Choosing Autodesk software isn’t always as simple as picking the products you use most often.
If your team mainly works in AutoCAD, an individual AutoCAD subscription may be all you need. But if your team are using several Autodesk tools across design, documentation, coordination and construction, the Autodesk AEC Collection could give you access to a much wider range of tools in one solution.
So, which option makes sense for your business? The answer depends less on the number of products available and more on how your team actually works.
What is the Autodesk AEC Collection?
The Autodesk Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC) Collection brings together a range of Autodesk tools for design, engineering, documentation, coordination and construction.
It includes products such as:
- Civil 3D
- Autodesk Docs
- And other tools and services for AEC workflows
Rather than purchasing several products individually, the Collection provides access to a broader set of tools as part of one subscription. But that doesn’t automatically mean it’s the right choice for every business.
When might an individual Autodesk product be enough?
If you only need one main Autodesk application, buying that product individually can be a straightforward option.
For example, if your team primarily uses AutoCAD for 2D drafting and documentation, an AutoCAD subscription may provide everything you need.
The same applies if your work is centred around a specific application such as Revit or Civil 3D and you don't need the wider range of tools included in the Collection.
In this situation, there may be little benefit in paying for access to software your team isn't going to use.
What if you use two or more Autodesk products?
This is where the decision becomes more interesting. Let's say your business uses Revit and AutoCAD.
You could purchase both products separately, but it's worth looking at what else your team needs now and what they may need in the future.
If you're also starting to use tools for coordination, infrastructure design, analysis or construction, the AEC Collection could provide access to those additional applications without having to manage several separate product subscriptions.
The key question isn't simply: "How many products do we use?"
It's: "What does our team need to deliver our projects?"
Example: AutoCAD only
If your business primarily produces drawings and documentation in AutoCAD, an individual subscription may be the most relevant option.
You don't necessarily need access to a full collection of AEC software if your current workflow doesn't require it.
Example: Revit + AutoCAD
If your team works with Revit for building design but also relies on AutoCAD, it's worth comparing the cost and functionality of purchasing the two products individually against the AEC Collection.
You may also want to consider whether other tools in the Collection could benefit your workflow as your projects develop.
This is where looking beyond your current software list can be useful.
Example: Revit + Civil 3D + Navisworks
For businesses working across different areas of the AEC process, the Collection can become more relevant.
For example, a project team might use:
- Revit for building information modelling and design
- Civil 3D for civil engineering and infrastructure design
- Navisworks Manage for project coordination and model review
When several Autodesk products are already part of your workflow, having access to a wider range of tools through the AEC Collection may be worth considering.
What about a growing team?
Your software requirements can change as your business grows.
You might start with one or two Autodesk products and gradually introduce new workflows, take on different types of projects or bring additional disciplines into the team.
That doesn't mean you need to move to the AEC Collection immediately. However, if you're regularly adding products or finding that your team needs access to different Autodesk tools, it's worth reviewing whether your current approach still makes sense.
It's not just about the price
Price is obviously part of the decision, but it shouldn't be the only consideration.
Think about:
- Which Autodesk products do you use today?
- Which products do different members of your team need?
- Are you working across multiple disciplines?
- Are you planning to introduce new workflows?
- Could your team benefit from access to additional Autodesk tools?
- Are you buying several individual subscriptions already?
Looking at these questions can give you a much clearer picture of whether individual products or the AEC Collection is the better fit for your business.
Want to compare your options?
There isn't one Autodesk solution that suits every business.
At TMS CADCentre, we can help you look at the software you're currently using, understand what your team needs and identify the Autodesk options that fit your workflow. You can also view our current Autodesk pricing to compare individual products and the AEC Collection.
Not sure which option is right for you? Get in touch with our team for advice.
