Managing the documentation for multimillion-pound projects on basic tools like SharePoint isn’t just inefficient—it’s risky. From contract management to project financials, every aspect of a construction project needs to be properly stored, organized, and easily accessible.
The construction industry is under immense pressure to deliver, and productivity gains are no longer optional. As McKinsey noted in 2024:
"The demand is clear, but how the construction industry will meet it, is not. The industry is lacking sufficient capable workers, and economic labor productivity (the economic value added per hour worked) has stagnated for decades globally despite technological advancements and improvements by individual firms."
To tackle these challenges, the industry must establish enhanced efficiency and strong information management foundations are critical to this. A Common Data Environment (CDE) provides that foundation, ensuring teams work efficiently, data remains secure, and projects stay on track.
5 signs it's time to upgrade your information management system to a Common Data Environment
1. Your reporting capabilities are limited
Project dashboards are essential for tracking progress and maintaining standards. If your current system doesn’t provide clear visibility into deliverables, overdue tasks, or compliance metrics, it’s likely slowing down decision-making.
What to look for in a CDE provider:
Choose a CDE with robust reporting capabilities and customizable dashboards. This ensures teams can tailor their views to highlight critical information, helping them stay proactive rather than reactive. Some platforms also offer personal dashboards to help individuals manage their tasks efficiently.
2. Your workflows are inflexible
Rigid workflows can create bottlenecks, making it difficult to adapt to project changes and leading to delays. If your team spends too much time manually assigning tasks, tracking approvals, or chasing updates, your system is working against you.
What to look for in a CDE provider:
A CDE with flexible, automated workflows. Look for tools that allow you to set up automations and triggers to assign actions, reducing the need for manual input and increasing data reliability.
3. Your search and file tagging capabilities are basic
Managing a multimillion-pound project with inadequate file governance is a major risk. You need more than just a well-organized folder structure; proper metadata, attributes, and tagging ensure that critical information is easily searchable and retrievable when needed.
What to look for in a CDE provider:
A CDE with advanced search and tagging capabilities. It should support metadata management and be built to meet ISO 19650 compliance standards for document control.
4. Data security is a concern
As AI and machine learning continue to advance, securing project data is more critical than ever. Ensuring that your files remain within your designated region and that only authorized personnel have access is essential for safeguarding sensitive information.
What to look for in a CDE provider:
A CDE with strong security features, including region-specific data storage, controlled access levels, and compliance with industry regulations.
5. Your team is still working in silos
If your team relies on multiple disconnected systems to manage project data, you’re likely facing inefficiencies, miscommunication, and outdated information. A CDE brings all project data into a single, secure system, eliminating duplication and ensuring everyone is working with the latest information.
What to look for in a CDE provider:
A platform that centralizes project data and offers role-based access to ensure the right people see the right information at the right time. This enhances collaboration, improves decision-making, and reduces risk.
Ready to upgrade your information management system?
A well-implemented CDE transforms the way construction teams manage information, improving efficiency, security, and collaboration. If your current system is holding you back, now might be the time to explore your options.
Check out our top tips on engaging teams with your CDE. Download guide.
