![autodesk forge autodesk forge](https://gfxspeak.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/forge-platform.png)
With Forge, Autodesk is building a new common data layer on which multiple services and applications will be built. The data is often stored (and transferred) via proprietary file formats and moving between modeling and visualization, documentation to construction and eventually, facilities management has appealed only to the masochist among us. The challenge was (and continues to be) efficiently moving data between these applications. Over the past three decades, Autodesk has made its mark developing desktop applications that became the backbone of many AEC industry workflows. I believe Autodesk is making some good moves with its Forge platform with this regard. They’re not apples to apples comparisons I know but I think everyone can agree there’s much to be learned by studying these more vertically integrated industries and applying what we can. The AEC industry has not taken advantage of standardizing across design and production workflows as have vertically integrated industries like automotive and aerospace. I thought I’d share some thoughts on the prevailing theme for both Autodesk and the industry as a whole.
#Autodesk forge software
I’ll focus here on the software and technology aspects of the industry. There’s no doubt that consolidation is happening at all levels. Long plagued by fragmentation, the AEC industry is at an inflection point.
![autodesk forge autodesk forge](https://forge.autodesk.com/sites/default/files/2020-05/filestoviewer_2.png)
That’s the primary reason we attend and thanks to everyone who shared insights with us. These conferences are always a great way for us to learn more about specific industry challenges and trends as well as dig into the intricacies of workflow challenges you each face. It was a great chance to catch up with longtime friends as well as make new acquaintances. Thanks to everyone who stopped by the AVAIL booth to say hi or attended one of our after-hours events. That included participating in the Autodesk developer conference on Monday now known as Forge DevCon. I attended Autodesk University 2018 in Las Vegas week before last along with several others from the AVAIL and ArchVision teams.