Why use CDE in projects?
During the project design phase, information flows from the client to companies, from companies to the contractor, and from the contractor to the client. The email exchanges they can sometimes last several monthsduring which information can be lost.
The Common Data Environment (CDE) centralizes all the information and documents needed for the project in a single common area. The CDE hosts the latest versions of the templates and documents. Project team users have simultaneous access to the same informationupdated and to the latest version available.
Communication and exchanges are centralized on the platform. The BCF (BIM Collaboration Format) it is the communication medium for BIM and within the Common Data Environment. This format allows the creation of “topics” to be resolved, directly linked to the model and visible to all project members. From this perspective, the customer has the possibility to monitor every phase of the project.
Catenda: the CDE open data sharing environment
With the progressive development of BIM, several have emerged on the market collaborative platforms. We can consider as a case study the use of Catenda in a project by the French company Frasil, which tested most of the collaborative platforms on the market and chose Catenda’s Common Data Environment (CDE).
Catenda’s software ecosystem supports the complete management of the life cycle of structural and infrastructure projects. Catenda Hub is an online platform for data sharing and management (ACDat) developed to adopt an openBIM and openSystem approach.
The platform allows you to organize, manage and view documentation; query, manage and visualize three-dimensional models in IFC, point cloud and CityGML formats; and collaborate via the open BCF format.
THE’integration with external software it is made possible thanks to integrated plug-ins or, for specific customization needs, through APIs following an openCDE approach.
The three-dimensional information model is easy and accessible
“The visualization of the models is simple and intuitive. With a few clicks, project members can make cuts and thus hide and display the elements they need.” – “Viewing models is simple and intuitive. With just a few clicks, project members can make sections and then hide or display the items they need” say the founders of Frasil.
It’s possible view all geometric elements and query or assign information in objects.
Catenda users can measure distances among the objects present among the models. In the following example, for one measurement between two pointsusers get the exact distance, as well as its subdivision with respect to all geometry axes.
The red arrow on the 2D plane, bottom right, helps users locate the current point of view. Users can also move within the 3D model moving this arrow in the 2D plane. Project members not only see the models, but also the information. For example, if a user clicks on a wall, he can see his type (drywall, brick, trim, etc.). If the user clicks on a floor, they will be able to verify that the floor has been approved.
This functionality allows you to centralize, on the one hand, the geometric information of the project and, on the other, all the technical information relating to its design and constitution! This is the basis of BIM. Users can link documents containing additional information to objects so they can visually and technically check their construction and renovation project.
How to centralize, organize and validate your documents
One of the main goals of a data sharing environment is centralize project information. With this goal, project members will no longer have to search their emails for the data they need. The models come systematically updated as the project progresses through the design phase and during execution, thanks to the data provided by the companies. Everyone involved in the project has access to the same information, thus reducing the number of errors.
As for documents, Catenda allows you to organize them via one tree structure of folders, defined by users. All information is stored in the common area, promoting better communication between all project stakeholders. “This is objectively the best way to ensure communication without loss of information or communication errors” – “This is objectively the best way to ensure a communication without loss of information or communication errors“ say the founders.
Catenda’s validation process represents a fundamental resource. Allows you to define a validation flow for documents uploaded by users to the platform. This dynamic system automatically generates an approval notification for each document as it is validated, recording each step and creating a detailed history of decisions made during the validation process.
Goodbye emails and spreadsheets: how to take collaboration to another level
A “topic” is an observation made by a User or team that requires action by one or more other users to change its status, until the topic is fully resolved. It is the key to collaboration in the project.
Let’s take a concrete example: the size of a room. When you define spaces, a model proposal is published to the data sharing environment (CDE). Thanks to Catenda’s 3D viewer, users can easily see that some spaces need to be resized. At this point, the user can create a topic to notify the desired change: the topic will be linked to the position in the plan. The user can write comments and set a deadline. Project users can therefore communicate continuously, visually and dynamically through these topics.
“In addition to the practical aspect between client and project manager, we are working with all project stakeholders. The project members can see all the requests that are created for the
companies, the imposed resolution deadlines, the precise locations and the definition of the elements to be modified or adjusted” – “In addition to the practical aspect between client and project manager, we are working with everyone involved in the project. Project users can see all the requests created for companies, the milestones for each report, the precise positions and the definition of the elements to be modified or adjusted” explain the founders.
From the customer’s perspective, he can control and monitor the status of the project. Can access all information, including open or closed topics. “It’s a real learning path for those who want it,” – “It’s a real one learning path for those who want it” say the founders.
“Catenda Hub is a powerful tool that brings a lot of rigor, transparency and knowledge to those who want it. Catenda Hub has emerged as the best choice to ensure the ideal customer journey.” “Catenda Hub is a powerful tool that brings a lot of stability, transparency and knowledge to those who want it. Catenda Hub has emerged as the best choice to guarantee the ideal customer journey” say Luara Fabricio and Julien Durieux, Co-founders of Frasil Founders of Frasil.
Catenda Hub: the open solution that transforms the BIM process into an integrated system
The Catenda Hub data sharing platform is a system that integrates seamlessly into the BIM workflow during all phases: design, construction and maintenance. The adoption of Open standards foster neutral and fluid collaboration between all parties involved.
As highlighted in the article, BIM design is not limited to the creation of three-dimensional models but includes the entire management of data and information necessary to characterize and optimize the design process. Catenda Hub offers an open, flexible and traceable system, which allows you to manage and centralize 2D documents, 3D models and facilitate collaboration through the use of topics. This approach is fundamental to improve productivity and optimize the management of works.
Click here to consult the original article on the official Catenda website
