> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://nonlinear.mintlify.site/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Introduction > A workflow automation platform for the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry ## What is Nonlinear? Nonlinear empowers AEC teams to automate repeatable work like Spec QA/QC, RFP estimating, submittal review, and much more through a simple AI platform. With our visual workflow builder, you can create custom automations and publish them to your team for everyone to benefit. Whether you're designing, building, managing, or selling - Nonlinear gives you the tools to spend more time on the work that matters most. ## The Challenge **AEC workflows are stuck in manual processes.** Most daily tasks revolve around PDFs, Word documents, emails, Excel spreadsheets, and BIM models. While firms have successfully automated BIM workflows using tools like Dynamo and Grasshopper, they struggle to automate beyond structured data - leaving junior employees trapped in repetitive, tedious work. **Existing tools fall short:** * **Project management platforms** like Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, and Newforma help you organize files but don't actually complete tasks * **AI chatbots** like ChatGPT and Copilot are too open-ended, causing users to abandon them when they can't figure out specific use cases or optimal prompting * **Point solutions** from AI startups are rigid and create app fatigue - nobody wants to manage dozens of individual "AI for X" tools ## The Solution Nonlinear bridges this gap by providing a **unified automation platform** specifically designed for AEC workflows. Instead of juggling multiple tools or struggling with generic AI, you get purpose-built automations that understand your company's unique needs. Run existing automation apps built by your team or imported from our community. Create custom automation apps for your team with our visual workflow builder.