5 Tools to Help your Team Collaborate

If (like most companies in the architectural, engineering and construction industries) your team work with external vendors, you should be aware (if not already using) software to help streamline the collaboration processes.

Here are 5 of our most popular collaboration software solutions that can help facilitate collaboration and in turn save time and increase profits:

ARCHICAD

ARCHICAD was the first BIM (Building Information Modelling) software on the market when it launched over 30 years ago, and since that time it has remained a pioneer in the AEC CAD space. With a focus on interoperability and usability, it remains one of the most easy to use software solutions in the market, that is available for both Mac and Windows.

ARCHICAD was used to design the Charles Perkins Centre in Sydney, shown above.

DDS-CAD

This cost-effective software allows MEP professionals to open project files from architects using most major CAD packages (such as ARCHICAD or Revit), and then add their MEP elements to that file. Best of all, DDS-CAD is able to calculate and report on heat loads, plumbing requirements, and even avoid clashes when adding the MEP componentry.

Solibri

Checking for clashes or errors in a file can be a real challenge – and managing those issues (especially when multiple vendors are involved) is even more difficult. Using Solibri, issues can be sent to collaborators via a small file which opens and highlights each issue in the project file, making it a far easier task to fix problems. Best of all, when vendors fix their issues and update the file, Solibri notifies the project manager to ensure all stakeholders work from the same file.

BlueBeam Revu

Cost Estimators can enjoy a much simpler and streamlined workflow by switching to BlueBeam Revu. The software can import project files saved in PDF format, and link quantities to Excel to create accurate and comprehensive bids. The finished BlueBeam file is saved in IFC format which means it can be opened by other teams working on the project in the future. BlueBeam Revu also speeds up design reviews by allowing project partners to markup and collaborate on the same documents in real time.

BIMx

This mobile app (available on both Android and iOS devices) has many uses, but one of the biggest ways it can help in the collaborative process is by linking office-based architects with on-site construction workers – providing them with live, interactive documentation for any issues they discover on-site. Construction workers and engineers can easily review interactive plans and query aspects of the project design directly onto the documentation or plans. The query can then be seen by the architect who can modify the file or clarify the issue remotely, without the need for reissuing paperwork. This process alone is saving some construction companies thousands of dollars each year in printing, paper, and courier fees.