Demystifying Autodesk Construction Cloud for Design & Manufacturing 

Organizations are constantly looking for ways to gain an edge in the market whether through innovation, efficiency, or services. By transforming how you build from planning, design, build through to operate phases, owners can stand apart and achieve greater return on investments. 

We are excited to launch the blog series dedicated to demystifying Autodesk Construction Cloud for Design & Manufacturing! This blog series is supported by expert insights from Autodesk Principal Technical Solutions Executive for EMEA, Ives Veelaert. 

But first, why are we talking about it? Let’s have a look at the state of the industry.  

To maximize the benefits of a digital factory layout throughout its entire lifecycle, it is crucial to leverage the stored information effectively. Today, the manufacturing industry often struggles with unconnected and fragmented workflows due to the mass amounts of data generated across the entire factory lifecycle. We know that to maximize the benefits of a digital factory layout, it is critical to utilize the stored information effectively. 

Is there a solution to this problem?  

The answer lies in adopting a common data environment where information can be captured and stored in real-time. By consolidating all asset data within a single system at the right time, we can plan with the end in mind and ensure the longevity of these assets, extending their lifespan into facilities management. 

Now, what kind of technology can Autodesk provide to help?  

Autodesk provides end to end solutions that help manufacturers build world class digital factories.  From planning to design, customers can benefit from such tools as Revit, Inventor, Navisworks, the factory design utility and Vault as the project is being built, using Autodesk Construction Cloud all the way to maintenance with Autodesk Tandem. 

What are the core workflows that will help factory owners control all resources from the concept all the way to commissioning?  

Let’s have a look at how all the data can be integrated in a single source of truth and leverage all aspects of the digital factory from different perspectives: 

Improving Sales and Collaboration: Simplifying Equipment Planning 

In the competitive world of factories and large buildings, efficient equipment selection is key. At Autodesk, we focus on enhancing sales performance and management through automated sales modeling. By standardizing objects and utilizing tools like Vault, we ensure seamless connection to customer planning data. Our solution allows for easy sharing of finalized equipment and factory layouts with architects and engineers. With Inventor, you can convert assemblies into Revit models, stored in Vault or uploaded to Autodesk Construction Cloud for immediate changes. 

Streamlining Factory Planning & Factory Design: Enhancing Collaboration and Clash Detection 

During the building design phase, it is crucial to identify clashes early and gain a comprehensive understanding of the building context. This includes not only machinery and its operational zone but also the integration of MEP data. To tackle these challenges effectively, Autodesk offers a suite of powerful tools such as Revit, Navisworks, BIM Collaborate, and Collaborate Pro. These tools enable seamless collaboration and provide a comprehensive view of the building’s various aspects. 

With the integration of Autodesk Docs, the exchange of building data between Revit and Inventor becomes a breeze. This powerful data exchange capability ensures that the design process is seamlessly connected to the practical implementation, ultimately benefiting the factory owner. 

From concept to reality, Autodesk empowers you to transform your building designs into tangible results. With our innovative suite of solutions, you can streamline collaboration, detect clashes early, and bring your vision to life for the factory owner. 

Assets Commissioning 

Creating a successful factory environment goes beyond well-designed 3D objects; it also involves attaching relevant data to assets. From checklists to manuals and more, this additional information plays a crucial role in bringing the vision to life for the factory owner. As we progress from conception to design, construction, and installation, it becomes essential to minimize the cycle between the site team and the single source of truth. This enables the creation of a digital twin, providing an accurate representation for the factory owner. 

To address this challenge, Autodesk introduces Autodesk Build. This powerful tool allows you to extract asset information directly from design files, enabling the seamless integration of construction information with these objects. By bridging the gap between design and construction, you can effectively gear up towards comprehensive asset management. 

With Autodesk Build, we empower factory owners to unlock the full potential of their assets. By seamlessly incorporating construction information into the digital twin, you can ensure accurate and efficient asset commissioning. Experience the power of Autodesk Build and revolutionize the way you bring your factory vision to life. 

Factory Operations 

As factory operations commence, the focus shifts towards the owner’s perspective and the crucial aspect of maintenance. 

While good design and proper construction are integral to the building lifecycle, the story doesn’t end there. In fact, these initial stages, which may span over a couple of years, are just the beginning. Maintenance, on the other hand, can extend for several more years, encompassing aspects such as operational space usage, IoT integration, and managing not just one building, but potentially multiple facilities. 

Transforming the Build Asset Lifecycle 

Before delving into the concept of digital twins, it’s important to understand the various levels of digital maturity they can possess. We can identify five key levels: 

1. Descriptive digital twin: A live and editable version of the design as well as the construction data 
2. Informative digital twin: A digital twin that brings in operational and sensor data 
3. Predictive digital twin: A digital twin, where the information is taken and leveraged for insights  
4. Comprehensive digital twin: This level goes beyond simulation, incorporating what-if scenarios to enhance the model’s capabilities. 
5. Autonomous digital twin: An autonomous digital twin learns independently and can take actions on behalf of users. 

With Autodesk Tandem, we are already at the stage of delivering a descriptive and informative digital twin. Tandem acts as a single pane of glass, enabling a comprehensive understanding of assets within different technical systems, as well as their contextual relationship to rooms and spaces. 

Rather than delivering 2D sheets and loads of paperwork Autodesk Tandem revolutionizes the way you perceive your building by color coding assets based on properties, tracking their maintenance history, and integrating IoT streams for real-time operational insights. 

At Autodesk, we understand that the factory lifecycle comprises various phases. Our focus is on delivering seamless and enriched solutions that connect all these phases, providing a unified digital experience that empowers you throughout the entire journey. 

Follow our Owner blog series to discover how Autodesk products can support you in your digital factory journey. The next blog in the series will be dedicated to Factory Equipment Suppliers.  

Subscribe and watch the video on “Demystification of IFM, ACC & Tandem for Manufacturing” on our Autodesk Construction Cloud YouTube channel. 

Stay tuned! 

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