The single shared platform where all project information is stored, managed, and distributed. Instead of files flying around by email, everything lives in the CDE - models, drawings, documents, correspondence.

A CDE divides project information into four key zones:

Zone	Who has access	What it contains
WIP (Work in Progress)	Creator only	Unfinished work not yet ready to share
Shared	Project team	Information approved for coordination
Published	Client & stakeholders	Formally issued deliverables
Archive	All	Superseded versions, kept for record

The CDE is the backbone of ISO 19650-compliant BIM workflows.