BIM 360 – What’s the Difference

In the early days of BIM 360, there were only two options: BIM 360 Field and BIM 360 Glue, and both were used as construction tools. One was used for field management, while the other was used as a model coordination tool. The term “BIM 360” was not an official product or phrase back then. However, users of BIM 360 Field would usually refer to it simply as “Field” or “BIM 360.” Users of BIM 360 Glue would refer to it mostly as “Glue.”

Then came a brand new release from Autodesk, BIM 360 Docs, a long awaited project document management tool. It was a rough start for BIM 360 Docs, but Autodesk development prevailed over the challenges users experienced. Users referred to BIM 360 Docs as “BIM 360” or “Docs.” Now there were three products with similar names and sometimes called by the same name, BIM 360. Imagine speaking with someone who said, “We use BIM 360,” or “Can you show us BIM 360?” We would then have to follow up with, “Which BIM 360?”

Today “BIM 360” is an official Autodesk registered brand.  The product line is still made up of multiple modules and products, but it’s widely understood that BIM 360 is a collection of tools that can be used during design, pre-construction, construction, commissioning, and handover.  

Currently, there are four major options to BIM 360:

• BIM 360 Docs
• BIM 360 Design
• BIM 360 Coordinate (new name for Glue)
• BIM 360 Build

What happened to BIM 360 Field and BIM 360 Glue? They’re still around as “classic versions,” still used, and still needed. To make sure I don’t miss anything, there are also BIM 360 Team, BIM 360 Layout, BIM 360 Plan, and BIM 360 Ops. With so many BIM 360 “somethings,” it can be confusing to figure out what you need.

You might think a cheat sheet or checklist showing what each product does would help you choose the right tool for the job.  For example, if you want to do punchlists, which BIM 360 product should you use? That’s easy, use BIM 360 Docs. Or BIM 360 Field. Or BIM 360 Glue. Wait, you can also use BIM 360 Build! Alternatively, you could use Autodesk PlanGrid. Ok, confused?  Don’t worry, we can help.

Since Applied Software was one of the first partners certified by Autodesk as a “BIM 360 Advisor,” our staff of industry experts has kept up with the changes and can help you find the best solution for your specific workflows and needs. Contact Applied Software for a discovery call, and let’s discuss what you are doing and where you’d like your workflows to benefit from using BIM 360. There’s nothing better than sitting down and talking it through.

However, we know many of you like to do your own research before reaching out for assistance. So at Applied Software, we’re working on something that will help you better understand the different BIM 360 options available to you and how they all work in concert. Stay tuned for big news about this in the near future.