— Product FAQs —

Frequently Asked Questions.

General Overview.

  • CDE Sync™ is a cutting-edge software tool developed to integrate and synchronise 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 manufacturing, transportation, mining, the built environment, renewable energy, and beyond. It’s particularly beneficial for managing any scale of projects where data synchronisation and collaboration are critical to project success.

  • CDE Sync™ automates the synchronisation 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 organisations 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 synchronisation status updates.

Features and Functionality.

  • CDE Sync™ automates the synchronisation process between Common Data Environments. Users can configure source and destination platforms, define mapping rules for data and metadata, and monitor synchronisation 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 synchronisation 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 synchronisation. This ensures that users are well-equipped to leverage CDE Sync™ 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 customise synchronisation schedules, enabling periodic updates that align with project timelines and workflows.

  • CDE Sync™ is optimised 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 synchronisations, configurations, and related reports, ensuring full visibility into ongoing processes.

  • CDE Sync™ generates detailed reports on synchronisation 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 organisations.

  • 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 visualise synchronisation 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. The client accesses the Utopia Digital Portal and connects their project environments via the CDE Sync™ Wizard.

    c. Metadata and platform requirements are configured with project workflow, metadata and schemas.

    d. CDE Sync™ is enabled with automated synchronisation for immediate benefits.

  • Onboarding includes:

    a. Training on using CDE Sync™ features, such as the wizard-journey interface and reporting tools.

    c. Continuous support to ensure successful system adoption and performance optimisation.

  • CDE Sync™ 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 synchronisation 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 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 synchronisation process.

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

  • Yes, CDE Sync™ maintains comprehensive audit trails, documenting all synchronisation 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 cross-CDE consistency.

    b. Versioning rules to maintain file integrity on transfers

    c. Automated checks during synchronisation to identify discrepancies.

    d. Audit logs documenting all synchronisation 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 synchronisations.

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).

  • 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.

  • 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 clients to increase their subscription as project needs evolve, avoiding unnecessary overcommitment in early phases.

  • No, there is no hard limit on synchronisations. 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 minimises 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 synchronised 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 synchronised, minimising operational risks.

  • CDE Sync™ eliminates the need for manual data transfers by automating the entire synchronisation 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 synchronisation 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 synchronisation and reducing the need for manual interventions, CDE Sync™ minimises 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 synchronisations. A ticketing services enables fast-tracking of issues in the support infrastructure system. Additionally, customers have access to training, onboarding guidance, and a customer portal with features such as action logs, data reporting, and a summary of synchronisations​​.

  • CDE Sync™ drives innovation by automating data synchronisation across Common Data Environments, adhering to industry standards like ISO 19650, with regular updates and new features. It bridges gaps between disparate systems, fosters collaboration, and transitions organisations 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​​.

  • 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​​.