Smarter Site Coordination: How Contractors Use ACC, Navisworks, and Solibri to Eliminate Rework

Loyiso Toyi BSc Eng (Civl)
Jun 29
3 min read

In construction, every clash, oversight, or miscommunication costs time and money. Contractors today are expected not just to build, but to build smart, using data and coordination tools to anticipate problems before they happen. This is where model coordination powered by Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), Navisworks, and Solibri becomes a game-changer for progressive contractors.

We outline how contractors can integrate these tools to drive buildability reviews, reduce RFIs, and ensure construction certainty.

Why Contractors Must Take Model Coordination Seriously

Contractor Pain Points Solved by Coordination:

Unforeseen clashes discovered during installation
Vague or incomplete model data
Delay in receiving coordinated designs
Inaccurate quantities or 4D plans
Poor communication between site and office

The right coordination tools allow contractors to shift from reactive firefighting to proactive planning.

ACC: A Single Source of Truth for Field and Office

Contractors benefit greatly from ACC as a cloud-based coordination platform. When all trades upload their models to ACC, the site team can be sure they're working with the latest and most accurate information.

Use Cases for Contractors:

Review federated models directly in browser
Run basic clash detection before work begins
Assign issues to subcontractors and track responses
Link coordination issues to RFIs or Submittals
Use Insight dashboards to monitor coordination status

Onsite Impact:

Faster resolution of clashes before site mobilisation
Reduced risk of “building blind” due to outdated models
Better coordination with specialist subcontractors

Navisworks: From Coordination Room to Construction Sequencing

Navisworks isn’t just for the design team—it’s a powerful tool for the construction planner and coordination manager. Its Timeliner and Quantification modules help validate that the coordinated model is also buildable and efficient to execute.

Model Coordination with Navisworks and ACC - Dabisa Consulting YouTube

Typical Workflow for Contractors:

Import models into Navisworks Manage
Run clash detection between MEP, Structural, and Architectural models
Visualise installation sequences in 4D using Timeliner
Export clashes and schedule conflicts as issues to ACC
Link issues to submittals or procurement tasks

Site Benefits:

Sequence conflicts (e.g., installing ductwork before beam placement) are caught early
Real-time feedback to planners and trade foremen
Supports lean construction practices and constraint removal

Solibri: Quality and Compliance Checks Before You Build

While often used by designers, Solibri is gaining traction among main contractors and construction managers for checking model quality, completeness, and compliance—before it reaches site.

Practical Contractor Use Cases:

Verify that coordinated models have complete data (e.g., fire ratings, access zones, voids)
Run Solibri checks for clearances, maintenance access, and buildability
Perform LOD verification before accepting models from consultants
Validate IFC exports from subcontractors or suppliers

Why It Matters:

You build what you validate. Missing info = missing scope.
Avoid late-stage changes that ripple across trades
Increase client confidence in your QA/QC process

Common Wins for Contractors

Less Rework: Reduce rework by up to 50% through earlier clash resolution
Safer Construction: Identify unsafe sequences or access issues before execution
Improved Cash Flow Forecasting: More accurate 4D/5D plans from better coordination
Faster Close-Out: With clear issue tracking and digital audit trails
Better Relationships: Enhanced transparency with subcontractors and Clients