Exploring the Distinctions: Common Data Environments (CDEs) vs. a Construction Execution Platform like Infrakit

Understanding the nuances between a Common Data Environment (CDE) and a full, end-to-end construction execution platform like Infrakit is crucial for industry professionals. While both systems serve essential roles in the management of construction projects, they cater to different needs and have distinct functionalities.

Common Data Environment (CDE): The Information Hub

A CDE is primarily an information management system. It serves as a single source of truth, where all project data, including documents, drawings, and models, are stored, managed, and shared. The key strengths of a CDE include:

Data Consolidation: It streamlines data management by consolidating all project information in one place, reducing data silos.

Access Control: A CDE offers robust access control mechanisms, ensuring that the right people have the right information at the right time.

Version Control: It tracks changes and maintains version history, which is critical in managing revisions and avoiding conflicts.

Despite these strengths, a CDE has limitations:

Limited Scope: It primarily focuses on data management and does not encompass the broader spectrum of project execution processes.

Reactivity vs. Proactivity: CDEs are often reactive, focusing on documentation and record-keeping, rather than proactive project management.

Infrakit: The Construction Execution Platform

In contrast, Infrakit provides a comprehensive construction execution platform. It not only manages data but also facilitates the actual daily (even hourly!) workings of construction projects, all in a map-based cloud environment. Key differences include:

Integrated Project Management: Infrakit offers tools for a complete, up-to-date view of the actual project works along with masses and scheduling which supports budgeting, and resource allocation.

Real-time Collaboration: Infrakit enables real-time communication and collaboration, essential for timely decision-making, especially between multiple stakeholders from different aspects of the project like designers, survey teams, site managers, and owners.

Field Data Integration: Infrakit combines field-collected data from machines, survey equipment, and mobile devices, providing a dynamic view of the project’s progress and enabling proactive, real-time management.

Integrations with Existing Systems: Infrakit has the most integrations with other construction technology solutions so that multiple data streams are consolidated in a single view – machine productivity is therefore combined with quality assurance to be able to answer key questions like: “How much have we done and how much do we have left to do?” and “Are we doing the right things and are we doing the things, right?”.

While Infrakit can be the CDE (where none currently exists) or replace some CDE’s, to be clear, it does not necessarily need to replace a CDE, especially if another CDE is already in place. It is better to think of Infrakit as complementing a CDE.

Conclusion

While a CDE excels in centralized data management, providing a foundational layer for information handling, Infrakit takes a more holistic approach. The platform not only manages data but also integrates various aspects of project management, from planning to execution, especially with critical real-time collaboration, and real-time survey data. Choosing between the two depends on the specific needs of a project – whether the focus is on robust data management or a comprehensive, execution-focused solution. Ultimately, the integration of both can lead to a more efficient, effective construction process.

Book time with our experts to discover how these solutions can be leveraged for improved efficiency and success in your next construction project.

The EU Green Deal: Catalyzing Sustainable Infrastructure Construction

The European Union’s Green Deal presents a transformative agenda  aimed at reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. This ambitious plan carries significant implications and opportunities for the infrastructure construction sector, promoting sustainable practices and green innovation.

Implications for Infrastructure Construction

A key implication of the EU Green Deal for the construction industry is the strict regulatory framework pushing for sustainable development. Enhanced performance standards and deep energy renovations mandated across the continent are set to redefine construction methodologies. The promotion of circular economy principles within the sector means that infrastructure projects must prioritize resource efficiency and waste reduction.

The Green Deal additionally imposes an expectation for the increased use of renewable energies in construction activities, with a long-term view of phasing out carbon-intensive processes. Infrastructure will have to be future-proofed to withstand the effects of climate change, thus emphasizing resilience in design and materials usage.

Opportunities for Advancement

One significant opportunity lies in research, innovation, and the use of green technology. Digital advancements like model-based construction and construction-designed BIM platforms can optimize sustainable performance throughout a project’s life cycle and support compliance with Green Deal criteria.

The Deal’s pledge to mobilize at least €1 trillion in sustainable investments over the next decade offers the construction industry financial impetus. This enables the exploration and scaling-up of new technologies that adhere to the Deal’s ambitious targets. Funding opportunities within the context of the Green Deal can be explored through Europe’s funding and tenders portal.

Public infrastructure projects, under the Green Deal’s agenda, will likely see an increase in initiatives that integrate green spaces, promote biodiversity, and include sustainable transport solutions. The European Green Capital Award is an example of encouraging cities to advance environmentally-friendly urban construction.

Collaboration across borders is another major opportunity, paving the way for sharing best practices and technologies in low-carbon construction techniques. This can be accentuated by frameworks like the European Climate Pact, which encourages a joint effort for climate action.

As Europe strives toward a greener future, construction industries will play a crucial role. The EU Green Deal not only presents complexities but serves as a catalyst for innovation, sustainable growth, and a healthier ecosystem.

Book time with our experts to discover how these solutions can be leveraged for improved efficiency and success in your next construction project.

Breaking Down Data Silos in Infrastructure Construction Management 

Effective collaboration and communication are critical for project success. However, the challenge of data silos persists, hindering a seamless flow of information among stakeholders. Let’s explore how Infrakit plays a crucial role in dismantling these barriers and fosters a more collaborative environment.

Transforming Confusion into Collaboration

Without intention, the natural silos that emerge from different core software defined by different stakeholder needs, can create barriers between groups that are much better off working together. Infrakit acts as a centralized hub, connecting diverse stakeholders involved in infrastructure projects. By integrating various data sources like surveying, machine control, field documentation and design models, Infrakit ensures real-time information sharing, enabling teams to work with the most accurate and up-to-date data.

The same goes for having a central platform where you can share custom data through our Saved Views with outside stakeholders (owners, designers, etc.) 

Turning Problems into Productive Solutions

When information is siloed, you’re only ever getting a partial understanding of the state of your project. This means that issues arising from, for example, an outdated model being passed to a machine, can fly under the radar leading to quality issues. 

Infrakit has a centralized and seamless quality control process built in, so that all stakeholders can mitigate compliance/quality risks in real-time.

Silos also often result in duplicated efforts and thus inefficient resource allocation. Infrakit reduces this significantly by enabling workers and teams to “self-serve” for their individual needs in minutes, rather than waiting hours or days and straining other data holders.

Transitioning from Clipboards to the Cloud

One of Infrakit’s strengths is its entirely cloud-based infrastructure, providing stakeholders with anytime, anywhere access to project data. This accessibility not only enhances collaboration but also offers a comprehensive view of the entire project, facilitating better decision-making and problem-solving. Even more than this, the data and decision-making “fits in your pocket” with Infrakit Field, Infrakit Survey, and Infrakit Truck, enabling field teams to adapt and operate with a higher degree of independence.

Book time with our experts to discover how these solutions can be leveraged for improved efficiency and success in your next construction project.

Is digitalization just for large contractors, or can smaller teams gain just as much?

Competition in construction is fierce, but smaller contractors can level the playing field by embracing technology. From saving costs on outsourced surveying, to streamlined office-to-field collaboration, to improved project management, to offering transparency to asset owners, the benefits are numerous.

Fortunately, Infrakit offers solutions designed to empower contractors big AND small.

There is no love lost for the titans of construction out there (we work with lots of you too), but here are a few ways the smaller ones are punching above their weight class using Infrakit!

Tech Consolidation/Standardization

Where larger operators and projects may require a lot of tech tools to satisfy diverse stakeholders, smaller contractors can often be more nimble and use fewer tools across more operations.

It’s much easier to run with a “single source of truth” for data management when you can deploy the solutions universally and train your team in a matter of hours.

Using Infrakit Survey, you can also significantly reduce outsourced surveying costs (both direct and indirect) by collecting survey points for QA and surface checks directly into the platform.

Improved Communication and Easy Data Sharing with all Stakeholders:

Whether team members are on-site or working remotely, cloud-based platforms like Infrakit ensure everyone is on the same page.

Map-based document/file sharing, real-time updates, and communication channels within the cloud platform provides situational awareness, enhances collaboration and reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings.

Empowered Site Personnel:

While not unique to construction, the larger the organization, typically, the larger the bureaucracy.

Smaller contractors get to cut right through that red tape and make faster decisions which boost productivity.

Having “answers in your pocket” widely available gives an increased level of independence for site workers

With “BIM in the Field” and the ability to save custom views, it makes it much easier to share only the relevant data with the right people at the right time

Dispute Resolution Insurance:

With easy-to-do Quality Assurance workflows and using time stamped site photos, Infrakit allows for complete transparency which helps to safeguard the contractor’s interests in case there is a legal dispute.

Infrakit isn’t just a tool – it’s a strategic advantage. With simple workflows, cost-effective surveying, and enhanced data management, Infrakit proves indispensable for contractors big AND small aiming to thrive in the competitive construction landscape.

See also how Infrakit can assist with winning construction tenders