1. Autodesk Revit
The first program on my list is Autodesk Revit. Revit is an established BIM design software that enables users to create, edit, and view building models in a three-dimensional environment. It is one of the most popular BIM software programs on the market and is used by BIM architects, BIM engineers, and construction professionals worldwide.
The use of Revit to produce 3D BIM models significantly reduces miscommunication and helps create better visualizations and construction documents.
How does Revit work?
Autodesk Revit is a powerful BIM software solution that can help BIM architects and MEP engineers to collaborate on projects and create high-quality design and construction documents.
Autodesk Revit coordinates changes made by different team members and tracks revisions made to the BIM model. The software also generates construction documents, such as floor plans, elevations, and sections.
If you want to learn more about Revit, Autodesk offers free online training courses to help users get started with Revit.
What makes Autodesk Revit different?
One of the main benefits of using Revit is sometimes just that everyone else on the project is also using Revit ????♀️
This BIM solution is Microsoft Windows-exclusive, so you’ll have to run parallels if you are a Mac user.
The interface is quite user-friendly, and it has robust collaboration tools. Still, a growing set of disgruntled customers believe that there has been lower investment in development compared to other products in the market.
My simple view on Revit
In my opinion, Revit is still the best BIM authoring tool when it comes to creating BIM models.
2. Plannerly – The BIM Management Platform
Plannerly is a BIM management software loaded with BEP, EIR, AIR, etc templates to make a BIM Manager’s life easy!
I believe that if you’re doing BIM you absolutely need an organized approach and Plannerly makes it a breeze to define your BIM Execution Plan (BEP) and BIM project requirements and also verify the BIM deliverables.
How does Plannerly work?
Plannerly has Plan, Scope, and Verify modules in a simple web-based BIM application.
These modules make it straightforward to define all of your Building Information Modeling requirements using clear tasks.
These tasks can then be tracked and verified – all in an integrated workflow.
What makes Plannerly different?
Plannerly is unique because it focuses on BIM and Information Management specifically for design and construction projects. It is also possibly the most simple of all BIM tools around!
Plannerly also comes jam-packed with all of the BIM document templates required for EIRs, BEPs (and more!) as well as meeting all of the critical ISO 19650 requirements straight out of the box.
Another great thing about Plannerly is that it integrates with other BIM softwares such as Autodesk Revit, BIM 360/ACC, and IFC files, so you can easily transfer data between many platforms.
My view on Plannerly
Plannerly is unquestionably one of the most simple yet powerful BIM tools available, and I believe Plannerly to be an essential tool for every BIM project. However, I may be a little partial! ????
3. Trimble Connect
Trimble Connect is a cloud-based platform that provides a central location for managing, viewing, and sharing construction data. Among its primary functions are design coordination and project management.
Those who could use it include MEP specialists, subcontractors, architects, etc.
I believe that collaborative BIM construction software is the aim of Trimble.
How does Trimble Connect work?
Trimble Connect is a powerful tool to help project teams increase productivity and improve project quality.
Trimble Connect provides a secure, central repository for project data, making it easy for project teams to access and update information from any location.
What makes Trimble Connect different?
Trimble Connect is different from other similar collaboration platforms in crucial ways. First, Trimble Connect is designed specifically for the construction industry, so it includes features relevant to construction projects, such as the ability to create and manage punch lists.
Second, Trimble Connect is constantly being updated with new features and improvements, so users can be confident that they are always using the latest version of the software.
Finally, Trimble Connect has a robust security system to ensure that project data is safe and secure.
Trimble Connect’s combination of features makes it the ideal platform for managing construction projects.
My view on Trimble Connect
Trimble Connect’s combination of features and focus on the construction market makes it an excellent platform for contractors and sub-contractors managing construction projects using BIM.
4. Revizto
Revizto is a cloud-based BIM solution that helps architecture, engineering, and construction professionals improve communication and project coordination.
Revizto facilitates a seamless workflow between 3D and 2D, allowing the user to communicate with all participants within a collaborative environment.
Revizto software solutions can be used for all design and construction phases and their main features are some awesome clash management and issue monitoring workflows.
How does Revizto work?
The platform enables users to create combined digital models of their projects for clash detection, coordination, change management, and more.
What makes Revizto different?
Revizto provides a simple and interactive 3D environment where users can view, measure, markup, and share many types of 3D models. Revizto is BIM visualization software that also offers a variety of advanced features such as model comparison, clash detection, and an advanced Issue Tracker with predefined workflows. Revizto is also different because it is super powerful and easy to use, making it easy to share models and BIM data.
My view on Revizto
Revizto is an awesome tool used by some of the world’s leading architects, engineers, and construction firms and provides a great central, user-friendly solution to support many of your needs in one place.
5. BIMCollab
BIMcollab is a BCF-based issue management system that works to eliminate the gaps between different BIM tools (see open BIM concepts for more about BCF). It’s intended to assist businesses working on construction projects in handling concerns throughout the design and construction phases.
How does BIMCollab work?
BIMCollab is a web-based application for model coordination and clash detection that helps AEC professionals to work together on BIM projects.
The features of BIMcollab include real-time collaboration, model comparisons, and visualizations.
The platform allows users to connect with project partners and view BIM models in real-time, facilitating collaboration and coordination. BIMCollab also provides a range of tools for markup, issue tracking, and version management, helping teams resolve issues quickly and avoid potential conflicts.
What makes BIMCollab different?
In addition, the platform offers a range of integrations with leading BIM software applications, making it easy for users to connect with their existing workflows.
My view on BIMCollab
BIMCollab provides an essential tool for construction professionals who need to collaborate on BIM projects.
6. Dalux
Dalux is a BIM software that helps with construction project management. It is a cloud-based application that can be accessed from anywhere. The features of Dalux include progress tracking, cost management, scheduling, and resource allocation. You can also access BIM data analytics for valuable project insights.
How does Dalux work?
Dalux is a versatile BIM solution that helps you manage all aspects of your construction project from start to finish. Dalux allows you to control your project’s 2D and 3D models and collaborate with other team members in real-time. Dalux also provides various tools for managing construction documents, such as a document library, version control, and commenting.
What makes Dalux different?
Dalux is different because it offers a free version for small projects and a paid version for larger projects. Dalux also provides BIM data analytics, which gives you valuable insights into your project.
My view on Dalux
I believe that with Dalux, you can be confident that your project will run smoothly and efficiently from start to finish.
7. Autodesk Construction Cloud ACC / BIM 360
In addition to Revit, Autodesk also sells the Autodesk Construction Cloud (previously BIM360), to support BIM project delivery. Autodesk Construction Cloud is also known as ACC for short.
The ACC service attempts to centralize and improve decision-making at all stages of a project.
How does ACC/BIM360 work?
Some notable features include design review, BIM coordination, safety program checklists, issues management, and deliverable coordination, among other things.
What makes ACC/BIM360 different?
Seamless data exchange is enabled between field and office with ACC promoting better coordination and collaboration.
ACC also offers a suite of mobile apps that allow users to access data and documents from anywhere, at any time.
A special mention for Autodesk Navisworks
Historically Autodesk’s flagship coordination product has been called Navisworks. Navisworks was mainly used for clash detection.
I’d like to give it a special mention in my list because it has been fundamental to so many of my projects ????
Navisworks has some of the most advanced import and model management to visualize and manage construction BIM models. It has, however, been around for some time now, and the more advanced, and cloud-based, Autodesk Construction Cloud is slowly replacing it.
My view on ACC/BIM360
Autodesk has many BIM tools – the ACC/BIM360 products help to perform data-driven tasks to improve project quality and coordination. The mobile apps are also convenient for users who need to access data on the go.
8. Graphisoft ArchiCAD
Graphisoft ArchiCAD is a BIM/CAD software application for Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 2D computer-aided design (CAD).
ArchiCAD has been regarded by many as the first implementation of BIM.
ArchiCAD is developed by the Hungarian company Graphisoft.
How does Graphisoft ArchiCAD work?
Graphisoft began developing ArchiCAD for Macs in 1982. However, Graphisoft has now long supported both Macs and Microsoft Windows computers.
ArchiCAD offers a wide variety of BIM tools for handling all common aspects of the architectural design process, including project collaboration, MEP engineering, energy analysis, and construction documentation.
ArchiCAD also provides powerful software for rendering and presentation, making it easy to create stunning visuals that convey the unique vision of your project.
What makes Graphisoft ArchiCAD different?
Although the “Arch” part of the name might imply this, ArchiCAD is not just for designing architecture. It is also popular for designing structures, other buildings, and even cities!
Whether you’re working on a small residential project or a large-scale commercial development, ArchiCAD has the tools you need to bring your ideas to life.
My view on Graphisoft ArchiCAD
ArchiCAD is much more prevalent in Europe compared to the Americas. I do love the flexibility of ArchiCAD software, but sometimes it’s not helpful for BIM workflows that prefer more structured data and information management processes.
9. Solibri Model Checker
Solibri Model Checker (or SMC for short) is an open BIM model checking tool that helps architects and structural engineers to verify the quality of their Building Information Models (BIM). SMC can also be used to run rules and find clashes in BIM models.
How does Solibri Model Checker work?
Solibri is a desktop application that you can use to define extremely detailed rules for checking BIM models.
For example, rules could “check if all doors are ADA compliant” or “check if all stairs meet code requirements”.
By doing so, you can verify that the BIM model meets all the local building code rules and requirements.
The SMC analyses the model for potential problems and displays the results in an easy-to-understand report. This report or the exported BCF data can then be used to make changes to the model, ensuring that it meets all the necessary requirements.
What makes Solibri Model Checker different?
Solibri is different because it is one of the only BIM tools that gets into the weeds for model checking and BIM quality assurance. Solibri Model Checker helps to ensure that the final BIM product is of the highest quality.
My view on Solibri Model Checker
Solibri promotes better BIM quality assurance and control. I think it’s a great BIM software tool for preventing mistakes in the BIM model that could be costly and time-consuming to fix later on. Solibri can also be combined with the output from Plannerly’s BIM scope requirements.
10. BricsCAD BIM
Another comprehensive BIM tool is BricsCAD BIM – a versatile solution owned by Hexagon – another of the significant CAD players in the market.
BricsCAD BIM can be used for every stage in the design process, from sketching to the addition of BIM data for the complete building information model. The ability to manipulate different components and properties on your projects is pretty much unlimited.
How does BricsCAD BIM work?
BricsCAD BIM is an information/BIM modeling software used in the design and construction process to create a digital representation similar to Revit and ArchiCAD.
It also similarly helps to reduce the need for paper drawing and documentation.
BricsCAD BIM helps architects, structural engineers, and construction professionals to plan, design, and construct buildings. It also helps to communicate design information among team members.