3D Color Coded Visualizations Make Progress Tracking Easier for Project Teams 

Today’s teams have made great strides at creating rich BIM models that enable users to visualize a project in greater detail. The amount and quality of data captured in the model during design is staggering. The question is, are your construction teams fully leveraging this wealth of BIM data beyond the initial project phases? 

Unfortunately, as much as 30% of original design and construction data is lost by construction project closeout. But leveraging design data and model-based workflows in construction and beyond is a huge value add for project teams and clients alike.  

When model data is accessible for contractors, it can be engrained into critical construction workflows for better accuracy and efficiency. And when these models are updated throughout construction, they become a single source of truth that can be handed over to an owner at the end of the project to be utilized through operations.  

Introducing model-based progress tracking 

We’re excited to bring even more rich design data into construction workflows with model-based progress tracking in Autodesk Construction Cloud.  

This capability lets teams visualize color-coded asset statuses directly from the 3D model viewer. Users can import assets and asset fields from the model, filter asset views, and open to check or edit asset details, including linked references. 

“Assets model-based project tracking is a game changer for our construction workflows because it places the data thread from design through turnover in the hands of our field staff. Model-based tracking brings an easy-to-use progress tracking solution to our field teams allowing them to visualize, consume, and report field progress data from one central location,” says James Mize, VDC & Digital Delivery Specialist at CRB.  

Model-based tracking keeps the office teams aware of project progress while giving those in the field the info they need to adjust or make improvements. It also helps ensure that different trades understand what's ready now, what's next, and what's falling behind. 

“New features such as multi-select and color coding by status unlocks tracking down to the component level for our project teams,” adds James. “We’re excited to bridge the divide between design and construction with this solution to better steward our client’s data by providing a more seamless turnover experience for all project stakeholders.”  

Watch for yourself:  

Key features of 3D progress tracking 

3D progress tracking streamlines project management and enhances team efficiency. Let's explore some key features: 

View assets progress  

Stay in the loop by quickly accessing a digestible view of status information. 

• Users can view all assets in the model via the side panel, so they won't have to dig around for the needed information.   
• Asset information and fields are mapped automatically from the model, which means teams get the most updated info when they need it. This feature saves time since you no longer have to retrieve asset details manually.  
• Users can view color-coded assets in a model-based on status, so it's easier to see what's been done and what's coming next.  

Filter views  

Drill down to see only the necessary information or visually report on custom fields. 

• Users can use basic model filtering and navigation controls (including navigating to any 2D or 3D model views or levels) to view specific assets. That way, they can zero in on the specific parts of the models they need to access.  
• Users can also filter assets based on standard fields such as category, status, or location, as well as by any custom fields. 

Linked asset details 

Consolidate all asset information in one place to ensure teams have access to the same updated information. 

• Users can edit asset details directly within the model, which means real-time updates are immediately accessible to all team members. 
• All asset details are linked and can be accessed either through the model, a 2D drawing, or the Assets grid view. 

Benefits of 3D progress tracking 

3D progress tracking empowers teams to work better, smarter, and faster. Consider the following:  

Improve collaboration  

With 3D progress tracking, checking on the progress or status of project components doesn't happen in silos. The feature consolidates asset information so field and office teams can view them within the model. Anyone needing access to these details can easily find it on the model to know what is happening now and what will happen next. 

Save time  

Thanks to color-coded and easily viewable assets, teams don't have to waste time tracking down information. Now that asset details are embedded into the model viewer, you can quickly find the asset information you need without needing to go into another tool. 

Smarter decision-making  

This new capability embeds asset and progress tracking into your team's existing workflows, paving the way for better decisions. 

For example, let's say a superintendent happens to be looking at the model to confirm that an asset is installed in the correct location. Because the model is color-coded according to each component's status, he quickly discovers that there's a delay in installing a separate asset. Equipped with this info, the superintendent may change other related work due to this delay, which helps avoid rework. 

Try model-based progress tracking today 

Stop losing valuable design data and wasting time and effort trying to track progress manually. Check out model-based progress tracking and uplevel your office and field operations.