Project managers can deliver with greater efficiency and adherence to quality parameters when leveraging a common data environment (CDE). Unifying key resources into a secure application can improve execution while empowering teams with access to the right data. Teams can also collaborate seamlessly through the managed access to planning and execution insights.
Managers also gain greater control over the flow of information from one business unit to another. Key documents, such as building information modelling (BIM) model data, project estimates & invoices, and procurement requirement insights, can be shared strategically with the right parties at the right time. Construction management solutions, such as Zepth, improve project collaboration through strategic access to quality insights-driven via CDEs.
Construction firms stand to benefit significantly by integrating construction management solutions with connected data and collaboration tools. A potential 10% of reduced building costs and 20% lowering of operational costs are set to be achieved through the digitization of processes via these integrated solutions. The boost in productivity greatly impacts profit margins while simultaneously ensuring timeline and cost adherence.
Optimize lifecycle via a common data environment
A key use case for common data environment solutions is during the planning stage. Optimizing layouts, orientations, materials, and energy use are vital to the successful development of any construction project. Integrating BIM data with CDE can improve the accuracy of building designs while ensuring that construction work aligns with outlined specifications.
Data analytics is another critical area that actively impacts planning and procurement positively. In fact, for 49% of businesses, improved decision-making is a key reason why they adopt analytics solutions. For construction firms to successfully run data analytics and BI initiatives, they need a common data environment to reference. It can radically transform pre-construction processes for improved project delivery.
Construction projects also need increased collaboration within teams, vendors, and third-party entities, during construction work. CDE ensures that the site work is being performed without bottlenecks or delays and that issues can be resolved quicker. This also extends to safety and quality testing, wherein all information, checklists, and data points can be made available to team members in real-time.
Manage version control and audit trails
Data governance can be significantly enhanced through the implementation of common data environments. IT leaders and security heads within construction firms can activate key compliances and guidelines on data access, driving further optimization of secured data use. The centralization of project data reduces the risk of information loss which can be potentially detrimental long-term.
Version control is also vital to successful project delivery, as all information needs to be updated to be effective. Teams that work with outdated planning or work scheduling data can introduce the risk of errors during construction work. Through integrated audit trails, managers can review access and metadata of employees and third parties editing specific documents.
Secure data warehouses through CDE
Data warehouses can be secured holistically through a common data environment solution. Construction management software leveraging a true CDE provide dedicated IAM and data monitoring tools, ensuring compliant accessing of sensitive data. This prevents the likelihood of data leaks from emerging within construction firms.
With 80% of data breaches involving some form of credentials compromising, hackers can instantly gain access to email accounts and databases through these intrusion points. By leveraging a true CDE, companies can better manage access to project data centrally. With a limited need for distributed folders and platforms, a CDE reduces the risk of cyberattacks emerging successful.
Successful creation of project digital twins
The digital twin market is projected to reach almost US$35.8 billion in value by 2025 and is a key technology area for several construction firms. Developers can scale operations and improve data agility through the introduction of this solution. Digital twins empower firms to experiment with various parameters to understand the scope of optimization available to them during construction.
A common data environment is critical to the successful implementation of digital twins, which is why firms are focusing on CDE-driven construction technologies. They can provide greater access to rapidly updated project data, ensuring that the most optimized versions of digital twins can be generated for optimal delivery.