In our latest blog on BIM and its benefits for the construction value chain, Manuela Fazzan, technical and design manager at Wienerberger UK, explores the concept of a Common Data Environment and how it is transforming the nature of project collaboration.
There are a number of acronyms in the world of BIM. Our last blog introduced the concept of BIM, which is the process used to design and understand a building in a virtual environment. It also explained the difference between Building Information Modelling, the Building Information Model and Building Information Management – all variations of the BIM acronym itself.
Another is CDE – the Common Data Environment, which holds the key to collaborative success when using BIM. The CDE for each project is a cloud-based space in which to store data and assets, providing a central repository of information relevant to that project. Crucially, it provides a single source of truth and a robust audit trail where data is safe, secure and accessible to those who need it.
What is a CDE?
In its simplest form, a CDE is an online platform to store and share files. In BIM, this extends to a repository for ‘truth’ – ensuring clarity over documents, including which version of information should be used.
The contents of a CDE are not limited to assets created in BIM and data will be added throughout the project delivery. Input may come from architectural teams, landscaping, structural and civils, as well as those responsible for mechanical, electrical, plumbing and other services.
Usually taking the form of a cloud-based server, a CDE will have secure private workspaces for each organisation involved in the project, giving users within each organisation the opportunity to control their own data and what they share with other participants.
This central source of information ensures more meaningful engagement with all external stakeholders.
What are the benefits of a CDE?
There are a number of benefits to establishing a CDE:
- Accuracy: With a single source of truth, there is no risk of error in using previous versions of key documents. All project team members can have confidence that they are using the latest assets.
- Visibility: Data is stored in one place, which means it is far easier to see an overall view of how the project is progressing in order to identify any potential errors or issues earlier.
- Efficiency: Updates are made in real-time, with no need to send (or seek) new versions of documents, less reliance on emails or paper filing and easier access to information.
- Collaboration: All organisations can have access to the right data at the right time, in one easy-to-use system, reducing time and cost for all parties.
- Accountability: A CDE provides a record of everything that happens in the design phase, including who added/updated information and when. This creates a reliable audit trail, held safely in the cloud.
- Security: It also enables confidence through security of data, with restricted access only to those who need it.
- Value: A CDE can reduce expenditure by limiting the number of tools, resources and processes that need to be established in a specific project.
How are CDE requirements defined?
The Common Data Environment was originally defined in BS1192:2007, then in PAS 1192-2:2013 and now in ISO 19650.
The international ISO 19650 standard provides a framework for “managing information over the whole life cycle of a built asset using building information modelling (BIM).” It contains the same principles as the UK BIM Framework, providing clear definitions for the information needed and the processes that should be used to ensure efficient and effective transfers of information.
ISO 19650 defines the CDE as an “agreed source of information for any given project or asset, for collecting, managing and disseminating each information container through a managed process.”
It also defines the four states of a CDE:
- Work in Progress (WIP) – while information is being developed by its originator
- Shared – used for information that has been approved for sharing with appropriate parties
- Published – when information has been authorised for use, either in the construction of a new project or in the operation of an asset
- Archived - used to hold a complete record of all documents
A single source of truth
The CDE ensures everyone has access to the latest information, and that such data is safe and secure. All graphical and non-graphical information is included, such as models, visuals, BIM Objects and also documentation such as a PDFs and spreadsheets.
It is a vital part of any successful BIM implementation and it is essential that project teams are up to speed with the processes and benefits.
