Optimizing project delivery with Autodesk Data Exchange

The Challenge: Complex projects lead to rework and delays

The AEC industry is characterized by complex projects with numerous interconnected elements. For a small BIM consultancy like Modmation, maintaining consistent quality and accuracy in BIM models can be particularly challenging. This often leads to rework and delays in project delivery. Additionally, manual processes for auditing and updating BIM models consume significant time and resources, negatively impacting overall productivity.

The Goals: Automated Workflows

Recognizing these challenges, Modmation have turned to Autodesk Data Exchanges and the Autodesk Power Automate Connector to leverage the low-code capabilities of the Microsoft Power Platform. These powerful tools enabled us to create automated workflows, identify inconsistencies in BIM models, seamlessly integrate data between different Autodesk applications, and easily connect Modmation's BIM audit process with project management and administration tasks. By adopting these solutions, Modmation was able to improve their process efficiency and ensure the highest quality for their client’s BIM models.

The Solution: Identifying inconsistencies and seamlessly integrating data between applications

To audit data quality across various projects, Modmation used Autodesk Data Exchange to connect model data from different applications hosted on the Autodesk Construction Cloud into a single datahub. This allowed for seamless data harvesting from different BIM models, ensuring that all BIM model data remained up-to-date and accurate throughout the project lifecycle. To automate routine tasks such as BIM model validation and data synchronization, Modmation employed Autodesk’s Power Automate Connector to create custom workflows. These automated workflows not only saved valuable time but also reduced the risk of human error.

Modmation used Microsoft's Power Platform low-code solution to quickly develop custom applications that catered to their specific needs. This allowed them to connect their BIM audit process to client dashboards and project management tools to verify element data in consultant and sub-contractor models. This ensured compliance with the data schema used by the general contractor's project management tools and their client's facility management systems. Modmation also set up automated notifications for consultants to ensure prompt resolution of identified inconsistencies or issues.

The Business Outcomes: Reducing time, increasing productivity, and improving accuracy

Manual intervention significantly reduced, leading to increased productivity and more efficient use of resources

By easily transferring data across and automating workflows, Modmation significantly reduced manual intervention, leading to increased productivity and more efficient use of resources. Modmation have managed to reduce the time required for complete project data check from days to hours with the time effort only required for quality assurance and sporadic verification of each Power Automate flow.

Enhanced BIM model consistency and accuracy shortened delivery timelines

Improved accuracy and consistency in their client’s BIM models significantly reduced the need for rework, ultimately accelerating project delivery times. Modmation also experienced enhanced collaboration among team members and stakeholders, as they could now easily access and share data across different applications.

Low-code solution allows for flexibility and ease of adapting to custom project scenarios

The low-code solution provided Modmation with the agility to adjust their processes to meet each project's requirements. This flexibility in adapting to various project scenarios has enabled Modmation to compete with larger BIM consulting firms and take on bigger projects, despite Modmation's small size – positioning them as a competitive and innovative force in the AEC industry.