Unlocking the Potential of Integrating and Automating ACC with SharePoint using ACC Connect

As the construction industry is rapidly evolving, the need for syncing data between two or more common data environments (CDEs) has become more important. Autodesk Construction Cloud and SharePoint are two such platforms that allow for efficient data synchronization.

Autodesk Construction Cloud allows users to store, manage, and share project-related documents and data in a secure cloud environment. It also offers powerful tools to ensure that all project stakeholders have access to the latest information. On the other hand, SharePoint is an enterprise content management system that enables users to collaborate on projects from any location.

Fort Partners, a leading high-end Property Developer based out of Florida has always had a challenge to both sync and manage key construction data between the CDEs used by their architects, contractors, partners and subs with their corporate SharePoint. As this is not a simple folder-to-folder, file-to-file sync, Fort Partners required a solution that maps the transfer of data between different CDEs that is mapped out and in line with their corporate data strategy.

By intelligently syncing their respective systems, Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) and SharePoint can help companies streamline their operations by providing them with a unified platform for managing all their project-related documents and data in one place. This will help them save time and money while ensuring that all stakeholders have access to accurate information at any given time.

The goals of this intelligent syncing were to :

• Selectively integrate and map folders, files and file attributes (custom attributes) between ACC used by the construction management firm on a key project in the Bahamas, their site team, and the corporate SharePoint.
• Using triggers, automate the syncing process based on the addition and deletion of files and folders.
• Detect and report file syncing issues as and when they arise.
• Use a flexible tool versatile enough to be easily configured from project to project.

ACC Connect, an integration and automation tool powered by Workato, was selected and used. ACC Connect uses a recipe-based approach where connectors for various apps can be easily selected and drag-and-dropped in a low-code/no-code environment. ACC Connect includes over 1000 connectors to several leading applications, platforms and systems.

In the case of Fort Partners, BlackSmithSoft B.V. a leading Autodesk technology partner based out of the Hague in the Netherlands, helped create, deploy and maintain the integration which consisted of:

• Create a live sync between the files and folders on ACC and the target locations on SharePoint.
• Update Sharepoint properties with ACC custom attributes.
• Automatically rename files to match corporate naming conventions on SharePoint.
• Failed syncs are logged and based on the error codes they are automatically retried or reported to the admin for manual intervention,

Fort Partners was able to satisfy both the requirements of their corporate office in Florida, as well as give flexibility for the teams involved in the construction process to use the CDE and apps required to do their job. 

Morover, Fort Partners recognized that ACC Connect saved them a lot of money and time by automating the process which would have taken a document controller several hours a week to do the process manualy. In a more complex situation such as when Fort Partners is working part of a Join Venture project, ACC Connect will play a critical role in managing data between multple CDEs and construction applications.

BlackSmithSoft configured ACC Connect allowed for Fort Partners to be able to change the workflow or mapping between the different apps in the future.