Autodesk Docs: Document Management, Collaboration, and Efficiency in Construction Projects

In a dynamic sector like AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction), teams face significant challenges in managing information and collaborating effectively. Essential documents are often published and stored across multiple applications that don’t communicate with each other, making efficient data exchange nearly impossible. This fragmentation not only complicates information management but also creates major obstacles to collaboration. Furthermore, the wide variety of tools and software used both in the office and on-site requires teams to access information across several platforms, consuming time and resources. Adding to this, document authorisation and approval processes become tedious and repetitive, increasing the risk of errors and delays.

In this context, the need arises to implement a solution that unifies document management and team collaboration, optimising workflows and streamlining communication. This is where Autodesk Docs comes into play. It is a cloud-based common data environment that provides document control and management for the entire project team. With Autodesk Docs, AEC teams can simplify collaboration and data management from design through construction, while accelerating document review and approval workflows. Autodesk Docs is included in both the Autodesk Construction Cloud platform and the Autodesk AEC Collection. Designed to enhance collaboration and efficiency in construction and design projects, its main role is to centralise all project information.

Key Features of Autodesk Docs

Autodesk’s Docs software offers a range of features tailored to the document management needs of any construction project.

A single cloud-based platform

  • Collaborative management. This solution enables teams to organise, distribute, and share files through a single connected document management platform, ensuring all team members have access to the information they need.

  • Centralized issue management. With this software, it’s easy to quickly identify and resolve any issues that may arise throughout the lifecycle of a project.

  • 2D and 3D designs. Autodesk Docs allows for the upload and viewing of 2D drawings and 3D models, ensuring teams always have the right information at hand.

  • Project cost documentation. Users can generate accurate and comprehensive billing documentation with a single click, maintaining an up-to-date record and printed copy of the project.

  • Document version control. This ensures that all team members are working with the most recent versions of documents.

  • Secure platform. The software provides a reliable environment where all information is stored and managed according to the highest security standards.

Document and Data Storage & Management

  • Document control. Easily organise information into structured folders with permission-based tools that ensure sensitive data is only accessible to authorised users.

  • Document approval. Reduce manual effort by automating the review process for drawings, models, and documents before they are published and shared.

  • Link files as references. Attach documents as references to RFIs, meetings, forms, and assets to improve collaboration and reduce communication errors.

  • Document collaboration. Identify and prioritise potential design and engineering issues with review markups, enhancing coordination between teams.

  • Lifecycle management. Supports compliance with the international ISO 19650 standard for information management throughout the entire lifecycle of a built asset using BIM.

Additional Features

  • Transmittals. Easily create and share transmittals with project teams and track them with a complete audit trail.

  • Desktop Connector. This tool allows users to open, save, move, rename, and delete files directly from their desktop.

Autodesk Docs Integration with AutoCAD and Revit

Application integration is key to improving connectivity from the design phase through to the construction process. Integration with solutions like Revit and AutoCAD significantly enhances workflows and helps eliminate document duplication.

  • AutoCAD and Docs

It’s no secret that AutoCAD is the most widely used and important CAD and design software on the market. As such, it’s a staple on the design desks of architects and engineers. However, the work done in AutoCAD must seamlessly carry over into the subsequent phases of the project. That’s where unified document management and user collaboration become essential—for all the reasons outlined above.

The integration of Autodesk Docs with AutoCAD enables storage and sharing of files for real-time collaboration through the Autodesk Construction Cloud platform. The result is more efficient and productive workflows for design teams, who can view, edit, annotate, and create drawings from anywhere using the AutoCAD mobile app or directly from their web browser on laptops and desktops.

  • Revit and Docs

Just as AutoCAD is fundamental during the design phase, Revit is essential for AEC professionals. When this software—developed specifically for BIM—is integrated with Autodesk Docs, users gain the ability to store and share construction models, once again facilitating teamwork and effective version management.

The integration of Docs with both AutoCAD and Revit enhances workflows and bridges the gap between CAD and BIM users. This capability provides greater control over project documents from initial concept through to the construction phase. It clearly highlights the pivotal role that Autodesk Docs can play in improving collaboration—and, consequently, productivity and efficiency.

Benefits of Autodesk Docs

All these features offer a range of advantages when using Autodesk Docs. Here are some of the most important ones:

  • Users benefit from a single common data environment that supports the entire project lifecycle. Data can be uploaded once, with the confidence that teams will always be working from the correct version. It even allows for automatic synchronisation with mobile devices.

  • The platform promotes greater transparency and collaboration among all project stakeholders, leading to more informed and efficient decision-making. And with integrations with Autodesk tools like AutoCAD and Revit, workflows are streamlined and duplication is reduced.

  • By centralising information and offering easy-to-use management and collaboration tools, Autodesk Docs helps reduce errors and omissions, which in turn can lower project costs and timelines.

  • Since it provides real-time access to up-to-date information, Autodesk Docs enables teams to quickly adapt to changes — improving project agility and increasing the likelihood of success.

In summary, Autodesk Docs is a solution that empowers construction and design teams by providing the necessary tools to effectively manage their documents and data, enhance collaboration, and increase efficiency in their projects. Its ability to integrate with other Autodesk applications and its wide range of features make this software a key component in construction and design project management.

ARKANCE, Autodesk Platinum Partner

At ARKANCE, the first global Autodesk Platinum Partner, managing over 400,000 licenses, we possess deep knowledge and expertise to optimise the management and acquisition of your Autodesk licenses and the development of your projects. Always focused on the customer, ARKANCE offers comprehensive support so that the construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors can sustainably face the challenges of tomorrow. From maximising your productivity to achieving full digital transformation, ARKANCE—with Be.Smart solutions, Autodesk, specialised services, and a broad training catalogue—redefines what it means to build and manufacture in the future.

Start your Autodesk experience with ARKANCE.