Inspired by our previous post How Vault becomes cloud‑compatible, and the overwhelming feedback from our AU 2025 presentation “Unlocking the Potential of the Vault Data API”, this research project showcases a next-level integration – enabling CAD access, previews, downloads, and job triggers – all from within Microsoft Teams.

The Problem

Accessing Autodesk Vault requires engineering tools or dedicated clients. But non-engineers – such as production, procurement, or sales teams – simply need to view and download approved files, see properties, or kick off publishing jobs. The challenges include:

• Installing Vault client or CAD tools just to view files.
• Submitting requests via email or waiting for engineers.
• Managing permissions, file versions, and ensuring you’re working with the latest data.

These issues contribute to IT overhead, workflow delays, and unnecessary dependence on engineering teams.

Autodesk Vault Thin/Web Client (Built-in)

Autodesk provides a Thin Client or Web Client that supports read-only access via a standard browser:

• No desktop installation required – works with Vault credentials.
• Allows search, preview, property browsing, and downloads via a browser interface.
• Supports folder and file navigation, 2D and 3D visualizations, Items, BOMs, and Change Orders.

While useful, the built-in web client has some major limitations:

• It runs in a separate browser tab, disconnected from Teams and daily workflows.
• It doesn’t offer in-context automation, like triggering publishing jobs.
• The user experience is generic, not tailored for casual users working inside Teams.
• Unlike the desktop client, the web client is not customizable and cannot be used to integrate with ERP-, PLM- or MES- or other enterprise systems.

The Solution: Vault Access Inside Microsoft Teams

Our proof-of-concept of a Teams based integration transforms this interaction by embedding Vault access directly into the collaboration environment your teams already use:

• Sign in via Vault credentials or Autodesk ID.
• Search, browse, and preview CAD files without CAD or Vault software
  
• View 3D and 2D previews inside Teams tabs with Autodesk’s viewer.
• Download attachments like PDFs, STEP files, or drawings on demand.
• Submit jobs (PDF, DXF, STEP exports) triggered from Teams; orchestrated by Vault Job Processor.

The combination of the Vault Data API, Vault Gateway and the Vault Job Processor allows for actionable workflows while the user experience is fully embedded in Teams.

Why Teams Beats the Web Client

Customization is the Game-Changer

This all builds on the same Vault Data API features powered in the Thin Client – but delivers it in a user-friendly, socially integrated environment. Unlike the Vault Thin Client, it can even be exposed to outside the company network and used for external collaboration. And most importantly; the Teams app can be customized to your individual needs. Whether you want to enrich your Vault Data with information from your ERP- or PLM-systems, show only specific, project related data or data that is tagged for external collaboration or if you want your own navigation and search logic; everything is possible with your own, customized version of a Teams-integrated Vault app.

Summary

While Autodesk’s built-in Thin/Web Client gives users browser‑based access to their vaulted data, it remains a silo separate from non-engineers’ daily workflows. COOLORANGE’s Teams‑integrated Vault app brings access to Vault data where people already work, adding interactive preview, downloads and automation – all without CAD or additional clients.

This solution removes friction, accelerates access, and empowers cross-functional teams to self-serve engineering data securely and efficiently.

Ready to Transform How You
Access Vault?

Contact COOLORANGE now to discover how Vault + Teams can dramatically improve access and collaboration across your entire enterprise. Let’s discuss how a customized solution, tailored to your individual needs could look like or let's install the proof-of-concept to your company's Teams environment.

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