Blogs

Explore the 12d Synergy blog for insights on document control, engineering data management, collaboration, and information management across the engineering and construction industry.

The 2026 AEC Playbook: 6 Trends You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Discover 6 critical AEC industry trends for 2026: AI adoption, workforce challenges, cybersecurity, sustainability, and digital transformation strategies with expert insights.

Why BIM Fails Without Good Data Management

Building Information Modeling (BIM) can only succeed when supported by strong data management. Discover how poor data practices cause BIM to fail and how connected data environments keep your projects efficient, compliant, and profitable.

Why Dropbox and Consumer Cloud Drives Fail Construction Projects and What to Do About It

Discover why Dropbox and consumer clouds fail AEC projects. Learn how purpose-built CDEs prevent data corruption, enable collaboration, and ensure ISO 19650 compliance.

5 Ways Poor Data Management is Costing Surveyors Time and Money

Discover the top 5 signs your Common Data Environment (CDE) may be holding you back and how a Connected CDE can help.

What is Information Management for AEC Businesses?

Discover what information management means for AEC projects, why it’s essential for collaboration, compliance, and efficiency, and how to implement it effectively.

5 Tell-tale Signs Your CDE is No Longer Serving You

Discover the top 5 signs your Common Data Environment (CDE) may be holding you back and how a Connected CDE can help.

Building for Change: How We Design with the Future in Mind

Explore the thinking behind 12d Synergy’s evolution and how a vision-led approach to product design is shaping the future of data management in the AEC industry.

Why the Future of Civil Engineering Is Renewable, Remote, and Data-Driven

Discover how civil engineering is evolving with renewables. Drew Shaw of Entura shares expert insights on hydropower projects, data management, and digital engineering.

Leading Through a Construction Boom: How to Build a High-Performing Survey Team in the Middle of a Skills Shortage

Discover how ESO Surveyors scaled from 1 to 40 surveyors during South Australia’s infrastructure boom. Chris Staak shares insights on data, talent gaps, and why surveyors are central to project delivery.

Open vs. Closed CDEs: What’s Right for Your AEC Project?

Discover the differences between open and closed Common Data Environments (CDEs) and what they mean for your AEC project. Learn how interoperability, vendor flexibility, and project scale can influence the right approach for your team.

Driving the Future of Surveying: 12d Synergy and Leica Geosystems Partner for Seamless Data Workflows

Discover how the integration between 12d Synergy and Leica Geosystems streamlines survey data workflows, improves data accuracy, and saves time across field-to-office operations in civil infrastructure projects.

Connected Common Data Environment: Everything You Need to Know

A Connected Common Data Environment helps AEC businesses achieve flexibility and better collaboration by eliminating data silos. Explore key benefits of implementing it effectively in this article.

8 Powerful Ways to Use 12d Synergy More Effectively: Tips & Tricks with Connie

Explore key capabilities and features on 12d Synergy and learn how you can get more done when managing your data and processes.

7 Key Benefits of a Connected Common Data Environment

A Connected Common Data Environment helps AEC businesses achieve flexibility and better collaboration by eliminating data silos. Explore key benefits of implementing it effectively in this article.

5 Reasons Why Your Business Needs Data-Agnostic Solutions in the AEC Industry

Data-agnostic solutions refer to systems that can manage and communicate with any data types, formats and authoring software, regardless of vendor or source. Explore why AEC businesses today need data-agnostic solutions to streamline operations and build a tech-stack that works for them.

Streamline Your Processes: Explore 12d Synergy’s Workflows

Discover how 12d Synergy’s Workflows can automate your engineering and construction business tasks, reduce errors, and save time. Learn how to streamline work processes, improve collaboration, and boost project efficiency with customizable workflows tailored to your needs.

Bridging the gap: Revolutionising Surveying with Common Data Environments (CDE)

12d Synergy addresses the unique challenges of surveying data management through a Common Data Environment (CDE). Learn how it enables seamless office-to-field collaboration, manages complex data sets, and integrates with a broader range of authoring software and related data sets in collaboration with customers and other suppliers like Hexagon and Leica Geosystems.

How can 12d Synergy help me to achieve ISO19650 Certification?

ISO19650 is an international standard for managing information over the entire life cycle of a built asset using Building Information Modelling (BIM). ISO19650’s conception is recent and stemmed largely from the lessons and practices learnt from implementing the British BS 1192 and PAS 11192 standards within the UK and international construction industries.

CDE for Surveyors

A Common Data Environment is a centralised digital platform used in the lifecycle of a project to facilitate efficient communication, collaboration and information sharing among key project stakeholders, such as surveyors. 12d Synergy offers a secure cloud-based workspace where surveyors can store, manage, and share crucial data such as survey plans and geospatial information.

Top 5 Things You Didn’t Know 12d Synergy Could Do

12d Synergy offers a wide range of features that can help streamline your organisation’s processes, strengthen your businesses’ brand identity, and improve collaboration.

Why Your Council Needs a CDE (Common Data Environment)

Over the past 3 years there has been a dramatic adoption of the Common Data Environment (CDE) by councils across Australia. Digital transformation of the workplace, spurred on by a global pandemic, challenged the way we looked at our workplaces.

How Cardno Transformed Their Business with 12d Synergy: From QA Management to ISO 19650 Compliance

Learn how Cardno evolved from QA-focused document control to ISO 19650-aligned information management with 12d Synergy as its common data environment.

12d Synergy as a Common Data Environment (CDE) in the ISO 19650 World

A common data environment or CDE for those in the know, is an essential and key player when it comes to implementing the Information Management Process of ISO 19650. This article will discuss what is a CDE is, what the different States are in the CDE Workflow, their key requirements, and how 12d Synergy can act as your core CDE.

Managing MicroStation Drawings in 12d Synergy: Recommended Best Practices

In this guide you’ll learn our recommended best practices for managing MicroStation drawings and data inside our CDE. While 12d Synergy currently has no native integration with MicroStation (unlike for AutoCAD and BricsCAD), it can be effectively managed with some simple configurations.

What Is ISO 19650? Why It Matters & How to Comply

With the industry now transitioning to adopt BIM, processes and procedures are now being standardised. ISO 19650 is already well-established overseas, such as in the UK and is rapidly being adopted here in Australia and New Zealand with many infrastructures projects now requiring ISO 19650 certification.

Process Automation & Quality Assurance with 12d Synergy

Document control and quality assurance (QA) sounds easy enough right? You just need to ensure you’re always working from the right version of the right data, at the right time and with the right people… Okay maybe we need a little help.

How to Collaborate Remotely with 12d Model & CAD Data

Learn how to efficiently & productively collaborate and share your 12d Model & CAD data across multiple offices with remote staff.

CAD Data Management for Multi‑Office Collaboration

We break down the risks & limitations of managing engineering data and provide the best practices for 12 data management and collaboration.

How to Find Cadastral Surveying Data Faster with Spatial Search

Never waste time looking for cadastral survey job data again with 12d Synergy’s Spatial Search feature.

How to Access Remote Data For Engineering Teams

Learn how to access large engineering datasets remotely; safeguarding your business during times of change, and unlocking a range of time and money saving benefits.

3 Ways the 12d Synergy Team Is Seamlessly Working From Work

From the head office, to the home office… across Australia and New Zealand, find out how the 12d Synergy team has ‘Checked in’ to working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

12d Model Administrator – 12d Synergy Data Management Basics – Part 3

Master 12d Synergy’s administrator settings for 12d Model. Join us as we walk you through a series of training videos on the basics of data management.

Integrating 12d Model – Data Management Basics – Part 2

Learn all about integrating 12d Model with 12d Synergy. Join us as we walk you through a series of training videos on the basics of data management.

Managed Folders – Data Management Basics – Part 1

Proficient, safe and effective data management starts here. Learn all about 12d Synergy’s Managed Folder with our data management training series.

The Competitive Advantage of Mobility

Learn all about the competitive advantage of mobility. Make your business more agile, more robust and more productive all while enhancing employee happiness.

12d Synergy’s 2019 Australian Roadshow So Far…

We went mobile to take you mobile – and what a success it’s been! Your complete overview to 12d Synergy’s 2019 roadshow, Taking Your Business Mobile.

12d Synergy Collaboration – 12d Synergy 101 Training Series – Part 4

Join Tim Brooks – experienced civil designer – as he walks you through easy-to-follow videos on the fundamentals of 12d Synergy.

12d Synergy Fundamentals – 12d Synergy 101 Training Series – Part 2

[lwptoc]This is the second article in our six-part training series that will quickly transform you from an average Joe into a 12d Synergy pro! Join Tim Brooks – a civil designer with 21...

Integrating Microsoft Office Suite – 12d Synergy 101 Training Series – Part 6

Learn about integrating Microsoft Office Suite with 12d Synergy. Join us as we walk you through a series of training videos on the fundamentals of 12d Synergy.

Document and Data Sharing – 101 Training Series Part 5

Master Document and Data Sharing in 12d Synergy. Join us as we walk you through a series of training videos on the fundamentals of 12d Synergy’s sharing tools.

12d Synergy Searching – 12d Synergy 101 Training Series – Part 3

Learn how to efficiently search for data in 12d Synergy. Join us as we walk you through a series of training videos on the fundamentals of 12d Synergy.

The Importance of a Data Management System – 12d Synergy 101 Training Series – Part 1

Learn why implementing a data management system is essential to your office. Join us as we walk you through the fundamentals of 12d Synergy.

Configure 12d Synergy in Minutes with New Configuration Templates

We’ve made setting up 12d Synergy even simpler and easier with all-new Configuration Templates.

Automating Data Entry with 12d Synergy’s Sheet Set Manager Integration

In this article you’ll learn how to use Sheet Set Manager with 12d Synergy to save time and minimise risk through automating CAD data entry.

Getting Up to Speed With 12d Synergy 4’s CAD Management Tools – Free Training

Simplify, automate and transform how you manage your drawings, references and attributes with 12d Synergy 4.

How to Update CAD Title Blocks Faster

Simplify, automate and transform how you manage and update your title blocks with our new time-saving Title Block Manager tools.

10 Reasons to Manage Your CAD Data with 12d Synergy

[lwptoc]Do you want to spend less time managing your CAD data, and more time actually working on it? It’s a no brainer - here's how. Spreadsheets, network drives and lisp routines just...

How You Should Be Worksharing and Managing Across Multiple Offices

[lwptoc]Architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) businesses are facing unprecedented demands to draw upon specialised skills and disciplines beyond their local site or office....

What Is Computer-Aided Design (CAD)? Everything You Need to Know

[lwptoc]Computer-aided design (CAD) refers to the use of computer software to aid in the creation, modification, analysis, testing or optimisation of a design. These designs can be...

12d Synergy 4: Find Your Data Fast With Spatial Search

[lwptoc]Whether you are designing, drafting or surveying you are placing your mark on a specific location on Earth. You work in the real world and much of your data has an exact spatial...

Microsoft Dynamics Connector

Microsoft Dynamics connector allows you to sync information from the CRM system to 12d Synergy. Client information, tasks, notes, contacts etc.

Webinar: 12d Synergy and 12d View on the Sydney B-Line Project

[lwptoc]Michael Connor, Survey Manager of Fulton Hogan, will reveal in an exclusive webinar how he and his team successfully used 12d Synergy and 12d View on the Sydney B-Line project....

WorkflowMax Integrations for AEC Projects

[lwptoc]12d Synergy Connectors Connectors allow you to integrate 12d Synergy with other software packages in your organisation. For ease of implementation the 12d Synergy development...

Designing Great Workflows

[lwptoc]All businesses have a range of workflows. Some are highly efficient and optimised, others are error-prone, resource-wasting and frustrating. Poor workflows typically have too...

Are You GDA2020 Ready?

[lwptoc] Do you work with spatial information? Are you aware of the shift to GDA2020? Here’s what you need to know about GDA2020. The Big Shift to GDA2020 Australia is currently...

NCTIR: Rebuilding a Network Where Mountains Meet the Sea

[lwptoc]Watch: NCTIR (New Zealand) - Teaser - 12d Technical Forum 2018 TWO minutes after midnight on the 14th November 2016, New Zealand was violently rocked awake by a massive...

How to share Engineering Data among Different Locations?

[lwptoc]Embracing Flexible Working – A Modern Worksharing System. A major project comes into the business and you know locally your demand is exceeding capacity. By this stage there’s...

Enter 12d Synergy 4: Here’s What You Need to Know

[lwptoc]Watch: 12d Synergy 4 Highlights Enter 12d Synergy 4: Here’s What You Need to Know Welcome to 12d Synergy 4. 12d Synergy is streamlined data management, project...

Why You Need to Optimise Your Data Transfers

[lwptoc]Transferring huge project files across slow, unreliable networks is a nightmare. Many architectural, engineering and construction offices waste hundreds of valuable hours...

How to Bust Through the Wall of Change Management Resistance

[lwptoc]In today’s fast-paced and hyper competitive business environment change is the only constant. You know this. In a heartbeat your situation can completely change, and therefore,...

The Total Synergy Connector for 12d Synergy

[lwptoc]Watch: 12d Synergy--Total Synergy: Your Complete AEC Business Solution - Industry Solutions Webinar Series 12d Synergy and Total Synergy is your complete business environment...

12d Synergy – Total Synergy – Lets Clear the Air

[lwptoc]Time and time again our 12d team are talking to clients about Synergy – and we begin to notice some confusion, well a lot actually... Yes! There are two Synergys in the...

Consumer Grade-Cloud Based Tools Corrupting 12d Model Data

[lwptoc]Have you corrupted your 12d Model data or at risk at corrupting your 12d Model data by mismanaging your 12d Model Projects?Corrupt data typically occurs when transferring or...

Simplify Your CAD Management

Simplify your CAD Management with 12d Synergy 4’s seamless CAD integration, Xref tracking, sheet set manager, bulk attribute editor and drawing register.

Just How Safe Are Your 12d Model Projects From Data Corruption?

[lwptoc]Picture this...You have sent the surveyors out to the field. Two weeks pass. After some hard weather and rough days, they have painstakingly collected all the data needed....

Implementing 12d Synergy for your Business

[lwptoc]How to Speed Up the Implementation Process Implementing 12d Synergy at your organisation is a sizeable change. One that is likely to encounter obstacles. To help you overcome...

Webinar: Worksharing Among Multiple Offices

[lwptoc]The 12d Synergy team presented another great webinar jam-packed with content. This time we tackled an ambitious topic… how to solve the headache of worksharing across multiple...

5 reasons you need a centralised data management system

[lwptoc]1. Data Integrity. Worksharing and collaborating between different offices is inevitable. As one office exceeds capacity, specialist skills from other offices will be...

What is a Document Management System (DMS)?

[lwptoc]Document Management, also known as a DMS or Document Management System, are computer software systems which are designed to store, track and manage documents and information in...

History of 12d Synergy

[lwptoc]History of 12d Synergy 12d Synergy is a data and document management system developed by Australian civil engineering software developer, 12d Solutions. The system provides...

9 Things You Need from Your Data Management Software

[lwptoc]When considering data and document management software (DMS) for your Engineering Consultancy or Surveying Firm, it's important to have a clear idea on what you need from your...

Folder Structure Best Practices

Is your folder structure a mess? Here are some folder structure best practices to ensure a poor filing system doesn’t get your next project bogged down.

Flexible Working for Civil Designers & Drafters

[lwptoc]How To Embrace The Flexible Working Environment Unchain yourself from your desk! We are in the midst of an infrastructure boom. We are seeing pressures on consultancies mount as...

The Cost of Rework in Construction & How to Fix It

[lwptoc]In the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, the cost of rework is estimated to be 5% of contract value, or $500,000 on a $10 million project. Rework can be...

Connecting MYOB

[lwptoc]12d Synergy Connectors Connectors allow you to integrate 12d Synergy with other software packages in your organisation. For ease of implementation the 12d Synergy development...

Abtrac 12d Synergy Connector

[lwptoc]12d Synergy Connectors Connectors allow you to integrate 12d Synergy with other software packages in your organisation. For ease of implementation the 12d Synergy development...

Stuck in the office struggling to meet a deadline?

Flexible Working systems for the Civil Engineering industry has traditionally made things more complex. Now there are a range of solutions to help you. Is it time you looked into resolving this issue?

Interview with Mainland Surveying

Scott Williams, Managing Director of Mainland Surveying provides sheds light on how 12d Synergy has transformed his business in this interview.

Email Management Tutorial

[lwptoc]This 12d Synergy Tutorial explains how the 12d Synergy Outlook plug in can manage your email and attachments. 12d Synergy treats emails as files and can be stamped for automatic...

Are You Seeing the Benefits of Flexible Working?

Worksharing and Collaboration should provide your team with flexibility – providing you have the right systems put in place.

Why Finding Long-lost Email Could Save Your Skin

[lwptoc]Over the lifetime of a project, you send and receive hundreds of emails.What happens when a client disputes something that was agreed 3 years ago? Can you prove it? Hi Client, I...

Intelligent Data Transfer

12d Synergy’s Intelligent Data Transfer reduces your project data by 91%, increasing network speed and reducing bandwidth requirements.

Modern Worksharing Systems for AEC Collaboration

Worksharing is the process which enables multiple team members in a design office, or across multiple offices and locations to collaborate on projects.

Data Management for Small Consultants

[lwptoc]Data Management for Small Consultants 12d Synergy has enabled small to medium sized consultancies to improve productivity by better managing project data from 12d Model, CAD,...

Worksharing; File Replication Server (FRS)

A Multi-office Worksharing and Collaboration solution.
The FRS is really ideal for sites with popular data sets that are being used by many users at different sites. So rather than making them all wait for it to be downloaded the first time they open it, you can push it out to that local network to make it much faster.

NorthConnex Data Management

NorthConnex is the largest road tunnel project in Australia. Being such a large project with high exposure it is crucial that work is completed efficiently and effectively. The scale and pressures of the project has created data management issues, NorthConnex turned to 12d to develop custom solutions.

Everything you need to get more value from 12d Synergy

Learn the product, explore best practices, and see real world results to help your team work smarter.