— CDE Sync FAQs —

Frequently Asked Questions

General Overview

  • CDE Sync is a cutting-edge software tool developed to integrate and synchronize data (models and information) across multiple Common Data Environment (CDE) platforms. It enables the creation of a single-source-of-truth from a multitude of software vendor tools and ensures data integrity for infrastructure projects.

  • CDE Sync is industry agnostic. It is used in industries such as transportation, mining, the built environment, renewable energy, and beyond. It’s particularly beneficial for managing any scale of projects where data synchronization and collaboration are critical to project success.

  • CDE Sync automates the synchronization of data and metadata between platforms at speed whilst eliminating the risks of manual errors. It enhances efficiency by maintaining data quality, enabling traceability, and reducing the time required for model federation from multiple sources.

  • CDE Sync bridges the gap between disparate systems, enabling organizations to better adopt digital workflows. By automating manual processes, it enhances efficiency, fosters collaboration, and supports the transition to data-driven project management.

  • The CDE Sync customer portal is an intuitive interface that allows users to manage licenses, configurations, and reports. It includes user-friendly features such as dark/light mode, multi-language support, and real-time synchronization status updates.

Features and Functionality

  • CDE Sync automates the synchronization process between Common Data Environments. Users can configure source and destination platforms, define mapping rules for data and metadata, and monitor synchronization progress through an intuitive wizard-journey interface.

  • CDE Sync currently integrates the market leading platforms ProjectWise (Bentley Infrastructure Cloud) and Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC). Further software vendors are being integrated into the product with 12d Synergy and Aconex integration coming soon. Its flexibility allows for seamless compatibility with various systems.

  • CDE Sync includes robust metadata mapping capabilities, allowing users to define how data and metadata transition between platforms. It also supports versioning rules to maintain the integrity of file changes throughout the project lifecycle.

  • Yes, CDE Sync is built for multi-platform environments, enabling seamless data synchronization and collaboration across diverse vendor systems used within a project.

  • Utopia Digital provides comprehensive training, including hands-on sessions, guided walkthroughs of the wizard interface, and best practices for effective synchronization. This ensures that users are well-equipped to leverage CDE Sync's full capabilities.

  • Yes, CDE Sync supports international teams with features like regional multi-language, and localised data (model and information) transfer occurring within regional Microsoft Azure Cloud.

  • Yes, CDE Sync allows users to define and customize synchronization schedules, enabling periodic updates that align with project timelines and workflows.

  • CDE Sync is optimized to manage large files efficiently, making it ideal for projects that require handling substantial volumes of data. Please refer to the following link from Autodesk for best practices in regards to managing large-scale models.

  • Yes, CDE Sync includes multi-language support, allowing teams from different regions and language backgrounds to collaborate effectively.

  • Yes, CDE Sync provides a dashboard where users can view a summary of all active synchronizations, configurations, and related reports, ensuring full visibility into ongoing processes.

  • CDE Sync generates detailed reports on synchronization activities, including action logs and data transfer summaries. These can also be integrated with tools like Power BI for advanced analytics and security reporting.

Deployment and Integration

  • CDE Sync leverages multiple software vendor platforms to ensure seamless data exchange with your supply chain, fostering better collaboration across the project lifecycle.

  • We don’t currently enable API-based integrations with third-party systems. We instead leverage the API frameworks of our partner software vendors.

  • Yes, CDE Sync is designed for compatibility with existing enterprise systems, ensuring that your current workflows and data processes can be maintained or enhanced.

  • CDE Sync is a currently a cloud-based platforms that integrates with cloud-based CDEs. We can however offer flexibility to meet the IT infrastructure requirements of different organizations.

  • CDE Sync is regularly updated to introduce new features and improve existing capabilities. Minor patches and bug-fixes are deployed with no disruption to integration services. Major product updates are triggered in response to early-warning-notices given by our software vendor partners concerning changing API frameworks. These major updates will be communicated electronically via email and via the product portal.

  • Yes, CDE Sync can integrate with tools like Power BI to provide project dashboards and advanced analytics. This allows users to visualize synchronization progress and data usage in different environments of their choosing.

Implementation and Onboarding

  • Implementation involves a structured process:

    a. The client signs a commercial agreement.

    b. Utopia Digital deploys CDE delivery specialists to assess the project’s platform environment and maturity (e.g. integrations and CDE ecosystem structure).

    c. Metadata and platform requirements are evaluated to ensure compatibility. (e.g. ISO19650 compatibility, workflow requirements, schemas, ECM structure).

    d. Configuring the CDE Sync system based on project needs.

    e. CDE Sync is launched, enabling automated synchronization for immediate benefits.

  • Onboarding includes:

    a. Deployment of CDE specialists for platform assessment.

    b. Training on using CDE Sync’s features, such as the wizard-journey interface and reporting tools.

    c. Continuous support availability to ensure successful system adoption and performance optimization.

  • CDE Sync’s Project Startup Launcher simplifies onboarding for new projects. It guides users through configuration and setup processes via a journey-wizard, ensuring efficient integration with existing systems.

  • Deployment timelines vary depending on project complexity and data volume but are designed to be rapid. Establishing the integrations via the wizard-journey can be completed within a matter of minutes. The synchronization of data speed depends on the volume of data that is being moved and the access speed enabled through the software vendor platforms.

Data Management

  • CDE Sync enforces strict data mapping and metadata validation standards during the integration setup process. The metadata adheres to the data structure rules of the software platform that the client is using. This ensures that all transferred data meets project requirements and maintains consistency across platforms.

  • CDE Sync does not store or cache any data during the synchronisation process. Project files and models are streamed from one source to another without file storage – ensuring data security of our clients’ information. The only information that we create and capture is the transaction logs and API credentials of the integration itself.

  • Our data synchronisation engine is our proprietary technology secret.

  • CDE Sync adheres to industry standards like ISO 19650, providing compliance with data governance policies. It maintains detailed logs and ensures data traceability throughout the synchronization process.

  • If a synchronization fails, CDE Sync provides detailed error logs and notifications. These tools help users quickly identify and resolve issues, minimizing future disruptions.

  • Yes, CDE Sync maintains comprehensive audit trails, documenting all synchronization activities. This ensures transparency and data compliance for clients.

  • CDE Sync employs name-based access controls, ensuring that only authorised users can access data relevant to their roles and responsibilities.

  • Data validation includes:

    a. Metadata mapping between all software vendor platforms to ensure consistency throughout a client’s CDE ecosystem.

    b. Versioning rules to maintain file integrity on transfers

    c. Automated checks during synchronization to identify discrepancies.

    d. Audit logs documenting all synchronization activities

  • CDE Sync is built to manage high volumes of data efficiently. Its architecture is designed to scale for large-scale infrastructure projects without compromising speed or accuracy of synchronizations. This is why we employ a data cost model into the licensing agreement – to handle the scaling of infrastructure needs dynamically on projects.

Cost and Licensing

  • CDE Sync operates on a tiered subscription model. Customers can choose between monthly or annual (12-month) subscription plans. Each subscription corresponds to a specific project ID from supported vendor platforms (e.g., Bentley ProjectWise, Autodesk ACC). The licensing includes a base fee for access and is supplemented by a data consumption charge, ensuring flexibility and scalability.

  • After the initial setup, ongoing costs are determined by the subscription tier selected (monthly or annual). Each subscription provides access to a specific number of project environments, with the ability to upgrade as needed. There are no additional charges based on data usage, making budgeting more predictable and transparent for clients.

  • The licensing model supports scalable upgrades. Customers can prorate upgrades to higher tiers mid-term, which starts a new 12-month cycle (for annual contracts). This allows organizations to increase their subscription as project needs evolve, avoiding unnecessary overcommitment in early phases.

  • No, there is no hard limit on synchronizations. Users may configure as many sync processes as required within their subscription and data limits, supporting both simple and complex integration workflows.

  • CDE Sync offers a high return on investment, with most customers experiencing measurable savings within the first month of deployment. Automation significantly reduces manual labor costs, streamlines workflows, and minimizes risks—especially on large-scale infrastructure projects.

  • Yes. CDE Sync provides tiered pricing based on project scale and data volume. Clients can upgrade their plan at any time based on usage patterns. ROI increases with scale as the percentage cost per synchronized model decreases in larger deployments.

Risk Management and Efficiency

  • CDE Sync automates repetitive and high-risk tasks, such as transferring large amounts of data (Models & Information) between platforms. This reduces the potential for human error and ensures that data is accurately synchronized, minimizing operational risks.

  • CDE Sync eliminates the need for manual data transfers by automating the entire synchronization process between software vendor CDEs. This frees up skilled resources to focus on high-value tasks, improving overall efficiency and productivity.

  • CDE Sync provides a reliable and automated synchronization process, ensuring that data is always up to date. It reduces the likelihood of downtime and disruptions, contributing to business continuity, even during platform changes or updates.

  • Yes, CDE Sync can assist in migrating legacy data to modern platforms. It ensures that the data is correctly validated and mapped during the transition, reducing the risk of data loss or corruption.

  • CDE Sync provides real-time, validated data to the right stakeholders, enabling informed decision-making. By ensuring that project teams have access to accurate and up-to-date information, it helps make faster and more reliable decisions.

  • By automating data synchronization and reducing the need for manual interventions, CDE Sync minimizes resource consumption, reduces waste, and supports more sustainable project management practices.

Support and Future Development

  • CDE Sync offers comprehensive support for troubleshooting, including detailed error logs and notifications for failed synchronizations. A ticketing system and routing are also part of the support infrastructure. Additionally, customers have access to training, onboarding guidance, and a customer portal with features such as action logs, data reporting, and a summary of synchronizations​​.

  • CDE Sync drives innovation by automating data synchronization across Common Data Environments, adhering to industry standards like ISO 19650, and introducing regular updates with new features. It bridges gaps between disparate systems, fosters collaboration, and transitions organizations towards data-driven project management. Furthermore, Utopia Digital actively participates in the development of industry standards, ensuring that CDE Sync evolves with cutting-edge practices​​.

  • Planned developments for CDE Sync include:

    a. Front-end UX enhancements (e.g., multi-language support, dark/light mode).

    b. New features like the Metadata Mapping Wizard, Project Analytics Suite, and enhanced account management.

    c. Support for additional third-party licensing and authorization methods.

    d. Direct payment options for licensing and manual invoicing.

    e. Expanded integration capabilities and project dashboard analytics​​.

  • Customer feedback is gathered through surveys conducted via the platform. Additionally, ongoing support and user interactions provide valuable insights. These feedback channels help identify areas for improvement and shape the development roadmap for future updates​​.