3 Common Mistakes in AEC Workflows (and How Autodesk Tech Fixes Them)

In today’s fast-paced AEC industry, efficiency and accuracy are critical to keeping projects on time and within budget. Yet, many firms still struggle with common workflow challenges that lead to miscommunication, costly rework, and project delays. Whether it’s siloed collaboration, late-stage design conflicts, or inefficient processes, these recurring issues can slow down even the most well-planned projects and skilled designers and architects.

Fortunately, Autodesk’s AEC technology offers powerful solutions to help firms streamline workflows, improve coordination, and reduce errors before they become expensive problems. By leveraging cloud collaboration, intelligent automation, and advanced design tools, teams can work smarter, not harder, ensuring seamless integration between architects, engineers, and contractors. Let’s explore three of the most common mistakes in AEC workflows and how Autodesk technology helps solve them.

Mistake 1: Poor Collaboration & Data Silos

?? The Problem:

• Teams work in disconnected tools, leading to data loss, rework, and miscommunication.
• Architects, engineers, and contractors may not have real-time access to project updates.
• File versioning issues create conflicts and delays.

? How Autodesk Fixes It:

• Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC): Enables real-time collaboration across disciplines, reducing rework.
• Revit Cloud Worksharing: Allows teams to work simultaneously on the same BIM model.
• Collaboration for Civil 3D: centralizes project data in the cloud, providing real-time access to DWG, DREF, and XREF files while ensuring secure, role-based permissions to prevent accidental overwrites.

Mistake 2: Inefficient Design Iterations & Clash Detection

?? The Problem:

• Engineers and architects waste time on late-stage design conflicts that could have been caught earlier.
• Manual clash detection leads to costly RFIs and delays during construction.
• Rework adds unnecessary costs to projects.

? How Autodesk Fixes It:

• Autodesk Forma: Supports early-stage design exploration and generative AI-driven analysis, helping teams evaluate multiple design options quickly and optimize for sustainability, energy efficiency, and site conditions.
• Navisworks Manage & Model Coordination: Automates clash detection early in the design phase, preventing issues later.
• Civil Tools on ACC: Helps visualize infrastructure projects in context before detailed design.

Mistake 3: Lack of Standardization & Automation

?? The Problem:

• Firms often reinvent the wheel for every project instead of leveraging templates and automation.
• Manual workflows lead to inconsistencies in modeling, documentation, and compliance.
• Valuable data gets lost between design, construction, and operations.

? How Autodesk Fixes It:

• Dynamo for Revit & Civil 3D: Automates repetitive tasks like sheet creation, labeling, and data extraction.
• Autodesk Construction Cloud & ISO 19650 Standards: Ensures consistent data management and compliance.
• Autodesk Tandem (Digital Twins): Bridges the gap between design, construction, and building operations.

Stay Ahead in AEC with Autodesk Technology!

Connect with me or subscribe to the Built Different newsletter for more insights on optimizing your workflows with Autodesk solutions. If you’re ready to elevate your projects, book a time with me to discuss how Autodesk can streamline your team’s processes and unlock the full potential of your project data through a Digital Discovery Workshop.