BuildingConnected

The implementation of BuildingConnected typically follows a structured onboarding and setup process, which varies based on the size and complexity of the organization:

1. Initial Setup and Training

• Timeline: A few days to 2 weeks.
• Activities:
  • Account creation and user role assignment.
  • Access to BuildingConnected 101 training modules (Core Training Part 1 & 2).

  • Introduction to bid board, project creation, and subcontractor management.

2. Project Configuration

• Timeline: 1–2 weeks.
• Activities:

  • Creating projects with detailed information in the “Information” and “Private Information” tabs

    .

  • Assigning project leads and bid package leads before publishing.

  • Setting up notification preferences for team members.

3. Subcontractor Network Integration

• Timeline: Concurrent with project setup.
• Activities:
  • Importing or connecting with subcontractors.
  • Using filters to match subcontractors by trade, location, and qualifications.
  • Sending bid invitations and tracking responses.

4. Customization and Integration

• Timeline: 2–4 weeks (optional).
• Activities:
  • Integration with CRM systems like Salesforce, HubSpot, or Microsoft Dynamics.
  • API setup for syncing bid data.

  • Custom branding and document templates.

5. Full Deployment and Optimization

• Timeline: 1–2 months total (for medium to large enterprises).
• Activities:
  • Full rollout across departments or offices.
  • Advanced analytics setup for bid tracking and estimator performance.

  • Ongoing support and feature updates.

Implementation Cost Estimates

• Small Businesses: $1,000–$3,000
• Medium Businesses: $3,000–$7,000
• Large Enterprises: $7,000–$10,000+

• Customization Costs: $500–$5,000 depending on complexity

User Experience

• Most users report ease of setup and deployment, with minimal training required.
• The platform is considered intuitive and user-friendly, even for teams with limited technical experience.

BuildingConnected offers several customization options to align with specific business workflows and project requirements:

Customization Capabilities:

• Custom Bid Forms: Users can create tailored bid forms to standardize submissions across projects.

• Branded Invitations: Companies can send bid invites with their branding, improving professionalism and recognition.

• Custom Workflows: The platform allows users to configure workflows that match internal processes, including bid review and approval stages.

• API Access: BuildingConnected offers an API for seamless integration with CRM systems, including Salesforce, HubSpot, and Microsoft Dynamics. This enables automated data syncing and custom analytics pipelines.

• TradeTapp Integration: Users can customize subcontractor qualification questionnaires and risk assessment criteria.

• Sealed Bidding Options: Projects can be configured with sealed bids, allowing only designated bid administrators to view submissions after deadlines.

These features make BuildingConnected adaptable for general contractors, subcontractors, and developers with varying operational needs.

BuildingConnected’s pricing model includes several components beyond the base subscription:

Estimated Base Pricing:

• Starting Price: Around $3,600 per year for basic access.

• Per User Pricing: Some plans may charge $299 per user/month depending on features and scale.

Additional Costs:

• Setup Fees: Typically included in enterprise onboarding packages, but may range from $500 to $5,000 depending on customization and training needs.
• Support Charges: Standard support is included, but premium support or expert services may incur extra fees.
• Maintenance Fees: Not separately charged; updates and maintenance are included in the subscription.
• Integration Costs: API access is included with Bid Board Pro, but ACC Connect licenses may be needed for advanced CRM integrations.

• Training Services: Free video tutorials are available, but custom training sessions may be billed separately.

Contract Terms:

• Subscription terms typically span 1 to 3 years, with discounts for longer commitments.
• Adding users or offices mid-contract may increase costs.

BuildingConnected provides a comprehensive training ecosystem for onboarding and continuous learning:

Training Resources:

• BuildingConnected 101: A two-part core training series covering bid creation, subcontractor management, and project setup.

• Monthly Webinars: Free live sessions reviewing platform basics and updates.

• Pinnacle Series LMS: Offers on-demand access to expert-created video tutorials, learning paths, and workflows tailored for AEC professionals.

• Global eTraining (GeT): A 3-hour foundational course on Autodesk Construction Cloud tools, including BuildingConnected.

• YouTube Tutorials: Beginner-friendly videos demonstrating account setup, bid board usage, and CRM features.

Support Channels:

• Help Center: Extensive documentation and FAQs on setup, features, and troubleshooting.
• Customer Success Team: Available for onboarding, training, and feature walkthroughs.
• Live Chat & Email Support: For technical issues and account assistance.
• Dedicated Account Managers: For enterprise clients needing tailored support.

These resources ensure that users—from small teams to large enterprises—can quickly adopt and optimize the platform.

BuildingConnected employs enterprise-grade security protocols to protect user data and ensure compliance:

Core Security Features:

• Hosting on AWS: All data is stored on Amazon Web Services, known for its robust security infrastructure.
• SSL Encryption: All data transferred between browsers and servers is encrypted using SSL.
• Password Protection: Account passwords are encrypted and salted, making them unreadable even if breached.
• Redundant Backups: Databases are backed up regularly to ensure full recovery in case of hardware failure.
• Single Sign-On (SSO): Supports Autodesk SSO for secure and centralized user authentication.

• Open API Access: Secure API endpoints allow integration with third-party systems while maintaining data integrity.

• Data Privacy Controls:

  • Sensitive subcontractor data is private between parties.
  • Only non-sensitive business info (e.g., company name, location) is searchable.
  • IP addresses are stored securely and disclosed only under legal obligation.

These measures align with best practices for cloud-based construction platforms and are trusted by Fortune 500 companies.

BuildingConnected, as part of Autodesk Construction Cloud, follows a continuous deployment model for updates. While exact release frequency isn’t publicly specified, here are key data points:

• Update Frequency: Minor updates and bug fixes are typically rolled out monthly or bi-weekly, while major feature releases occur quarterly or semi-annually.
• Release Management:
  • Updates are deployed automatically to all users via the cloud platform—no manual installation required.
  • Users are notified of major changes through in-app alerts, email updates, and webinars.
  • Autodesk maintains a release notes section and support articles to document new features and fixes.
• User Feedback Loop: Feature requests and bug reports from users are considered in future updates, especially for enterprise clients.

This agile update cycle ensures that BuildingConnected remains responsive to industry needs and user feedback.

BuildingConnected has a clear stance on data ownership and portability, especially in its integration with Autodesk Construction Cloud:

Data Ownership:

• User-Controlled Data: All project data, bid information, and subcontractor details entered by users are owned by the respective account holders.
• Private Data: Sensitive data shared between subcontractors and general contractors is private and not visible to other users.

• Business Information: Non-sensitive data (e.g., company name, location) may be searchable by other registered users to facilitate networking and bidding.

Data Portability:

• Users can export bid data, project details, and subcontractor lists from the platform.
• Integration with tools like Power BI, Salesforce, and Microsoft Dynamics allows for seamless data migration and reporting.
• The BuildingConnected API supports data extraction for use in external systems, enabling full control over data movement and analysis.

These policies align with modern standards for cloud-based platforms, ensuring transparency, control, and flexibility for users.

BuildingConnected, as part of Autodesk Construction Cloud, supports flexible scaling options:

Scaling Up:

• Add Users or Offices: Organizations can add users or office locations mid-contract, typically with prorated charges.
• Upgrade Plans: Users can move from free tools (like Bid Board) to paid versions (Bid Board Pro or BuildingConnected Pro) with enhanced features.
• API and Integration Expansion: Enterprises can scale integrations with CRM, ERP, and analytics platforms as their data needs grow.

Scaling Down:

• User Reduction: Reducing users may require notice and may not result in immediate cost reduction unless aligned with renewal.
• Feature Downgrade: Organizations can opt to remove premium modules like TradeTapp or API access during renewal.

Elasticity:

• The platform is cloud-based, allowing elastic resource allocation—meaning performance remains stable regardless of user load or project volume.

BuildingConnected contracts typically follow Autodesk’s enterprise SaaS terms:

Renewal Terms:

• Annual or Multi-Year Contracts: Most subscriptions are for 1–3 years.
• Auto-Renewal: Contracts may auto-renew unless canceled within a specified notice period (often 30–90 days before term end).
• Custom Renewal Options: Enterprises can renegotiate terms, add modules, or adjust user counts during renewal.

Cancellation Terms:

• Early Termination: May incur penalties or require payment for the remaining contract period.
• No Refunds for Partial Use: If canceled mid-term, refunds are generally not issued.
• Termination for Cause: Contracts may be canceled without penalty if Autodesk fails to meet service obligations.

BuildingConnected adheres to several compliance and security standards through Autodesk’s infrastructure:

Key Compliance Standards:

• SOC 2 Type II: Ensures secure handling of customer data with rigorous internal controls.
• ISO/IEC 27001: International standard for information security management systems.
• GDPR Compliance: For users in the EU, ensuring data privacy and user control.
• CCPA Compliance: For California-based users, ensuring transparency and opt-out rights.
• AWS Security Standards: Data is hosted on Amazon Web Services, which meets multiple global compliance benchmarks.

These standards make BuildingConnected suitable for enterprise use across regulated industries.