management******

BIM 360 users can now export the activity log of any daily log. The export includes timestamp, user, activity and before after status which makes it a full audit trail useful in case any disputes arise.

Dashboards | Permission Changes******

BIM 360 users can now control permission to view certain dashboards within BIM 360. This helps drive focus for team members and eliminate unnecessary dashboard views. Additionally, it gives more control to Project or Account Admins to filter only relevant information to team members. For more information view the FAQ on our Help Site.

 

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Assemble

Expanded Support for Special Characters

Assemble has expanded support for Unicode characters for property names and values. Assemble users can now publish model properties names and values with expanded characters from desktop tools as well as Revit models from BIM 360 and Autodesk Docs. Users are also able to sync property values with expanded characters back to Revit.

Model Publishing Improvements

Continuing to build upon the recent enhancement of publishing Revit models from BIM 360 and Autodesk Docs to Assemble without the need of the  Revit add-in, Assemble now supports importing Revit Cloud Workshare models as part of the cloud publishing workflow. By leveraging the common data environment, BIM/VDC Managers can ensure that everyone is working from the latest project documents.

 

Get the latest Autodesk Construction Cloud product updates

 

The post 50+ New Product Updates for Autodesk Construction Cloud appeared first on Digital Builder.

See the latest updates to Autodesk Build

As Autodesk Build continues to support the successful management of projects around the world, we’ve been working behind the scenes to make it more powerful, more useful, and more valuable in its ability to connect teams to the data they need, when they need it.

In the last few months, our team has been preparing to release over 25 new updates, features, and enhancements this month—all geared towards helping you better connect your teams, data and processes. Check out the latest Autodesk Build releases below.

Jump to release details by type:

• Highlighted Releases
  • Assets | NFC Support
  • Cost Management | Home Page**
  • Cost Management | Expense Photo References
  • RFIs | Step Back from Manager to Sub
  • Schedule | Suggestions [coming soon]
  • Submittals | Review and Annotate Attachments
• Document Management Releases
  • Desktop Connector
    • Right Click to Rename Files
    • Non-conforming File Validation
  • Files
    • Import/Export Naming Standard*
    • Improvements to ISO File and Folder Operations*
    • Open and Edit DWG with AutoCAD
  • Reviews | Add Custom Attributes to Workflows
• Cost Releases
  • Cost Management
    • Enhanced Document Review Functionality**
    • Issue to Potential Change Order (PCO)
• Project Management Releases
  • Submittals
    • Import Enhancement
    • Project Home Support on Mobile
    • Upload Attachments from Files or from Computer
  • RFIs
    • Roles and Companies as Users
    • Short RFI Creation on the mobile
  • Meetings | Upload Attachments
  • Schedule
    • Add Cost reference
    • Enhanced iOS support
• Quality & Safety Management Releases
  • Issues | Add Reference to Submittals, Forms, PCOs
• Standardization Releases
  • Bridge
    • Automatic Sheet Sharing
    • Import Functionality
  • Library | Search & Sort
• Data and Intelligence Releases
  • Dashboards
    • Additional Partner Cards*
    • Send Dashboard as Reports*
    • Unified Account Level UI Enhancements*
  • Data Connector
    • Photos
    • Progress Tracking Data
  • Reports
    • Issue Summary and Issue Detail Filtering by Custom Attribute
    • Logo Management
  • Submittals | Report Enhancements
• Project Closeout and Handover Releases
  • Assets
    • Bulk Edits on Web & Mobile
    • RFI References
    • Schedule References
  • Handover | Files & Issues in As Built Export

* = features on both Autodesk Construction Cloud unified platform & BIM 360
** = features in both Autodesk Build & BIM 360
*** = features in both Autodesk Build & PlanGrid
**** = Autodesk Docs feature (available across all unified products)
***** = features in both Autodesk Build and Autodesk BIM Collaborate

 

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Highlighted Releases

 

Assets | NFC Support

In addition to using barcode / QR code scanning within the Assets tool of Autodesk Build, users can now use Near Field Communication technology to pull up detailed asset information. This saves teams time since they can simply set a device within range of the asset, and all asset related information stored within the PlanGrid Build mobile app will instantly appear.

Cost Management | Home Page**

Autodesk Build and BIM 360 Cost Management users now have access to a new Home Page within Cost Management, displaying an aggregated calendar view of important dates across the system for increased visibility.

Cost Management | Expense Photo References

Autodesk Build Cost Management users can now add photo references (e.g., delivery tickets, receipts, etc.) to expenses, ensuring accounting has what they need to process payments.

RFIs | Step Back From Manager to Subcontractor

This feature allows RFI managers to request additional information from subcontractors by sending the RFI back to the sub. This release helps to speed up the RFI workflow by making sure necessary changes are made in a timely manner.

Schedule | Suggestions [coming soon]

Users with the right permissions can now submit update suggestions on an activity to the schedule manager, improving communication across stakeholders. The schedule managers can review, approve or reject the suggestions. The schedule manager must update the master schedule in the schedule authoring tool to ensure the latest schedule is imported into Autodesk Build.

Submittals | Review & Annotate PDF Attachments

Autodesk Build users now can view and annotate submittals, such as adding an approval stamp (image stamp), text, arrow, cloud, highlighter and various shapes directly in Autodesk Build. This enables a faster and more efficient review process.

 

Document Management Releases

Desktop Connector | Non-Conforming File Validation*

Autodesk Construction Cloud unified platform and BIM 360 users now have the ability to select specific files, and put them through the naming validation tool to rename them in order to meet the project’s naming standard in Docs.

Desktop Connector | Right-click to Rename Files*

For any file, a user be able to right click and rename a file from Desktop Connector without needing to navigate to Docs in the web browser.

Files | Import/Export of Naming Standard*

As a project admin setting up the naming standard on a project, the admin now have the option to export a .xlsx template. They can also make adjustments to the naming standard attributes in MS Excel for ease of use and import to a single project or multiple projects.

Files | Improvements to ISE File & Folder Operations*

Autodesk Construction Cloud unified platform or BIM 360 users can now take advantage of ISO naming standards validation when moving or copying files from enforced to enforced folders​ and when making a file “current”​. Additionally, users can now have their search results be a method to organize files for selection to move or copy to an enforced folder.

Files | Open and Edit DWG with AutoCAD (web app)

From within Files, users can now right click on a .dwg file type to open the drawing within the AutoCAD web app, exposing the use of native AutoCAD tools (viewing and editing). NOTE: Once the file is clicked, a new tab is opened, exposing the AutoCAD web interface.

Reviews | Add Custom Attributes to Workflows*

The project admin can now add custom attributes to a workflow so that each review initiated has the custom attribute columns for the approve to complete as needed. Note: For BIM 360 users, only projects created after Mar 23, 2021 will have this feature.

 

Cost Releases

Cost Management | Enhanced Document Review Functionality**

Autodesk Build and BIM 360 Cost Management users can open and edit Microsoft Word documents online directly from the document package section within the items details flyout panel, enhancing and accelerating the document review processes.

Cost Management | Issue to Potential Change Order

Expanding on the ability to create a Potential Change Order (PCO) from an RFI or Submittal Item, Autodesk Build Cost Management users can generate a PCO directly from Issue. Continuing to help teams capture the origin of change orders.

 

Project Management Releases

Submittals | Import Enhancements

During the upload process, Autodesk Build users get a new processing loader which can be referred to as a progress bar. This release supports a friendlier and more transparent import process.

Submittals | Project Home Support on Mobile

Users can now view a submittals work status card on iOS & Android. This allows access to critical and actionable information faster from any device at any time.

Submittals | Upload Attachments from Files or from Computer

Autodesk Build users can select up to 10 existing files from Autodesk Docs and attach it to the specific submittal item. Now, Document Management and Project Management workflows are even more connected.

RFIs | Roles and Companies as Users

Within each RFI, all roles and companies can now be specified as a watcher or co-reviewer. This release improves ease of use when creating, editing, or assigning RFIs.

RFIs | Short RFI Creation on Mobile

Users have the option to create an RFI by simply filling out the information for three fields: RFI title, question, and photos. This feature allows users to save time on RFI creation in the field.

Meetings | Upload Attachments Directly from Computer*****

Users can upload and remove attachments directly from their PC. Attachments can be added at a meeting or at an item level. This ensures up-to-date information is shared and reviewed during the meeting.

Schedule | Add Cost reference

Users can reference cost items from the cost management tool to an activity in schedule.

Schedule | Enhanced iOS support

iOS users can filter schedule information by Activity codes/ Outline codes imported from the schedule authoring tools. Allowing teams to find the right information, faster.

 

Quality & Safety Management Releases

Issues | Add reference to submittals, forms, PCOs

In addition to the existing ability to link photos, files, RFIs and assets, user can now also add a reference to submittals, forms and PCOs, directly from the issue. This way, teams ensure even more of the issue’s context gets captured.

 

Standardization Releases

Bridge | Automatic Sheet Sharing

As a follow up to the ability to share sheets across accounts (released in July 2021), team members can now specify certain sheets that they are sharing to automatically update when a new version is published. This ensures teams, even if they are from different companies or using different accounts, are always looking at the most up to date sheet information. NOTE: We are currently working on building up the feature functionality of the Bridge tool. Please watch for more enhancements to Bridge in future releases.

Bridge | Import Functionality

Within the ‘Incoming’ tab of Bridge, Autodesk Build users see a new option to ‘Import’ and select sheets from other projects, in which they are also a member, to add to their current project. This improves cross-team and cross-project collaboration, and gives users the ability to surface relevant information to their teams. NOTE: We are currently working on building up the feature functionality of the Bridge tool. Please watch for more enhancements to Bridge in future releases.

Library | Search & Sort

There is a new search bar as well as the option to sort within the account level library in the Autodesk Construction Cloud unified platform. This makes it easier to find library components so that teams can use consistent practices and drive standardization across all projects.

 

Data and Intelligence Releases

Dashboards | Additional Partner Cards*

Both Autodesk Construction Cloud Unified Platform and BIM 360 users now see new partner cards for Aespada, DAQS.io, Embneusys, Geometrid, Oculo, Pronovos, Safe Site Check In, Structshare, Viact.ai, and WakeCap.

Dashboards | Send Dashboard as Reports*

Both Autodesk Construction Cloud unified platform and BIM 360 users can now share data from a dashboard within Insight as a PDF report to any external team members. A great example of this is if a general contractor wanted to share a dashboard view with an owner who did not have an account. This broadens visibility into project data and allows teams to create custom dashboards and easily share relevant views. Note: PDF reports of dashboards do not include partner cards in this initial release.

Dashboards | Unified Account Level UI Enhancements*

From within the Executive Overview dashboards within Insight, both Autodesk Construction Cloud unified platform and BIM 360 users now see a consistent UI to help indicate that all projects shown on this overview list are pulled from projects across both BIM 360 and ACC. This ensures that executives see a holistic view of all projects, regardless of the product used, and help improve the migration experience.

Data Connector | Photos Data

Autodesk Build users can now extract Photos data using the Data Connector. This is especially important to teams tracking quality and safety and wanting to see details around things like how many photos have been captured.

Data Connector | Progress Tracking Data

Autodesk Build users can now extract Progress Tracking data using the Data Connector. This gives teams the ability to create custom dashboards around the use of Progress Tracking and further analyze installation progress of objects on a project using other BI tools.

Reports | Issue Summary & Issue Detail Filter by Custom Attribute

Autodesk Construction Cloud unified platform users can now filter both the Issue Summary and Issue Detail reports by any custom attribute. This allows teams to run more specific reports that are catered to the way individual companies track issues.

Reports | Logo Management

Project Admins can now customize the logo that shows up on reports by either selecting the account logo or adding in a net new logo. This allows teams to improve the branding of their reports and provide clarity of ownership when sharing reports externally.

Submittals | Report Enhancements

From the Submittal tool, users will be able to generate both the detail and summary reports, and have the option to include specific submittal items when exporting the report. Report enhancements now also include a single item report that can be generated from the action menu. Users can also copy a public link to share the report from the panel once the report has been generated. These enhancements allow customers to have more flexibility when exporting submittal reports.

 

Project Closeout and Handover Releases

Assets | Bulk Edits on Web & Mobile

Within Autodesk Build or the PlanGrid Build mobile app, teams can now make bulk edits to a selected group of assets by simply scanning barcodes, QR codes, or NFC tags in sequence. This allows teams to better standardize information and make updates faster.

Assets | RFI References

Within the Assets tool flyout panel, teams now see an added reference option for RFI’s. This means that users can link a specific asset to an RFI, connecting information and making it more accessible throughout both the assets and RFI workflow. Note: Mobile functionality will come by the end of the month.

Assets | Schedule References

Within the Assets tool flyout panel, teams now see an added reference option for Schedule. This means that users can link a specific asset to schedule item which gives visibility into where an asset status is in relation to the broader project schedule. Having this level of visibility helps teams better plan and forecast dates. Note: Mobile functionality will come by the end of the month.

Handover | Files & Issues in As Built Export

Autodesk Build users can now export Files and Issues data as a part of the As Built Export tool. This adds to the RFI, Submittals, and Sheets download that was currently available and further improves the handover process by saving time, enhancing documentation accuracy, and improving owner satisfaction. Note: Files data will not be available until the end of November.

To see the full list of our latest updates across all Autodesk Construction Cloud, please check out this blog post.

 

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The post Autodesk Build Gets 25+ Product Updates, Features, and Enhancements appeared first on Digital Builder.

Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to be inundated with information highlighting the importance of collaboration and communication in design and construction projects. Naturally, most teams, if not all, have the goal of being proficient in these areas given that it’s key to successful outcomes and maintaining profit margin. However, it is also common for architecture and engineering, as well as general contracting firms, to struggle with precise and timely communication of changes.

An uncommunicated change in the design phase can cause several weeks’ delay resulting in thousands of dollars wasted. The further along the change goes unrecognized the greater the impact with potential outcome leading to stop construction for redesign, and on average of 35% of all construction projects will have a major change, according to Project Analysis Group. To help eliminate these challenges, it is recommended to implement change management. Effective change management enables better coordination leading to less risk in design, and improved quality in construction.

 

Change management with the Change Analysis tool

The Design Collaboration module in Autodesk BIM Collaborate offers the Change Analysis tool, which enables users to understand the design changes incurred on their projects. Teams can establish watch groups to closely monitor changes, configurable based on user criteria.

For example, a user can select watch groups for teams, models, or objects. Once a watch group is configured, the Change Analysis tool will share notifications automatically to the group about any changes impacting assets relevant to the group. Effectively making it easier to keep up with designs in continually evolving projects.

 

Change Analysis tool and watch groups in action

So, how does this show up in the real world? Here are a couple of cases studies where the Change Analysis tool and watch groups could have helped prevent negative outcomes.

Scenario #1: Design Phase

Consider an architect working on the design of the façade in a new building. The structural engineer on the same project decided to change the floor slabs, reducing them from 20 to 10cm from the façade edge because less space was needed for rebar.

This change looked pretty similar in the plan, but now the designed facade is 15cm distance from the slab causing a 5cm gap. The design team is using Design Collaboration to share information, but because there was no change management or watch group established, the change was missed when sharing the models with the greater team.

Eventually, when plans went to the main contractor, they realize the problem between the slab and the façade, but it’s too late. As a result, the design had to be updated leading to a 2-week delay.

If change management was implemented in this scenario, when the structural engineer’s new BIM Model was uploaded in Design Collaboration with the new slabs (and new dimensions), the architect would have automatically received a notification that something has changed, since the architect created a slab watch group. This change notification would have prompted the architect to go back to the design, and adapt the façade line to meet the new slabs design. Now, when the information is sent to the main contractor, the design is of much greater value because it’s inclusive of changes—which, in turn, reduces or eliminates delays.

Scenario #2: Preconstruction

Similar to the design phase, change management is equally important to the preconstruction phase. Consider a client went for a site walk, and requested a change to add a door to the facilities room. The architect made the change, and communicated it to the blockwork subcontractor to add the door on site. The architect also updated the drawings, but did not communicate the change to the broader team.

As a result, during model coordination the blockwork in the facilities room was set up as “frozen design”, and the services team were given the green light to start the manufacturing drawings. Because the architect did not communicate the change to the broader team there was no clash, and coordination ultimately missed this change.

This miss required a change order to be made for the design to be redone. New materials had to be ordered to site, and the removal and reinstallation had to be done delaying the project; costing time and money.

How could this negative outcome have been avoided?

In this scenario, it would have been recommended for the services team to create a watch group with the blockwork; let’s say they named the group “Blockwork Frozen”.

While the services team were working in the design, a notification would have appeared in Design Collaboration of a new model from blockwork with a change in the specific area that was “frozen”. The services team could have then requested more information from the blockwork subcontractor and client before going into manufacturing and installation. This approach would have resulted in no delay or unforeseen costs.

 

New features for change management

As depicted in the earlier case studies, it is imperative to establish a strategy for change management. The Change Dashboard in the Change Analysis tool provides users with a single view pane where they can see the changes as well as dive into details about those changes—giving immediately useful insight and flexibility in design. To further improve the Change Analysis tool, Autodesk just released a few new features:

Comparison of non-consecutive versions allows users to compare any two design versions of a project against one another. This benefit being the ability to track scope change, understand decisions made, and reference outdated designs. This gives the team more power to easily track how a project changes over time.

New viewer experience permits users more control on the comparison workflows and transparency in the selections of models for the viewer. It also offers flexibility to see changes by discipline with the object tree and flexibility to see changes with multiple attributes selected.

Filter improvements have been made to enable users to more easily see different changes by project attributes as well as provide a better experience overall when filtering. Users can now filter by discipline, modification type, and category. Users can also take advantage of the search function that permits filtering based on names of specific objects.

With the Change Analysis tool and these new features, users can now take even more control of the outcome of their projects, de-risk deadlines, and reduce waste. Considering from 2012 to 2015, just 25% of projects came within 10% of their original deadlines, having a tool that helps to mitigate unforeseen delays is critical.

During design and construction of buildings, making changes is an inevitable part of the process. The Change Analysis tool in Autodesk BIM Collaborate has been defined and designed to help users make sense and stay on top of all changes. It makes it easy to find and identify changes with automatic notifications, and the user interface improvements make it more intuitive for users to compare versions. Reach out today for a demo.

The post Manage Changes, Don’t Let Them Manage You appeared first on Digital Builder.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.cmcconstruction.net/?p=1452

Welcome to Trimble Construction One — the Future of Connected Construction

In case you missed our 2021 EMEA Summit, here are some highlights; and you can still watch the sessions on-demand!

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.cmcconstruction.net/?p=1437