At any moment around the world, there are an incredible array of architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) projects in the works. Project management is a complex endeavor. Meeting deadlines, staying on budget, and making sure quality standards are just a few of the challenges that need to be addressed throughout the lifecycle of a building project. However, advancements in technology are helping to transform processes for AEC projects. One of the most exciting developments is the use of virtual reality (VR) for tracking issues.

Issue tracking has always been a part of AEC projects, from blueprints, documents and spreadsheets, to tracking successfully with 2D software. However, AEC projects are inherently three-dimensional. VR offers designers, engineers, and contractors a fully immersive experience. It can be much easier to spot discrepancies or clashes when you can explore the project in a 3D virtual environment, improving issue detection and resolution.

For AEC projects, collaboration is key. VR issue tracking promotes better coordination and communication among all stakeholders. Teams are able to meet in a shared environment and meet within 3D models in 1:1 scale, from just about anywhere. This reduces the need for costly and time-consuming on-site meetings.

Collaborative problem-solving in VR can help project teams reach decisions faster and with greater accuracy. Whether it’s architects, engineers, or clients, they can all participate in the issue tracking process, offering their unique perspective and insights in real-time within the virtual environment.

Identifying problems early

Detecting issues early in a construction project can save significant time and budget. Virtual reviews can reveal design flaws or logistical challenges that might otherwise go unnoticed until it’s too late. Immersive issue tracking allows project teams to identify potential problems during the design and planning stages, minimizing costly rework and materials waste.

As highlighted in a comprehensive report by Engineering.com, “VR in AEC: Usage, Challenges, and Opportunities,” 49% of industry professionals identified cost savings derived from catching issues in VR is the biggest benefit of using this technology.

Issue tracking also enhances documentation. Every interaction in a virtual environment can be recorded, creating a detailed history of the project’s development and issue resolution. VR helps eliminate all the back-and-forth conversations that can cause confusion, discrepancies, and errors. When an issue is identified, you can take immediate action. With Autodesk Workshop XR, users can simply point and create an issue right within the VR experience. Additional data such as title, priority, and type can also be added. From there, status changes and progress are continually and seamlessly updated.

Reeti Gupta, Director of Practice Technology, HKS, discusses the value of tracking issues in VR: “Maybe you have eight issues in the first VR walkthrough, and then it’s reduced to three and then none. That provides us a better understanding of the ROI and accuracy of using VR.”

With Workshop XR, all data is updated in the model in real time. This is thanks to the connection to Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC). No matter who is viewing the model or where, everyone always has the latest information on the issue status. An engineer could be working on a project in New York and the architect is in Singapore. If the engineer is in VR, they can immediately see if the architect flagged an issue. All progress, flags, and status changes are always live in the model, synced back to ACC.

Moving forward with VR and issue tracking

In an industry where the right solution can mean the difference between a project’s success and failure, issue tracking isn’t just a tool; it’s a game changer. By harnessing the power of VR, you’re not just keeping pace with technology, you’re able to deliver more impactful and successful projects to your clients.

Explore the possibilities by starting a trial with Autodesk Workshop XR and redefine the way you tackle challenges.