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Common Data Environment (CDE)

June 16, 2023 by admin

What is CDE?

CDE is a platform that centralizes project data storage and access digitally, typically related to a construction project and Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows.

How does it work?

The organized workflow happens only with the timely communication of quality information between the relevant stakeholders of the project. In using a single source of information collaboration between project members is enhanced, mistakes reduced, and duplication avoided. The idea of collaboration to drive improved results and efficiencies is at the heart of implementing a Building Information Modelling (BIM) approach on construction projects.

CDE contains what information?

A CDE contains all information related to a project starting from the Design Brief Report (DBR), 3D models, Drawing sets, Request for Information (RFI), Tender documents, Contractual or Legal documents, Quotations, Time schedules, Cost estimation, QA/QC checklists, Closure and handover documents, Minutes of Meeting, Progress Reports and other related documents.

Benefits of CDE implementation

• Real-Time Design Collaboration with Centralized BIM Model 
• Spatial co-ordination is natural in the idea of using a centralized model.
• Streamline Submittal, RFI, and Change Order Processes
• Share and Organize Project Data with File Management
• Minimizing effort and reducing the time it takes to check, review versions, and reissue information.
• Production information should be right first time assuming that contributors adhere to processes for sharing information.
• Finding efficiencies in producing coordinated information, reducing both time and cost.

What are we missing?

According to data published by FMI in 2018, “96% of data goes unused in the Engineering and Construction (E&C) industry. 13% of working hours are spent looking for project data and information. 30% of E&C companies using applications that don’t integrate with one another. Only 8% of E&C firms have what they call real-time, full project management information system, that allows for dashboard reporting. 90% of data generated is unstructured. This includes tweets, photos, customer purchase history and even customer service call logs.”

Additional Info about CDE

1. Using a unique identifier for every “information container” and a standard naming convention
2. Assigning a “suitability status” to all data
3. Controlling data revisions to ensure past revisions aren’t actively being used
4. Implementing an audit trail, and more.

Conclusion:

• The choice of a CDE is an important milestone for any project. It will be the place of exchanging information between multiple stake holders and will be used on a daily basis by them.
• A common data environment sets your projects up for success today by allowing your team to optimise and utilise the information when it matters most.
• Adopting common data environment ensure your approach to projects and collaboration remains strong from design through operations.   For this reason, implementation of common data environment is very important for all the projects where ever multiple trades and stakeholders are involved.