In the current conditions of the AEC industry, migrating data from one system or platform to another is a complex task that requires careful strategic planning and expert guidance.
No matter if you’re upgrading your old system, combining data sources, or moving to the cloud, it’s vital to have a solid migration plan in place to keep your data safe, cut down on downtime, and make the switch as smooth as possible.
That’s why we’re going to walk you through everything you need to know in this step-by-step guide to data migration.
And yes, we’re focusing on Autodesk Construction Cloud, which is a pretty popular platform for managing construction project data.
An Introduction to the Autodesk Construction Cloud Platform
The Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) is your one-stop shop for managing all the data that comes with a construction project.
ACC brings together tools like Autodesk Build, BIM Collaborate, and Docs, so everyone from architects to site managers can work together seamlessly.
And now for the good news for Australian users: Autodesk has just made its platform even better by setting up a primary data storage region right here in Australia.
This means your project data stays on home soil, so you can be sure you’re complying with those strict Aussie data sovereignty laws.
Plus, having your data closer to home means faster access and more control, which is a win-win for both productivity and compliance.
For further explanation, you may need to read “3 Case Studies of Data Migration to ACC“.
Basic Principle Migrating Data in the AEC Industry
When you’re planning data migration in the Australian AEC industry, it’s good to think about which data is essential for your company’s needs.
It’s usually best to focus on the files and models you use most often, rather than archiving all your data from past years.
This selective approach can save a lot of time and money because it makes the migration process much faster and easier. Next, think about why you’re doing the data migration.
People have different reasons for wanting to move their data. Some people might want to keep access to important files or maintain their current folder structures.
For some, it might be about avoiding the hassle of manual reuploads.
You need to understand these motivations when deciding how much data to migrate.
So, given the two principles above, you need to decide whether you should migrate everything or just a part.
The thing is, there’s no one right answer here.
Ultimately, it depends on your specific needs and goals. If you only need a few specific files, migrating everything might be overkill.
On the other hand, if you only migrate some of your data, you might end up missing out on crucial information.
The key is to find the right balance. That’s why, timing is also a big factor in every data migration.
As you probably know, moving data can cause problems with ongoing projects.
This means you don’t want the stakeholders juggling access to projects in two different systems.
So, it’s always a good idea to have a solid plan in place to make the switch from your old system to ACC without any hiccups.
Finally, you could use this migration as a chance to make workflows and folder structures in the new system more efficient.
Any improvements you make during this transition will set your projects up for long-term success.
Don’t rush. You may want to read the “AEC Data Migration Rules” to better understand the data migration conditions in Australia.
How to Get Started with Transition
Preparing Your ACC Environment
The first thing you need to do is check whether your company’s ACC account is up and running and make sure the right people have the right access.
If you don’t have these in place, your team could face some big issues, especially during the most important parts of the migration.
Next, create a new project in ACC. This is where you’ll move your data. Starting with a clean slate is the best way to avoid any potential conflicts with existing projects.
Now, take some time to familiarise yourself and your team with the platform’s workflows and tools.
Autodesk Construction Cloud works a bit differently from older platforms like BIM 360.
If you’re an Australian company moving from BIM 360, it’s a good idea to make use of Autodesk’s comprehensive training materials.
These resources are there to help users get to grips with the new system, so that workflows are not only maintained but improved upon.
Planning and Organising Your Data
Now, let’s look at your data to see what we can find out together! In this phase, it’s good to keep an eye on the timing, too.
It would be great if you could plan the migration for periods when your team is less active.
This could be during off-peak seasons or scheduled downtimes.
By doing this, you can make sure your ongoing projects won’t be affected, and that the transition will be as smooth as can be.
Before you start the migration process, it’s a great idea to take some time to get your data organised.
It’s always a smart move to review your existing datasets to identify what needs to be migrated and what can be archived or discarded.
While you’re at it, it might be useful to take a quick look at your existing folder structure and see if there’s anything you’d like to change.
If you think it would be helpful, you can export any activity logs or other important records from your old system.
Test Before You Leap
You must not jump straight into the full migration. A test migration must be conducted.
By migrating a small subset of data first, you can identify and address potential issues before the full-scale migration.
This approach reduces the risk of unexpected problems and ensures a successful transition to ACC.
How to Develop a Transition Plan for Your Company
The first thing you need to do is take a good look at your current systems, such as BIM 360. Make sure you document all the workflows, folder structures and data organisation.
This assessment will help you figure out the best way to set up projects in ACC.
The next thing to decide is when to migrate. This timing is a big deal. Migrating data at the wrong time can also mean a loss of productivity.
For example, moving data over a weekend or during scheduled downtimes can help to reduce any disruption to ongoing projects.
Now it’s time to get those new projects set up in ACC to house your migrated data.
Take your time to think about your folder structures, set up the right permissions, and make sure your data management practices fit well with what ACC has to offer.
During the migration, it’s pretty important to limit access to the old system.
You can do this by setting projects to view-only mode or temporarily revoking access. This will stop data sync issues that could mess up the migration.
Before you move all your data, it’s a good idea to do a trial run with a small subset.
This helps you spot any potential issues and make any necessary tweaks before you get the ball rolling.
Autodesk’s Support Offerings for Adoption
There are lots of tools and resources to help Australian companies get started with Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC).
The first thing you’ll want to look at is the Autodesk Replication Tool (ART).
It’s like a data moving van, designed to shift your files, folders, and even those complex folder structures from BIM 360 over to ACC.
The great thing about ART is that it makes a copy of your data without affecting the original, so you can still access your old system if you need to.
Next, there are loads of training resources. There are webinars, detailed documentation, and lively community forums where you can swap tips and tricks with other users.
These are useful for Australian businesses getting to grips with the new data storage region, helping you understand any local differences.
If you do come across any tricky issues during your migration, don’t worry. Autodesk has a Self-Serve Solution Adoption Advisor ready to help you out.
This tool gives you tailored recommendations based on what you need to move over, helping you plan your transition and get the most out of ACC.
The advisor looks at things like project size, data types, and regional differences to give you personalised advice.
Strategic Partner for Smooth ACC Data Migration
ACC looks great and seems straightforward to use, right? But here’s the thing: you’re working with complex data structures, potential compatibility issues, and the need to keep disruption to your workflow to a minimum. It’s a lot to handle, isn’t it?
That’s why, as an Autodesk Gold Partner, we have the expertise and experience to make your ACC migration a success.
Our specialised consultants live and breathe Autodesk. So, they know the platform inside out and can give you advice that’s tailored to your specific situation.
We don’t just talk the talk, we walk the walk.
We’ve helped lots of AEC firms successfully make the switch to ACC, making sure their data is kept safe and accessible.
Plus, our data centre in Australia means your data stays local, and you can rest easy knowing it’s all compliant with the latest regulations.
What does that confidence mean for you?
You can count on a smooth migration, minimal downtime, and data you can trust. Also, we’re committed to transparent pricing with no lock-in contracts, so you can relax knowing you’re in safe hands throughout the process.
While we’re confident in our abilities, we encourage you to do your own research. As a starter, Visit our Interscale Managed IT Services for AEC Companies page for more insights.
Or, if you’re ready for a great coffee and croissants, we’d love to hear about what you’re struggling with. Let’s have a meeting and talk it through.
Alright, Let’s Wrap This Up
Moving your data is a big deal, especially when you’re moving to a platform like Autodesk Construction Cloud. You need to have a well-thought-out plan.
It doesn’t matter if you’re moving from BIM 360 or just getting started with ACC – success depends on preparation, testing, and having the right support throughout your migration.
Our team of experts at Interscale is ready 24/7 to support you at every step of the way, as outlined in the data information guide above.
