When looking at the Common Data Environment, an essential component is a software interface that acts as the source of truth for all professionals and stakeholders involved in the project. The CDE stores, manages and share project documentation which ranges from documentation, graphical models, and non-graphical data across the entire project lifecycle.
Autodesk offers various packages for AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) teams such as Autodesk Docs, Autodesk Construction Cloud and BIM Collaborate Pro. This blog will focus on understanding these three software packages and their importance to the CDE.
Autodesk Construction Cloud is the platform that facilitates real-time cloud collaboration and is only accessible through an internet browser. ACC offers different construction collaboration and management tools for different teams involved in the construction process. The tools include Autodesk Docs, Build, Model Management, Takeoff, Estimate and more. Docs is a document management software for all project teams, Build is a field and project management software which is ideal for builders, Model Management facilitates model aggregation which can be used for clash detection, resolution and tracking. Takeoff provides comprehensive 2D and 3D quantification and is ideal for estimation teams. Estimate connects pre-construction with cloud-based estimating.
Autodesk Docs functions as the core document management tool which serves as the central CDE. This CDE acts as the single source of truther for project information which allows for document management and sharing all documentation.
BIM Collaborate Pro is a cloud-based software that allows for cross-discipline collaboration, co-authoring, model coordination and issue management tools. With the software being ideal for multidiscipline teams, it additionally allows teams to conduct advanced project activity tracking. Teams can co-author project in software packages such as Revit, Civil 3D or Plant 3D.
When looking at the Autodesk CDE Ecosystem it is important to understand the capabilities of each tool and how it fits into the workflow process and what is appropriate for your team. Autodesk Construction cloud offers various tools for different professionals and different project stages. Docs is the key document management tool in ACC and BIM Collaborate Pro allows for cross-discipline coordination which is essential in today’s complex and fast paced construction industry.
