The common data environment (CDE) is a central repository where construction project information is housed.
The contents of the CDE are not limited to assets created in a ‘BIM environment’ and it will therefore include documentation, graphical model and non-graphical assets. In using a single source of information collaboration between project members should be enhanced, mistakes reduced and duplication avoided.
Here we explore the CDE in more detail…
What advantages do I get from using a CDE?
As a single source of information there’s no arguments about which version of information should be being referenced.
The CDE should serve as the ultimate source of ‘truth’ and bring a number of advantages for all involved:
- Shared information should result in coordinated data which will, in turn, reduce both time and cost on your project.
- Project team members can all use the CDE to generate the documents/ views they need using different combinations of the central assets, confident that they are using the latest assets (as are others).
- Spatial co-ordination is inherent in the idea of using a centralized model.
- Production information should be right first time assuming that contributors adhere to processes for sharing information.
