Autodesk Forma - The next generation of construction management
Use Cases and Deployment Scope
At Malitz Construction we used Autodesk Forma as the one platform for managing plans, specifications, RFI's, Submittals, pictures, daily reports and closing documents. We also use Autodesk Forma as historical database, in that we can pull up any of our projects at anytime, anywhere to resolve issues or questions that our client may have. It is also useful to show new clients projects that we have done and the process we take to construct the buildings. My personal favorite is this software can be used on a computer, iPad or iPhone (and android devices as well) seamlessly and it is also available to all of our subcontractors, vendors, clients and A&E team free of charge under our own account. This helps all of us stay on the same page at all times.
Pros
- Organizing plans revisions and highlighting the difference between old to new files.
- Plan overlay. You can overlay new to old pages, but you can also overlay Architectural plans with the MEP Pages to see how they compare. Very useful for example with RCP to make sure that Lighting, HVAC Grills and fire sprinklers all have their own spots to be located.
- Submittal processing. It can adapt to those who use the software to process the submittal and to those who don't. It is easy to accommodate users who prefer the old style of submittals or those who prefer the new way. It also has its own submittal approval page, or you can upload your own. It also has approval stamps each party can use. I also like that it has the submittal system, but you can also store the final document in "Files" for those who don't like to navigate the submittal system to find the information they need
- Punch list process is the easist one I have ever used. So easy for the team to adapt and user friendly. I have found more people use Autodesk Formas Punch list feature compared to any other software I have used.
Cons
- I would like a more seamless transition from Building Connected to Autodesk Forma. We have to build the team in Building Connected and then rebuild it again in Forma.
- Ability to delete submittals and not loose the submittal number. I would like to reuse the submittal number if I delete it.
Return on Investment
- Our clients like that we use technology to track progress and not old school paper. as a result we get more work from clients.
- Our clients like that we can transmit an electronic copy of the plans and files instead of paper files.
- We have a significant reduction in paper cost, plan printing, submittal printing, storing of paper in file drawers and archive storage containers
Usability
Alternatives Considered
Procore
Other Software Used
Procore, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Excel