AEConnect by Active Estimating bridges the gap between Autodesk® BIM models and construction cost estimates. For too long, estimators have spent weeks manually exporting data, cleaning it in Excel, and re-entering it into estimating software, only to repeat the process every time the design changes. AEConnect eliminates that cycle.

By connecting directly to Autodesk® Forma and Autodesk® BIM 360®, AEConnect enables teams to pull live model data (elements, properties, and quantities) into a structured, no-code transformation environment. Once configured, the same workflow can be applied every time a model is updated, reducing design-to-estimate cycles from weeks to hours.

 

Key Capabilities

 

BIM Model Connection: Authenticate with your Forma account and browse projects, models, and model versions directly within AEConnect. Select one or multiple models for data extraction.

Targeted Data Extraction: Choose the model categories (Architecture, Structure, MEP, etc.) and element properties to extract. Built-in warnings help prevent accidental extraction of excessive data.

3D Model Viewer: Visualize selected Autodesk models inside AEConnect using the integrated Forge Viewer. Switch between 2D sheets and 3D views, apply element coloring by cost group or data condition, and capture screenshots for reporting.

No-Code Data Transformation: Build reusable transformation pipelines using a visual node graph. Filter rows, add calculated columns, rename fields, merge datasets, and group and aggregate data—all without writing code. Templates created once can be reused across unlimited projects.

Structured Dataset Output: Transformation outputs become clean, structured datasets that feed directly into estimate calculations. Supports export to Quick Bid Package and Microsoft Excel formats.

Delta Tracking: Compare model versions to identify changes and quantify their cost impact. Track scope changes throughout the design process with a complete audit trail.

Multi-Source Data: Combine Autodesk model data with uploaded CSV and Excel files in the same transformation workflow, normalizing data from multiple sources into a single estimate-ready dataset.

 

Who Uses Active Estimating's AEConnect

Trade contractors use AEConnect to extract quantities directly from BIM models and update bids as designs evolve. General contractors use it to coordinate trade scopes and accelerate GMP packages. Architects and owners use it to evaluate the cost implications of design decisions in near real time.

 

Proven Results

California Drywall Company used AEConnect on a $4.3B hospital project, eliminating up to two weeks of manual processing during each estimate cycle.

"Active Estimating easily cuts down up to 2 weeks of manual work," said a BIM Engineer.

 

Authentication

Active Estimating's AEConnect uses three-legged OAuth authentication to connect to Forma on behalf of the signed-in user. The requested scope is data:read. No model data is stored beyond the active user session unless the user explicitly chooses to save a dataset.

To get started, visit activeestimating.com or contact contactus@activeestimating.com to set up your account.