BIM 360 is a cloud-based construction management platform developed by Autodesk, tailored for improving project collaboration, data sharing, and construction workflows. It provides tools for managing construction documents, coordinating project teams, tracking quality, and analyzing project progress in real-time. BIM 360 facilitates seamless communication between stakeholders, enhancing efficiency across all phases of the construction lifecycle. By integrating BIM 360 with Frends iPaaS, organizations can extend its functionality through automated workflows, system integrations, and centralized data management, ensuring construction projects run more smoothly and effectively.

Business use cases

Document synchronization across systems

BIM 360 serves as a repository for construction-related documents such as blueprints, project specifications, and submission forms. Frends can facilitate synchronization between BIM 360 and other document management systems, such as SharePoint or Google Drive. For instance, when a new version of a document is uploaded and approved in BIM 360, Frends can automatically copy it to corresponding folders in external systems to ensure all stakeholders work from the same set of documents.

Real-time project progress reporting

BIM 360 collects real-time project data such as task completion statuses and issue tracking. Frends can automate the extraction of this data and integrate it into reporting tools like Power BI or Tableau, allowing project managers to create dashboards with detailed insights. These reports can also be automatically shared with stakeholders to keep them informed about construction progress and any potential delays.

RFI and issue tracking automation

Request for Information (RFI) processes and issue tracking are critical components of construction workflows. Frends can integrate BIM 360 with communication platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or email to streamline these processes. For example, when an RFI is raised in BIM 360, Frends can notify relevant teams automatically and track responses, ensuring the issue is resolved quickly and efficiently while maintaining an auditable record.

Integration with ERP systems

Construction projects involve significant financial and resource management. Frends can connect BIM 360 to enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, ensuring smooth data flow between the platforms. For example, costs or resource utilization data inputted in BIM 360 can be automatically transferred to ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle, keeping all financial and operational details synchronized in real time.

Quality and safety checks automation

BIM 360 tracks quality and safety inspections, which generate data requiring further actions or follow-ups. Frends can automate workflows that notify teams when issues are flagged, assign tasks to relevant personnel, and update other systems. For instance, if a safety violation is logged in BIM 360, Frends can instantly escalate it to safety managers and ensure the issue is added to corrective action lists.

Construction schedule automation

Project schedules in BIM 360 can be enhanced by integrating them with scheduling tools like Microsoft Project or Primavera via Frends. Workflows can automate data synchronization so that changes to the schedule in BIM 360 are reflected in other tools. This integration ensures that schedule adjustments are clearly communicated to all project stakeholders, minimizing delays.

Compliance and auditing workflows

Construction projects require strict compliance and audit documentation. Frends can automate the extraction of compliance data—such as safety reports, inspection logs, and team certifications—from BIM 360 and format it to meet legal requirements. Additionally, workflows can trigger periodic archiving of this data to secure storage locations, ensuring it is readily available for audit purposes.

Stakeholder communication and notifications

Effective communication between stakeholders is crucial in construction projects. Frends can integrate BIM 360 with email, SMS, or team collaboration platforms to send stakeholders automatic updates about project milestones, pending approvals, or delays. For example, Frends workflows can alert subcontractors when tasks are assigned or when project documentation requires their review and sign-off.