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Autodesk Construction Cloud introduces Bridge, new data sharing capabilities to transform construction collaboration

Autodesk launched Bridge, a new collaboration capability that empowers construction teams to share only relevant data with project stakeholders, regardless of whether they are on the same team or building projects within Autodesk Construction Cloud. Bridge gives teams control over their respective project data sets by enabling them to share select sheets, folders, and files with collaborators without having to share all project information. The new collaboration capabilities delivered by Bridge lessen the need for manual data transfer and management and provide confidence that everyone is working from the same information, minimizing rework and saving teams time and money that directly impacts their bottom lines.

 

“Communicating relevant information with each stakeholder in a timely manner can be a manual and time-consuming process that often leads to data loss and miscommunication, putting us at risk of rework, increased costs, and extended timelines,” said Luis Angel Garcia, BIM specialist, SSOE Group.

“On the other hand, sharing entire projects with team members can compromise privacy and requires tedious permission setting. Autodesk Construction Cloud’s Bridge gives us the flexibility to automatically share relevant information with stakeholders, while still maintaining control over our project data. Bridge radically simplifies our collaboration across teams and projects so we can deliver work on time and within budget.”

 

“Every construction project is different and our customers need flexibility to collaborate according to the needs of each project,” said Sameer Merchant, vice president of product development, Autodesk Construction Solutions. “Additionally, different stakeholders need to maintain agency of the data pertinent to their work on a project. Bridge introduces a transformational new collaboration capability that gives teams the autonomy and flexibility to manage their own data. Project stakeholders can maintain their own project instances and save on the time, cost, and confusion that often results from having to manage external collaborator permissions and manual ‘send and receive’ workflows.”

Using Bridge to share closed RFIs offers enhanced collaboration by enabling seamless sharing between different Autodesk Build accounts. This capability allows teams to efficiently manage and track Requests for Information (RFIs) even after they are closed, improving project transparency and communication. The closed RFIs can be shared across multiple projects within Autodesk Construction Cloud, streamlining workflows and ensuring all stakeholders remain informed. This can be done by using the Close and distribute function in the RFIs tool.

 

Bridge connects project data for internal and external teams

Bridge empowers project members with the flexibility they need to share relevant information with different teams and projects using Autodesk Construction Cloud, facilitating smoother collaboration to complete projects on time and within budget.

  • General Contractors have a simple solution to coordinate work between their trades and provide visibility to owners while ensuring owned project information is documented and saved in a centralized location. Whether they are working on a large project and want to split each component into its own sub-project or want to break out projects for trades to meet privacy mandates set by owners, general contractors can now use Bridge to share data with different teams and projects from one main, easy-to-manage instance.
  • Specialty trades can share necessary information such as project install progress with general contractors while maintaining their respective data within their own project instances. If they have multiple ongoing projects, trade teams can also aggregate their data into one main, easy-to-manage internal location for an aggregate view that strengthens analytics and future decision making.
  • Owners have clear visibility into project performance and construction documentation when they link data using Bridge. Information is not lost in manual “send and receive” workflows and the data needed to make timely project decisions becomes easier to find.
  • Designers can communicate the latest design documents with owners and contractors and keep a pulse on how design intent is being upheld during construction. Bridge enables designers to protect intellectual property and share only necessary sheets and files while also reducing time spent on manual “send and receive” workflows.

 

Share sheets and files.

With the right permissions, easily select any Sheets or Files to share with another project within the same account, or to a project within a different account.

Bridge - Share sheets and files

 

Set up automations.

Ensure all teams have the most up-to-date versions by setting up and managing automated sheet sharing.

Bridge - Share sheets and files

 

Create direct project linking.

Take information sharing to the next level by connecting stakeholders across accounts, providing contact details for collaborators, and making disconnecting and removing automation at the end of a project a one-click process.

Bridge - Create direct project linking

 

Bridge is now available at no additional cost to customers using Autodesk Construction Cloud’s web applications — Build, Collaborate & Takeoff.

Want to see Bridge in action? For more info or a demo, please contact Microsol Resources.

 

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Transforming Design Review at New Jersey Transit

Managing modern construction projects can be complex, from balancing budgets and meeting tight deadlines to coordinating large teams. But with the help of cutting-edge technology, these challenges can be streamlined, making collaboration easier and more effective.

 

Bluebeam Live World Tour 2024 NYAs part of the Bluebeam Live World Tour in New York, held on October 23, 2024, at MetLife Stadium, this session will feature New Jersey Transit and Microsol Resources, a Bluebeam Platinum Partner, as they discuss their successful implementation of Bluebeam across their organizations.

 

With extensive experience supporting clients like NJ Transit, Microsol Resources has provided tailored solutions to address unique project challenges, from document management to collaboration workflows. Learn how NJ Transit overcame obstacles, celebrated achievements, and gained valuable insights through their partnership with Microsol Resources. Discover how Bluebeam has been a key driver in their project success.

 

Presenting will be David Spergel, Bluebeam Certified Support Representative and Instructor at Microsol Resources, along with Melissa Spafford, Manager of Standards & Quality (Capital Programs) at NJ Transit, and Steven A. Magnotta Jr., Resident Engineer of Railroad Construction Oversight at NJ Transit. They’ll provide an in-depth look at how Bluebeam technology has revolutionized their document management, communication, and project delivery processes.

 

As a Bluebeam Platinum Partner, Microsol Resources is committed to offering unparalleled support and expertise, helping organizations like NJ Transit integrate Bluebeam technology to maximize their operational efficiency. This partnership has enabled NJ Transit to optimize collaboration within their teams and enhance coordination with external project partners.

 

JOIN US

 

Key Takeaways for Architects, Engineers, and Construction Professionals:

  • Real-time Collaboration: Discover the power of real-time collaboration using Bluebeam Cloud, enabling teams to work together seamlessly from different locations. Learn how documents, markups, and annotations are shared to keep project workflows moving efficiently.
  • Custom Profiles and Toolsets: Explore how Microsol Resources helped NJ Transit implement custom profiles and toolsets, improving workflows across departments and ensuring consistency throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Streamlined Workflows: Learn how Bluebeam integrates with other industry-leading tools, streamlining processes and increasing productivity. Discover how automation and cloud technology can help teams work more effectively.
  • Mobile Capabilities: Uncover the mobile features of Bluebeam Cloud, allowing project teams to access, review, and annotate documents on the go, ensuring that collaboration and communication continue uninterrupted, no matter where you are.

By collaborating with a Bluebeam Platinum Partner like Microsol Resources, NJ Transit has been able to harness the full power of Bluebeam to transform their construction management.

Whether you’re an architect, engineer, or construction professional, this session will provide insights on how Bluebeam can improve your collaboration with project partners, streamline document management, and drive overall project success.

Ready to elevate your project collaboration? Contact us at bluebeam@microsolresources.com to learn how Microsol Resources can help you implement Bluebeam solutions for your projects.

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What is the PlanGrid Build App?

The PlanGrid Build mobile app is available for members who subscribe to any of the following Autodesk Construction Cloud offerings:

Data syncs to the PlanGrid Build mobile app to ensure that members can complete tasks from anywhere on the job site with access to project data even when offline.

The following table details the mobile app capabilities for each offering:

PlanGrid Mobile App Comparison Matrix

How do you install the PlanGrid Build App?

The PlanGrid Build app is available to install on both android and iOS devices. That way you can use your preferred device, and still access your project information anywhere you go. To ensure best performance, you will want to make sure that your device is able to run the minimum version of the operating system that PlanGrid Build app supports.

PlanGrid Build app supports the following mobile operating system versions:

  • Android: 8.0 or later.
  • iPhone: iOS 16.0 or later.
  • iPad: iPadOS 16.0 or later.
  • Apple Vision: visionOS 1.0 or later.

Here are the steps to install the PlanGrid Build App:

  1. Open up the App Store on your iOS device, or the Google Play Store on your Android device.
  2. Search for plangrid (all one word).
  3. Tap the PlanGrid Build App result.
  4. To install:
    • iOS – Tap the cloud icon
    • Android – Tap Install

Once the PlanGrid Build app is installed you are ready to get started. This includes either creating an account (or signing in if you have an existing account), and switching the data center to access information in different locations.

 

How do you get started using the PlanGrid mobile app?

When you first open the PlanGrid Build mobile app you have the following options:

  • Create an account
  • Sign in to an existing account
  • Switch between the different data centers.

Create Account

If you don’t have an existing Autodesk Account, you can create an account using the app.

Tip: Before creating an account, you can choose which data center you want to store your account’s data in. See Switch Data Center for more information.
  1. Tap Create account.
  2. Enter your name, email address, and create a password.
  3. Tap Create Account.
  4. Verify your account using the verification email sent to your inbox.You are redirected to the app and signed in.
  5. Fill in the required details about your company and job.
Sign In

If you already have an Autodesk Account, sign in to start using the app.

  1. Tap Sign in.
  2. Enter your email address and password.
  3. Tap Sign in.
  4. Optionally, set up 2-step verification to protect your account.
Tip: If you sign in to the app and don’t see the products or projects you’re expecting, you may need to sign out and switch data centers.
Switch Data Center

Projects on the ACC platform can be created in different data centers. You can switch between these data centers on the app, to access data stored in different locations.

  1. Tap Switch data center at the bottom of the screen:
  2. Use the menu to choose which data center you want to switch to:
    Note: The Australian data center is currently available for PlanGrid projects only.
  3. Tap Done.
  4. Sign in or Create an account to start using the app.

 

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