As anyone in the AEC industry knows, data management is a huge help in making things run more smoothly. But as they say, when the good times come, challenges always await.
One of the big challenges in the AEC industry when it comes to data management is planning how to move data from one place to another.
Planning your Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) data migration is a great way to make your project lifecycle more streamlined, collaborative, and data-driven.
But what’s involved in this migration, and how can your company make it a success? How can we tackle the obstacles in the process?
Preparing for Data Migration
Assessing Your Current Data
The first thing we need to do is create a complete data inventory.
Think of this as a detailed map of your data landscape, showing the format, location, and relevance of each data set to the ACC environment.
This inventory helps you get a handle on the scale of the migration and flag up any potential issues.
Next, it’s time to take a good look at the quality of your data. Keep an eye out for any inconsistencies, errors or outdated information that could affect the integrity of your migration.
Cleaning up and standardising your data before the move makes sure it’s accurate and can be used properly in ACC.
This helps your data perform at its best and helps you make the best decisions.
Security is another big issue here. Make sure you have strong security in place to keep sensitive data safe during the migration process.
This includes things like encryption, access controls and making sure we comply with all the relevant data privacy regulations.
The Autodesk “Security Whitepaper,” has all the info you need on how Autodesk keeps your data safe.
It covers things like data encryption and regular vulnerability scans, which are key for keeping your data secure during migration.
Defining Migration Objectives
The first thing you need to do is set some clear goals. What exactly do you want to achieve through migration?
It could be better teamwork, lower costs or better decision-making.
These goals will help you figure out the best way to move forward and decide what to focus on first.
Once you’ve got your goals in place, it’s time to prioritise your data. Not all data is worth the same amount.
First, work out which data sets you need for day-to-day operations and focus on migrating those.
Finally, make sure you set yourself a realistic timeline.
It’s a good idea to put together a detailed plan that outlines each phase of the migration process, from data preparation and testing to execution and post-migration validation.
A good, well-structured timeline helps you manage expectations, make sure you’re allocating your resources effectively, and avoid unnecessary delays.
Developing a Migration Strategy
Choosing the Right Tools and Methods
The ACC ecosystem has a whole range of tools and methods to make data migration a breeze. Each one has its own strengths and is great for different scenarios.
Autodesk’s built-in migration tools make it easy to move data from older Autodesk products.
However, if you’re dealing with a more complex migration or integrating with non-Autodesk systems, you might want to consider third-party migration software.
For instance, you can use automated tools like the Autodesk Replication Tool (ART) to cut down on the time and effort needed for large-scale migrations.
ART makes it really easy to transfer huge amounts of data by replicating folder structures and files directly from legacy systems like BIM 360 to ACC.
As well as ART, there are other ways to do this, like manually uploading data or using APIs for custom migration processes. It just depends on what the project needs.
For smaller projects or less complex data structures, simpler tools like the Desktop Connector can do the job just fine. It has a drag-and-drop interface that is easy to use while maintaining data integrity.
Choosing a Migration Strategy
There are a few things to think about when you’re choosing a migration strategy. Things like how much data you’ve got, how complex it is, when you want to get it done by and how much disruption you can cope with.
A big bang migration, where you transfer all your data in one go, is usually faster but carries more risks. For example, it could take longer to get your system back online if something goes wrong, and you might lose data if it’s not done right.
On the other hand, a phased migration lets you transfer data bit by bit, which reduces the risk of any hiccups but also makes the whole process take longer.
When it comes to big projects, Ramboll’s approach, as we can see in “Mass Data Migration to BIM 360 and Autodesk Construction Cloud,” uses a phased migration strategy.
This method lets you keep your critical systems up and running while you gradually move your data to the new platform.
By making sure that essential data is migrated first, teams can make sure that critical operations are kept running without interruption.
Creating a Detailed Migration Plan
A good migration plan is your roadmap to success. It should lay out each step of the process, from data prep and testing to migration execution and post-migration validation.
The plan should include specific timelines, how you’re going to allocate resources, and contingency strategies for potential risks.
For instance, the report from Ramboll on data migration suggests including buffer periods in the timeline to allow for unexpected delays or issues during the migration process.
This proactive approach helps us manage expectations and make sure the migration stays on track.
Executing the Migration Process
Data Backup and Verification
Before we get started with the migration, it’s a good idea to create a complete backup of your data.
This is a bit of a failsafe in case something unexpected crops up during the migration process.
The Autodesk security white paper shows how important it is to have data replication and regular backups in place to stop data being lost and to make sure the business keeps going.
So, it’s important to make sure you do regular backups and data verification checks as part of the migration process to keep your data safe.
It’s also important to check what’s been migrated to make sure it’s all there and hasn’t been lost or corrupted in the process.
You can use automated tools to compare the data before and after the migration to make sure everything is there and correct.
Monitoring and Troubleshooting
It’s important to keep an eye on things during the migration process to make sure any issues are dealt with quickly.
You might find it helpful to use the Autodesk Health Dashboard to get real-time updates on system availability and scheduled maintenance.
On the other hand, troubleshooting is another big part of the migration, as things can go wrong unexpectedly.
So it’d be a good idea to have a team ready to deal with any issues that might come up during the migration.
This team should have the right tools and authority to make quick decisions and keep the migration process on track.
Post-Migration Best Practices
Validating Data Integrity
Once you’ve moved your data to Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), you need to make sure it’s all there and working properly.
This process is all about making sure everything has been transferred properly, without any corruption, loss or alterations.
This phase is pretty substantial, to say the least. Sometimes, even small issues can cause big problems if they’re not fixed quickly.
So, it’s a good idea to include user feedback when you’re checking the data. That way, teams can make sure all the data they use every day is there, correct and easy to access.
The good news is ACC provides robust mechanisms for ensuring data integrity, including encryption and regular data verification processes.
Training and Support for Teams
Moving to ACC often means getting used to new ways of working, tools and interfaces, which can take some getting used to.
The key to getting the full benefit from the platform is to make sure everyone gets the training and support they need to get up to speed quickly.
As Donnia Tabor-Hanson observes in the “Expert Elites Discuss Autodesk Construction Cloud” article, “The most successful members of our team were those who had completed some training before jumping into an ACC project.”
Training should cover the basics of ACC as well as how it fits into existing workflows and processes.
For instance, project managers might need in-depth training on ACC’s project management tools, while field teams might focus more on mobile access and on-site collaboration features.
It’s good to have the chance to learn new things, like going on advanced training courses or using the online resources. This helps the whole team to keep up with new features and best practice, so they can make the most of ACC.
Support mechanisms should also be in place to address any issues that arise post-migration.
This includes dedicated teams who are there to help, help desks, and user forums where employees can get help and share what they know.
Identifying and Addressing Potential Risks
Even with the best-laid plans, there are bound to be some unexpected hurdles along the way, both during and after the migration.
There are lots of ways that things can go wrong, including data corruption, user errors and system integration issues.
That’s why it’s crucial to proactively spot and tackle potential risks to keep things running smoothly and ensure business continuity.
You can use some of the operational security controls that Autodesk has in place as a reference, such as background checks for employees, access management policies, and regular audits.
However, it’s equally important for your organisation to have its own risk mitigation strategies in place.
This includes having a plan for backing up and recovering data, as well as contingency plans for when the system is down, and robust security measures to protect against breaches.
Choose Strategic Partner for Smooth ACC Data Migration
As you can see, the transition to Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) can be a complex undertaking.
But with the right partner, it can be a smooth and successful journey.
Interscale, as an Autodesk Gold Partner, is uniquely equipped to support your firms through every step of this critical process.
Our specialised Autodesk consultants provide expert guidance on data mapping, transformation, and validation, ensuring data integrity and usability in the ACC environment.
And yes, we offer flexible contracts with no lock-in, predictable costs, and an Australian data centre for optimal performance and compliance.
So, to get a taste of how we can help, we encourage you to explore our Interscale Managed IT Services for AEC Companies page for more information.
Or, maybe you are ready for a coffee and croissants? Our team would love to catch up with you.
Let’s arrange a one-on-one meeting so we can chat through your specific risk assessment issues.
We’ll show you how Interscale can be your go-to for all things IT risk assessment.
Alright, Let’s Wrap This Up
Moving your data to the Autodesk Construction Cloud is a great move – it can really give your construction business a boost.
If you plan ahead, choose the right tools for the job, and make sure everyone’s up to speed with the right training, using the right strategic partner, you can easily move your operations to the cloud.
So, in the end, getting your ACC data migration right isn’t just about getting the tech side of things right; it’s also about making a smart investment in the future of your construction projects.
