Common Data Environment (CDE): Unlocking the Power of Collaboration in BIM Projects

Construction projects are familiar with a substantial amount of data. It also involves project teams from various companies and there arises the requirement for properly organizing, managing, distributing, and analyzing the data to ensure efficiency in operations.

Different stakeholders use their own array of software and applications for data management. There is room for discrepancy in such scenarios as other personnel working on the project may not be able to access the same data as they may not have the same software.

A common data environment (CDE) is a revolutionary platform that brings all project data to a single place. In this article, we will explore the meaning of CDE in BIM, its tasks, benefits, software, and more.

What is the Common Data Environment in BIM?

A common data environment (CDE) is a digital information repository that works as a central point for project data storage. It is commonly used for Building Information Modeling (BIM) and construction project workflows.

You can access documents such as project contracts, reports, material specifications, estimates, and data related to project design and construction processes using this platform.

This system empowers multi-disciplinary project stakeholders to access the CDE to avail design, construction, and operation phase data using a mobile phone or computer. AEC professionals use CDE software for vertical projects such as buildings and horizontal projects like heavy civil and infrastructure.

Large volumes of data exchange and a complex web of stakeholders make this platform essential for large-scale construction projects.

Tasks of Common Data Environment

Share and Organize Data with File Management

Project stakeholders storing their data individually can affect the project. CDE offers a central file management system, which serves as an ideal approach to centrally store and share all the documents.

This repository provides a system of folders that are accessible to engineers, designers, owners, contractors, and operators. Furthermore, you can use permission settings to control, who can access the files available on the common data environment.

Simplify RFI, Submittal, and Change Order Processes

A project’s team members have to pass construction documents such as submittal, request for information (RFI), and change orders to various stakeholders for approval and other tasks. It can cause cost overruns and delays.

However, CDE is the focal point where all the team members can find every version of the RFI, submittal, and change order document. You can leverage this system to share the documents with stakeholders adding comments.

Centralized BIM Model for Real-time Design Collaboration

A construction project’s requirements keep evolving and it may need many design iterations and individual trades. Different parties may use separate BIM models, which makes it tough to track the progress of the design model.

You can utilize a BIM-supported common data environment such as Trimble Quadri to ensure all the project designers can collaborate in real time. Engineers, architects, and designers can feel they are working on the latest model and there is no requirement for rework.

Additionally, a centralized project model enables the teams to conduct clash detection and create an effective overall project design.

Ease in Viewing and Extracting Data from a BIM Model

BIM tools are expensive and often only architects and engineers can access them. However, it is not ideal for the project as owners and contractors may not avail of the data included in a BIM model.

A common data environment enables all the project stakeholders to view the updated BIM model. As a result, contractors can extract detailed data renderings and share their ideas for construction efforts. Also, it can help generate ad hoc reports of object properties to complement the efforts to buy a project.

Foster Collaboration Among Office and Field Teams

Digital tools aid in maintaining communication among the office and field teams on a construction project. It is necessary for the planning and execution to be in sync as disconnection can increase errors.

Most CDEs update project information in real-time and integrating them with the field equipment or apps like Trimble Field Point can assist the teams to communicate better.

Misconceptions about Common Data Environment Implementation

CDEs are Too Complicated

Resistance to change, inadequate expertise, and cultural barriers are the major factors that make CDE adoption difficult in the construction industry. Professionals often believe that implementing a common data environment requires deep learning.

It is easy to adopt most of these systems and their data centralization features streamline project workflows. Also, you can watch tutorials and access online support should you have any difficulty in the transition.

CDEs Put Data at Risk

It may seem unsettling for the project owner and major stakeholders to share the valuable data with the entire project team. There is an assumption among numerous users that some data can be lost or misconstrued as they make the information more portable.

The fact is that a common data environment can provide top-notch data security and quality. Utilizing permission and data mapping settings allows for strengthening data security for the users.

CDEs are not Enough Impactful

Another common misconception among AEC industry professionals about this platform is that it is not impactful. However, a common data environment removes the requirement for duplicate progress reporting. It also mitigates the chances of errors and miscommunication, allows automated data aggregation, and more.

Project owners and workforce can also create digital as-builts, and can make better decisions regarding future upgrades and maintenance.

Common Data Environment Software and Platforms

Trimble Connect

Trimble Connect is a collaborative data environment platform that boosts connectivity among the office and field staff. This application offers real-time status of the construction process and also helps set up an administrative process by integrating software such as ProjectSight and SketchUp.

Autodesk Construction Cloud

This cloud-based tool is developed by Autodesk. You can leverage this system to enhance decision-making, optimize workflow, and access updated project data. The high frequency of updates and scarcity of customized templates are some of its disadvantages. Autodesk Construction Cloud is helpful in design reviewing and BIM cooperation.

Trimble Quadri

Professionals working on civil and infrastructure projects use Trimble Quadri to share project models during production. This application facilitates users access live-updated collaboration models and centralized BIM model. It is easy to integrate with software such as Civil 3D, Revit, Tekla Structures, SketchUp, OpenRoads, etc.

Allplan

Nemetschek’s Allplan is an architectural planning tool and can switch from 2D to 3D while sharing drawings and data. The high point of this software is that it can support several technical specialties. However, issues such as unfinished functionality, slowdowns, little customizability, and a few updates need to be addressed.

Fieldwire

Fieldwire is a project management tool that fosters coordination and collaboration. The broad spectrum of tools such as punch lists, scheduling, task management, customer forms, and centralized data storage make it an ideal application. Restricted budget monitoring and item selection are some of its drawbacks.

Conclusion

CDE is going through an evolution and it is fulfilling the goal to provide convenient access to project data. The future of a common data environment for BIM will emphasize data exchange frameworks and will also produce better guidelines on the ways to manage various data formats. To leverage the potential of CDEs, all the firms will have to come on the same page for specific data rules and properties upfront in every project.

FAQs

Admin