Update 8/17: the Pype acquisition has been finalized.
In 2018, Autodesk made a huge splash in the construction industry by acquiring PlanGrid, BuildingConnected, and Assemble. In 2019, the company combined all of those acquisitions and their native BIM 360 application in Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC). Now, Autodesk is on the move again with a new acquisition and investments into a couple of other construction tech companies.
Announced yesterday, Autodesk has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Pype, a construction technology that uses artificial intelligence to simplify submittal logs, the closeout process, and project turnover. Last week, the company also announced strategic investments into Bridgit Solutions and Factory OS.
Pype
Founded in 2015 by Sunil Dorairajan and Karuna Ammireddy, Pype uses AI and machine learning to reduce human error on a project from project kickoff through closeout. Autodesk plans to intregrate Pype’s 4 main products to their Autodesk Construction Cloud after the acquisition to help build their portfolio to encapsulate a project’s entire lifecycle. Those 4 products are:
AutoSpecs – automatically searches through a spec book to create a submittal log
Closeout – allows quicker collection of documents to facilitate on-time closeout
eBinder – combines turnover documents into a PDF report with clickable links in the table of contents, has search functionality, and creates customizable slip sheets
SmartPans – extracts data directly from drawings, like submittals, product schedules, and contract compliance requirements
The acquisition was formally finalized on 8.17, but the terms have not been released.
“We are thrilled to officially welcome the Pype team to Autodesk,” said Jim Lynch, vice president and general manager of Autodesk Construction Solutions at Autodesk. “Pype’s machine learning capabilities can be applied to multiple field and office workflows, and directly supports our aim to consistently provide customers with the most advanced construction project management technology. The acquisition of Pype is representative of our ongoing commitment to the construction industry, and our continued vision of how cloud-based, collaborative technology can drive the era of connected construction.”
Bridgit Solutions
On July 14, Autodesk announced a $7 million strategic investment into the Canadian based workforce planning software, Bridgit Solutions. In turn, Bridgit Solutions plans to use that money to build more advanced features, add new integrations, and increase their pace of technological innovations.
In 2019, the company added Bridgit Bench to its product offerings, which allows users to visually see how their workforce is being allocated, quickly assign them to different roles, and build a history of their work experience. They also offer Bridgit Field, for punch list and inspection management.
“Over the last three months, Bridgit has experienced a 72 percent increase in usage across our customer base, both in the US and Canada,” said Mallorie Brodie, CEO and co-founder at Bridgit, in a press release. “With construction recently restricted and projects delayed, contractors have needed to shift their processes and are demanding the workforce data and insights that Bridgit provides. The new funding will allow us to empower contractors to use their resources effectively, build more efficiently, and with Autodesk, have a more complete picture of people and projects across their organization.”
Factory_OS
Factory_OS facilitates the off-site construction of affordable housing in manufacturing influenced assembly line process. The company touts that their process yield 20% lower costs, builds houses 40% faster, and produces 70% less waste. Autodesk has previously invested into Factory_OS and their hope is that their continued support of Factory_OS will help the prefabrication, workforce development, and automation process in construction.
Shane is the creator of Construction Junkie and an active construction project manager. In his career, he has managed interior remodel projects, site development, construction safety, governmental project compliance, and facility maintenance. He has a strong passion for construction technology and safety, as well as sharing the knowledge or insights he has gained throughout his career.