The Autodesk Construction Cloud Perspective Part 2: Streamlining Efficiency for Contractors
Given low margins, contractors are often most focused on minimizing costs and maximizing profits, which comes down to managing risk. In this quest, the investment of time and resources to coordinate and collaborate can get lost or minimized. The commitment to collaboration is further complicated by varying procurement methods and risk profiles, as well as concerns about data privacy and security. Rightfully so, contractors want to maintain control over the project data and information, which can create barriers to true digital collaboration.
Here are a few ways Autodesk Construction Cloud is shaping a more collaborative workflow for contractors.
Cloud-based, Centralized, Secure
Having all project data, including models, plans, RFIs and submittals, stored in a central, cloud-based platform that is accessible to all stakeholders is a foundational step in a successful collaborative workflow. The cloud-based environment creates a single source of truth and ensures everyone is working off the latest information—and it’s protected. Through the permissions panel, contractors can control access to their data, safeguarding intellectual property while enabling collaboration. The Autodesk Construction Cloud platform allows for granular control over who can view, edit, or interact with different parts of the project data and models.
The Autodesk Construction Cloud platform allows for granular control over who can view, edit, or interact with different parts of the project data and models.
Connect and Consume
One of the most powerful capabilities of Autodesk Construction Cloud is a technique called ‘Consume.’ Using this feature, a contractor can work with the design information without directly linking to the live model. This capability can streamline workflows by allowing each team to continue working without impacting the other’s space and reduce the need for constant coordination between the architect and contractor.
Bridge Basics
When working on large-scale projects, general contractors may want to split out different parts of the project into their own project instances within Autodesk Construction Cloud. This can be easily accomplished with the Bridge feature, which allows users to share copies of project data, such as models, drawings, and documents, with other stakeholders even when parties are using different software or systems.
Correspondence Tracking
With the correspondence tool, users can communicate directly within a project context rather than relying on external email or messaging platforms. For improved accountability, the project team can assign due dates and statuses to correspondence items, such as requests, approvals, or issues—and generate automated notifications. It also allows users to directly reference and attach relevant project data, such as drawings, models, or documents, within the communication threads.
Model Coordination
By leveraging the model coordination capabilities within Autodesk Construction Cloud, contractors can virtually validate the design and resolve conflicts before the physical construction begins. This helps minimize rework, delays, and unexpected challenges during the building process.
Autodesk Construction Cloud is purpose-built to help contractors improve data management, facilitate better collaboration, enhance data accessibility, create an audit trail, and optimize the design-construction integration and collaboration—all of which can help contractors mitigate risks and improve project delivery.
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