Out With the Old, In With Fusion Data Management

James Krenisky June 10, 2025

5 min read

The built-in data management capabilities in Autodesk Fusion transform engineering collaboration by providing cloud-based, centralized real-time updates and seamless teamwork, eliminating outdated data management practices.

Remember when your team’s data lived in filing cabinets and design files came on floppy disks? It seems like a distant memory, but believe it or not, some organizations are still stuck in this vicious data cycle. No change control. No version history. Just an engineer named Brian who swears the latest file is in here…somewhere.

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Meanwhile, companies who are embracing digital transformation are using the data management capabilities in Fusion —a game-changer for design, engineering, and manufacturing teams everywhere. As colleagues and stakeholders make changes in real time, regardless of location, everything is centralized, cloud-based, and intuitive. From engineering to procurement to quality management, everyone sees the same data, and the same version. None of the tedious back-and-forth of yesteryear.

The previous days of data management

Before diving into the marvels of the data management capabilities in Fusion, let’s take a moment to reflect on the previous ages of data management. Picture this: important design documents scattered across multiple filing cabinets, floppy disks containing critcial updates, and multiple disconnected systems where version control was non-existent. Finding the latest file literally felt like searching for a needle in a haystack, and teams were overwhelmed by miscommunication, errors, and inefficiencies.

Brian, the unofficial keeper of files, would assure everyone that the latest version was somewhere in the labyrinth of folders. However, the lack of organization and control meant wasting valuable time and resources. Teams were often left guessing which version of a file was the most recent, resulting in costly mistakes and rework. The struggle was real, and it was clear that a better solution was needed.

Data management in Autodesk Fusion.

Enter built-in data management in Fusion

The data management capabilities in Fusion are here to rescue your team from the chaos of outdated data management practices. With its cloud-based, centralized platform, Fusion changes the way teams collaborate and manage their data. No more antiquated systems – everything is stored in one place, accessible to everyone who needs it.

Real-time updates mean that as soon as a change is made, it’s visible to the entire team. This level of transparency puts everyone on the same page and reduces the risk of errors and miscommunication. Every department, in every location, sees the same data, the same version, the same truth.

Enhanced collaboration

Gone are the days of tedious back-and-forth emails and duplicate folders. The built-in data management capabilities in Fusion streamline collaboration. These tools make it easier than ever to drop a comment, track a change, and catch a mistake before it hits the shop floor. This proactive approach saves time, reduces costs, and ensures that the final product meets the highest standards of quality.

Imagine when Brian, the engineer, makes a critial change to a design. With Fusion, procurement can see the updated specifications, and quality assurance can verify compliance. No more hunting for the latest version, no more confusion—just efficient, effective collaboration.

“The cloud storage system in Fusion makes it nicely centralized for us, rather than siloed CAD software at each office where we had to try and link without controls or revision management in place. We’re able to keep it all in one place now, so everyone knows where to go for the most current version of that particular design.”

– Carl Budd, Engineering Manager, Moose Toys.

Real-time updates

With Fusion, there’s no more hitting refresh every few minutes to get access to the latest data. Changes are visible immediately. The entire team is working with the most up-to-date information.

Even Steve, the PCB designer who is never quite happy with engineering, is impressed. The data management tools are not just for engineers; it’s for anyone who depends on engineering data to do their job right.  

Bill of materials (BOM) management

Imagine your team working on a complex project with multiple components and materials. The pressure is on to ensure all materials are accounted for and production stays on schedule. With Fusion, users can create BOMs automatically from CAD data, which can then be edited simultaneously by different team members. Adding relevant metadata for downstream decision-making becomes effortless.

As a result, your team enhances product definition efficiency, accounting for all materials while reducing errors and production delays. The days of manually compiling BOMs and dealing with discrepancies are over.

Properties management

Now, let’s look at another critical aspect – maintaining consistency and accuracy across product documentation. Fusion allows users to use predefined industry-standard settings or define properties of their choice. Teams can maintain a clear and organized view of product attributes.

For instance, imagine a scenario where different departments need to refer to the same product documentation. With Fusion, everyone sees consistent and accurate information. This reduces errors and speeds up production, with every team member working off the same set of clearly defined properties. Efficient property management means your team can zero in on delivering top-notch products without the headache of miscommunication.

The future of data management is here

It’s time to embrace the future of data management. Autodesk Fusion offers a modern, intuitive solution that transforms the way teams collaborate and manage their data. So, if you’re still living in the days of filing cabinets, floppy disks, and manual processes it’s time to make the switch. Experience the future of data management with Fusion and see the difference it can make for your team.

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