Interscale Content Hub – As we go through the digital transformation of the construction industry, there are times when we ask ourselves: what is BIM 360 and why is it so popular?
What’s the importance of BIM 360 in the digital transformation of the construction industry?
First of all, what is BIM 360? Simply put, BIM 360 is a cloud management solution for all your construction project needs and requirements.
This cloud-based platform is designed for construction project management. It helps teams work together more effectively, which means projects are delivered on time, within budget, and with fewer risks.
BIM 360 was developed by Autodesk and offers a range of connected modules that can be used to meet different project needs, from the initial design stage through to construction and then on to operations.
What is BIM 360 and What the Difference with Revit?
Revit and BIM 360, both part of the Autodesk family, have different but equally important roles to play in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries.
Revit is mainly a Building Information Modelling (BIM) software which helps you create detailed 3D models.
It’s a popular choice among architects and engineers for designing and documenting buildings in 3D.
Revit’s great at bringing together different design disciplines into one model, which you can then tweak and analyse to make sure the building’s performing as well as it can.
BIM 360 is a bit different, though. It goes beyond the design phase and offers a cloud-based platform for managing the whole project lifecycle.
Revit is all about creating the model, while BIM 360 is more about collaboration, data management, and project execution.
BIM 360 has all the tools you need to manage documents, keep track of what’s going on in the field, and stay on top of the project as a whole.
So, Revit lets architects and engineers put together detailed building information models, while BIM 360 makes it easy for different people involved in the project to share, review and coordinate these models.
For more insight, you might want to take a look at “Revit Tutorial for Beginners in 2024: Your Fast-Track to BIM Success.”
Features of BIM 360
BIM 360 is more than just one tool. It’s a complete set of integrated modules, each designed to tackle a specific part of managing a construction project.
The core components, as Sean O’Dwyer explained in his presentation, “What is BIM 360?,” are the building blocks of this powerful platform.
At the heart of it all is BIM 360 Docs, the central hub for all project documentation. It’s not your usual document management system because it has version control and you can access it in real time from any device.
BIM 360 Design takes collaboration to the next level by letting you work on the same model at the same time, no matter where you are.
BIM 360 Docs is integrated seamlessly with the 3D models, which makes them easy to access and manage. This helps to make the design and review processes more efficient.
Then, you have BIM 360 Glue as a great tool for dealing with the tricky bits of clash detection and resolution.
By bringing together models from different areas, it helps teams to spot and fix design issues before they become costly problems during construction.
When it’s time to get down to the execution, BIM 360 Build is there to make sure everything runs smoothly on site.
It’s got a whole range of features, from quality and safety management to progress tracking and equipment oversight.
BIM 360 Ops is all about making the most of BIM after the project is done. It connects the dots between construction and facility management.
It also links operational and maintenance data to the model, which makes processes like ticketing and performance monitoring a lot easier, and helps you manage the building throughout its lifecycle.
Bringing these BIM 360 modules together with the rest of the Autodesk Construction Cloud ecosystem makes them even more powerful.
Autodesk Construction Cloud doesn’t just make it easier to use these modules together, it also brings some pretty cool new features like predictive analytics, better cost management, and more secure data.
Applications of BIM 360
Architecture
BIM 360 is a total must for architects who need to manage design data and work with other professionals.
The platform lets you view and coordinate models in real time, so everyone’s on the same page with the latest changes.
This makes sure the design is totally accurate and lets architects focus on creativity without worrying about miscommunication or data discrepancies.
Engineering
BIM 360 is useful for engineers because it can handle complex data sets and integrate different design elements into one model.
The platform’s analytics tools help engineers run different scenarios and see how changes to the design affect the structure, safety, and cost.
Construction
In the construction phase, BIM 360 is used to manage what’s going on on site, keep track of how things are going and make sure the project stays on schedule.
The platform’s field management tools let you report in real time and keep an eye on any issues, which can be really helpful for hitting those tight deadlines.
The platform guarantees increased productivity and ensures projects are completed on time and within budget. BIM 360 ensures companies make their projects more efficient.
For BIM manager guidance, please refer to the “What is a BIM Manager? A Comprehensive Guide About Responsibilities, Skills, & Benefits“
Challenges and Considerations of BIM 360
While there are lots of advantages to using BIM 360, it’s not without its difficulties.
One big consideration is how long it’ll take to get to grips with such a comprehensive platform. Yup, teams need to put in the time to learn how to use it to its fullest potential.
On top of that, the fact you’re using cloud services means you need a stable internet connection to get the best out of it, which might be tricky in remote areas.
Another thing to think about is data security. While Autodesk has put in place some pretty robust security measures, including encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular audits, the nature of cloud-based systems still raises concerns about data privacy and protection.
Autodesk’s white paper on Construction Cloud shows they’re serious about high availability and data security.
But it also says that they work with cloud providers like AWS, so users have to take responsibility for security too.
Many firms fail to meet deadlines, exceed their budget, and experience inefficiencies as a result of these challenges and considerations.
For instance, V.J. Agosta and Associates (VJA) had to optimise their Revit workflow amidst a growing portfolio and workload – and they did it.
Their initial Revit templates were not aligned with their specific project needs, leading to inconsistencies and time-consuming manual adjustments.
Similarly, Studio Tate had to undergo customised training to avoid disruption to their ongoing projects when transitioning from ArchiCAD to Revit.
Support System Navigating BIM 360 Complexities
Interscale is the license Autodesk BIM360 partner you need to consider as your support system to tackle those complexities. Why should you choose us? Let’s break it down.
As Autodesk Gold Partner, we provide tailored BIM management services designed to meet your specific needs.
For example, our customised training programmes, like those implemented for Studio Tate and Sheldon, equip teams with the skills necessary to maximise productivity within the BIM 360 environment.
The development of bespoke Revit templates and content libraries, as demonstrated in the Conquest Design Group and K2LD case studies, guarantees streamlined workflows and ensures adherence to industry standards.
Furthermore, Interscale’s unwavering support and assistance, as seen in their partnerships with Ewert Leaf and Form700, provide a reliable foundation for organisations as they navigate the complexities of BIM 360.
Interscale know there’s a lot to take in, and we apologise if we’re making things a bit confusing for you at the moment.
We know you want to see what we can do and what others have said about us. So, kindly start your due dillengence on our Interescale BIM Management page.
Or, if you’re ready for a coffee and croissants, let’s meet up and talk about how we can help. We’re ready to have a conversation with you.
In Closing
BIM 360 provides a wide array of features without a doubt, and everyone involved in a project benefits from them.
Its integration with the Autodesk Construction Cloud has cemented its role as a key player in the digital transformation of the industry.
Use BIM 360 to improve teamwork, make processes smoother, and deliver successful projects.
So, what is BIM 360? It’s the best construction project management tool you can use right now. It’s not going to be in the future. But, it’s right now.
