The Power of Common Data Environments in Construction

Definition

In order to fully grasp the power of a common data environment, it is best to start from its definition.

A common data environment (CDE) is a cloud-based digital platform that centralizes and manages all project data for construction projects. It serves as a single source of truth, facilitating the storage, sharing, and access of various types of data, including building information modeling (BIM) data, project contracts, estimates, reports, and material specifications. Information captured in the CDE is then fed into the BIM model, making it an even more valuable project management tool in any construction project.

Accessible by all authorized project team members based on their roles and permissions, a CDE promotes collaboration, reduces errors, and streamlines communication throughout the design, construction, and operational phases. It is especially beneficial for complex projects with multiple stakeholders, providing real-time access to essential data to ensure efficient project execution and management.

Examples

Vistapoint

Vistapoint is an open CDE that ntegrates with AutoCAD, Revit, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Mircostation, etc.

Trimble Connect

As a product from Trimble, Trimble Connect integrates seamlessly with Trimble CAD software like Sketchup and Tekla.

Bentley CDE

Bentley is more well-known for Project Wise. While Project Wise uses cloud-based digital twins to facilitate the management of infrastructure projects, Bently CDE is their solution for project collaboration.

Autodesk Docs

The whole project team can manage and control construction documents with Autodesk Docs, a cloud-based common data environment.

Aconex

Aconex is a product by Oracle and is part of Oracle’s common data environment (CDE).

ThinkProject

ThinkProject provides its customers with tailored solutions, which customers will need to contact them for further information.

Typical CDE Workflow in a Construction Project

A CDE is designed to ensure the information flows systematically, from initial drafts to the finalized documents, maintaining data integrity and collaboration during the entire project.

Work in Progress

• Holds unapproved information from specialist contractors and designers
• The lead designer, at this stage, needs to review and approve a multitude of information, including suitability, standard methods, technical data, etc. developed by the task team.

Shared

• At this stage, the information has been checked, reviewed, and approved for sharing with other organizations.
• The data can be used as reference documents for further design development.

Client (Employer) Shared

The approved information is then moved to the client’s shared space for authorization.

Published

Contains information that has been “signed off” by the client, such as production data for construction or tendering and design outputs for the whole project team.

Archive

This is where the project record is maintained, providing an audit trail for future reference.

What Are the Benefits of Establishing a CDE?

The CDE acts as a centralized data hub for the relevant project teams. In addition to being the single source of truth, establishing a CDE provides further attractive benefits.

• The CDE acts as a neutral data environment that captures every data relating to the asset, leaving a full audit trail behind.
• With an aerial perspective of the construction processes, data collection, and data analysis, it will be easier to spot inefficiencies and make timely adjustments and upgrades.
• Having a centralized repository for data facilitates more efficient communication and collaboration. There is no need to go back and forth to fetch the latest data version. Improved collaboration, from then on, results in boosted productivity and improved bottom line.
• Project teams manage and store all relevant information in CDEs - a single source of truth, thereby enhancing data integrity and facilitating collaboration. This also means all project stakeholders have convenient access to the most up-to-date information, leading to faster, more informed decision-making processes.
• With immediate access to real-time data without the need to convert the data into a variety of formats, common data environments prevent data loss or incompletion.
• Less errors as common data environments reduce the effort it takes to re-enter, check, and revise data. Data management, all in all, is much more efficient.
• Data transparency reduces the time spent on searching and coordinating information, mitigates risk, and provides a bird-eye view of the entire project landscape.