10 BIM Coordination Tools Architects Should Know

How can modern architects avoid coordination errors before they start interrupting actual construction work? There is no alternative to effective collaboration in the current AEC environment. The digital transformation of the entire AEC spectrum has streamlined the workflows of various disciplines and facilitated easier cooperation between them. The outcome is safer, smarter, and more efficient buildings.

In this technology-driven environment, mastering the most suitable software stack is no longer optional. Successful AEC businesses are using collaborative BIM coordination tools extensively. So, which BIM tools are giving architects a decisive edge in coordination? This article will explore ten such tools that enhance design accuracy, facilitate clash detection, and streamline project delivery.

Autodesk Revit

Revit is still the primary BIM authoring tool most global architectural firms use. As opposed to conventional CAD, the parametric modeling of Revit guarantees that design alterations update automatically across all views – floor plans, elevations, and schedules. 

Revit is regarded as the industry-standard BIM authoring tool. It enables architects to create parametric 3D building models that accurately represent real-life interactions among various components.

Autodesk also claims that AEC companies using Revit can significantly shorten manual drafting time. It facilitates speedier documentation and more transparent coordination.

Autodesk Navisworks & Autodesk Construction Cloud

Navisworks is an excellent tool for architects to aggregate several discipline models into a unified 3D representation. The clash detection engine within this tool is capable of identifying spatial interferences with modifiable tolerance settings. As this tool is highly useful for early clash detection, it further reduces rework.

Autodesk Construction Cloud, previously known as BIM 360, further improves clash detection by providing cloud-based live model access, issue resolution tools, and version tracking. Remote BIM support providers merge these tools to curtail coordination timelines considerably. They take advantage of the cloud for live updates across teams that are dispersed geographically.

Solibri Model Checker

Solibri is another notable tool that takes quality control to a whole new level. It inspects BIM models against regulatory requirements and BIM execution plans. This tool also automates rule-centric audits for fire safety, spatial integrity, and accessibility.

Effectively, Solibri comes with the capability of avoiding expensive revisions through error detection during preconstruction. As a result, overall model integrity improves to quite a large extent.

Remote BIM support uses Solibri to authenticate that MEP and architectural models are clash-free and adhere to client standards and specific building norms.

BIMcollab & BCF Workflows

BIMcollab is another prominent tool that every modern-day architect should know how to use expertly. Fundamentally, it is a cloud-native issue-tracking platform. BIMcollab takes advantage of the open BIM Collaboration Format (BCF). Architects can use it to document clash comments, allocate tasks, and preserve an explicit resolution audit trail.

BCF-based workflows are known for notably improving interdisciplinary communication. Therefore, BIMcollab can be used to ensure clear accountability, where every single clash or error is monitored, assigned, and addressed with comprehensive documentation.

Revizto

The main benefit of using the Revizto tool is to bring coordination into an integrated 2D/3D platform for efficient issue tracking and real-time sync. This software is capable of integrating marked-up challenges directly into live models. This leads to a significant reduction in coordination cycles for many users.

Remote support providers of BIM coordination services use Revizto in large-scale projects to bring office and field teams on the same page. It helps keep every stakeholder in sync while guaranteeing that all operations flow from the cloud to the site without any hassle. This software is of great help when visual clarity and cross-platform accessibility matter most.

Trimble Connect

This BIM tool is essentially a cloud-based Common Data Environment (CDE). The main focus of Trimble is to support multiple file formats, including IFC and Revit. Integrating this software with GIS and field data tools enables it to be the perfect choice for site-interactive projects.

Trimble Connect makes sure coordination conflicts are reduced substantially, especially in projects that employ geographic referencing. Remote support providers capitalize on this software in the case of urban-scale projects, assuring architects and engineers of alignment with utility and topographical limitations.

Plannerly

There is no better tool than Plannerly when it comes to supporting the strategic incorporation of BIM Execution Plans (BEPs) and the automated tracking of BIM project needs. It helps monitor deliverables against agreed-upon objectives and offers dashboards for compliance oversight.

Businesses that use Plannerly experience a considerable decrease in project risk because of improved coordination. Leveraging this tool during project initiation assists in ideally structuring coordination milestones. Consequently, it guarantees that all BIM deliverables are in line with the client’s goals and regulatory requirements before the development of the model.

BricsCAD BIM + Bricsys 24/7

Next on this list is the BricsCAD BIM. It offers a more cost-efficient substitute for larger BIM platforms. However, the Bricsys 24/7 serves the role of its secure CDE. Users can save a considerable amount on software expenses with the help of this tool, and they do not have to compromise on coordination quality.

Offsite support teams utilize this stack when clients have a limited budget but need holistic BIM deliverables. It ultimately facilitates DWG-based coordination with trustworthy version control and model access.

ProjectWise

ProjectWise is a tool that combines BIM, CAD, GIS, and document management customized for high-capacity infrastructure and civil engineering operations. To sway away from data loss and boost version control, ProjectWise should be the first choice of an AEC firm.

Offshore support providers deploy this tool on multi-discipline construction projects. The purpose is to centralize models, drawings, and coordinate information in a safe, governed ecosystem.

COBie and Asset Data Integration

The final BIM coordination tool in this list is COBie. It structures metadata for equipment and assets to assist facility management. Evidence shows that when models consist of COBie-compliant data, it drastically boosts the speed of FM handover.

Remote operations teams can embed COBie fields within BIM coordination workflows to ensure the delivery of models that are functionally ready. This integration equips owners with asset timelines, maintenance instructions, and warranty information.

How Uppteam Incorporates These Tools Together

Uppteam has the expertise in using all these BIM integration tools. They are effectively used in different phases. Revit is extensively used for model creation. It allows us to create LOD 300-400 authoring models. When it comes to desktop clash detection, Solibri and Navisworks are the main tools of Uppteam. We use these two tools to detect spatial and quality issues.

Our experts also use Autodesk Construction Cloud or Trimble Connect, along with Revizto or BIMcollab, depending on the project at hand. They help us assign and address issues in real time. Finally, in terms of data handover, COBie and Plannerly are Uppteam’s reliable software partners.

Benefits for AEC Stakeholders and Architects

By using the above-listed BIM coordination tools, architects and other relevant AEC stakeholders can enjoy numerous benefits.

• Reducing Rework and RFIs: Initial-stage coordination eliminates any form of field conflicts.
• Speeding Up Permitting: Clear, conforming models curtail plan check iterations.
• Enhancing Team Transparency: Shared tools minimize email overload and version confusion.
• Ensuring Lifecycle Value: COBie provides asset data for facility management success.

It is evident that 3D BIM coordination is subject to a substantial reduction in the documentation cycle. It also helps lower project change expenses. With Uppteam’s coordinated approach, AEC firms can boost these gains and encourage improved ROI.

Summing Up

Every single BIM coordination tool discussed here is of extreme importance for modern architects. From foundational platforms like Navisworks and Revit to information-delivery solutions such as COBie, understanding the ideal BIM coordination tools can truly transform overall architectural delivery.

Partner with Uppteam and harness these tools together to develop data-rich, clash-free, and code-adherent BIM models tailored to your project’s scope and complexity.