In the past, AEC projects struggled with fragmented workflows, leading to frequent human error, delayed decision making, and inconsistent quality control. Without AEC Workflow Automation, coordination was cumbersome and inefficient. Fortunately, today, the Australian construction scene is turning things around by embracing automation in the AEC sector.
So with these recent changes, we’re finding our custom application development services are helping our clients in the AEC industry.
They’re wrapping up projects quicker, hitting fewer snags along the way, and seeing a healthier boost to their bottom line. And. that’s what we’re gonna talk about below.
How Workflow Automation Improves AEC Projects?
AEC workflow automation does so many things to improve AEC projects, like cutting down on human error while ramping up quality control. By automating quality checks and standardizing processes, you’re installing guardrails that keep projects on track and minimize costly mistakes.
Think about your last project that went sideways – chances are human error played a starring role. That’s where AEC workflow automation shines brightest.
Then, by weaving BIM automation into everyday tasks, firms create a single source of truth that keeps data in sync across your AEC teams. We have helped construction managers transform from spreadsheet jugglers to strategic thinkers once they implemented proper automation systems.
Importantly, real-time analytics further boost risk management by flagging issues early. So, when everyone works from the same data platform in real time, coordination happens naturally. For us, projects that use BIM to improve workflow consistently finish faster while maintaining higher quality standards.
Learn how BIM audits can prevent costly surprises and help you run leaner, smarter projects.
Software and Tools for AEC Workflow Automation
Autodesk Construction Cloud
Autodesk Construction Cloud brings everything together, unifying the entire construction workflow from design to execution. It streamlines processes across design, construction, and operations while cutting down on human error. With mobile accessibility, on-site teams can stay updated wherever they are.
Pros
- Brings together Autodesk’s best tools (BIM 360, PlanGrid, etc.) under one roof
- Real-time collaboration that works, even with team members scattered across different sites
- BIM integration that spots problems before they become expensive mistakes
- Mobile access that keeps site teams in the loop without endless email chains
Cons
- Be prepared for a learning curve – this isn’t something you’ll master overnight
- Smaller projects might find it overwhelming
- You’ll need to commit to the Autodesk ecosystem, for better or worse
Pricing
Subscription-based with modular pricing. This pricing lets you pick and choose components. No need to pay for bells and whistles you’ll never use.
Want a clear breakdown of what’s inside the Autodesk AEC Collection? Explore the full list and pricing details to see which tools match your needs.
Navisworks
When it comes to clash detection, a component of effective construction project management, Navisworks is the heavyweight champion. This tool pulls together models from Revit, AutoCAD, and other applications without losing crucial data along the way.
Pros
- Clash detection that catches issues your team might miss until it’s too late
- Visualization tools that help clients understand what they’re actually getting
- Simulation features that let you test construction sequences before executing them
- Excellent BIM coordination capabilities that bring different disciplines together
Cons
- Limited editing features mean you’ll still need your authoring software
- Requires specialized knowledge to use effectively – not everyone will pick it up quickly
- Large, complex files can slow things down considerably
Pricing
With the Navisworks Freedom free download, you can open, view, and navigate aggregated 3D model data. For the Navisworks subscription pricing, here’s the details:
- Monthly subscription: $140
- Annually subscription: $1,110
- Flex: $300/100 tokens (minimum), with 4 tokens/day
Dynamo for Revit
Revit automation doesn’t have to mean hiring a programmer. Dynamo changes the game by making automation accessible through visual programming that anyone can learn with some effort.
Pros
- Creates automation workflows without traditional coding – think visual recipes instead of programming
- Tackles repetitive Revit tasks that eat up your designers’ time
- Basic workflows don’t require a computer science degree
- Robust Australian user community sharing scripts and solutions
- Automatically installed as part of Revit since Revit 2020
Cons
- Complex operations still require some programming knowledge – it’s not quite “automation for dummies”
- Resource-intensive scripts can slow down even powerful machines
- The learning curve is steeper than the marketing suggests
Pricing
Comes free with your Revit subscription
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Bluebeam Revu
Bluebeam Revu is a robust PDF markup and collaboration tool. This platform has a big name because it’s perfect for handling technical documentation in construction. It excels in document management and real-time collaboration, ensuring that approvals, revisions, and quality control are all tracked efficiently.
Pros
- PDF markup that understands construction documentation needs
- Document management that reduces the admin nightmare of large projects
- Real-time collaboration
- Customizable tools that automate tedious documentation tasks
Cons
- BIM integration isn’t as robust as dedicated modeling tools
- Focuses more on documentation than comprehensive project management
- Feature-rich interface can feel overwhelming at first
Pricing
- Basics ($260): For simple markups, document management and collaboration.
- Core ($330): For professional-grade markups, measurements and collaboration.
- Complete ($440): For automating and accelerating your workflows.
Procore
For comprehensive construction management with a focus on financial control, Procore delivers a user-friendly platform. Although it’s strong in overall construction management, its focus on design phases is a bit limited and may call for supplementary BIM automation tools for full integration.
Pros
- Interface that people want to use – a rarity in construction software
- All-in-one project management covering most bases you need to touch
- Mobile app that works reliably in the field, not just in the office
- Training resources that get teams productive quickly
Cons
- Design phase tools aren’t as strong as their construction management features
- You might need additional tools for complete BIM automation
- Cost structure can be challenging for smaller operators
Pricing
The Procore pricing approach is the custom quotes. Because they will adjust the price with your project needs and requirements.
Looking for the right BIM tool for your specific workflow? Check out our review on 12 best BIM software tailored for every stage, from design to construction and management.
Best Practices for AEC Project Automation
Focus on Repetitive and Time-Consuming Tasks
A key tip for effective automation in the AEC sector is to zero in on repetitive, time-consuming tasks. Don’t try to automate everything at once – you’ll set yourself up for failure.
Those document processing workflows, drawing updates, and quantity takeoffs where human error rates typically exceed 15% without automation? That’s your low-hanging fruit.
Take a page from Interscale’s playbook: analyze your processes to identify where staff spends most of their administrative time.
You’ll typically find that 20% of tasks consume 80% of non-productive hours. Target these first for quick wins that build momentum.
Use Cloud-Based Solutions for Collaboration
Australia’s geography demands cloud solutions. Yup, there’s simply no other way to effectively connect teams across vast distances.
Modern construction workflow software should deliver updates in real-time, maintain version control, and work as well on remote sites as it does in your head office.
Automation in construction works best when all disciplines are connected seamlessly. This is why you need a partner to build and maintain that unified digital ecosystem. The goal is to support transparent decision making and efficient resource management in your AEC projects.
Collaboration can make or break a project. Discover the top 10 BIM collaboration tools helping AEC teams stay aligned and efficient.
Integrate AEC Software
Getting your AEC software platforms to talk to each other is crucial for smooth workflow automation. Because, the fragmentation of AEC software creates massive headaches. Through APIs, middleware, or custom integrations, you can ensure data flows effortlessly between teams.
When your accounting, project management, and BIM systems share information automatically, you eliminate countless hours of copying and pasting – and the errors that inevitably follow. This is why Interscale’s integration expertise helps clients build coherent workflows. These workflow and integration respect each team’s unique requirements while maintaining data integrity throughout the project lifecycle.
Your Next Steps
You’ve seen how streamlined workflows reduce human error and boost decision making. Now, it’s time to harness the power of tools and expert guidance to drive growth and efficiency in your operations. Partner with professionals who understand your challenges and can tailor solutions that work for you. Embrace the impact of AEC workflow automation, and set your business on a path to excellence.
