What is ACDAT: meaning, contents and differences with data sharing platforms

ACDAT: the digital core of data management in BIM

ACDAT represents a turning point in the digitalization of construction and infrastructure. With the growing adoption of BIM and regulatory pressure, the Data Sharing Environment has become an essential tool to ensure collaboration, transparency and security in project information management. Its implementation is now central for both public administrations and industry professionals.

Meaning of ACDAT: definition and regulatory references

ACDAT is the acronym for Data Sharing Environment, defined as a structured digital space to collect, organize, manage and share all information related to an asset. The concept derives from the Common Data Environment (CDE) of the British PAS 1192 standards, adopted in Italy through UNI 11337 and D.M. 560/2017 (BIM Decree), as well as D.Lgs. 36/2023 (new Public Contracts Code). ACDAT is therefore a regulated and mandatory tool for digital data management in BIM projects, with clear rules on responsibility, security and traceability.

What an ACDAT contains: types of data and documents

An ACDAT collects and manages a wide range of digital documents and data essential for the lifecycle of an asset. Among the main contents we find:

BIM models (IFC, DWG, 3D PDF, OBJ formats, etc.)
Graphic deliverables and technical drawings
Reports, analyses and technical documentation
Contracts, specifications and requirements
Monitoring data and maintenance information
Official communications and meeting minutes

All data are organized in a structured way, with versioning, history tracking and controlled access, ensuring integrity and availability of information.

Structure and operation of an ACDAT

The ACDAT is organized into functional areas that reflect the information lifecycle:

WIP (Work In Progress): working area reserved for individual teams
SHARED: space for sharing among different stakeholders
PUBLISHED: official and approved documents
ARCHIVE: historical archiving and long-term storage

The transition between areas occurs through gates and approval workflows, ensuring traceability, version control and responsibility for every change. Each document follows a well-defined processing status, reducing the risk of errors and duplication.

Regulatory obligations and adoption requirements

The ACDAT is mandatory for contracting authorities adopting the BIM methodology, as required by D.M. 560/2017 and D.Lgs. 36/2023. Required obligations include:

Drafting of an organizational document defining roles and responsibilities
Adequate hardware and software plan
Training of involved staff
Definition of data management and security procedures

These requirements ensure regulatory compliance and effective information management.

Operational benefits of ACDAT

The adoption of an ACDAT provides numerous concrete benefits for all stakeholders involved in a project:

Operational efficiency through data centralization
Structured collaboration among multidisciplinary teams
Reduction of errors and information duplication
Transparency and traceability of every action and change
Security and access control for sensitive data
Long-term preservation of information

These benefits result in savings in time, costs and risks throughout the entire lifecycle of the asset.

Data security and protection

A regulation-compliant ACDAT ensures maximum security in information management. Key elements include:

Controlled access and user-based profiling
Audit trail and logging of all activities
Data integrity and confidentiality
GDPR compliance and privacy regulations

These measures ensure that only authorized parties can access, modify or share information, reducing the risks of data loss or breaches.

Differences between ACDAT and other data sharing platforms

Unlike generic file sharing platforms (such as Google Drive or Dropbox), ACDAT is specifically designed for BIM and complex project management. The main differences are: