Documents are no longer just ‘documents’ and that could benefit construction and engineering teams

AODocs's Autodesk viewer integration enables reviewing and collaborating on 3D models directly within your Document Management System platform without switching between applications.

How engineering, construction, and maintenance & operations teams can benefit from a 3D design files viewer integrated with new generation Document Management Systems

When you think of “documents,” your mind may wander down memory lane to images of dusty archives. Or, in a slightly less outdated version, you could imagine a computer screen loaded with PDF and Word files and spreadsheets. But in today’s world of advanced technology and complex industries, the concept of a document has expanded to include far richer information.

One way to think of a document now is as a medium containing information, usually in written form but also including images, graphics, sound, etc. This often means an electronic file stored, managed, and retrieved via a Document Management System (DMS). Those can be deployed in various contexts, such as Requests for Proposals (RFPs), research development papers, legal contracts, or building plans.

3D Design Files – What Are These “Documents” Good For?

In the construction and engineering industries, documents encompass 3D models, interactive engineering plans, and detailed design layouts.

This evolution is a game-changer for how teams collaborate and manage critical business information. Whether you design intricate components in a power plant, map out large-scale data center projects, or revise architectural blueprints for new office space, three-dimensional files add depth, accuracy and interactivity beyond static images. 

Formats like AutoCAD and Solidworks help professionals visualize and spot issues and enhance security, governance and regulatory compliance. They minimize costly and risky errors and boost productive collaboration.


Familiar and Specific Challenges

Like traditional documents, 3D design files come with challenges that must be addressed for effective management.

To avoid costly errors, team members must avoid accidentally using outdated and erroneous versions of key business-critical documents. These files must follow proper workflows, such as being reviewed and approved before sharing them with clients or external stakeholders. Additionally, 3D files often need to be retained for extended periods—for example, a building’s construction plans must remain accessible for the structure’s lifetime.

In addition to “classic” document management challenges, such files might also present specific issues. They are often large, require specialized software to view, and can be difficult to integrate into broader workflows.

That’s where a third-generation DMS like AODocs steps in. While it traditionally excelled at addressing these challenges for PDFs and Word files, the same capabilities can now be seamlessly applied to 3D design files.

Integrating 3D Files into Document Management

Imagine reviewing and collaborating on 3D models directly within your DMS platform or ECM (Enterprise Content Management) tool without switching between applications. AODocs’s Autodesk Viewer integration makes this possible.

This feature allows users to:

  • Preview 3D models alongside other document types within the AODocs interface.
  • Rotate, zoom, and explore inside designs without requiring additional software.
  • Leverage a wide range of file formats, including those from both Autodesk and non-Autodesk tools.

This integration ensures that teams can focus on what matters most—delivering high-quality projects—rather than juggling multiple platforms or dealing with file compatibility issues.

Enhancing Efficiency, Safety and Collaboration

Managing workflows to ensure only team members with the proper permissions view sensitive visual information and boost team productivity are top priorities for IT leaders and business owners. 

Including 3D files in your document review processes may enable these goals through:

  • Streamlined Collaboration: Share designs with stakeholders for faster feedback and decision-making.
  • Improved Document Control: Keep all project-related files—from 3D models to contracts—in one secure platform.
  • Time Savings: Get rid of the need for specialized software for every team member by enabling direct previews in AODocs.

Your Next Step

At AODocs, we redefine what a document can do for organizations, helping businesses manage all types of enterprise content—from text documents to interactive 3D models. Integrating industry-leading tools like the Autodesk Viewer into DMS can enable teams to work smarter, collaborate more effectively, and build amazing things together. 

Ready to learn how AODocs can transform your workflows? Contact us to experience the future of document management.

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