In today’s construction projects, the amount of generated data is rapidly increasing across all phases, including design, construction, and operation. However, in many companies, information is still managed separately through emails, internal folders, or multiple disconnected platforms, making collaboration between stakeholders more difficult.
When data is fragmented, companies can easily face issues such as document version conflicts, information loss, delayed responses, and difficulties tracking update histories. This not only affects project schedules but also increases the risk of rework and reduces the efficiency of BIM collaboration.
That is why Common Data Environment (CDE) is becoming an increasingly important platform in the construction industry. Beyond centralized data management, CDE also helps standardize workflows, improve collaboration among stakeholders, and enhance information management throughout the entire project lifecycle.
In the construction industry, although the adoption of DX (Digital Transformation) and BIM/CIM is being increasingly promoted, there are still many concerns such as: “It cannot be effectively implemented on-site” or “It cannot be fully utilized for facility operation and maintenance.” Behind these challenges lie structural issues such as fragmented information and heavy dependence on individuals.
A construction project is generally divided into three main phases:
Between these phases, data is typically transferred as:
“Output from the previous phase → Input for the next phase.”
However, with traditional management methods, information is often not transferred seamlessly because different systems and data formats are used across each phase.
For example:
- Design drawings are handed over as PDFs and then need to be manually re-entered into different formats during construction.
- Construction logs and records are managed on paper, making them difficult to reuse as digital data for operation and maintenance.
- Construction histories are not stored in a standardized format, causing difficulties for facility management teams when searching for information later.
These issues during data handover between project phases lead to information silos and result in valuable project data being underutilized or lost. As a result, companies are unable to fully realize the benefits of the “centralized information management” approach that BIM/CIM is intended to provide.
Below are some common risks and potential impacts that can occur when construction project information is not managed in a centralized manner.
| Risk | Description | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Increased Rework | Design details or changes are not accurately communicated to the construction site, leading to construction errors | Higher costs due to rework and project delays |
| Inconsistent Quality | Each site manages information and quality control differently | Difficult to ensure traceability and unclear accountability |
| Inefficient Facility Management | Previous records or construction histories cannot be easily accessed | Difficulties in inspection, maintenance, and repair decision-making |
| Information Loss | Project communication relies heavily on chat tools | Important data may be missed during handover or even permanently lost |
| Security Risks | File sharing depends mainly on email | Risk of sending information to the wrong recipient or data leakage |
| Dependency on Individuals | Only certain individuals know how to access or use the data | Work disruption may occur when key personnel leave or change departments |
CDE can address these risks in the following ways. For major issues, real-world examples are also provided below.
| Risk | CDE Solution |
|---|---|
| Rework | Share the latest drawings and models in real time |
| Inconsistent Quality | Ensure consistent quality through version control and approval workflows |
| Inefficient Facility Management | Store and search data with structured information attributes |
| Data Loss | Centralized and unified data management |
| Security Risks | Strengthen security through access control and activity log management |
| Dependency on Individuals | Apply standardized workflows for data registration and information sharing |
After design changes were made, the updated drawings were not sent to the construction site, causing the site team to continue using outdated drawings. The issue was only discovered after construction was completed, resulting in rework and additional costs.
→ With CDE, all stakeholders can always access and verify the latest drawings, minimizing construction errors caused by outdated information.
Construction records from 10 years ago were stored on paper, requiring several days to locate. In some cases, when the documents could not be found, the company had to conduct additional site surveys.
→ With CDE, data can be searched using information attributes, enabling quick and efficient access to the required records.
Drawings and images were stored on personal computers or USB devices. After an employee left the company, it was discovered that the data had never been handed over, forcing the company to spend extra time and cost recreating the data.
→ With CDE, all project data is managed at the organizational level, reducing dependency on individuals and preventing data loss.
Learn more: VinaCDE – The No.1 CDE Platform for Vietnam’s Construction Industry
Although CDE offers significant benefits, its implementation requires initial investment costs and time to establish operational workflows. As a result, many companies tend to delay adoption, believing that their current processes are still functioning adequately.
However, CDE should not be viewed solely as a tool for improving current operations. It is also a long-term investment to ensure business continuity and sustainable project management in the future.
Viewing CDE from this perspective can contribute to the sustainable development of the construction industry.
Learn more: Common Data Environment (CDE) in BIM
Information fragmentation between project phases caused by traditional information management methods remains one of the major structural challenges in the construction industry. CDE has the potential to solve this issue by connecting information flows and improving both the quality and efficiency of project operations.
Are you facing challenges in implementing BIM, Autodesk Revit, CDE, or any other BIM-related technologies and technical aspects for your project?
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