Introduction
Overview
Before project cost and schedule can be developed, estimators have the responsibility of quantifying all the contents of a building from drawings, specifications, and models. These quantities are used to deliver an accurate cost and scope for the project. This exercise represents one of the biggest project risks for construction managers.
Autodesk Takeoff helps teams reduce project risk by enabling estimators to create competitive bids faster by utilizing more accurate 2D takeoffs and generating quantities from 3D models within a single takeoff solution. Harnessing the power of a centralized document management environment, estimating teams can have access to the latest construction documents, drawings and 3D models anytime, anywhere for improved collaboration.
The following guide introduces the suggested quantification workflows and gives context to the different capabilities built into the product, including step-by-step starter guides.
Quantification with Autodesk Construction Cloud
Built on a unified platform and common data environment, Autodesk Construction Cloud is a powerful and complete portfolio of construction management products that empowers general contractors, specialty trades, designers, and owners to drive better business outcomes. Autodesk Construction Cloud combines advanced technology, a unique builders network and predictive insights to connect teams, workflows, and data across the entire building lifecycle.
Suggested Workflows
Design-Bid-Build Quantification Workflow
Streamline and simplify the takeoff process by generating accurate 2D and 3D quantities within a single cloud-based quantification solution. The graphic below outlines the suggested quantification workflow for design-bid-build projects using Autodesk Takeoff.
Why follow this workflow?
- More accurate and competitive bids
- Faster response time on bids
- Collaborative takeoff process
Autodesk Takeoff capabilities used:
- 2D & 3D Takeoff
Design-Build Quantification Workflow
Streamline the takeoff process with an integrated 2D/3D quantification experience. Account for changes with confidence by ensuring everyone is working from the latest project documents. The graphic below outlines the suggested quantification workflow for design-build projects using Autodesk Takeoff.
Why follow this workflow?
- More accurate quantities
- Effective change management
- Collaborative 2D/3D quantification experience
Autodesk Takeoff capabilities used:
- 2D & 3D Takeoff
Quantification Capabilities
Takeoff File Management
Helping to ensure estimators have access to the right information at the right time is crucial to generating a competitive bid. Harnessing the power of cloud-based document management powered by Autodesk Docs helps increase transparency, enables collaboration, improves quality and reduces costly mistakes. For quantification workflows, estimators work with both 2D and 3D files to perform quantity takeoff. To manage these and other project files, estimators have access to two sections in Autodesk Takeoff: (1) Files; (2) Sheets & Models.
1. Files
- Project documents stored in Files are accessible to other Autodesk Construction Cloud products such as Autodesk Docs, Autodesk Build and Autodesk BIM Collaborate, based on user permissions.
- Permissions can be applied to the Project Files folder and any subfolders to control access.
- Tracking multiple iterations of documents can be time consuming. With the document compare and version control features built into the Files area, estimators can quickly compare one version with the next to see how changes can affect scope and estimate.
- Estimators can easily subscribe to relevant folders in the Files area to receive notification when new project documents become available.
- Autodesk Takeoff users can publish PDF files, IFC and Revit models stored in Files directly to the Sheets & Models area to be used by estimators for quantifications.
PRO TIP: In the Files area, account admins can create folder structures in Project Templates to standardize across projects. Folder structure is reflected across modules.
2. Sheets & Models
- Estimators can upload PDFs, IFC and Revit files and publish them directly to Autodesk Takeoff with the Sheets & Models tool, or publish them directly from the Files area.
- The Sheets & Models panel shows the list of all uploaded and published sheets and models that can be used for quantification.
- When uploading PDF documents into the Sheets & Models area, the optical character recognition (OCR) technology automatically extracts a sheet name and sheet number, and applies sheet tags for seamless search capabilities later.
- Sheets and models can be updated or republished after the initial upload. An updated file is saved automatically as a newer version. The number on a file’s version badge indicates the number of versions available for the file.
- When viewing a sheet that has multiple versions in the Takeoff viewer, the most recent version is always shown by default.
- Existing takeoff on previous versions – In the Takeoff viewer, an orange warning icon appears next to the version badge of updated sheets or models that have takeoff items on previous file versions. Estimators can easily move takeoffs to the latest version of sheets and models for significant time savings.
- Sheets & Models panel appears in the takeoff viewers so estimators can easily locate, view and perform takeoff.
- The following tools in the Sheets & Models panel can help estimators perform takeoff faster:
-
- Filters – Locate sheets and models for takeoff by filtering by tag, version set (for 2D sheets), document type, or files with takeoffs.
- Search – Search the list of sheets and models by name or title.
- Sort – Sort the list by name or title or date modified.
- Bookmark – Bookmark a file within a takeoff package by clicking the bookmark icon in the panel list. Bookmarking moves the file towards the top of the list for that takeoff package.
PRO TIP: Bookmark is a great way to easily identify a sheet that requires extensive attention throughout the estimating process.
Configuring Takeoff Settings
Configuring takeoff settings is an important step to perform before quantification. Measurement settings should be configured before estimators start to perform accurate takeoff faster. Classification systems setup is optional.
2. Classification Systems
- To get started, upload a classification system (this step is completely optional)
- The classification system and its codes are used to describe and organize your takeoff items. Commonly used formats in the industry include MasterFormat or UniFormat in the US, UniClass in the UK, and others around the world.
- Autodesk Takeoff supports 2 classification systems. The primary classification is required when defining a takeoff type. An optional secondary classification system can be uploaded and utilized for additional takeoff organization.
- To add a custom classification system from Settings in the Packages area:
-
- Navigate to Packages from the left navigation panel and click Settings.
- In the Classification System drop-down, select Add custom classification system.
- Click Download template to export an editable custom template XLSX file.
- Open the custom template sheet in a spreadsheet app. Populate the sheet with the desired classification hierarchy. Tip: Measure field is optional, but including a measurement type can help default the units of measure when creating a takeoff type.
- Rename the sheet and save.
- Return to Add custom classification system. Click Import custom system to import and save the custom classification system to your project.
PRO TIP: Utilize project templates to speed up the set-up process. Project templates allow administrators to streamline the process of creating multiple projects with similar configurations to ensure consistency across the organization.
Working with Takeoff Packages
Estimators account for costs associated with multiple scopes of work on any given construction project. A takeoff package contains and organizes all quantification data related to a specific scope of work or bid package. When multiple estimators collaborate on a project, they can use takeoff packages to organize their work based on their areas of expertise and also easily share their work with other team members on the same project.
1. Creating a package
- In the left navigation panel, select Packages to open the Packages list.
- Click the Create package button to enter a title for the new package.
- Takeoff packages are usually organized and named by scope of work or trade divisions, but you can use any organization you prefer.
- Once the package is created, it will be added to the Packages list that shows all packages in your project.
- All takeoff items taken off from a sheet or model in a package are added to the inventory for that package.
2. Selecting a package to create takeoff
- Navigate to Packages from the left navigation in Takeoff and open the Packages list. Select the relevant package to enter the takeoff viewer area.
- In the Sheets & Models panel in the Takeoff viewer, you have access to all published sheets or models in your project that are available for takeoff.
- When you perform takeoff on a sheet or model, takeoff items and the sheet or model used are associated with the selected package.
- To perform takeoff in a different package, select the package from the drop-down in the top navigation, then start creating takeoff items for that package.
PRO TIP: Filter by tag, version set, document type, or files with takeoff to save time when performing takeoff. Bookmark a file within your takeoff package for frequently visited sheets.
3. Saving Snapshots
- A snapshot is a read-only, point-in-time capture of takeoff data for a project that lets estimators look back and understand how the project has changed and why.
- A Takeoff project snapshot includes all of the project’s packages and the associated takeoff on the most recent versions of sheets and models at the time the snapshot was saved.
- To create a snapshot, navigate to Packages in Autodesk Takeoff to save a snapshot.
PRO TIP: You can save as many snapshots as you like. A snapshot and its data remain accessible to be viewed even if the original takeoff data is deleted or changed. Snapshots can also be renamed, exported and deleted.
4. Viewing and exporting Snapshots
- Navigate to Packages, select a snapshot in Snapshots menu to view the list of packages in that snapshot. Click a package in the snapshot to open it in the Takeoff viewer.
- Once in the Takeoff viewer, a blue notification banner at the top of the viewer will indicate which snapshot is currently being viewed, as well as provide a link back to the Takeoff work in progress.
- View all takeoff data in the sheet or model in detail using the Takeoff viewer, Takeoff type panel, and the Inventory for the snapshot.
- Snapshot inventory data can be exported as a downloadable XLS file.
NOTE: Snapshots are read-only and you can’t make changes or restore from a snapshot.
2D Takeoff
Saving time and generating accurate quantities has never been easier than with Autodesk Takeoff. Bring the entire estimating team into the cloud-based 2D/3D takeoff solution to increase collaboration and streamline workflows. Break down data silos, allowing multiple estimators to perform takeoffs and collaborate on the same project.
Whether using the imperial or metric system, easily capture project scope with linear, count, or area takeoff tools. Generate multiple quantities for any takeoff drawn, and reassign takeoffs to different types with ease. No need for piles of paper, pencils or calculators. Have confidence in your numbers with an online takeoff process that makes version management a breeze.
1. Setting Scale
- You must set a scale before any takeoff can be performed.
- Using a known linear dimension on the sheet, calibrate your scale.
- You can also select a scale from a predefined list without the need to calculate the scale manually.
- Take quick measurements in both 2D and 3D to verify that the scale is set up correctly, without performing takeoff.
- Once a scale is set for a given sheet, it will be set for all estimators collaborating in that project, regardless of the takeoff package they are in.
2. Creating 2D Takeoff Types
- The following information can be added when creating count, area or linear takeoff types:
- Name – Enter a name for the takeoff type.
- Tool – Select the tool (Area, Linear, Count, BIM) to use when taking off objects of this type. The BIM takeoff type can only be used to select objects in 3D models.
- Appearance – Select color, border, or shape of takeoff depending on the tool used.
- Description (optional) – Add a text description, if desired.
- Primary Output (Required)
- Output Name – Optional
- Classification 1 (Optional) – Select a classification to use for objects with this takeoff type. This drop-down is populated with the classification system selected in project settings.
- Classification 2 (Optional) – Select a classification to use for objects with this takeoff type. This drop-down is populated with the classification system selected in project settings.
- Unit of Measure (Required) – Select the unit of measure this takeoff type will use.
- Formula (Optional) – A formula can be used here to generate complex quantities, if needed.
- Additional Outputs (optional) – As in Primary Output, include optional output name, additional classifications and formula as needed. Autodesk Takeoff supports multiple secondary outputs. Unit of measure is required for additional outputs.
- Inputs (Input values are required for certain rules) – Provide default values or leave blank and fill out per instance later. Ex: Height.
3. Standardize Takeoff Types
No need to start each project from scratch.
- Streamline your takeoff workflows by importing takeoff types from another takeoff package or project for increased time savings.
- Implement companywide standards by setting up project templates that include takeoff types and classification systems.
4. Mirror/Rotate/Hide/Cutout/Reassign Takeoff
- Certain project types such as hotels have rooms and other areas that are mirrored from one part of the project to another. Simply copy, move, rotate or mirror takeoff without the need to re-perform takeoff.
- Have a plan that has a lot of detailed takeoffs? Simply isolate or hide takeoffs for improved visibility when performing a very detailed takeoff.
- Need to easily remove part of an area takeoff? Use the cutout feature to seamlessly remove the area needed to update the quantities.
- Need to reassign a takeoff to another type? No need to delete the takeoff and start again. Instead, select the takeoff, right click and reassign to another takeoff type.
Pro Tip: Takeoffs can be copied to another sheet by selecting one or more takeoffs via copy/paste commands.
5. Custom Formulas
- Users may enter a formula that will be used to calculate a takeoff’s primary or secondary quantities. A formula can also be used for 3D takeoff.
- When entering a formula for primary and secondary quantities, users can include a variety of math operators.
- Formulas are a great way to easily calculate assemblies.
- Examples:
- Need to calculate double-sided square footage of a linear takeoff? Simply use the formula Distance*height*2.
- Need to apply a waste factor to your quantities? For example, 15% for carpet? Apply a waste factor of 15% by using formula: Area*1.15.
Pro Tip: Formulas can be as simple or complex as you need. Whether calculating the roof pitch or perimeter square footage, this highly customizable feature is a great tool to have in an estimator’s toolbelt.
6. Symbol Detection for Count Takeoff
Powered by machine learning, the Symbol Detection feature in Autodesk Takeoff minimizes the mundane and tedious tasks of individually taking off similar symbols.
- Take advantage of the dynamic connection between the instances for review and the symbol on the screen to dive in and evaluate the results in the context of the 2D sheet before accepting them.
- Using assisted machine learning technology, Autodesk Takeoff doesn’t duplicate counts when running symbol detection on a revised drawing. It intelligently identifies previously detected symbols and notifies you of any new instances that have been added to create a highly efficient takeoff experience.
- To use symbol detection to identify and count takeoff items:
- From the Takeoff Types panel, select the count-based takeoff type you want to work with.
- With the takeoff type selected, click the Count tool in the viewer toolbar to expand the option menu. Then, click the Symbol Detection option from the menu to enable symbol detection.
- On your sheet, locate a symbol representing the item that needs to be quantified. Click and drag the area to draw a box around the symbol, then click Apply.
- The Symbol Detection panel opens to the right, showing each instance of the symbol that was found on the sheet.
- Review the detected instances on the sheet to make sure that the items are what you intended on counting. You can click each detected instance in the Symbol Detection panel to zoom to the instance on the sheet to verify. Deselect any items that you do not want to include as part of this takeoff.
- Once you have confirmed all instances sharing the symbol have been correctly identified, click Save at the bottom of the panel to count the checked items as takeoff for the selected takeoff type.
- If some necessary instances were not detected, you can add them by selecting Count from the Count tool menu and clicking the sheet where needed to add them.
- When a drawing is revised, you can use symbol detection to find new instances of items using a symbol that has been previously detected. Simply repeat the symbol detection process. The Symbol Detection panel shows new instances at the top of the results list, and previously detected symbols appear at the bottom. This allows you to view what’s already been counted and avoid counting items more than once unintentionally.
Pro Tip: For successful symbol detection, try zooming in to make sure you have clearly marked the entire symbol, and the symbol only. Choose a symbol for detection that has a clear, open background. Text is not currently detected during symbol detection, so avoid including text with the symbol to be detected.
7. Locations
- Takeoffs can be assigned to locations in a project in Autodesk Takeoff. Associating location information with takeoff can help estimators more easily calculate the cost to build a certain part of a building or project.
- Locations can be assigned in the inventory panel or by simply selecting the item in the takeoff viewer on a sheet or a model. All outputs under the takeoff item will share the same location.
- The inventory can also be grouped by location for organized export to Excel.
Pro Tip: Access settings under Project Admin panel to add locations or sublocations of a project (including levels or rooms), locations can be referenced in other workflows throughout the product.
8. Change Management
- With the document compare and version control features, teams can ensure they are viewing the latest version and quickly compare one version with the next to see how changes impact scope.
- When new and updated files are published to the Sheets & Models area in Autodesk Takeoff, you’ll see update notifications.
- Autodesk Takeoff allows you to move existing takeoffs to the latest version of the document without the need to re-takeoff – for tremendous time savings.
9. Robust Comparison
- Snapshots in Autodesk Takeoff preserve a point-in-time capture of all takeoff data for a project so you can look back in time and understand how the project has changed and why.
- With robust comparison capabilities in Autodesk Takeoff, estimators can visually compare takeoff along with quantities in the inventory when comparing sheets from previously saved snapshots and work in progress within the same takeoff package.
- The takeoffs are color-coded and overlaid on sheets being compared. Both takeoff and sheets can be toggled on and off when in comparison mode, making it easier to understand what has changed and what remains the same.
- The inventory panel highlights the quantity and unit cost changes to help the estimators identify cost impacts.
3D Takeoff
Improve efficiency, accuracy and productivity of your estimating teams by leveraging model-based takeoff. Estimators benefit greatly from being able to visualize design intent and understand project scope in 3D in order to generate a more accurate takeoff.
Spend more time on high-value work rather than tedious manual counting. Get instant access to quantities from the BIM model to achieve tremendous time savings, reducing the risk of miscalculation and omissions.
1. 3D takeoff viewer tools
- Orbit – In orbit mode, the camera moves around the focal point of the model. In this mode, the up direction is always maintained.
- First Person – With the First-Person tool, you can navigate through a model as if you are walking through it.
- Section Box – Click the arrow to view the model in sections along the X, Y, or Z planes.
- Form Clusters – Group model elements visually by type. Some estimators may not feel comfortable using models for takeoff, so this is a great feature to ease into model-based workflows.
- Model Browser – Browse 3D models. Search for objects by name or ID and toggle the icon to hide or display the selected objects.
- Properties – Inspect properties of the model or selected objects, including constraints, materials and finishes, and identifying data.
- Levels – Display only the selected level and hide all other levels in a model.
2. Creating 3D Takeoff Type
- Select the takeoff package you want to work in. Then select the 3D model you want to perform takeoff on.
- While the takeoff type section is open, select the model object you wish to use for your takeoff and click on the “+” button to create the takeoff type.
- You will be able to configure the following for your takeoff type:
- Name – The name of the takeoff type automatically populates depending on the model-object type name. You can change it, if necessary.
- Tool – With the BIM tool selected, you can change the “fill” color to change the takeoff type appearance.
-
- Description (optional) – Add a text description, if desired.
- Primary Output (Required)
- Output Name – Optional
- Classification 1 (Optional) – Select a classification to use for objects with this takeoff type. This drop-down is populated with the classification system selected in project settings.
- Classification 2 (Optional) – Select a classification to use for objects with this takeoff type. This drop-down is populated with the classification system selected in project settings.
- Unit of Measure (Required) – Select the unit of measure this takeoff type will use.
- Formula (Optional) – A formula can be used here to generate complex quantities, if needed.
- Additional Outputs (optional) – As in Primary Output, include optional output name, additional classifications and formula as needed. Autodesk Takeoff supports multiple secondary outputs. Unit of measure is required for additional outputs.
- Model Mapping – Autodesk Takeoff provides a default mapping of model properties based on any output rules. This model mapping can be edited using mathematical formulas, operations, and constants.
3. Performing 3D Takeoff
- You can perform a takeoff on a 3D model from the Takeoff Types panel in the viewer.
- Select which model property to use for output, or use formulas.
- Autodesk Takeoff supports multiple secondary outputs.
PRO TIP: For increased time saving, simply right click on any model object and choose the option to select all similar types. This will select all model objects with the same properties, allowing you to takeoff all respective objects at once.
4. Locations
- Takeoffs can be assigned to locations in a project in Autodesk Takeoff. Associating location information with takeoff can help estimators more easily calculate the cost to build a certain part of a building or project.
- Locations can be assigned in the inventory panel or by simply selecting the item in the takeoff viewer on a sheet or a model. All outputs under the takeoff item will share the same location.
- The inventory can also be grouped by location for organized export to Excel.
PRO TIP: Access settings under Project Admin panel to add locations or sublocations of a project (including levels or rooms), locations can be referenced in other workflows throughout the product.
- When new and updated models are published to the Sheets & Models tabs in Autodesk Takeoff, you’ll see notifications for the updates.
- Autodesk Takeoff allows you to move existing takeoffs to the latest version of the document without the need to re-takeoff – for tremendous time savings.
Aggregated 2D/3D quantities
Traditionally, 2D and 3D takeoffs happen in separate applications, and then the data is brought together manually. The result is a disjointed and cumbersome process that takes a lot of time and effort. By unifying 2D and 3D takeoffs in a centralized platform, estimating teams can reduce the risk of scope gaps and inaccurate takeoff, and thus enhance profitability.
With a unified takeoff workflow in Autodesk Takeoff, the output becomes a comprehensive inventory that provides an audit trail, so teams can quickly understand where the summary quantities come from. Aggregated 2D and 3D quantities can be rolled up by classification, locations, documents and type to allow for easy export to Excel.
1. Working with Inventory
- The inventory gives you a cumulative view of all takeoff items from all sheets and models in a package. Within the inventory, you can group items, view item details, and make edits to takeoff items.
- To open the Takeoff Inventory:
- Click the Inventory icon at the bottom left panel in the Takeoff viewer.
- The Inventory panel opens at the bottom of the page. This panel can be opened in a new window and moved to a different monitor on your desktop as needed.
- You can change the view of your inventory by grouping items in the table by primary output, secondary output, document name, locations, or takeoff type.
- Clicking a line item in the inventory opens information about the takeoff instances for the item. This information appears in a small Instance View panel to the right of the Inventory panel. This view is open by default but can be minimized. In the instance view, you can:
-
- View quantity details of selected instance
- Choose Fit to view option to navigate to selected instance in sheet or model
- Reassign an instance to a different takeoff type
- Assign takeoff to a specific location
- Delete takeoff instances
2. Exporting Inventory
- You can export takeoff data from your inventory as a Microsoft Excel file. Data in the exported file is organized by the selected grouping type.
- To export takeoff inventory data
- Open the inventory by clicking the Inventory icon at the bottom of the left panel in the viewer.
- Click Export at the top right of the Inventory panel.
- Download and save the exported file to your computer.
- The file contains a summary sheet based on the selected grouping and a detailed sheet regardless of the grouping.
Unit costs
Unit Costs
Estimators are often asked to put together a high-level conceptual estimate for various reasons. Conceptual estimates give teams an idea around a project’s cost and can also help determine project feasibility. It can help estimators make better budget decisions early on without spending considerable time performing a detailed estimate during the early project phase.
Within Autodesk Takeoff, you can apply unit costs to 2D and 3D takeoff types, which can help establish rough budgets and estimates.
Setting Currency for the project
- You must first set a currency for the project to apply unit costs.
- To set a currency:
- Go to Packages tool.
- Select Settings at the upper right corner.
- Scroll to the currency area and choose the desired currency from the drop down.
Note: Changing the currency display setting does not perform currency conversion.
Working with output definitions
- Within Settings, you can access the Output definitions tab to create, import, and view the takeoff output definitions that can be used when performing takeoff.
- When creating output definitions, you can add names, units of measure, costs, and classifications, which can be used throughout the takeoff process when working with takeoff types.
- You can also import multiple output definitions using the xlsx template provided to streamline the output creation process.
Adding unit costs
- Unit costs can be added when creating output definitions mentioned above or when creating or editing an existing takeoff output within takeoff types.
- Cost calculations are displayed and updated within the inventory panel as estimators continue to perform takeoff and can be exported along with the inventory.
Viewing costs in the inventory
- The Inventory panel gives you a cumulative view of all takeoff items and outputs from all sheets and models in a package.
- Cost in the takeoff inventory represents a unit cost for a takeoff item.
- Total cost in the Inventory is calculated by multiplying Cost x Quantity of a given takeoff output.
- The inventory panel also calculates and displays a package total cost for all quantities with cost in the package, the package total is displayed at the top of the inventory panel.
- You can export the takeoff data along with the associated costs by clicking on the Export at the top right corner of the inventory panel.
Takeoff Reports
Takeoff Reports
Estimators can access the Reports tool in Autodesk Takeoff to group, sort, and filter their takeoff data to generate reports in both PDF and Excel formats. The Reports tool provides a central location for estimators to communicate curated takeoff data and distribute it among those most need it.
Takeoff inventory report
- The Takeoff Inventory Report is a customizable report that contains selected takeoff data from your inventory, presented as an XLSX or PDF file.
- You can customize which fields are included or excluded from your reports.
- You can filter the selected inventory data to only report takeoff data by:
- Classification 1
- Classification 2
- Document
- Location
- Output Name
- Package
- Takeoff Type
- You can also sort by different fields, including classifications, documents, instances, locations, etc.
- Under Report options, you can choose whether to include a cover page, cost data, or takeoff instances.
Schedule Reports
- You can schedule takeoff reports to run automatically on a regular cadence.
- To schedule a report:
- Click on Reports on the left navigation panel.
- Switch to the templates tab.
- Click the More menu on the right side of the template and choose the Schedule report option.
- Define the cadence of the report schedule. The cadence consists of the period, the frequency, and the day.
Additional Capabilities
Account Admin & Standardization
Setting up account level features and standards is critical to ensuring teams are being set up for success. Whether it is creating project templates or ensuring the right team members have the right access to different features, the account admin functions help everyone get up and running quickly. Taking that a step further, by setting up standards that are used across the organization, estimating teams can streamline the process of creating takeoffs to generate competitive bids without having to start projects from scratch.
1. Setting Up Templates
- Users with ‘Account administrator’ access can navigate to ‘Account Admin’ using the product picker or by selecting ‘All Projects’ under the project picker and clicking ‘Account administration’ on the top right.
- Select ‘Templates’ from the left side panel.
- From here, users can see a list of all active or archived templates.
- Click on an active template to edit any details or click the blue ‘Create project template’ button to see two options to create a new template:
- Create a new template – This allows users to start a template from scratch.
- Create a template from an existing project – This allows users to copy over certain aspects of a project into a template.
- To edit a particular template, users must first be added under ‘Configuration > Permissions’ and assigned to the desired products. This will allow them to edit the corresponding settings for each product. These users are not included in projects created from the template.
- Once a template is created, the configured users can add, edit or remove members from the template and assign permissions or product access.
- With project template, teams can also standardize the way they estimate and manage a project by setting up a preconfigured folder structure with permissions and then creating takeoff packages and takeoff types to be used during the takeoff process.
PRO TIP: Check out the help site to view which aspects of a product can be carried over into a template.
2. Creating a Project
- Users with ‘Account administrator’ access can navigate to the ‘Account Admin’ tool and select ‘Projects’ from the left side panel.
- From here, select the blue ‘Create project’ button.
- Enter all the relevant details including project name, project number, address, start and end dates, as well as the option to use a project template.
- Here, admins can add members and assign them access levels (associate roles or companies), as well as manage their individual member subscriptions.
PRO TIP: Account Admins will see how many subscription licensees are available.
Project Admin
Ensuring all aspects of the project are running smoothly is a key component of making sure projects stay on time and on budget. When technology is set up in a way that simplifies daily activity, teams can collaborate and get things done more efficiently. With the project admin features in the Autodesk Construction Cloud unified platform, admins can easily create new projects, add and manage project members and ensure all settings or project locations are being used correctly.
- Enter in all the relevant details, including project name, project number, address, start and end dates, as well as the option to use a project template.
- NOTE: If a template was used to create the project, the members associated with the template will be prepopulated here. However, admins can also remove any members through their member settings panel.
- Additionally, users can add locations or sublocations of a project (including levels or rooms) that can be referenced in other workflows throughout the product.
- To view a list of all shared or received sheets or files navigate to Bridge from the left side panel.
- From here you will see a tab for Incoming or Outgoing shares, a list of sheets that have automations set up, as well as a “Bridged Projects” tab where you can directly link one project to another to make sharing even easier.