What Bentley's Synchro+ 4D Simulation Means for the Future of AEC Professionals

There’s a huge demand for resilient infrastructure across the world; however, our industry is grappling with challenges such as tight margins, skill shortages, and recurring project overruns. This gap between what the world needs to build (smart cities, complex structures, etc.) and the capacity to build the same is widening drastically.

To overcome this, a huge technology-driven shift is underway.

Industry giant Bentley Systems has recently unveiled Synchro+, the next-generation evolution of its Synchro 4D platform - now a core part of the Bentley Infrastructure Cloud ecosystem. The same is powered by iTwin technology - providing a unified, connected data environment for all project stakeholders. This is not just an update, but a fundamental re-engineering of the entire project lifecycle.

For AEC professionals, this changes the game - entirely!

The Evolution of 4D and the Major Challenges Around It!

BIM managers and VDC specialists would often spend hours performing complex, repetitive tasks such as:

Manual Mapping: Linking thousands of model elements to schedule activities manually.
Repetitive Checking: Repeated verification of sequencing against constructability rules - for multiple scenarios.
Delayed Iterations: Earlier, new simulations were generated only when a major schedule or design change was finalized. Often creating a lag between the planning stage and the site reality.

Major infrastructure projects would involve intricate underground utilities, phased civil works, geotechnical constraints, and multiple contractors. This sheer complexity made the traditional, manual approach difficult to scale - and was one of the reasons why it wasn’t adopted widely.

From Automation to Intelligence: The New 4D Workflow

Synchro+ marks a huge shift in how tasks were handled in the past. It replaces manual linking with data-centric automation within the Bentley Systems’ Infrastructure Cloud ecosystem. Built around three core pillars - Connected Data, Intuitive Design, and AI Automation - Synchro+ makes 4D planning accessible not just to specialists, but to every discipline contributing to project delivery. The upgrade also unifies project planning, scheduling, and field execution within a single connected interface, eliminating data silos between Synchro 4D, Control, and Field.

Additionally, with the integration of Bentley’s Trustworthy AI framework, the platform now helps teams make faster, more informed decisions. This framework ensures that every AI-generated insight remains explainable, auditable, and aligned with project governance standards.

Key benefits include:

Automated Task Mapping: By utilizing ML capabilities, the AI identifies objects and suggests optimal sequence links on the basis of past data and best practices. This reduces the manual setup time by about 50%.
Proactive Conflict Prediction: Synchro+ moves beyond traditional clash detection to sequencing conflict prediction. Based on planned time and resource allocation, it predicts if a delivery vehicle will clash with a temporary structure or similar work zone scenarios.
Real-Time Optimization: The AI automatically runs thousands of simulations the moment the project site data is uploaded into the platform. It further adjusts the Critical Path Method (CPM) schedule on the basis of the simulations. This updates the 4D model in real-time to maintain maximum efficiency, which was not possible in any of the previous versions.

How will Synchro+ Evolve the Roles of AEC Professionals?

This technology will augment the capabilities of AEC professionals, freeing them from repetitive, tedious tasks while enabling them to make more strategic contributions.

1. For the Designers and Engineers

AI-powered automation in Synchro+ takes the process of iteration to innovation. Engineers do not have to spend hours adjusting to schedules or sequences with Synchro+. They can simply have optimized sequencing options and automatically identify potential conflicts with this software.
By shifting from iteration to innovation, design teams can focus on creative problem-solving while AI handles the complexity of options and dependencies.

2. For the BIM/VDC Managers and Schedulers

With the Synchro+ 4D Simulation tool, BIM/VDC managers can focus on ensuring data quality and leverage predictive insights instead of spending time cleaning models and linking elements manually.
Their role evolves from technical execution to predictive risk management - interpreting AI insights, managing model fidelity, and aligning design and construction sequencing with real-time field data.

3. For the Site Managers and Contractors

Synchro+ analyses temporary works sequencing and material laydown areas for maximum efficiency.
With its web-based access and mixed-reality features, site managers and field teams can now interact directly with the 4D plan - overlaying AI-optimized sequences on real-world site conditions to validate progress and ensure safety.

The Quantifiable Benefits of AI-Driven 4D Workflows

The early access for Synchro+ begins in December 2025, with general availability expected in 2026. This could mean stronger metrics and potential gains. Here’s what you can expect in the future:

Metric	Context and Impact for Project Owners	Potential Gain (Industry Standard Projections)
Schedule Compression	AI-optimized sequencing helps to resolve clashes and resource bottlenecks before construction. This minimizes site delays and reduces time-to-market.	10% to 15% reduction in overall construction duration.
Design Productivity	Generative design and automated documentation free up engineer hours for high-value work.	20% to 30% gain in engineering efficiency and documentation accuracy.
Risk Mitigation (RFIs)	Proactive 4D/5D clash prediction helps reduce the costly alterations at the time of construction.	60% to 80% reduction in critical RFI (Request for Information) volume.
Cost Accuracy (5D)	Superior financial foresight with real-time connection of quantity take-offs to the schedule and cost data.	10% to 20% enhancement in budget prediction accuracy, reducing overruns.
Embodied Carbon Reduction	AI can simulate material and transport alternatives within the 4D/5D model to find the option with the lowest carbon footprint, meeting crucial ESG goals.	5% to 10% reduction in material usage and waste volume through optimization.

*Potential gains are estimated based on industry benchmarks and case studies from Bentley Systems, Dodge Data & Analytics, Autodesk, and McKinsey & Company. Actual results may vary by project scope and implementation.

Intec: Your Partner in AI-Readiness

At Intec, our goal is to ensure your projects are always AI-ready. Through data-rich BIM, expert VDC, and specialized infrastructure services across Architecture, Civil & Structure, MEPF, and more verticals, we don’t just adapt to new technology; we help integrate it seamlessly into your projects, ensuring they are truly future-ready.

While the widespread adoption of AI-driven tools like Synchro+ is just beginning, our team is already strategically focused on mastering the foundational elements that maximize the value of your projects:

Our current services ensure our clients’ projects are AI-ready from day one:

We specialize in creating highly accurate 3D & 4D models for complex infrastructure and building projects.
Our team of 250+ experts comes with deep expertise in traditional 4D/5D modeling and Virtual Design & Construction. This ensures you get a competitive edge in this new era of intelligent designing.

Through process harmonization, BIM-to-schedule optimization, and predictive insight, Intec Infra ensures your data is structured and ready for AI consumption - so tools like Synchro+ can deliver to the best of their potential.

The Future: Smarter Tools, Stronger Collaboration

The introduction of Bentley's Synchro+ and the surrounding wave of AI tools is no less than disruptive! These tools are making world-class scheduling accessible, scalable, and predictable across infrastructure projects - across the globe.

AEC professionals must adopt the new-age technologies and leverage AI while trusting their human intellect for the critical decision-making, negotiations, and creative problem-solving to truly design a future-forward infrastructure.

The capacity to build better, faster, and smarter is here. It’s time to claim your share of the AI productivity leap!

Get in touch with our experts here and assess the AI-readiness of your next major project!