The Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) industry is transforming. As AECO projects become more complex, industry teams are expected to collaborate faster, manage larger datasets, increase sustainability outcomes, and become more efficient in project execution.
Traditionally, the AECO lifecycle was highly fragmented. Architects, engineers, contractors, and operations specialists used separate applications, with little collaboration, manual exchanges, and siloed decision-making. This led to delays, inefficiencies, version clashes, miscommunication, and other issues.
The Changing Landscape of AECO Industry with One Connected Industry Cloud: Autodesk Construction Cloud Becomes Autodesk Forma
Seeing such challenges in the industry, Autodesk is making its next move in transforming the AECO workflow landscape. Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) will now become a part of Autodesk Forma.
This is another step towards Autodesk’s strategy of creating one integrated and connected industry cloud for the AECO lifecycle.
For AECO firms and businesses in the UAE, the evolution of ACC into Forma represents a major industry update in the realm of project delivery and collaboration.
Understanding the Evolution of Autodesk’s Industry Cloud Strategy
To understand the significance of this move, it might be helpful to look back at Autodesk’s previous industry cloud strategy and vision.
In 2019, Autodesk introduced Autodesk Construction Cloud. The platform included cloud-based collaboration features for construction, such as planning, project management, document control, cost management, and construction management.
Then, in 2023, Autodesk launched Autodesk Forma – a cloud-based platform aimed to facilitate early-stage planning, conceptual design, sustainability analysis, and decision-making based on AI analysis and modeling.
Since then, Autodesk continued evolving Forma into a more holistic solution – a full-fledged industry cloud capable of addressing all stages of the AECO lifecycle.
Now, Autodesk is making the next major move by joining the Autodesk Construction Cloud ecosystem within Autodesk Forma.
Autodesk Construction Cloud Becomes Part of Autodesk Forma
According to Autodesk’s announcement, Autodesk Construction Cloud will become an integrated part of Autodesk Forma, thus joining the Forma ecosystem.
However, this doesn’t mean Autodesk Construction Cloud will be completely rebranded or merged with some other Autodesk solutions. Rather, Autodesk is continuing evolving its Forma solution to address the entire AECO lifecycle while merging ACC with Forma.
Here are the main reasons why Autodesk decided to join ACC within Forma:
- To remove the disconnect between design and construction teams
- To create a flow of connected data through the entire project lifecycle
- To enable continuous collaboration without workflow fragmentation
- To offer project teams a comprehensive industry cloud solution
Instead of separating the planning, design, construction, and operations into individual phases and multiple handoffs, Autodesk is now offering a continuous workflow for the AECO lifecycle.
Impact of Autodesk Construction Cloud Becoming Part of Forma for Existing Users
For the existing Autodesk Construction Cloud users, the impact will likely be minor. According to Autodesk, the transition into Autodesk Forma will not interfere with the existing ACC projects and user workflows.
Specifically:
- No interruptions to existing ACC projects
- No changes to current workflows
- No data migration required
- Same permission levels and folder structure
- Same product integrations
- Same subscription and licensing
Essentially, Autodesk’s next industry cloud evolution does not affect existing ACC customers.
Updated Autodesk Product Names Within Autodesk Forma
As part of the industry cloud strategy, Autodesk is renaming a few of its products. Here is the list of updated product names that are now available under the Autodesk Forma umbrella:
| Previous Product Name | New Product Name |
|---|---|
| Autodesk Construction Cloud | Autodesk Forma |
| Autodesk Docs | Forma Data Management |
| Autodesk BIM Collaborate Pro | Forma Design Collaboration |
| Autodesk Build | Forma Build |
| Autodesk Takeoff | Forma Takeoff |
| Autodesk Estimate | Forma Estimate |
| ACC Connect | Forma Construction Connect |
| Preconstruction Bundle | Forma for Preconstruction |
| Model Management Bundle | Forma for Model Management |
| Construction Operations Bundle | Forma for Construction Operations |
Why AECO Companies Need a Connected Industry Cloud Platform
Modern construction projects involve a variety of players working on different tasks at different locations. All too often, construction teams use fragmented workflows consisting of email communication, spreadsheets, manual file exchanges, and disconnected systems.
This approach usually results in:
- Communication gaps and miscommunication
- Repetitive work and duplicate efforts
- Long approval processes and delayed projects
- Inconsistent designs due to lack of collaboration
- Unnecessary rework during construction
- Missing documentation during the handover process
Autodesk Forma helps AECO companies avoid these problems by providing a connected platform for managing the AECO lifecycle and connecting various workflows.
Instead of working with static project data in separate phases, teams can collaborate and exchange data on the go within the same environment.
This allows organizations to do the following:
- Manage project data from one place
- Improve internal project communication
- Enhance collaboration between different teams
- Reduce manual steps
- Improve project risk management
- Make more informed project decisions
If you have complex infrastructure, residential, commercial, or industrial projects, connected workflows and project data may help improve project efficiency and performance.
Forma Data Management: Connecting Project Information in One Environment
Another important step in creating a connected environment is the evolution of Autodesk Docs into Forma Data Management.
While Autodesk Docs served as a repository of documents and project data, Forma Data Management works as a common data environment across the entire Forma platform.
Rather than exchanging project data as static documents, project teams can now collaborate within a dynamic cloud-native environment, which means project data will now stay connected throughout the lifecycle of a project.
Here are some benefits provided by Forma Data Management:
- Centralized project information accessible to all team members
- More opportunities for collaboration
- Easier coordination between disciplines
- Streamlined handover processes
- Better lifecycle management of building information
Autodesk has also made it easier to use Forma Data Management by offering Forma Data Management Essentials alongside AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, and Product Design & Manufacturing Collection.
AI-Powered Decision-Making Across the Entire AECO Lifecycle
As AECO companies adopt digital and innovative technologies in projects, artificial intelligence will play an increasingly important role in decision-making.
In fact, Autodesk is one of the industry leaders in developing AI capabilities within a digital platform for the AECO lifecycle.
Unlike many other providers offering standalone AI solutions, Autodesk incorporates AI capabilities directly into the project environment, meaning project data already exists where AI functions operate.
This allows for more efficient and intelligent workflows within the entire lifecycle of a project.
Here are just a few examples of AI-based capabilities offered by Autodesk Forma:
- Site analysis in early stages
- Scenario modeling
- Predictive insights
- Risk assessment
- Workflow automation
- Intelligent data analysis
- Assistance through Autodesk Assistant
Autodesk Construction Cloud Evolves into a Connected Industry Cloud Solution
By joining Autodesk Forma, Autodesk Construction Cloud offers the following key benefits to construction teams and firms.
Connected Projects Right from the Start
When construction teams start collaborating with architects and designers within one shared environment, project data starts being managed more efficiently and consistently.
It eliminates the need for the following processes:
- Sending files through email
- Tracking version history and updates
- Uploading files into separate clouds
- Synchronizing multiple systems
Smart Planning Even Before Starting a Project
Thanks to the advanced planning capabilities, AECO teams can plan the construction project ahead. They can analyze and assess:
- Constructability
- Phasing
- Potential schedule implications
- Site limitations and constraints
It helps minimize mistakes and potential delays during construction.
Continuous Collaboration Throughout the Project
As construction teams use Autodesk Forma, they can collaborate within one environment.
Team members can discuss, review, and comment on the project data, such as models, drawings, or proposals.
Fewer Mistakes and Faster Progress
Since project information stays connected throughout the entire lifecycle, project teams are less likely to encounter any of these issues during construction:
- Work based on outdated information
- Coordination issues and missing information
- Version mismatch
- Other communication gaps between design and construction teams
Importance of Autodesk Construction Cloud Transition for AECO Firms in the UAE
Digital transformation plays a crucial role in modernization projects across the UAE. As construction firms embrace new and innovative approaches, connected workflows become important for remaining competitive.
Using connected platforms like Autodesk Forma, companies in the UAE can take advantage of:
- Building Information Modeling
- Cloud-based construction workflows
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Scalable project management
- Artificial intelligence-based decision-making
- Sustainable planning
- Innovative solutions
From managing high-rise buildings and apartments to handling complex construction, infrastructure, and industrial facilities, connected workflows become important for project delivery.
Supporting AECO Digital Transformations at CAD Gulf
As an Autodesk Gold partner, CAD Gulf helps businesses in the UAE implement Autodesk software solutions.
We offer services and consulting in the following areas:
- Autodesk Forma
- Autodesk Forma Design Collaboration
- Autodesk Forma Data Management
- Autodesk Forma Build
- Building Information Modeling
- Cloud-based project delivery
- And more…
The Future of AECO Is Connected
Autodesk Construction Cloud becoming part of Autodesk Forma is a significant industry move by Autodesk that shows where the industry is headed.
It represents the shift to a connected environment in the following aspects:
- Connected workflows
- Connected teams
- Connected data
- Connected platforms
- Decision-making based on intelligent insights
- Lifecycle management
As projects are becoming more and more complex, connected project delivery becomes critical for success.
Autodesk Forma aims to support AECO project teams and organizations in adopting connected workflows and digital platforms throughout the entire AECO lifecycle.
Learn More about Autodesk Forma with CAD Gulf LLC
To find out how you can benefit from Autodesk Forma and connected workflows, contact us to schedule a consultation.
Please contact us at sales@cadgulf.com. Our experts will be happy to talk with you!