How IDEC integrated Autodesk Construction Cloud into the BIM process for its new campus

Rethinking our collaboration and optimising workflows through the cloud: working differently for increased connectivity and productivity.

The digital transformation of the construction industry has become unavoidable, providing improved efficiency, quality and collaboration between industry stakeholders. The IDEC group, a pioneer in the building industry, made the strategic decision to integrate Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) into its BIM process. Their new campus in Blois embodies this innovative vision from its design through its finalisation. This is also their first project to fully explore the ACC functionalities, making it a textbook case. Frédéric Bernardi, IDEC’s BIM Coordinator, and Régis Foriez, Customer Success Manager for Autodesk, explain how this integration has revolutionised collaboration, optimised workflows and resulted in improved operational efficiency. They also give us a first glimpse into the future of construction in a world in which technology is evolving at an unstoppable pace.

IDEC: a comprehensive and integrated view of construction

Founded in 2000, the IDEC group has become an essential player in construction in France and around the world, with 650 employees across their sites. With a revenue of nearly €521million and 700,000m² constructed each year, IDEC stands out through its complementary professions, covering all segments of the building industry. From planning to engineering to energy, the group provides integrated solutions to meet the diverse needs of customers. “Our strength is in our capacity to provide a comprehensive solution for our customers, integrating all aspects of construction,” explains Frédéric Bernardi.

Embracing BIM at IDEC: the answer to customer demand

IDEC’s BIM adventure began in 2016, in answer to the requirements of a specific project and the demands of one customer, “We chose Autodesk in 2017-2018, when deciding to use BIM 360 to manage architectural design, purchasing and Construction, etc. Our choice was corroborated when one of our international customers recognised the quality of our process during an audit, going as far as integrating it partially into their own internal processes!” says Frédéric Bernardi. This success strengthened IDEC’s confidence in the Autodesk solutions, encouraging them to take things even further. The Group then became aware of the need to use a common data environment (CDE) to facilitate interaction between all those involved in the project.

The IDEC campus: Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) from design to completion

In 2023, IDEC passed a new milestone in adopting Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), specifically through Autodesk Build. This decision, motivated by the complexity and diversity of the buildings in the new Blois campus and through the desire to remain at the leading edge of technology and innovation, enabled them to consider the new Campus as a showcase for the group’s expertise.

The campus is designed to be 60% energy autonomous and integrates ambitious carbon compensation practices, including the planting of 8000 trees. The campus is composed of several key buildings and infrastructure elements:

• A 6000m² modern office building designed to provide optimal working space with maximum energy efficiency.
• A six-storey car park providing 427 parking spaces and equipped with solar panels. The solution to parking challenges while also contributing to renewable energy.
• An employee fitness centre, an essential part of the campus promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. 
• A fitness trail designed to encourage physical activity and provide a relaxing environment for campus users.

This key project for IDEC also provided the opportunity to prepare for the future by adopting new working methods.

“We wanted a platform capable of managing not only design and construction, but also to guarantee seamless communication between all project stakeholders. The use of ACC for the Campus project enabled us to test this solution on a wider scale, covering all the cycles involved in a construction project”

Frédéric Bernardi, BIM Coordinator, IDEC

Sustainability and impact: two objectives at the heart of the IDEC campus

The IDEC campus, not satisfied with being a simple technological showcase, also embodies an exemplary ecological process. Designed to be eco-responsible, the project includes planting 8000 trees to compensate for its carbon footprint, as well as landscaping that respects the local flora and fauna, with birds’ nests, insect hotels and even hibernacula. The campus was designed along eco-design principles, with increased insulation and consideration of acoustics to guarantee optimal comfort. The property uses advanced energy technologies such as photovoltaics, geothermal energy and heat pumps, covering 60% of its energy requirements. Moreover, energy is mutualised across the campus, increasing the site’s overall efficiency. The design is also focused on employee welfare, with lounge areas having obtained an OsmoZ certificate of Excellence in wellbeing, a fitness centre, a fitness trail and a range of services still to come, including a concierge service, creche and intercompany canteen.

Implementation of ACC: supporting the transition to boost productivity

The implementation of ACC was not without its challenges. “The site managers had their own way of doing things and were already using specific tools for their regular tasks and log issues. We needed to support them through the transition”, emphasises Frédéric. Through in-depth configuration and with the support of Autodesk, IDEC managed to adapt ACC to the specific needs of these teams. “The intuitive interface and the possibility of using the platform on different digital devices eased its adoption by the site managers, who can now use ACC on either tablet, computer or phone”, he adds.

These changes have had a positive impact across IDEC’s organisation:

Better connection between all stakeholders for improved cooperation and optimised workflows

The switch to ACC transformed the way in which IDEC works with its partners and teams. One of the main advantages of ACC is its capacity to centralise all information and to make it available in real time, wherever you are. “With Build, all project information is transmitted automatically and immediately to the office and becomes available to all project stakeholders,” explains Régis.

In the context of the IDEC Campus, this connectivity eliminated information silos, providing smoother communication and improved decision-making. The integration of ACC had a significant impact on IDEC workflows.

Reduced errors, and inevitable reduced costs

The generalised access to information also helps to avoid potential errors, which could delay the project and have a negative financial impact, by facilitating the identification of errors as early as possible. Frédéric explains: “Thanks to ACC, we identified and corrected errors earlier in the construction process, which enabled us to reduce our costs”.

So, what’s to come? Make the move to the Cloud, but most importantly, go further with full integration.

Adopting Autodesk solutions, and in particular ACC, has proven to be a strategic choice for IDEC. “Autodesk solutions, such as AutoCAD and Revit, are already well established in our industry. However, ACC brings major progress with its cloud functionalities, facilitating document management and communication between all project stakeholders, wherever they may be”, states Frédéric. This technology allows users to correct errors quickly, to share remarks in real time, and to maintain efficient coordination between the office and the construction site. “Making the transition towards the cloud is crucial. It simplifies communication and increases the efficiency of all stakeholders”, he concludes.

The integration of Autodesk Construction Cloud in IDEC group’s BIM process for the construction of their new campus perfectly illustrates the benefits of digitalisation in the building industry. This initiative optimised workflows and improved collaboration and communication between all project players. Thanks to ACC, IDEC managed to create a more connected, efficient and innovative working environment, opening the doors to new perspectives for future construction projects.