AUTHOR: Danielle Lucas

With rising project complexity and competitive markets, you need a solution that is flexible, connects your teams, data, and workflows, and delivers powerful insights. You need a solution that simply helps you deliver better projects, faster, and with greater profitability.

Most of all, you need a solution that’s built for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry – not an office cloud app that can’t process complex 3D files or a server solution that requires VPN. That’s only going to slow you down.

Which AEC collaboration solution is right for you?

Firms like yours are looking for smarter ways to manage data and streamline collaboration across your projects, no matter what design tool you use. Autodesk launched the next evolution of their cloud services for the AEC community, generally known as the Autodesk Construction Cloud. This platform brings exciting new offerings for connecting workflows, teams, and data to work seamlessly in design and construction.

Autodesk BIM Collaborate and BIM Collaborate Pro cloud-based design and collaboration software connects AEC teams on a single platform. There are some differences in functionality between these two offerings. Which should you choose? 

Cloud-based design collaboration and coordination software for architecture, engineering, and construction teams to review designs, run automatic clash detection, and track project status.	Includes all the same features and capabilities available in BIM Collaborate. Also includes co-authoring capabilities for teams that need to edit Revit, Civil 3D, and AutoCAD Plant 3D designs in real-time.
$705 /year *	$945 /year *
USE FOR: Design review and coordination, including automated clash detection Cloud-based document management, project administration, and advanced analytics	USE FOR: Design review and coordination, including automated clash detection Cloud-based document management, project administration, and advanced analytics Cloud co-authoring in Revit, Civil 3D, and AutoCAD Plant 3D
WHAT IT DOES: Cloud-based document management–Simplify access to relevant 2D sheets, 3D models, and office files in a common data environment Aggregated model view–Contextually navigate aggregated models with pan, orbit, walk, and create new model views Automated clash detection–Upload models to automatically detect clashes, viewing results in the aggregated model or an intuitive clash matrix Project timeline–Exchange data between teams in design packages, tracking progress for all disciplines with dates and contents Change analysis–Understand how published changes from other teams impact ongoing work within context of the full project model Watch groups–Get notified about added, removed, or modified elements between versions by disciplines affected and modification type, in any web browser Managed trust workflow–Control the real-time data your designers and consultants can access, to manage complexity, avoid miscommunication, and reduce rework Coordination spaces–Explore options, run clash analysis, and assess constructability against shared models without disrupting work by other teams Issue management–Identify, detail, and assign issues and centrally manage in a common data environment Account and project administration–Set up and manage teams in one place, with full view of access and permissions across projects Document approvals and version control–Ensure the project team is always working off of the latest models with automated version control Connections to Navisworks and Revit–View, assign, and resolve Model Coordination or Navisworks issues in either Navisworks or Revit Project analytics and insights–Leverage advanced analytics from your centralized project data, export this data if needed, and use to identify and mitigate risk BIM 360 and Autodesk Construction Cloud platforms–Access and manage projects in both BIM 360 and Autodesk Construction Cloud platforms ISO 19650 support–Access workflows that support ISO 19650, a global design and construction information management standard Data center choice–Choose to host your project data in Europe or the United States BIM 360 Glue–Get access to the BIM 360 Glue service, included with BIM Collaborate, which also covers the Navisworks Manage and Point Layout entitlements	WHAT IT DOES: Cloud-based document management–Simplify access to relevant 2D sheets, 3D models, and office files in a common data environment Aggregated model view–Contextually navigate aggregated models with pan, orbit, walk, and create new model views Automated clash detection–Upload models to automatically detect clashes, viewing results in the aggregated model or an intuitive clash matrix Project timeline–Exchange data between teams in design packages, tracking progress for all disciplines with dates and contents Change analysis–Understand how published changes from other teams impact ongoing work, within context of the full project model Watch groups–Get notified about added, removed, or modified elements between versions by disciplines affected and modification type, in any web browser Managed trust workflow–Control the real-time data your designers and consultants can access, to manage complexity, avoid miscommunication, and reduce rework Coordination spaces–Explore options, run clash analysis, and assess constructability against shared models without disrupting work by other teams Issue management–Identify, detail, and assign issues and centrally manage in a common data environment Account and project administration–Set up and manage teams in one place, with full view of access and permissions across projects Document approvals and version control–Ensure the project team is always working off of the latest models with automated version control Connections to Navisworks and Revit–View, assign, and resolve Model Coordination or Navisworks issues in either Navisworks or Revit Project analytics and insights–Leverage advanced analytics from your centralized project data, export this data if needed, and use to identify and mitigate risk BIM 360 and Autodesk Construction Cloud platforms–Access and manage projects in both BIM 360 and Autodesk Construction Cloud platforms ISO 19650 support–Access workflows that support ISO 19650, a global design and construction information management standard Data center choice–Choose to host your project data in Europe or the United States BIM 360 Glue–Get access to the BIM 360 Glue service, included with BIM Collaborate, which also covers the Navisworks Manage and Point Layout entitlementsBIM Collaborate Pro includes the full list of features and capabilities above, plus: Revit cloud worksharing–Collaborate in real-time with contributors across teams, disciplines, and time zones using cloud-based Revit worksharing. Check out Revit elements or families as you normally would, then sync with central or publish to the cloud for faster co-creation on a central platform Collaboration for Civil 3D–Create, edit, and reference Civil 3D files, data shortcuts, and xrefs across teams, companies, and time zones in the cloud. Use familiar workflows via a Desktop Connector-enabled connected drive Collaboration for Plant 3D–Securely share AutoCAD Plant 3D files across teams, companies, and time zones. Centrally organize projects, view changes in a web browser, and maintain compliance requirements When using cloud co-authoring services Revit Cloud Worksharing, Collaboration for Civil 3D, and Collaboration for AutoCAD Plant 3D: Projects on BIM 360 will support Revit 2018.3 or later, Civil 3D 2020.2 or later, and AutoCAD Plant 3D 2021 or later Projects on the unified platform will support Revit 2018.3 or later, Civil 3D 2020.5.1 or later, and AutoCAD Plant 3D 2021 or later
SUPPORTED BROWSERS & DEVICES: Supports most current browsers: 64-bit browsers are recommended for optimal viewing experience iPhone (5S+) BIM 360 Only Air, Pro, Mini 2, and above BIM 360 Only Android devices that support WebGL BIM 360 Only	SUPPORTED BROWSERS & DEVICES: Supports most current browsers: 64-bit browsers are recommended for optimal viewing experience iPhone (5S+) Air, Pro, Mini 2 and above Android devices that support WebGL
PLATFORM:  Windows & Mac	PLATFORM:  Windows & Mac

When choosing between BIM Collaborate and BIM Collaborate Pro, consider your team’s needs for real-time collaboration and co-authoring capabilities. BIM Collaborate Pro is ideal if you require cloud-based worksharing in Revit, Civil 3D, or AutoCAD Plant 3D, allowing for simultaneous design work across teams. If your focus is more on design review, coordination, and automated clash detection without the need for real-time co-authoring, BIM Collaborate might suffice. The Pro version offers more advanced features for integrated design workflows, making it better for complex, collaborative projects.

Document Management

The following document management releases are exclusive to Autodesk Build:

• Files | Minimap on Mobile – Similar to the web functionality, members on mobile can view a 2D map of their model while they navigate in 3D. This 2D minimap appears at the top of your phone screen. Members can also move the blue dot on the 2D model to adjust their viewing of the 3D model.
• Files | Gyroscope on Mobile – Members can leverage their mobile device’s built-in gyroscope to experience an immersive interaction with their models while in the field.
• Files | Levels Navigation on Mobile – Members can utilize the up and down arrows to easily navigate between levels within their model.
• Files | Improved Properties Display on Mobile – While viewing a 3D model on mobile, members can see a list display that highlights the properties (constraints, dimensions, etc.) within the model.
• Files | Joystick Toggle for Mobile – While viewing a 3D model on mobile, members can collapse the joystick via the toggle button on the console menu (right-hand side of the mobile screen). This enhancement allows members to maximize their viewing experience.
• Sheets | Export links with Markups and Auto-callouts – Members on the web can now see two new checkboxes, “Include hyperlinks” and “Include Auto-callouts” on the sheet export configuration panel. From there, exported PDFs highlight any linked markups to simplify the process of accessing needed information.

Project Management

• Meetings | Edit Meetings on Mobile – Members can edit general meeting information on their mobile devices.
• Submittals | Watchers Enhancements – Members can add watchers when creating a submittal item, will see the default watcher, and have the ability to bulk add watchers.
• Submittals | Cover Pages – Cover pages can now be added to submittal attachments. Members can add a blank page, upload their preferred cover page or leverage the built-in cover page that has all relevant submittal information. Once the cover pages are created, members can annotate and add their own stamps.
• Submittals | Status Summary Report – Members can create a new report highlighting the status of submittal items. The Status Summary report summarizes the status of submittal items by company.
• Submittals | New Filters – Members can now filter Submittal Items by Responsible Contractor and Manager.
• Schedule | Share Schedule Views – Members can share a filtered schedule view instantly from the web with other project members.
• Schedule | Filter activities by references (web) – Members can now filter by activities that contain references, as well as filter by specific reference type.
• Schedule | Turn on reference column (web) – Members can now enable the reference field as a column when viewing the schedule.
• Schedule | Add vertical lines for milestones (web) – Members can now add vertical lines for milestones when viewing the schedule in Gantt view.
• Schedule | List Improvement (web) – Members can now sort schedules by name on the thumbnail page as well as view the schedules in the list view.
• Schedule | Add References in iOS – Members can now link references to schedule activities in iOS such as Photos, Files, Sheets, Assets, and Issues.
• Schedule | View Schedule in Android – Members can now access the Schedule tool on Android.

Read more: Understanding Issues, Forms, Submittals, & Cost Management in Autodesk Build

Field Management

• Photos | Additional Autotags (Beta) – 4 additional tags – wiring, lighting, insulation, and heavy equipment – that will be automatically applied to existing project photos as well as new photos uploaded into the gallery.

Handover/Assets

• Assets | Linked Markups on Sheets – When creating a markup on a sheet, members can directly link an asset to the markup.

For construction projects to be successful, they need appropriate quality management controls from start to finish. This improves business relationships, minimizes costs and mistakes, and prevents project rework or late delivery. It’s always good to know the general construction industry overview, but it’s also very useful to know what quality management is, why it’s important, and how you can improve it in your own projects.

What Is Construction Quality Management?

Construction quality management is a management system intended to serve as quality control throughout a construction process. Successful project management has to ensure quality assurance so that everyone from leadership to subcontractors adheres to the applicable quality standards involved with the project. Inspections that verify all of this should happen internally and externally.

Specific tests might happen for things ranging from concrete stiffness and weld quality to soil compaction and more. These tests might happen during work, but they might also happen after work is complete. Exceptions are made for particular materials.

Some testing and quality management have to happen before construction even begins. It’s necessary to check out the building materials in advance to prevent unnecessary incidents. Likewise, final project inspections ascertain whether the finished work is both compliant and cost-effective.

Why Is Quality Management Important in Construction?

The right quality control plan is crucial in the construction industry because it’s a basis for your project to be successful in the end. By stating your specific quality requirements, following a quality management system, and doing the proper auditing, you can put your organization in the same place as the best construction companies who know that a quality management plan is always important. Failing to have one can result in problems you don’t want or need, including builds that don’t stand the test of time, defects in workmanship, numerous construction changes, and confusion or lack of communication between parties.

Quality control aligns strongly with cost control, and both are things that the right construction industry software can help you with. Using technological and software solutions makes advanced planning easier to accomplish but also makes it more likely to implement those early quality standard decisions as the project carries on. If you’re not sure what kind of software to look at, then Autodesk Build is a good place to start.

Quality control is also important in terms of project safety. Failures and defects can be expensive, but they can also turn into potential safety hazards where trade partners handle redoing work in conditions that are not ideal. Accidents are always a risk, but proper quality control can help minimize and manage them.

The final benefit of quality control in any construction effort is simply getting the best possible outcome. No one wants to go through a laborious project only to get mediocre results. Not only will you risk making your current client unsatisfied, but you might also risk your reputation and ability to generate business in the future.

What Is the Difference Between Quality Management and Quality Assurance?

Everyone from on-site superintendents to stakeholders should want quality work to be a crucial element in every stage of the project life cycle. Management software should always generate a punch list of the remaining tasks, but nonconformance shouldn’t be tolerated in any task, finished, in progress, or yet to be started.

Quality assurance and quality management are both crucial to accomplishing all of this, but they’re not entirely identical. Many professionals use these two terms interchangeably. In many cases, that might be okay. There is certainly a lot of overlap between the two concepts. However, they’re not totally synonymous.

Quality assurance is also known as QA. These responsibilities and activities correspond to the entire system or project. They are intertwined with every single aspect of your construction.

On the other hand, quality control is known as QC. The overwhelming majority of QC activities are more of a subset of what’s involved with quality assurance. These are still important, but they are more likely to focus on specific construction elements or tasks.

Quality assurance focuses on instilling confidence in stakeholders that listed quality requirements are going to be met, and this applies internally to managers and externally to clients, certifiers, regulators, government personnel, and other relevant third parties. Meanwhile, quality control emphasizes the specific steps that fulfill the designated quality requirements, such as how a product is made. In short, quality assurance is more about communication while quality control is more about the inspection.

What Are the 3 Phases of Quality Control?

Your job site is no different from other construction sites that need to stick to ISO standards and quality control procedures. Your specific benchmarks and quality issues might vary from the assessments that others do, but everyone needs to make sure their work is cost-effective so it’s profitable and acceptable to clients. In general, you should always follow a three-phase system of quality control.

The three phases of construction project quality control include the preparatory phase, the initial phase, and the follow-up phase. These should happen in order, as they rely on each other in proper sequence. Each has definable features that contribute to the comprehensive quality control of the overall project.

In the preparatory phase, the quality control team needs to review all the tasks at hand. Testing and inspection requirements are stipulated during this time. Workers need to learn all safety precautions and undergo appropriate training if need be.

The initial phase is when you should verify that personnel meets the necessary requirements for the work that they are specifically assigned. Also, verify that your job site is safe for all planned work. Once you have the first representative work sample when work commences, be sure that contract requirements are being adhered to.

The final phase is the follow-up phase. This actually starts while work is still in progress, despite its name. Be sure all requirements are consistently met, and continue verifying work is successful until project completion.

What Are the 4 Main Stages of Project Quality Management?

Construction quality management processes that most construction firms use can typically be broken down into four main stages that team members can follow. Whether it’s the first time you use them or you’re looking for continuous improvement, these can help you avoid needless follow-up if you have finished work already.

The four main stages of project quality management include initiating, planning, execution and implementation, and closure.

The initiation phase is when you define the project in terms of resources, goals, and scope. Clarify the budget, and determine goals using the SMART method of specificity, measurements, achievability, relevance, and timeline. Decide what team size you need, and assign roles to various professionals involved.

During your planning phase, you’ll move from your overall roadmap to deciding concrete details, and they might be as specific as deciding who will lay concrete and when. Start doing risk calculations, and establish change processes you might need when things go awry. You should have assembled some or all of your team during the initiation phase, but the planning phase is when you decide what they will all do and what quality standards they need to adhere to.

Most of the physical labor and actual work will happen during the phase of executing and completing tasks. Project quality management will happen at three different levels here. Training and resource quality should be verified before certain tasks start, audits ensure ongoing tasks are happening properly, and follow-up inspections make sure finished tasks were done right.

The closing phase concludes all your project activities. As you turn your finished product over to its owners, assess how things went. Quality management that went right is something to celebrate with them, but anything that didn’t go well needs to be addressed for both the client and future projects.

Tips to Improve Quality in Construction Projects

One of the hardest parts of construction project management can be decision-making about improving your quality objectives. The quality of the project should be evident long before project delivery, and construction quality control needs to work down from project managers to individual subs and their workmanship. Fortunately, you can do several things to improve the quality of any construction project.

First of all, define the quality requirements. These can be measured in a variety of ways but typically include some of the following:

• Standards and Codes Compliance
• Inspections and Audits
• Material Quality
• Workmanship
• Construction Processes
• Safety
• Functional Performance
• Client and Stakeholder Satisfaction
• Documentation and Record Keeping
• Continuous Improvement

Make sure that all training requirements are fulfilled. Identify the professionals responsible for each step, and be sure they know the procedures, requirements, and standards to follow. It’s on them to keep their own subordinates informed about all applicable standards.

Project quality assessments should happen on an ongoing basis. Appoint one person to oversee plan compliance, ranging from materials and work practices to the actual finished work. Quality control procedures shouldn’t just make sure a project meets standards but hopefully exceeds them.