Martin Couling
Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) is a software platform created specifically for the AEC industry. It provides a suite of tools to help professionals manage their projects from Design, through Construction, to In Use. The platform is cloud-based, accessible from anywhere, anytime (internet permitting).
Now, one can be forgiven for being confused with the current cloud platform offerings available through Autodesk. Phrases like unified platform, Collaborate and Collaborate Pro have become more commonplace whilst BIM 360 Design, BIM 360 Teams and A360 are names that are fading away, but still linger enough to muddy the water. First of all, lets clear it up.
There are currently two cloud platforms; Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), and BIM 360. Autodesk Construction Cloud is the latest version of the pair, being pegged as the future. That being said, BIM 360 is still fully supported and developed.
We will provide further clarification but for now keep in mind that:
September 2023 will see the BIM 360 Team platform transferred to read-only. December 2023 will see the removal of all access to Team (including data). Customers have the opportunity to use a technology preview (Autodesk Replication Tool) to transfer their data to either BIM 360 or Autodesk Construction Cloud.
Autodesk Construction Cloud is composed of several different offerings, each with its own set of features and functions to fulfil the requirements of a project throughout its lifecycle. We will concentrate on ACC, as this will become the more utilised platform, but comparisons will be made to BIM 360 for familiarity.
Docs is the core of the ACC Platform, and is the Common Data Environment (CDE) solution put forward by Autodesk. It allows unlimited storage, sharing, tracking and management of information in a centralised location. Functions like version control, permission controls, markups, and drawing and model compare allow improved collaboration and communication across the board, either internally or as part of a wider project team. The beauty of Docs, and of course the entire ACC solution, is that it integrates with other Autodesk products and also provides mobile access for on-the-go collaboration.
Docs comes with the AEC Collection, BIM Collaborate / BIM Collaborate Pro, Autodesk Build and Autodesk Takeoff and is comparable to BIM 360 Docs.
Collaborate is the next step up, with the addition of more design minded, advanced modules. First there is Model Coordination, which includes automatic clash detection and tools to manage and track resolution. We then have Design Collaboration, which allows teams to control the flow of information to and from other teams, and provides an easy to use swim lane feature to track any changes in other teams outputs.
Autodesk BIM Collaborate Pro has the addition of Revit Cloud Worksharing, and Collaboration for Civil / Plant 3D, which uses Docs as the environment that files are synced to rather than an organisations network drive, for instance.
BIM Collaborate requires a separate licence, which can be done on an Enterprise basis (unlimited licenses). Collaborate Pro is a separate licence, and is the evolution of BIM 360 Design.
Takeoff allows estimators to combine modelled and non-modelled quantities (2D and 3D) to produce a comprehensive quantity inventory.
Autodesk Takeoff is a separate licence and is comparable to BIM 360 Takeoff.
As you may have guessed, Build is catered to the Construction stage and is the largest offering available, providing tools for Project Management, Cost Management, Quality, Safety, and Closeout. The tools in Build are plentiful, and include RFI’s, Contract Creation, Quality Planning, Forecasting, Punch lists, Safety Training, and the list goes on.
Build is a separate licence and is comparable to BIM 360 Build.
Overall, the Autodesk Construction Cloud is designed to enable AEC professionals to realise their full collaborative capabilities, streamlining their workflows and ultimately improving project outcomes. By providing a suite of tools that are specifically tailored to the needs of the industry, ACC is helping to transform the way that buildings and infrastructure are designed and built.
At Symetri, we understand if you are either starting out with your Digital Transformation, or you are well along your path, figuring out the next steps can be difficult. With software licence, ACC rollout and BIM implementation services, we are well equipped to help you wherever you are on your journey.
If any of the above sounds like it can help your business, or you would simply like a chat to find out more, please get in touch with us by completing the form on the right.
