What is Autodesk Construction Cloud Bridge?

Autodesk Construction Cloud Bridge is a data-sharing solution designed to improve collaboration between stakeholders working across different Autodesk Construction Cloud accounts. Rather than relying on manual file transfers or disconnected workflows, Bridge enables project teams to securely exchange files, folders, and project data while maintaining control over what is shared and with whom.

By streamlining cross-account collaboration, Bridge helps minimize errors, reduce redundancies, and ensure that teams stay aligned, even when working from different locations. In this article, we will give an overview of Bridge and cover its key features and benefits, as well as some tips on getting started.

Understanding Autodesk Construction Cloud

Autodesk Construction Cloud is a comprehensive suite of software tools that connect workflows, teams, and data across every phase of a construction project. It brings together products like Autodesk Build, BIM Collaborate, Takeoff, and Docs to amplify design collaboration. 

Additionally, project management, cost control, and field execution tools are powerful features from Autodesk Construction Cloud. The platform is designed to centralize construction data and improve visibility, helping stakeholders make informed decisions, reduce rework, and deliver projects more efficiently.

How Does Bridge Work?

Bridge is a built-in feature within Autodesk Construction Cloud that enables secure, controlled data sharing between separate Autodesk accounts and projects. When teams working under different organizations or regions need to collaborate, Bridge allows project administrators to selectively share specific files or folders. This can all be done without granting full access to the entire project environment.

The shared data appears in the recipient’s account as a linked copy, ensuring both sides stay up to date as changes are made. This allows for real-time collaboration across organizational boundaries while maintaining data ownership, control, and version integrity. Utilizing Bridge with Autodesk Construction Cloud is a critical feature for cross-functional and cross-organizational project execution.

Key Features of Autodesk Construction Cloud Bridge

As mentioned above, Bridge is a built-in collaboration tool that enhances data sharing and project visibility to all relevant stakeholders. Below, we’ll cover, in-depth, some of the key features that Bridge has to offer.

Selective Data Sharing

Bridge allows project administrators to choose exactly which files or folders to share between Autodesk Construction Cloud accounts. This level of control helps teams collaborate efficiently without overexposing sensitive project information. Shared content can be tailored to each recipient’s needs to avoid data overload or miscommunication.

Automation

To streamline workflows, Bridge supports automation for recurring file transfers. Teams can set up automated sharing rules that ensure the latest versions of drawings, documents, or models are consistently synced across projects. This minimizes manual effort and helps keep all collaborators working from the most current data set.

Cross-Account Collaboration

Bridge enables perfect collaboration between companies or departments operating under different Autodesk Construction Cloud accounts. Instead of relying on email attachments or third-party file sharing, your teams can work directly within their own project environments while maintaining connectivity with external partners.

Benefits of Using Autodesk Construction Cloud Bridge

There are a number of benefits to integrating Bridge into your Autodesk Construction Cloud workflow. Below, you will find a more thorough review of some of the major benefits that we have already introduced.

Improved Collaboration

By enabling seamless file sharing between separate Autodesk Construction Cloud accounts, Bridge breaks down silos and fosters closer collaboration among project stakeholders. Teams can work in parallel from different organizations or locations while maintaining a single source of truth, leading to unmatched transparency.

Reduced Rework

Miscommunication and outdated files are common and avoidable reasons for rework. Bridge ensures that all of your collaborators have access to the most current project data, reducing the risk of duplication, errors, or delays caused by working from outdated documents. This helps improve overall project efficiency and reduces material waste.

Faster Decision-Making

With accurate, real-time data flowing between teams, decision-makers can act more confidently and quickly. Bridge supports streamlined communication, making it easier to review documents, identify issues, and take thoughtful action without the delays often caused by disconnected systems or manual file exchanges.

Use Cases for Bridge in Real-World Construction Projects

Now that we’ve covered the key features and benefits of using Bridge for your construction problems, let’s take a look at some case studies where Bridge was utilized.

Miron Construction used Bridge to streamline their sharing of Revit models with subcontractors. Previously, the process involved manual zipping, downloading, and uploading, which was taking about an hour per transfer. With Bridge, they now “share models more quickly, saving time and minimizing confusion.”

Impact from Bridge Integration:

•         Elimination of manual download and upload cycles
•         Provides subcontractors with direct access to current Revit models

Additionally, at Autodesk University 2023, a session described how Barton Malow, Ghafari, and GM used Bridge extensively in an integrated project delivery (IPD) of battery plants worth $1 billion. They leveraged Bridge to apply consistent collaboration practices, reduce rework, and enforce data-sharing standards across team boundaries.

Impact from Bridge Integration:

•         Supports high-stakes, cross-organizational collaboration
•         Ensures uniform data control and quality across global teams

Limitations and Considerations

While Autodesk Construction Cloud Bridge is a powerful tool for cross-account collaboration, it does come with some limitations that project teams should consider. One of the key constraints is its one-way sharing model, meaning files and folders shared through Bridge remain controlled by the sender, and any changes made by the recipient are not automatically synced back. This setup helps maintain data integrity but may require additional coordination when two-way collaboration is needed.

Automation features are available, but not all workflows are fully hands-off. In some cases, teams may still need to manually manage file syncs or updates, especially if their projects involve unique structures or irregular schedules. Additionally, permissions remain governed by each team’s internal setup, so it’s essential for both senders and recipients to clearly define access levels to avoid confusion or restricted visibility.

Lastly, Bridge is designed to function within the Autodesk Construction Cloud ecosystem. While it greatly enhances collaboration between Autodesk users, it offers limited interoperability with external platforms unless supported by additional integrations. For teams working in mixed software environments, this may require supplementary tools or processes to bridge the gap.

Getting Started with Autodesk Construction Cloud Bridge

Implementing Autodesk Construction Cloud Bridge is a straightforward process, especially for teams already working within the Autodesk ecosystem. To begin, project administrators need access to Autodesk Docs within a project. From there, they can navigate to the “Bridge” tab and begin configuring file sharing settings.

The first step is identifying which folders or files need to be shared and selecting the destination project, meaning whether the project documents are within the same organization or across a different Autodesk Construction Cloud account. Administrators can then define the level of access and whether automation rules will apply for ongoing syncing. Once set, shared content appears in the recipient’s Bridge tab, where they can choose to accept and import it into their project structure.

To ensure a smooth setup, Autodesk recommends establishing clear communication between collaborating teams, aligning folder structures, and defining roles and permissions in advance. While the platform handles much of the technical lifting, upfront coordination helps avoid missteps and ensures both sides are working from a consistent and current set of information.

Final Thoughts

Autodesk Construction Cloud Bridge offers a powerful solution for connecting teams across accounts without sacrificing control or data integrity. By streamlining file sharing and enhancing collaboration across project boundaries, Bridge helps construction professionals work more efficiently and with greater confidence. As more firms adopt connected workflows, tools like Bridge will play a crucial role in unifying project data and reducing friction throughout the construction lifecycle.

Sources

Microsol Resources. (n.d.). What is Autodesk Construction Cloud? https://microsolresources.com/tech-resources/article/what-is-autodesk-construction-cloud/

Microsol Resources. (n.d.). Autodesk Construction Cloud introduces Bridge: New data-sharing capabilities to transform construction collaboration. https://microsolresources.com/tech-resources/article/autodesk-construction-cloud-introduces-bridge-new-data-sharing-capabilities-to-transform-construction-collaboration/

Autodesk Construction Cloud. (n.d.). Miron enhances coordination by modernizing data management. https://construction.autodesk.com/resources/customers/miron-enhances-coordination-by-modernizing-data-management

Autodesk. (2023). Delivering $1 billion of work collaboratively with Autodesk Construction Cloud [Conference session]. Autodesk University. https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/class/Delivering-1-Billion-of-Work-Collaboratively-with-Autodesk-Construction-Cloud-2023