Mastering Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) Workflows: Essential Guide to Multi-Discipline Coordination in BIM

In the fast-paced world of BIM, where architects, engineers, and consultants juggle complex designs across disciplines, Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) emerges as the ultimate game-changer—bridging silos, automating clashes, and fuelling real-time collaboration. Evolving from BIM 360, ACC isn’t just a platform; it’s a lifeline for multi-consultant projects, slashing errors and boosting efficiency from design to delivery. In this guide, we’ll break down essential terminologies, setup strategies, linking methods, advanced tools, and core services to help you harness ACC’s full power and turn coordination chaos into streamlined success.

Overview of ACC in BIM Collaboration

Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) is a comprehensive cloud-based platform designed to connect project teams, data, and workflows throughout the construction lifecycle. Evolving from BIM 360, ACC integrates tools for design, coordination, and management, making it ideal for multi-consultant environments. In multi-discipline projects—like those involving architecture, structure, MEP, and landscape—ACC enables real-time model sharing, automated clash detection, and centralized data access, reducing silos and enhancing productivity.

Key Terminologies for ACC Workflows

Before diving into coordination, it’s essential to grasp the core terms that underpin ACC operations. These ensure smooth interactions among consultants and prevent common pitfalls in multi-discipline projects.

1. Synchronize (Sync):

  • Synchronize refers to the process of uploading local changes from a Revit model to the central cloud-hosted model in ACC, while simultaneously pulling in updates from other team members. This ensures all collaborators work with the most current data.
  • Enabled through Revit Cloud Work sharing (part of BIM Collaborate Pro), syncing operates in a high-trust environment where changes are pushed and pulled in real-time or at user-initiated intervals. It uses encrypted Element Streams rather than full .RVT file transfers for efficiency. Syncing is automatic in coordination spaces, instantly making new model versions available for review or clash detection, reducing errors and delays.

2. Relinquish:

  • Relinquish is the action of releasing ownership or “borrowed” elements in a work shared Revit model, allowing other users to edit them.
  • In cloud work sharing, users “borrow” elements to make changes, and relinquishing returns control to the central model upon syncing. This prevents locking out team members and maintains workflow fluidity. If not relinquished, elements remain locked, potentially stalling progress. It’s implied in Autodesk’s collaborative frameworks as a key step in managing concurrent edits.

3. Publish:

  • Publish involves bundling updated model data (including links) from the Revit Cloud Worksharing service into an .RVT file and uploading it to ACC’s Document Management (Docs) module, making it viewable and accessible beyond the authoring team.
  • Publishing creates a snapshot for non-Revit users (e.g., via web/mobile) and is less frequent than syncing (e.g., twice weekly). It translates Element Streams into downloadable formats, supporting modules like Design Collaboration and Model Coordination for clash detection.

4. Share:

  •  Share is the process of distributing models or packages to other teams via ACC’s Design Collaboration module, placing them in shared spaces for access
  •  Sharing notifies recipients and allows automatic updates. It uses packages to bundle data, fostering collaboration without exposing raw worksharing files.

5. Worksharing:

  • Worksharing is the collaborative framework in Revit and ACC that allows multiple users to edit the same model simultaneously through cloud-based central files.
  • It involves element-level ownership, syncing, and relinquishing to manage edits. Part of BIM Collaborate Pro, it supports high-trust teams by enabling concurrent contributions, with changes propagated via the cloud.

6. Consume:

  • Consuming involves accepting a shared package into a team’s Consumed Folder, allowing team members to access the latest shared models and data.
  • This allows the team to update linked models at their own discretion, ensuring controlled workflows and avoiding unplanned disruptions to ongoing design work

7. Federated Model:

  • A Federated Model is a combined view of models from different disciplines within Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC). Rather than merging files, it overlays them for a holistic review, enabling coordination, visualization, and analysis across architectural, structural, and MEP teams.

8 Clash:

  • The term Clash highlights conflicts between model elements—such as a pipe intersecting with a structural beam—that are automatically flagged within the Model Coordination module. Identifying clashes early helps prevent costly design errors and construction delays.

9. Issue:

  • An Issue in ACC represents a tracked problem, query, or design concern within the model. These issues can be assigned to specific consultants, given deadlines, and monitored through resolution, making accountability and progress tracking clear and efficient.

10. Package:

  • A Package is essentially a versioned bundle of models and data that a team shares through Design Collaboration. Along with the models, it includes timelines and details that help other teams track changes, compare versions, and maintain clarity in project coordination.

Mastering these terms ensures consultants communicate effectively and leverage ACC’s full potential.

Setting Up for Coordination in ACC

Effective coordination starts with a solid foundation. Here’s how to set up an ACC project for multi-discipline collaboration:

  1. Create a Project Hub: Log into ACC and create a new project. This hub organizes all modules and data. Invite consultants via email, assigning roles like Admin (for setup), Editor (for model work), or Viewer (for reviews).
  2.  Define Permissions and Roles: Use granular permissions to control access—e.g., MEP consultants get edit rights to their folders but view-only for architecture. This prevents unauthorized changes while enabling collaboration.
  3. Establish Folder Structures: Organize Document Management (now Autodesk Docs) with discipline-specific folders (e.g., /Architecture, /Structure, /MEP, /Landscape). Include Shared and Consumed Folders for coordination. Best practice: Align this with your BIM Execution Plan (BEP) to standardize naming and workflows.
  4. Enable Cloud Work-sharing: In Revit, initiate work sharing and upload models to ACC. This allows simultaneous editing across teams.

With setup complete, you’re ready for model linking and coordination—key to avoiding delays in multi-consultant projects.

Coordination Methods: Linking Models Across Disciplines

Linking models across disciplines is vital for seamless collaboration in Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC). It connects architects, structural engineers, and MEP designers effectively. ACC offers multiple linking methods tailored to trust levels, project complexity, and workflow preferences.
Each method—Live Linking, Shared Folder, Consumed Folder, and Bridge Linking—has unique strengths. These allow teams to choose the best approach for their project dynamics. Below, we explore each method to help you optimize coordination.

1. Live Linking Method:

  • Live Linking connects teams to a live Revit model in ACC’s Document Management. As the authoring team syncs changes, updates propagate instantly to linked models. This ensures immediate access to the latest data.
  • It’s ideal for high-trust teams needing rapid coordination, like internal disciplines on tight schedules. However, it sacrifices version control, as changes apply without review. Unfinished or erroneous updates can disrupt workflows.
  • Strong communication is key to mitigate risks. Live Linking suits projects where real-time updates outweigh potential instability. It fosters close collaboration but requires alignment.

2. Controlled Sharing – Linking from the Shared Folder:

  • This method links to models in ACC’s Shared Folder, updated automatically when new packages are shared. It balances automation and control, streamlining workflows. Teams stay aligned with consistent, shared data.
  • No manual intervention is needed for updates, saving effort. However, teams can’t choose when updates apply, which may disrupt workflows. This can complicate fast-paced projects needing stability.
  • It’s well-suited for moderate-trust projects valuing structured sharing. Automation reduces manual work, but timing control is limited. Clear processes help maintain consistency.

3. Controlled Sharing – Linking from the Consumed Folder (Share/Consume Method):

  • The Share/Consume Method shares packages to a team’s Consumed Folder for manual acceptance. Teams review changes before linking, offering maximum control. This minimizes risks from unwanted modifications.
  • It’s effective for low-trust scenarios or external consultants needing data validation. However, active management is required, which can cause delays. Discipline and communication ensure timely coordination.
  • This method is ideal for projects prioritizing stability. Teams integrate updates on their terms, maintaining workflow integrity. It demands careful oversight but enhances control.

4. Bridge Linking (Cross-Project Linking):

  • Bridge Linking connects models across different ACC projects using the Bridge feature. It enables collaboration across organizational boundaries, like client and consultant hubs. This is valuable for complex, multi-stakeholder projects
  • Updates require publishing, which isn’t real-time, potentially slowing coordination. Exclusive to ACC, it’s unavailable in BIM 360, limiting applicability. Teams must manage publishing for seamless integration.
  • It suits projects needing cross-project collaboration. The method ensures access to external models but requires careful update management. It’s powerful for large-scale coordination.

The best linking method depends on your project’s trust dynamics and needs. High-trust teams may prefer Live Linking for speed, while external partners might choose Consumed Folder for control. Understanding these methods optimizes ACC workflows.

Advanced Coordination Tools in ACC

ACC’s advanced tools streamline conflict resolution, issue tracking, and model coordination. These features help teams work together smoothly, catch problems early, and keep projects on schedule.:

1. Clash Detection:

  • Clash Detection in the Model Coordination module automatically scans federated models to find conflicts, like a pipe hitting a beam. With 2025 updates, you can adjust issue pushpins without deleting them, making it easier to fine-tune coordination. This tool saves time by highlighting problems across disciplines, ensuring designs are practical and buildable.
  • Regular clash scans paired with team meetings help resolve issues quickly, preventing costly delays. However, it requires consistent model updates to stay accurate, and complex projects may generate many clashes, needing careful prioritization. Clash Detection is ideal for teams aiming to catch and fix design conflicts early.

2. Issue Management:

  • Issue Management lets you log, assign, and track problems or questions in ACC with clear deadlines. You can add markups during reviews to point out issues visually, making communication clear and direct. This keeps everyone accountable and ensures problems are addressed promptly.
  • The system works best with active team engagement, but it can feel time-consuming if issues pile up or aren’t prioritized. It’s perfect for projects needing organized tracking to avoid miscommunication. Issue Management shines when teams use it consistently to resolve queries and keep workflows moving

3. Packages and Version Control:

  • Packages and Version Control in Design Collaboration lets you share versioned model packages, ensuring teams work from the same data. Timelines and 3D diffs show changes between versions, making it easy to spot updates across disciplines. This clarity helps teams stay aligned and understand design progress.
  • Creating and reviewing packages takes some effort, and large projects may need frequent updates to stay current. This tool is great for controlled sharing, especially when teams need to track changes carefully. It works best for projects where version history and transparency are key.

4. Federated Models:

  • Federated Models combine models from all disciplines into one view without merging files, perfect for clash analysis and coordination meetings. They give teams a big-picture look at the project, making it easier to spot issues and plan together. This unified view supports better decision-making across teams.
  • Building and maintaining federated models requires up-to-date inputs from all disciplines, which can be challenging if teams don’t sync regularly. It’s ideal for complex projects needing holistic reviews. Federated Models excel when used for regular check-ins to ensure alignment.

These tools accelerate resolution, with best practices like scheduled meetings enhancing their impact.

ACC Services Breakdown: How They Support Coordination

ACC’s interconnected modules create a seamless workflow for managing models, resolving issues, and tracking progress:

1. Document Management (Autodesk Docs):

  • Document Management, or Autodesk Docs, is ACC’s central hub for storing models, drawings, and files. It uses folder-based permissions to ensure secure sharing, letting multiple consultants access the right data safely. This keeps everyone working from the same, up-to-date plans.
  • Setting up permissions and folders takes some initial effort, and large projects may need careful organization to avoid clutter. It’s perfect for teams needing a single source of truth for all project files. Autodesk Docs works best when teams maintain clear folder structures for easy access.

2. Model Coordination:

  • Model Coordination automates clash detection and issue tracking, helping teams spot and fix conflicts like overlapping systems. With 2025 updates, it includes VR previews and adjustable pushpins for precise reviews, making coordination more accurate and user-friendly. This module ensures designs are ready for construction.
  • Running scans and managing issues requires regular model updates, and complex projects can generate many clashes to sort through. It’s ideal for teams focused on catching errors early. Model Coordination shines when used consistently to keep designs aligned and buildable.

3. Design Collaboration:

  • Design Collaboration simplifies sharing versioned packages and tracking changes across disciplines. It includes timelines and 3D diffs to visualize updates, ensuring teams stay on the same page. This module makes controlled model exchanges straightforward and transparent.
  • Managing packages and reviewing changes takes time, especially in fast-paced projects with frequent updates. It’s great for teams needing clear version control and change tracking. Design Collaboration is most effective when teams share packages regularly to maintain alignment.

4. Insights:

  • Insights provides analytics dashboards to track coordination metrics, like how quickly issues are resolved or project progress. This data helps teams spot bottlenecks and improve workflows, keeping projects on track. It’s a powerful tool for optimizing team performance.
  •  Interpreting dashboards and acting on data requires some analysis skills, and small projects may not need its full depth. Insights is ideal for teams wanting to fine-tune their processes. It works best when used to guide regular project reviews and improvements.

5. BIM 360 Glue (Integrated into ACC Build):

  • BIM 360 Glue, now part of ACC Build, enhances mobile model viewing and markups, supporting federated model reviews. It’s great for field teams, allowing them to check models and add notes on the go. This keeps everyone connected, from office to site.
  • Accessing models on mobile devices depends on good connectivity, and complex models may load slowly. It’s perfect for projects needing on-site coordination. BIM 360 Glue excels when field teams use it to stay updated and provide real-time feedback.

By mastering these tools and services, you can streamline coordination, reduce errors, and deliver projects efficiently. ACC’s integrated features empower teams to collaborate seamlessly and succeed.