A Common Data Environment (CDE) is a collaboration platform for the construction industry. Architects, Engineers, Owners, Contractors, and Project Managers use a CDE to share files and manage project tasks. The term Common Data Environment has become more popular since the introduction of ISO 19650 published in 2018.
Historically, a common method for exchanging project files was through email. Sharing files through email can be inefficient, and even impossible for larger BIM modeling files. It can also be challenging to keep track of the latest versions and the status of deliverables. This can cause project delays, miscommunication errors, and budget overruns. A Common Data Environment provides a single source of truth for project files and status. This can provide better project control for an on time, on budget delivery.
History
Common Data Environment comes from the the international standard ISO 19650. Construction industry experts published ISO 19650 in 2018 after identifying a need for better BIM information management. In other words, how to share, store, and control models and files.
ISO 19650 outlines several best practices, including:
- Common Data Environment – Stakeholders should have a common data environment to store and exchange information.
- Naming conventions – Documents should have a standardized agreed upon naming convention.
- Folder structure – Organize folders as follows:
- WIP – Work in progress
- Shared
- Published
- Archived
- Permissions - User permissions should control who can access files, folders, and status changes.
BIM vs CDE
Where does CDE fit in with BIM? Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the strategy for creating and managing a digital representation of a building. A Common Data Environment is a platform to help create an effective BIM strategy. A CDE is a tool while BIM is a strategy.
3 Benefits of a Common Data Environment
There are many benefits to a CDE for your BIM workflow. Some of the important benefits include:
1. Single source of truth
Spending time looking for information can take away from more valuable tasks like creating your design. A single source of truth allows everyone to share and search for information in one place. This can help teams focus on the more important tasks that increase project quality.
Often, project information is scattered across multiple platforms. A CDE allows project stakeholders to have consistent organization across projects. This can improve communication and make project management more efficient.
Controlling file access is important to ensure project security and minimize file corruption. A CDE can give teams the ability to control who has permission to view, edit, delete, and create files.
Features of a Common Data Environment
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Ease of use – A Common Data Environment should be easy to use. A CDE should make the exchange of project files easy. If the platform is easier to use, teams are more likely to use it.
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Integrations – Integrating your CAD and BIM software tools can ensure files stay in their original formats. This can prevent data loss. Integrations can make it easier to work with files, creating a better user experience.
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Open – Having a CDE that follows good OpenBIM standards can maximize stakeholder participation. Being able to manage IFC files is the key to effective review and management of models from one place.
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Access from anywhere – A Common Data Environment should be accessible from teams everywhere. Knowing your project files are always available when you need them provides comfort.
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Viewer – Viewing capabilities help the review process so stakeholders can provide valuable feedback.
Examples
Vistapoint is an open Common Data Environment. Vistapoint integrates with AutoCAD, Revit, Microstation, BricsCAD, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and more. Get a demo of Vistapoint to learn more.
Trimble’s Common Data Environment solution is Trimble Connect. Trimble Connect integrates well with Trimble CAD software such as Tekla and Sketchup. Plans start free, then increase to $12.99/user-month and $23.95/user-month for the business premium plan.
Bentley more known for Project Wise, their capital project management software solution. Bentley CDE is their solution to project collaboration. Bentley is also develops Microstation.
Autodesk Docs is the CDE solution provided by Autodesk. Autodesk Docs starts at $500/year or $42/user/month.
Oracle’s Aconex CDE solution integrates and improves collaboration with Oracle Aconex. Contact them for pricing.
ThinkProject provides a CDE solution with several variations of customization packages. Contact them for pricing.
Which one is for me?
Choosing the correct Common Data Environment is important for project success. Consider these key factors when choosing a CDE solution for your next project:
Stakeholders
Who is going to be participating in the Common Data Environment? What applications, files, or integrations do the stakeholders need?
Features
Based on the requirements of each stakeholder, what features can balance stakeholder needs? Balancing needs can ensure a successful project. Also, consider the issues identified by experts in the ISO 19650 description above.
Cost
Cost can impact project budget. Consider answering these questions:
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What is the budget?
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Who needs access?
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What level of access?
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Viewing only?
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Read/write?
Integrations
What integrations do you want? Create a list of the BIM and CAD applications, project management tools, and others. A good Common Data Environment should also manage IFC files.
Flexibility
Having a flexible Common Data Environment can help your projects remain organized now and in the future. A CDE should work for your team no matter the size, scope, or length of the project. It should also evolve with your business and changing needs.
What is a flexible CDE? A CDE can be tightly integrated with CAD software, file types, or pricing structures. A flexible CDE has an open API to allow for integrations with other systems you might add in the future. A flexible CDE can manage various file types and offers flexible pricing so it can grow with your team.
Conclusion
Historically, project work was isolated. With BIM, project work is collaborative. A CDE is a collaboration platform for your team to manage project information from one place.
A Common Data Environment helps your team know where to look for the latest files and project status. Projects become more organized and efficient. The right files get into the right hands. There are several CDE solutions that you should consider. Evaluate which ones fit your team's needs.
Open Domain creates document management solutions for Architects & Engineers. To learn more about Vistapoint as a CDE, get a demo or contact us.
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