Decentralised CDE: state-of-the-art and conceptual framework
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Abstract
According to the ISO 19650, a Common Data Environment (CDE) is a basis of information management during a built asset’s entire lifecycle. CDE is usually a cloud-based repository for storing and accessing project data, that facilitates continuous collaboration between all stakeholders by functioning as a single source of truth for all project information. However, in practice construction information is distributed among multiple sources of information used simultaneously which leads to lack of data integrity, traceability, and transparency. Moreover, currently used centralised CDE solutions are not well suited to the fragmented nature of construction industry. Therefore, a new and more decentralised approach to CDE development should be investigated. In this study we identify the challenges of current information management based on the CDE workflow, define user requirements for developing a CDE, and investigate the use of blockchain technology in CDE development. Following a systematic literature review, we conducted a survey and semi-structured interviews with industry experts to define the needs of professionals using CDE platforms in real-life projects. To tackle the challenges of current information management practices and meet the users’ requirements, a conceptual framework for a blockchain-based CDE is proposed. The framework aims to integrate data from the multiple CDEs used in practice with a blockchain-based record of transactions coupled with an IPFS repository storing large files. Blockchain was confirmed as a valuable technological solution by the interviewees because it improves accountability, transparency, and trust to data record.
