As the Manager leading the Software Development at SolidCAD, every day, I see how the right tools—paired with the right expertise—can transform workflows, reduce costs, and drive innovation. 

In this post, I want to share how software automation can transform your business, why having a skilled development team (or partner) is crucial to help bridge the gap between off-the-shelf solutions and tailored results. 

Efficiency and Productivity: Automation That Works for You 

Automation should make life easier; by cutting out repetitive tasks so your team can focus on what matters. The options are endless, but the real trick is finding simple, scalable ways to eliminate tedious work across your company. Here are a couple of examples we see often see in AECO companies: 

• Bulk Data Import: Off-the-shelf tools help, but they’re rarely a perfect fit. We have time and time again created custom scripts that handle data imports quickly and accurately, saving your team days of manual effort especially on project data. 
• Automated CAD Standards Checking: Manually reviewing drawings for compliance is a time sink. We have developed add-ins that check designs in real time, flagging issues specific to your standards so your team can work faster to fixing them without cutting corners. 

The key in any automation project? Is tailoring automation to fit your workflows.  

Cost Savings and ROI: Why It’s Worth It 

Let’s get to the heart of the matter—ensuring your automation investment delivers real results. While the technology itself is powerful, the true impact comes from having the right strategies in place to implement it effectively and measure its success. Here are a couple of ways automation is driving significant savings for AECO companies: 

• Clash Detection Savings: Think about how much rework costs—both in time and money. Automated clash detection tackles these issues head-on. According to research by the National Research Council of Canada, early detection of design conflicts can save companies hundreds of thousands of dollars. Even better, detailed reporting tools provide clear evidence of ROI, making it easy to justify the investment to stakeholders.
• Custom Add-ins for Long-Term Efficiency: Not every challenge has an off-the-shelf solution. Custom add-ins are designed to handle those unique workflows, helping teams work smarter and more efficiently. The savings don’t just happen once—they build over time, making these tools invaluable for long-term success. 

The real takeaway? Automation is about more than just adopting new tools. It’s about making sure those tools are integrated effectively, saving money, and driving measurable value. As the NRC research points out, tracking ROI isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the key to ensuring your investment delivers lasting results. 

Collaboration and Data Management: Breaking Down Silos 

The AECO industry thrives on collaboration, but managing data across teams and platforms can be the biggest challenge most companies face. Automation can solve these issues, but only if it’s implemented thoughtfully. 

• Seamless Integrations: My team has specialized in connecting platforms like Autodesk Construction Cloud with other tools to ensure data flows effortlessly between design, engineering, and construction teams. These integrations reduce silos and foster collaboration. 
• Centralized Data Environments: A single source of truth is critical for project success. We create centralized environments that allow all stakeholders to access real-time data, improving decision-making and reducing costly errors. This approach, as highlighted in FlowForma’s blog, teams dealing with complex projects. 

Our goal is to empower teams with the right data at the right time, enabling smarter decisions and better outcomes. 

My Advice to You on Why Expertise Matters 

Let’s be honest — technology alone won’t solve all your problems. The real magic of automation happens when it’s implemented thoughtfully and tailored to your business. That’s why having the right expertise on your side can make all the difference. 

Here’s what to focus on when investing in automation: 

• Make Automation Work for You: Don’t settle for tools that force you to change how you work. Instead, look for ways to tailor automation to fit your processes. This ensures you’re solving the right problems and getting the most out of your investment. 
• Invest in Training and Support: Even the best tools won’t work if your team doesn’t know how to use them. Prioritize training and ongoing support so your team feels confident and empowered—not frustrated. 
  
• Think Long-Term: Your needs will evolve, and your automation should too. Regularly review your systems to make sure they’re still delivering value and adjust as needed. 

The takeaway? Whether you’re bringing in a consultant, leaning on your in-house team, or a mix of both, make sure you’ve got the know-how to turn automation into real results. In my last blog I will be covering my tips to developing the right automation strategy and the things to consider before you say “yes.”