Autodesk is placing a significant bet on the concept of a unified platform for delivering projects, aiming to simplify the complex process of bringing built environments to life. By integrating planning, design, construction, and operations into a single digital thread, Autodesk Forma seeks to create a seamless experience for stakeholders across the entire project lifecycle.
A Unified Approach to Project Management
The shift towards digital delivery has transformed the way projects are managed in the built environment sector. With increasingly tight timelines, shrinking profit margins, and growing demands for sustainability and transparency, the traditional siloed approach to project management is no longer viable. In response, Autodesk has consolidated its construction platform into a single entity, Autodesk Forma, to provide a more streamlined and connected experience for users.
In a recent conversation with Real Estate Asia, Sumit Oberoi, Senior Manager of Construction Strategy and Partnerships for Asia Pacific at Autodesk, highlighted the importance of creating a continuous digital thread that spans the entire project lifecycle, from initial planning to handover and operation.
“Autodesk Forma allows us to support our customers and connect planning, design, pre-construction, construction, and operations into that continuous digital lifecycle,” he said. “Rather than relying on disconnected teams, tools, and handoffs, it enables stakeholders to work from a connected data and shared workflow throughout the project.”
According to Oberoi, Autodesk Forma is built on three core pillars: accessible and connected data, intelligent cloud-powered workflows, and collaboration across the asset lifecycle. By providing stakeholders with access to relevant information across different project phases, disciplines, and tools, Autodesk Forma enables teams to make more informed decisions and explore alternative solutions while minimizing repetitive work.
Breaking Down Silos Through Collaboration
The concept of lifecycle collaboration is central to Autodesk Forma, providing a shared environment where stakeholders can connect and share information across different project stages. “Being able to have that shared environment where you can connect the planning, design, construction, and operations means that you’re getting that consistent handover throughout each phase, and you’re eroding silos that occur within businesses,” he noted.
Oberoi emphasized that customers derive the most value from Autodesk when they can make informed decisions earlier, collaborate more effectively, and deliver projects with greater predictability. This, in turn, enables them to better manage risks, reduce costs, and strengthen their competitive edge. “That value really extends beyond that individual project,” he said. “We’re seeing portfolio views now, where they’re able to connect data, particular key workflows, and understanding where they can standardise and then build capabilities within their own organisation, and having that stronger foundation for long-term business performance.”
These benefits, Oberoi added, are not limited to individual projects but extend across the entire delivery chain, from owners and consultants to contractors and building operators, ultimately supporting better sustainability outcomes and reducing waste.
Real-World Results and Market Insights
Autodesk’s claims are supported by evidence from the region, including success stories from lighthouse customers like Gamuda, which has connected design, documentation, quality, safety, and cost workflows across multiple projects, resulting in significant time savings and productivity improvements. In Singapore, Boustead Projects has used Autodesk Forma to support construction and handover workflows, achieving a 20% reduction in rework and saving several months on handover.
A recent study conducted with Deloitte for Autodesk’s 2026 report found a strong correlation between digital capabilities and project delivery performance. The findings indicate that 82% of advanced businesses delivered projects on time or ahead of schedule, compared to 76% of developing businesses, while 81% completed projects on or under budget, versus 78%. The study also noted a significant improvement in the conversion of proposals into wins, a key advantage in a highly competitive tendering market.
Practical Intelligence for Business Transformation
As the industry handles rapid technological advancements, Autodesk is focusing on helping customers handle broader business transformation rather than simply adopting new tools. “We are really investing in the need to ensure that we’ve got practical intelligence and not AI for its own sake,” Oberoi said. “Customers should be able to anticipate risk, evaluate more alternatives, automate routine work, and make faster and more confident decisions.”
