How Autodesk Construction Cloud Benefits MEP Workflows

As a group, specialty contractors are the primary labor force performing work on a construction site, whether small projects or large. By making use of software that is best suited to their business workflows, trade contractors can deliver higher quality work, communicate better with project teams and deliver work on time.

Mechanical, electrical and plumbing contractors all need their own sets of drawings, plans, documentation, and workflows. In addition, they need to work with other specialty contractors onsite. Wiring, piping and mechanical systems are interconnected on every project. Add to that the need to work with general contractors and project owners, and it is crucial that everyone remains on the same page.

Plumbing – centralized communications and standardized workflows

Cloud-based software platforms like Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) can accommodate project plans, drawings, workflows, communications, progress tracking, and billing information. The ACC mobile feature enables project teams in the office or field to access the most current plans. Updates about the job can be centralized and keep everyone in the loop.

With the right software solution, plumbing contractors can standardize their workflows, which reduces risk and assists with gains in efficiency, profit and customer satisfaction.

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Learn more about Autodesk Construction Cloud in the free new Applied Software eBook: “The Importance of a Common Data Environment.”

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Electrical – labor efficiencies and standardized workflows

Construction spending is increasing, intensifying the demand for electrical contractors. As they face skilled labor shortages, their ability to take on more work depends on being able to improve efficiencies, scale with ease and improve communications.

Electrical contractors know by experience the resources, processes and staffing they need for their workflows. As with plumbing, they, too, can benefit when they standardize those workflows in a software platform like ACC. Any time they can use ACC in the field, they are able to gain efficiencies. After they reach a comfort level with the software, the data collected and the systems within the program can be used to streamline the preconstruction process as well.

Mechanical – better planning and clash detection

Mechanical contractors perform some dangerous work on a job site involving HVAC, other cooling systems, chillers, refrigeration, sheet metal work, piping, and sometimes plumbing. The variety of equipment used can complicate work from one project to the next, but proper document management with ACC can keep manufacturer specifications handy in case of questions.

Since mechanical systems are pervasive in commercial buildings, planning and estimating costs for a project can require a lot of time up front. Being able to do this well using ACC is crucial to a contractor – successful bids provide a pipeline of work and cash flow. Collaboration with other trades is essential for a mechanical subcontractor, particularly in light of constructability issues. Clashes traditionally have shown up on the jobsite, so clash detection and tracking can help trades work together on a speedy solution and share it with other subcontractors.

 

Conclusion – better together

The cloud-based ACC platform helps contractors track workloads, deadlines, work quality, and even bid invitations.

ACC allows teams to access plans uploaded to ACC using a mobile device, and all communication is centralized. The ability to quickly access the latest drawings in the field keeps teams working from the correct specifications. After ACC is implemented, a contractor’s jobs can be performed at higher quality levels with less rework.

ACC connects workflows, teams and data at every stage of construction. When project teams are connected through a single source of truth, an MEP business can collaborate securely, reduce risk and maximize efficiency. Perhaps the best benefit of all: productivity gains by contractors translate directly into profits.  

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Learn more about Autodesk Construction Cloud in the free new Applied Software eBook: “The Importance of a Common Data Environment.”