Working Smarter: How Contractors Are Using Common Data Environments to Build Better Projects
Builders like China Construction and Wee Hur Construction are using CDE to reduce delays and improve collaboration.
In construction, collaboration isn’t just important; it’s essential. But while the need for seamless coordination between developers, consultants, contractors, and subcontractors is widely recognised, achieving it remains a challenge. Disconnected systems, misaligned timelines, and outdated communication tools often stand in the way of true integration. That’s why Common Data Environments (CDEs) are gaining ground across the built environment.
A CDE is a centralised digital platform where all project stakeholders can share, track, and update project information in real time. And when implemented well, the impact is transformative.
At companies like China Construction and Wee Hur Construction, CDEs are becoming a fundamental part of how modern projects get built.
Why CDEs Matter More Than Ever
As Integrated Digital Delivery (IDD) becomes standard practice in Singapore’s construction landscape, contractors are under increasing pressure to streamline processes and work digitally. CDEs are a key enabler of this transformation, providing what Joseph Imatong (Jojo), Corporate BIM Manager/ Deputy Project Manager at Wee Hur Construction, describes as “a single source of truth.”
“It’s been a game-changer,” Jojo says. “Communication is faster, clearer, and way more efficient. We’re no longer stuck waiting weeks for updates or chasing down missing documents. Everyone’s working off the same page—literally.”
Wee Hur began their digital journey in line with BCA’s requirements but quickly saw the strategic value of going beyond compliance. “We weren’t just ticking boxes. Adopting a CDE helped us work smarter, not harder. It’s positioned us well for Construction 4.0,” Jojo adds.
From Pain Points to Productivity Gains
China Construction’s journey started nearly a decade ago during the High Park project, when the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) introduced their team to Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) and CDE workflows. Susie Zhong Lin, Senior BIM Manager, remembers the motivation clearly: “The first pain point we tackled was defect management. The manual, paper-based approach was inefficient; records went missing, responsibilities were unclear, and rectifications were often delayed.”
Since then, the company has expanded its use of CDEs to manage everything from document approvals and safety checklists to real-time progress tracking. The results speak for themselves: reduced rework, faster defect closure, clearer accountability, and improved coordination with subcontractors.
“Access to up-to-date documents helped avoid errors due to outdated drawings, leading to fewer site reworks and better first-time quality.” — Susie Zhong Lin, China Construction
Choosing the Right Platform
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to CDEs. China Construction uses a mix of Fulcrum, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Novade, and CMS—each selected for their ability to handle specific needs like safety management, logistics tracking, or RFI workflows.
Wee Hur chose Autodesk Construction Cloud for its strong integration with BIM workflows and user-friendly mobile access. “What stood out was its real-time document tracking,” Jojo notes. “It’s especially powerful for digital inspections and keeping everyone aligned.”
Both companies emphasise that selecting the right platform is only half the battle. The real challenge lies in implementation.
The Human Side of Digital Transformation
“Change is never easy,” Jojo admits. “Some team members were hesitant, even resistant.”
To overcome this, Wee Hur rolled out a full change management plan. They created video tutorials, paired Gen Z tech whizzes with Gen X site veterans and kept things simple at the start. “That mutual exchange really helped bridge the gap.”
China Construction took a similar approach, backed by a dedicated digital department. They started with pilot projects, offered role-based training, and held regular meetings with platform vendors to resolve issues quickly.
“It’s not just about the software—it’s about leadership driving the change, and making sure the tech fits the way people actually work.” — Joseph Imatong (Jojo), Wee Hur Construction
Site-Level Impact: What Contractors Are Seeing
Across both firms, the benefits of adopting a CDE are being felt directly on site. These include:
Improved communication: Faster approvals, fewer misunderstandings, and better alignment across teams.
Higher productivity: Real-time access to drawings and documents means less time waiting and more time building.
Stronger safety oversight: Digital workflows help ensure timely inspections, permit approvals, and follow-up actions.
Fewer errors and less rework: Up-to-date information reduces costly mistakes and miscommunication.
CDEs in Action: RAPID as a Supplementary Tool
While many contractors use commercial platforms like Autodesk or Novade, new integrated systems are emerging. One example is RAPID, launched by REDAS as a project-level data hub for developers and their value chain partners.
At China Construction, RAPID was layered onto their existing CDE setup. “We use RAPID to automatically generate monthly progress reports for private projects,” Zhong explains. “It saves time, improves reporting accuracy, and enhances collaboration with clients.”
But the message from both firms is clear: the choice of platform matters less than the principles behind it—centralisation, accessibility, and shared accountability.
Advertisement
CDE Adoption Becoming the Norm
“Most public and private projects under the Industry Transformation Map already mandate CDEs,” says Zhong. “Given the complexity of today’s projects, it’s hard to imagine managing them effectively without one.”
Jojo agrees: “With IDD becoming the norm, CDEs are now a must-have. It’s not just the future—it’s already the present.”
Advice to Contractors Starting Out
For firms that haven’t yet taken the leap, both builders offer practical advice:
As Jojo puts it, “Try, fail, learn—but get started. The ROI only comes when you actually use the platform, not just install it for show.”
Conclusion: A Smarter, More Connected Industry
Common Data Environments are reshaping how construction projects are delivered in Singapore. Whether through commercial solutions like Autodesk or industry-built tools like RAPID, contractors are finding new ways to align their teams, reduce errors, and improve outcomes.
It is about choosing tools that enable clarity, coordination, and control—so you can build smarter, faster, and with greater confidence.
→ Don’t miss other features on digital adoption and industry trends:
· No More White Elephants: Digital Tools That Work
· The Future of Construction – How Technology Is Reshaping the Industry
· The Role of Innovation in Boosting Productivity in Construction