At Autodesk, we're committed to helping you streamline project workflows and enable you to get meaningful work done no matter where you are. That's why we're thrilled to announce that the PlanGrid Build mobile app is now Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC)!
The ACC mobile app houses all project information across many of Autodesk Construction Cloud suite of products, including:
This tightly integrated mobile solution lets you view your most up-to-date BIM models and 2D sheets for projects. Easily markup your drawings, check measurements, and link important project info (Issues, Photos, RFIs, Sheets) directly to the location on the sheet.
You can also use the app to fill out and submit Daily Reports, QA/QC forms, and safety checklists so you don't have to wait to be at your desk to complete and send important documents.
Construction professionals are operating in an increasingly dynamic and fast-paced environment. Between infrastructure investments and the growing need to do more (and do better) with less, it's vital to have powerful, tightly-connected tools at your fingertips.
Governments across the world are investing in infrastructure. The United States has the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which is set to deliver $550 billion in new spending over the next ten years. Across the pond, the UK is expected to spend £650 billion on social and infrastructure in the next decade. Meanwhile, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) estimates that around $1.7 trillion of infrastructure investments are needed in Asia through 2030 to maintain economic growth.
All this to say that regions around the world require additional infrastructure. We estimate global infrastructure investment needs to be $94 trillion between 2016 and 2040. This is 19 percent higher than would be delivered under current trends and is an average of $3.7 trillion per year. The construction industry must step up to meet demand, and doing that requires robust tools and efficient processes.
This need for efficiency is highlighted by the labor shortage. According to Associated Builders and Contractors, the US construction industry "will need to attract an estimated 546,000 additional workers on top of the normal pace of hiring in 2023 to meet the demand for labor."
Similar trends can be seen in the UK, where 75% of contractors are struggling to recruit skilled workers. In Japan, around 62% of construction firms are facing the same challenges.
Unsurprisingly, these issues have impacted productivity. Research by the AGC and Autodesk found that 66% of firms experienced project delays due to labor shortages.
With these challenges, it's more important than ever for onsite crews to have all the critical information they need to get the job done right the first time.
Construction pros recognize this, which is why most workers (90.9% according to ConTech's Construction Technology Report) use a smartphone for work on a daily basis. Firms are also factoring in mobile apps in their software buying decisions. Research by ConTech found that 85% of companies said that having a mobile app was either "very important" or "important" in their decision to buy software.
While these stats are promising, it's important to remember that a good mobile tech strategy isn't just about adopting more apps. Businesses must ensure they get employees on board the right applications and that their systems remain tightly integrated.
An app like ACC empowers your field teams to reap the benefits of mobile solutions.
For starters, it serves as a central source of truth for all project information, so data isn't scattered across multiple systems. In addition to making information simpler to find, this helps reduce rework from having inaccurate or outdated data.
What's more, it's easier to track and manage project data from design all the way to operations.
An intuitive mobile application also improves training and adoption. You'll be able to train folks in the field efficiently, and users can continue learning the software onsite rather than having to be behind a desk.
Another key benefit? Streamlined communication. When users are able to view, send, and receive reports from anywhere, field and office teams can relay information faster. Plus, it enhances communication with all project stakeholders since everyone can get the data they need with just a few taps.
“The biggest benefit is getting information quicker, faster, and more accurate to our field, the most accurate up-to-date drawings, the most accurate up-to-date RFIs, so they build it right the first time.” - Paul Godwin, BIM Manager at MAREK
Now that we've covered the benefits of mobile apps like ACC, let's look at some of the solution's use cases.
Use Autodesk Construction Cloud mobile app to interact with 2D design files and 3D models, take accurate measurements, and review BIM data such as project costs, installation materials, schedules, and more. With these capabilities, you and your team can improve efficiency, reduce errors, and streamline decision-making.
With the Assets tool in Autodesk Build, you can visually markup sheets and track asset progress on mobile. Leveraging the power of a connected platform - you and your team can add important project references like photos, Issues, RFIs, or Files directly to the Asset markup - ensuring all stakeholders have the critical information at their fingertips. And with the ability to change the color of assets and their statuses, you can show progress visually, giving all team members an easy way to understand what’s ready now, what’s next, and what’s falling behind.
With the Schedule tool in Autodesk Build, you and your team have access to real-time project schedules allowing you to collaborate, connect and leverage the most-up-to date information. And, if things change on site, you can suggest changes to the CPM schedule on your iOS device that are instantly shared with the scheduling team back in headquarters, ensuring the schedule reflects what is happening onsite.
In today's construction landscape, going mobile isn't just an option—it's an absolute necessity. Having a well-thought-out mobile tech strategy ensures your team is equipped with tools to deliver on projects effectively.
Learn how the Autodesk Construction Cloud mobile app can help you stay aligned and on track no matter where you are. Take a trial today!
