The use of a Common Data Environment (CDE) was experienced first-hand by the author on a large-scale semiconductor factory build: Common Data Environments Assignment, SETU, Ireland

The use of a Common Data Environment (CDE) was experienced first-hand by the author on a large-scale semiconductor factory build and fit-out. The use of the project management platform on the project seemed to have some benefits and therefore it was decided to further examine how beneficial the use of Common Data Environments was on large-scale construction projects at various stages of the build and fit-out. In conducting primary and secondary research it is hoped that a clear understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of using Common Data Environments can be shown.

With many large construction projects, there is a huge challenge in the way data is managed. With these projects, there is a huge volume of data to be collected and there are usually many different teams working on various aspects of the project. This storage and accessibility of this project data are important for good communication, collaboration, and exchange of project information between stakeholders.

Manual data sharing is quite common, and this requires time and resources to make it work effectively. The time and resources spent on this manual data sharing could be better spent elsewhere on the project. A Common Data Environment would allow for all the stakeholders involved to access the relevant project data and to collaborate and in turn should lead to a more successful project.

The British Standards Institute (BSI) defines the Common Data Environment as “a single source of information for any given project or asset, used to collect, manage and disseminate all relevant approved files, documents and data for multidisciplinary teams in a managed process”.

A Common Data Environment is a central repository where all construction project data is stored. Information stored in a CDE includes documentation, graphical modeling, and associated documents. A big challenge in any construction project is the management of the large amount of project data generated.