Common Data Environment (CDE), is one of the most widely used terms in the world of BIM, project management and collaboration in recent times. But what is CDE? Why is it used and more importantly how is CDE implemented? To know more, read below;

The Common Data Environment (CDE) is the single source of information for a project, used to collect, edit, manage and disseminate documentation for the whole project team. This promotes a collaborative environment between project members and clients and helps to avoid duplications and mistakes. In short, CDE is a place for everything related to your projects stored in the digital space or cloud. It is the single source of truth.

Why is CDE crucial? Firsly, in technical construction projects, information is often unstructured and difficult to access due to high volumes of data. This leads to unnecessary overhead costs.
Implementing a CDE would improve project cost, time and efficiency.
Secondly, security of data is maintained through strong encrypted networks to ensure the safety of confidential information. Accessibility of information too becomes more easier from anywhere and anytime.

Workflow of CDE implementation;

1.Work In Progress
Non-verified information used only by in-house design teams to design and model their first drafts accordingly. Additional sections are used for specialists and designers.

2.Design Approval
Project Managers review, correct and approve designs made by in-house projects team.

3.Shared Information
Approved and verified information gets shared across different teams and consultants.

4.Client Shared Information
Verified and completed models and data is shared with client for their regulatory approval. On-going developments by design teams are also shared to record day to day progress. Project Information is continually updated.

5.Publish
Approvals from the client’s team for final design outputs are published after revisals and made available for all project team members to view. This information is be used for tender or construction.

6.Archive
A record of key milestones in project, project history and development is stored for knowledge, regulatory, legal purposes and future reference. All Data is stored in cloud for easy access.

Effective use of CDE can be used to build Project Information Models (PIM) as the stages progress. Once verified and published, the information can also be used in the Asset Management Phase and known as Asset Information Model (AIM). Click here to find out the best project solutions that implements CDE.