We conclude the series of articles dedicated to the Scan to BIM process with how information is managed and the importance of working in a shared data environment, with a focus on the contribution that Autodesk applications provided by Graitec Romania have in streamlining the way our team works.   As mentioned in previous articles, the integration of digital technologies in the construction field has become a necessity and the Scan to BIM process is a critical tool in our work. The great advantage of this process lies in the collaboration between the various teams and specialties involved, from data collection to model creation, thus working in a common data environment (CDE). For information management, the BIM Technologies team has chosen to work on the Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) platform, where specific work procedures have been created for the Scan to BIM process.   Autodesk Construction Cloud includes an integrated suite of software solutions that centralize and simplify the construction process. The platform contains a number of unified modules such as Build, BIM Collaborate, Takeoff, Docs.   In the following we will detail the functionalities and advantages that the BIM Collaborate, Docs and Takeoff modules have in the Scan to BIM process, as used by our team.

Autodesk Docs serves as the central hub for document management in the ACC platform.

Numerous documents are generated in a Scan to BIM project, ranging from initial 3D laser scan data and point cloud files to BIM models, bills of quantities and other information.

That’s why we find this module very useful, with a menu that can be customized as needed. Each newly created project is added to the list of projects our team is working on. When creating a new project, we set specific elements, such as: folder structure, uploaded files, templates for checkflows and templates for the issues tool, people involved and assigned roles.

On the platform, in the Members category, we have been uploading over time the identification data of the BIM Technologies team and of our collaborators and clients (companies and their employees) and with each new project the membership base expands. Once a person’s details are uploaded to the platform he/she can be invited to work on one project or several; depending on the work assigned, we also set the member’s role and level of access within the platform.

Being a cloud based platform, members have access to information from wherever they are, which is a plus in favor of collaboration in the Scan to BIM process. Also, many file formats can be opened directly from the platform, such as native Autodesk formats (Recap, Revit Autocad, Navisworks) but also external formats (ifc, skp, pdf, doc, xls, ppt, jpg).

Given the need to comply with ISO 19650:2018, the work on the platform is divided into 3 large information containers: Work in Progress, Shared and Published, plus the Resources folder. In order to efficiently manage the shared Shared and Published containers, we apply a naming convention for the uploaded files from the BIM Execution Plan development stage. This way, as the Scan to BIM process evolves and models and documents are updated, we can keep track of the changes made, having a complete history of the versions a document/file has gone through. This is essential to ensure that assigned project members are always working with the most up-to-date data and also allows us to easily revert back to previous versions if required.

Once the project is completed, all relevant documentation (including the final BIM model, extracted quantities, project history) is handed over to the client, often using Autodesk Docs as the delivery platform. Moreover, with the help of Graitec Romania we provide our clients with an access account on the ACC platform, where they have the possibility to visualize the resulting 3D informational model and to actively involve in the process, benefiting from permanent consultancy from our specialists. In the end, the client receives a model that is both accurate and useful for long-term asset management.

One of the biggest challenges in the Scan to BIM process is managing the large amount of data generated by 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry. Point clouds must be accessible to all stakeholders to ensure that everyone is working from the same base.

Thus, we first upload the point clouds and then the 3D model to the platform, which is helpful in managing the large volume of data resulting from the scanning, in the approval flow of the point clouds and the information model, in monitoring the daily progress by comparing versions, but also in the internal validation of the Technical Documentation sent to the client.

Real-time collaboration between teams and specialties is facilitated by using the BIM Collaborate module, allowing us to work together on the same model, track changes and resolve issues as they arise. Any changes to the model are tracked and notifications are sent to relevant team members, ensuring everyone is informed and aligned with project progress. This reduces the occurrence of potential errors and delays, ultimately leading to a smoother and more efficient workflow.

By enabling real-time collaboration and ensuring that all team members have access to the most up-to-date information, ACC helps identify potential problems early in the process. This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of costly mistakes and rework, ultimately saving time and money.

We use Autodesk Takeoff to extract quantities and generate detailed cost estimates directly from the 3D model, ensuring accurate and efficient budgeting for each project. As we have conveyed in previous articles, reducing time and human resources allocated to projects is the big advantage of the Scan to BIM process. In addition, communication between specialties is essential.

Going through the Scan to BIM steps, after the point cloud data has been converted into a BIM model (as described in previous articles), the next step our team takes is to estimate the quantities of materials needed for construction or renovation, as well as the quantities of materials arising from any demolition. Autodesk Takeoff allows us to quickly generate these estimates directly from the BIM model, improving accuracy and efficiency.

In addition, being a common data environment, the extracted results can be shared and reviewed, allowing seamless communication between all stakeholders. This ensures we are all working on the same dataset, reducing errors and miscommunication.

The Takeoff module integrates directly with the BIM models created in the Scan to BIM process. This means that any changes made to the model (for example, adjustments after re-scanning or refinement of design elements) are automatically reflected in the extracted data, ensuring that quantity estimates are always up-to-date.

In summary, Autodesk Construction Cloud provides a centralized document management system where point clouds, along with other project documents, are stored and shared. This eliminates the risk of working with out-of-date or incomplete data, ensuring that the resulting BIM model is accurate and reliable.

In the BIM Technolgies team, information management is carried out under the coordination of one of our accredited BIM managers. The modules we use (BIM Collaborate, Docs, Takeoff), integral components of the ACC ecosystem, increase efficiency, accuracy and collaboration in the Scan to BIM process. While Takeoff focuses on accurate quantification and cost estimating, Docs provides a stable environment for managing the vast array of documents and data generated throughout the project lifecycle. Together with BIM Collaborate, these tools create a seamless, integrated workflow that drives project success.

With Autodesk Construction Cloud, we have increased the quality of projects and contribute to the long-term development and sustainability of the built environment.