Autodesk Build has the tools you need to set up a connected system for your project data. Below, we describe the benefits of integrating AutoCAD with Autodesk Build.
For many designers in the construction industry, AutoCAD continues to be their modeling software of choice, since it provides several key benefits for drafting, annotating, and designing with 2D geometry and 3D models. However, despite its magnificent features and functions, construction companies often run into problems when it comes to sharing those designs. For instance, the process of making changes to CAD drawings from contractors turns out to be a difficult task, as those working on site do not always have access to the tools to help provide their design counterparts with updates to the actual drawings.
Thankfully, there is now the perfect solution. With a digital collaboration platform, sharing changes become more straightforward, no longer relying on marked-up PDFs or handwritten notes. Having an accessible single source of truth in streamlined workflows improves transparency and mitigates errors.
There’s a single source of truth to minimize errors
Autodesk Build facilitates document management. It enables to storage and managing of all project documents and data from design through construction in a common data environment. Teams can share design files securely in their native format, which can be accessed from any device. The real-time platform creates a single source of truth available to everyone on the project.
Communicating changes are quicker and clearer
Files can be accessed in a wide variety of formats, from the office or the site, and either viewed or edited depending on the permissions set. The design team, owners, and construction companies can instantly upload and distribute drawings and documents that are automatically hyperlinked, versioned in order, and easily searchable with a full drawing search.
New versions automatically replace old documents, eliminating the risk of working from outdated plans. And taking into account there’s unlimited storage and version management, it’s possible to compare past versions of designs, resulting in fewer errors and a deeper understanding of the project.
Stronger relationships between collaborators.
With Autodesk Build, users can create and map tasks to exact locations on drawings, tagging the assigned team member and specifying a deadline. Also, any file uploaded to Autodesk Build is traceable. At any given time, it’s possible to visualize the history of a file, including when it was created, who has viewed it, and any changes that have been made. This eliminates any doubt about what has been received by different stakeholders, saving time on follow-ups and tracking.
Better connectivity across the project lifecycle
Autodesk Build is a project communication tool that connects stakeholders across the lifecycle. Files become the starting point for exchanging information and beginning additional workflows. Other workflows can be started within the system: for example, attaching a cost to an issue with an RFI, setting up a meeting to discuss the problem, creating daily logs, storing GPS referenced photos, or managing assets and their deployment status. With multiple data points in one place, the project team can benefit from more detailed data and drive better business outcomes.
Versatility to progress from 2D to 3D
Many companies are gradually transitioning from 2D to data-rich formats like BIM modeling. However, in the meantime, lots of knowledge will be stored in traditional file types. With Autodesk Build, teams have the flexibility of managing and visualizing a wide range of file types as they transition.
What’s more, the workflows are very similar for different formats; for example, you can create issues on any file format supported by the viewer. This means that Autodesk Build can not only support traditional workflows but help companies undertake the journey from 2D to 3D in the future.
In a nutshell, adding Autodesk Build to AutoCAD workflows is a must for the construction industry, since it connects data and teams across the headquarters, office, and jobsite, and improves productivity throughout the project lifecycle.
