# Outsourced CDE manager

> The CDE manager (as defined by UNI 11337-7) configures and runs the common data environment: container structure, naming, role-based permissions, states and approval workflows, retention and export. Annex I.9 requires every Italian contracting authority to have its own CDE and a CDE manager appointed at organisation level, external if not available in-house. Without written rules on states and permissions a platform is just a shared drive: the value of a CDE lies in the record of who did what, and when.

The CDE (common data environment, ACDat in Italian standards) is where a project's models and documents move from work in progress to shared, published and archived. For owners and contracting authorities we write the rules, configure the platform and act as the CDE manager required by Annex I.9 of Italy's Legislative Decree 36/2023.

## Container states

Work in progress (L0), shared (L1), published (L2), archived (L3, valid or superseded). UNI 11337 approval states: A0 to be approved, A1 approved, A2 approved with comments, A3 not approved.

## FAQ

**What is the difference between ACDat and CDE?**

In substance, none. CDE is the ISO 19650 term, ACDat the term used by UNI 11337 and the Italian Public Contracts Code. UNI 11337 also defines the ACDoc, the archive of copies of models and drawings.

**Must a contracting authority have its own CDE?**

Yes. Annex I.9 requires the authority to adopt its own common data environment, through which deliveries pass, and to appoint a CDE manager at organisation level. This applies whether BIM is mandatory or adopted voluntarily.

**Can the CDE manager be external?**

Yes, if the authority has no in-house person with adequate skills: Annex I.9 allows the function to be outsourced. Data ownership and decisions stay with the authority, which is why the rules must be written into the EIR and the organisational act.

**Which platform do you recommend?**

The one that passes a test on a real case: configurable states, mandatory metadata, open formats such as IFC and BCF, documented APIs, full export. We compare them with you on these criteria and configure the one you choose.

URL: https://bimon.it/en/cde-manager