Progress Tracking with Autodesk Build

Progress Tracking is an Autodesk product currently in beta form that will soon be included in Autodesk Build for every subscriber.

In a recent Applied Software webinar, “Project Process Tracking: Why You Need It,” Director of Services Mark Petrucci explained Progress Tracking, which is part of the Autodesk Build Sheets module. Mark gave a demo showing the ease of use and versatility of the product. Mark noted that Progress Tracking can be used on PDFs, Revit models and CAD files.

Tracking

In construction, tracking progress is an essential part of keeping projects on schedule and under budget. It requires the collaboration of many onsite workers and tracks installation activities. Progress Tracking software relates to schedule completion, labor and timesheets, pull planning, and installation.

Examples of progress tracked might include concrete poured, framing up, MEP roughed in, drywall hung, cabinets installed, or other activities. You can track progress installed for a given location by area, floor, rooms, or other spaces. Progress can be tracked by:

• Completion percentage
• Measurement (i.e. linear feet)
• Quantity/count of materials

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Features

The Progress Tracking tool for Autodesk Build is completely configurable. You first decide what objects you want to track. Anything that takes place in phases can be configured to track using a specific markup tool. Examples are concrete work; drywall; HVAC ducts, hangers and VAV boxes; AV displays; electrical fixtures and conduit racks.

A dashboard keeps track of information as steps are accomplished and progress continues. You can also export out the data to a spreadsheet if desired. Progress will show on drawings as color coded by object type. The progress tracking dashboard can also show progress on a timeline. Information can be accessed and updated with mobile devices or on a desktop.

Value

Tracking progress on a job today may involve a roll of drawings, highlighters and a clipboard. There is a delay between collecting the information and reporting it to the office. Then someone has to interpret it. This manual process often results in duplication of effort.

Progress Tracking software eliminates manual processes and workflows. It enables easy collaboration between the field and the back office. It also makes accurate data available, which can be used for reporting and scheduling.

As Mark pointed out, Progress Tracking is easy to set up on the web. It provides intuitive 2D sheet markups through Progress Tracking Mode for all platforms. It enables quick exports and reporting.

In the future the goal of Progress Tracking is to provide additional value to users of Autodesk Construction Cloud by linking with other tools in Autodesk Build:

• 3D and BIM
• Takeoffs and estimates
• Assets and equipment
• Project schedules
• Packages and plans
• Productivity and cost
• Labor tracking

Try It

You can sign up to use Progress Tracking by googling “Autodesk Progress Tracking Beta.” This will bring up a link to the site for Autodesk Knowledge Network, which states: “Progress Tracking is currently in beta. If you’d like to join the Progress Tracking beta, sign up here.” When you click the link, it takes you to a sign-up page, where you enter your information.

You can sign up to use Progress Tracking on one project per sign up; the form will require your project url. Once downloaded, a Progress Tracking icon is added to your Autodesk Build menu.

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