BIM 360 permissions are key to secure and efficient project collaboration. Here’s what you need to know:
- Three Permission Levels:
- Account Admins manage the entire BIM 360 environment.
- Project Admins oversee specific project settings and access.
- Project Members have task-specific permissions.
- Access Levels:
- Ranging from View Only (for clients) to Full Control (for managers).
- Best Practices:
- Assign permissions based on roles.
- Use folder-specific controls to safeguard data.
- Regularly audit and adjust permissions.
- Security Tips:
- Enable two-factor authentication.
- Use AES-256 encryption for files.
- Standardize document review workflows to maintain control.
Proper permission management ensures data integrity, secure workflows, and clear collaboration boundaries in BIM 360. Read on to learn how to set up permissions and optimize security.
BIM360 Permissions: Inviting members and setting permissions
BIM 360 Permission Basics
Getting a handle on BIM 360’s permission structure is key to keeping project collaboration both secure and efficient. Here’s a breakdown of the main permission types and control levels.
Types of Permissions
BIM 360 operates on a three-tier permission system:
- Account Administrators: They have the top-level control over the entire BIM 360 environment.
- Project Administrators: They manage access and settings for specific projects.
- Project Members: These are team members with access limited to their specific tasks.
Access Levels
BIM 360 allows for detailed control of permissions, tailored to different roles:
| Permission Level | Capabilities | Typical Users |
|---|---|---|
| View Only | Can view and download files | External consultants, clients |
| Upload/Download | Can add and retrieve files | Team members, contractors |
| Edit | Can modify files and folder structures | Project engineers, designers |
| Full Control | Complete access, including deletion | Project managers, lead architects |
Access Control Guidelines
To manage permissions effectively, stick to these practices:
- Role-Based Assignment: Match permissions to specific job responsibilities.
- Secure Folder Structures: Leverage BIM 360 Docs’ folder controls to protect sensitive information [1].
- Regular Permission Audits: Review and adjust access levels as team roles and requirements change.
Setting Up Permissions
Organizing BIM 360 permissions properly ensures secure and efficient collaboration. Here’s how to get started:
User and Role Setup
Define a clear hierarchy of roles to streamline responsibilities:
| Role Level | Responsibilities | Required Permissions |
|---|---|---|
| Account Admin | Manages the entire account | Full system access |
| Project Admin | Handles project settings, invites team members | Project-level control |
| Project Member | Performs specific tasks | Role-based access |
Once roles are in place, focus on securing folder access for shared documents.
Managing Folder Access
Control who can access and modify documents by setting folder-specific permissions:
- Create team-specific subfolders within the Project Files directory.
- Assign permissions to these subfolders instead of the main Project Files folder.
- Configure permissions like View/Download, Upload, and Edit based on team needs.
File-Level Controls
Fine-tune file permissions based on your workflows:
- For Revit workflows:
- Assign Full Control to folders requiring unrestricted access.
- Use View/Download permissions for shared folders to limit edits.
- For Design Collaboration:
- Set up shared folders through Design Collaboration tools.
- Grant View, Edit, and Share permissions for team-specific folders.
- Use View/Download permissions to allow cross-team access without editing rights.
Security and Collaboration Tips
Protecting your data while collaborating in BIM 360 is essential. Here are some practical steps to ensure secure and efficient teamwork.
Document Review Process
Using a clear document review workflow helps maintain control while encouraging collaboration. BIM 360’s approval system includes three primary roles:
| Role | Responsibility | Permission Level |
|---|---|---|
| Initiator | Starts the review process | Upload + Edit |
| Reviewer | Provides feedback | View + Comment |
| Approver | Makes final decisions | Full Control |
By standardizing approval workflows, teams can handle documents consistently and securely. This structure ensures that everyone knows their role and responsibilities in the review process.
Security Measures
Autodesk Construction Cloud uses AES-256 encryption for file storage, while sensitive traffic is safeguarded by TLS encryption [2]. To add another layer of protection, enable two-factor authentication to reduce the risk of unauthorized access [2].
Regularly review user permissions to ensure only necessary individuals have access. Remove inactive users, adjust folder permissions to match project needs, and verify that these practices align with industry standards for data security.
Meeting Industry Standards
BIM 360 meets construction industry security requirements through role-based access control [2]. Strengthen your security further by encrypting both stored and transmitted data, enforcing strict access policies, keeping software updated, and working with certified cloud providers [3].
BIM Heroes Services
Tap into expert support to improve BIM 360 security and teamwork. BIM Heroes focuses on fine-tuning BIM 360 project management by creating secure permission structures and simplifying collaboration.
BIM Heroes: BIM Management Services
BIM Heroes offers BIM 360 implementation services that prioritize both security and ease of use. Here’s a breakdown of what they provide:
| Service | Features | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Permission Setup | Admin configuration, Role-based access setup | Better security, Clear oversight |
| Document Management | Optimized folder structures, Access mapping | Smoother workflows, Controlled sharing |
| Training & Support | User onboarding, Best practices guidance | Faster setup, Fewer permission errors |
These services work seamlessly with your existing BIM 360 setup, improving project management efficiency.
Working with BIM Heroes
BIM Heroes simplifies BIM 360 management by focusing on secure permissions and efficient workflows. Here’s how they approach it:
Permission Management
- Defining clear user roles
- Setting up folder-specific access controls
- Performing regular audits to maintain security
Workflow Optimization
- Configuring document management systems
- Setting up model coordination and clash detection tools
- Adding analytics for better project insights
“Our ultimate goal is to foster a construction ecosystem where stakeholders work together seamlessly, leveraging data-rich BIM models to create a better and more sustainable built environment.” – BIM Heroes [5]
Their team follows international standards to create accurate permission hierarchies [4]. They also ensure all project users are added correctly using the Account Admin module, guaranteeing compliance and optimal role assignments [4].
Summary
Main Points
This section highlights the key practices for managing permissions effectively in BIM 360.
BIM 360 uses a three-tier access structure: Account administrators, Project administrators, and Project members. Each role comes with specific responsibilities and permissions, ensuring secure and role-based access control.
Here are some practical tips for managing permissions in BIM 360:
| Permission Level | Best Practice | Security Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Folder Structure | Organize team folders as subfolders within Project Files | Establishes clear access boundaries |
| Team Access | Restrict permissions to relevant team folders | Minimizes risks of unauthorized changes |
| Document Control | Assign View/Download + Upload + Edit permissions for model updates | Balances accessibility with security |
BIM 360 strengthens its permission controls with AES-256 encryption and TLS for data transmission [6]. This robust security framework ensures both collaboration and data protection.
Additionally, assigning folder-specific permissions based on project phases and disciplines helps achieve:
- Data Integrity: Teams retain control over their work areas without jeopardizing overall security.
- Workflow Clarity: Clear permission settings reduce confusion and prevent accidental errors.
- Version Tracking: Proper access controls maintain accurate document histories and avoid conflicts.
Granting Full Control permissions at the folder level allows for detailed management while safeguarding overall project security.