BIM Collaborate Pro vs BIM 360 - Feature Comparison & Price Breakdown

Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools have revolutionized the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, enabling teams to collaborate effectively and manage projects with greater efficiency. Autodesk offers several powerful tools in this space, with BIM Collaborate Pro, BIM 360, and BIM Collaborate often being compared by industry professionals. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these platforms, highlight the features of BIM Collaborate Pro, and explain why it’s a valuable investment for your business.

What is BIM Collaborate Pro?

BIM Collaborate Pro is Autodesk's flagship cloud-based collaboration platform tailored for AEC professionals. It enables real-time co-authoring of BIM models, seamless design coordination, and efficient clash resolution. As a key solution within the Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), it integrates with tools like Revit, Civil 3D, and Plant 3D, making it the go-to solution for managing multi-disciplinary construction projects.

The platform leverages a centralized, cloud-based system to ensure all team members have access to the latest project data, no matter where they are located. By integrating with Autodesk Docs, BIM Collaborate Pro also provides a streamlined environment for managing documents, tracking issues, and maintaining version control.

In contrast, BIM 360, Autodesk’s legacy platform, continues to serve many AEC professionals but operates outside the ACC ecosystem. While BIM 360 offers document management, coordination, and field collaboration, it lacks the advanced real-time co-authoring capabilities and seamless updates of BIM Collaborate Pro. For teams transitioning to modern cloud-based solutions, BIM Collaborate Pro provides a future-ready alternative that is fully integrated with Autodesk's evolving suite of tools.

Key Features

1. Cloud Worksharing

• Real-time co-authoring of models using Revit, Civil 3D, and Plant 3D.
• Eliminates the need for physical servers, enhancing remote team collaboration.

2. Design Collaboration

• Share, review, and compare model updates across disciplines.
• Visual timelines track design progress, making coordination transparent.

3. Model Coordination

• Automates clash detection by combining models from various disciplines.
• Assign and track issues to ensure timely resolution.

4. Document Management

• Centralized data storage with secure access using Autodesk Docs.
• Automated version control ensures all stakeholders are aligned.

5. Scalability

• Part of the Autodesk Construction Cloud, BIM Collaborate Pro seamlessly scales to accommodate projects of any size, from small renovations to large infrastructure builds.

BIM Collaborate Pro vs. BIM Collaborate vs BIM Collaborate Pro

Although these platforms share similarities, each serves different needs within the Autodesk Construction Cloud ecosystem. Here’s a detailed comparison:

Why Buy BIM Collaborate Pro?

Investing in BIM Collaborate Pro offers several advantages for AEC professionals:

1. Improved Collaboration: Real-time model updates allow contractors to coordinate model works as the design changes.
2. Enhanced Data Security: Cloud-based storage ensures your project data is secure and accessible to authorized team members only.
3. Streamlined Workflows: Seamless integration with Autodesk Docs and other ACC tools reduces inefficiencies in data management and is aligned to data management standards like ISO 19650.
4. Future-Ready: With Autodesk’s focus on ACC, BIM Collaborate Pro is designed to evolve with emerging technologies and industry trends. Expect the legacy BIM 360 plan to receive fewer of the latest updates.

Do You Need It?

BIM Collaborate Pro is designed for BIM professionals who are actively involved in creating and maintaining BIM models. BIM professionals rely on the live model coordination capabilities of BIM Collaborate Pro to ensure they are always working on the latest BIM (or Revit) models.

At $945/annum, the more affordable BIM Collaborate is often the more suitable option for project team members. It enables access to BIM files, clash review, and document management features without requiring advanced model co-authoring functionality. Most project teams have BIM models that are developed by BIM service providers that would already have their own Pro licences. Therefore, a (cheaper) BIM Collaborate licence is sufficient for the purpose of model review and some basic markups.

Alternatively, there are free BIM viewers which can be used to review BIM files. The catch is that these viewers tend to be compatible with BIM files that are in OpenBIM format. To use these viewers, it is essential that you ensure that your BIM team is familiar with the IFC workflow.

How to Buy

BIM Collaborate is a BIM CDE Solution that is sold by Autodesk. You can purchase these licences directly from Autodesk or through an Autodesk authorized reseller.

AEC firms that are looking to digitize their project delivery workflow may face challenges during the initial implementation phases. Consider working with BIM service providers with experience delivering BIM models within the Autodesk Construction Cloud. The odds of a successful implementation rise with the support of an experienced BIM team, and will allow you to achieve wider organizational buy-in in future.

Conclusion

BIM Collaborate Pro is the perfect solution for AEC professionals who need to collaborate and consume BIM models through worksharing. Its advanced features, seamless integration within the Autodesk Construction Cloud, and future-focused capabilities make it a superior choice compared to legacy solutions like BIM 360. For users whose primary needs are marking up and viewing BIM models, the more cost-effective BIM Collaborate offers a suitable alternative.