If this coronavirus pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we need to have the ability to keep projects moving while outside of the office or jobsite. There are tons of tools available to make that possible, two of which are Autodesk’s BIM 360 and PlanGrid.
Last week, the company announced 17 updates to the two platforms (to jump ahead to PlanGrid, click or tap here):
BIM 360
Data connector Preview
Users can now extract project data to use in other tools with a single click.
Issue Templates
Issue templates reduce the need for redundant manual entry when creating Issues on your project. Once you create a template, you can select it when creating an Issue, and the issue details will automatically be filled in.
Pin Issues to Locations
When an Issue is pinned to a location on a particular drawing, BIM 360 will now automatically fill in the location that the Issue was pinned to.
RFI Workflow Enhancement
In-progress RFIs are now only visible to members who are part of the RFI workflow, but closed RFIs are visible to all. Users also have additional options available to edit closed RFIs.
Item Based Submittal Workflow
Submittal Items no longer need to be associated with a package.
Design Risk for Executives
A new Design Risk Dashboard was created, which will include three new risk prediction cards: Design Risk Heatmap, Approval Reviews, and Design Issues Status by Project.
Reporting Enhancements
The Checklist Summary is now available through the Insight Module and the Issue Summary is now available as an Excel download.
Card Library Enhancements
Issue cards are now able to be filtered by due date or status. A “Go to Issues” button has also been added to Documents Management to quickly navigate to the Issues Tab.
Meeting Minute Enhancements
Meeting Organizers can now attach documents, drawings, and models from the Document Management module to meeting records and items. Additional options for text editing is also available, including the ability to highlight.
Permissions API
The new Permissions API allows users to add read and write permissions to folders created.
Share File
New file sharing options were added, including an option to share with the public and add email, links, expiration dates, and version sets.
Cost Management Integrations
BI 360 has added two cost management integrations, including Autodesk Construction Cloud Connect and Rhumbix.
For more details of the BIM 360 updates mentioned above, check out BIM360’s blog by clicking or tapping here.
PlanGrid
RFI Step Back
If incomplete answers or information is provided on an RFI, they can now be “returned” to the previous person in the chain.
Filter and Sort Submittals on Mobile
PlanGrid updated Submittals on Mobile earlier this year, but they now allow submittals to be filtered and sorted by ball-in-court, spec section, status, roles, due date, voided, ID number, package name, and last activity.
View Field Report Drafts
If multiple people on your job are responsible for filling out the same daily report, the daily report can now be viewed by multiple people even before submittal by checking a box.
Photo & Video Enhancements
Three new features have been added, including customized photo reports, mobile shortcuts, and media thumbnails.
Custom Form API
Users can now extract field report data for increased organization and transparency.
For more details of the PlanGrid updates mentioned above, check out their blog by clicking or tapping here.
Shane is the creator of Construction Junkie and an active construction project manager. In his career, he has managed interior remodel projects, site development, construction safety, governmental project compliance, and facility maintenance. He has a strong passion for construction technology and safety, as well as sharing the knowledge or insights he has gained throughout his career.