Structured content helps you plan, deliver, and verify information consistently - and makes export packs and audits far easier.
A Common Data Environment is only valuable if it keeps information connected to decisions, responsibilities, and approvals. Plannerly does that by combining document creation, structured scope, and controlled file management in one place.
Using Plannerly as a Common Data Environment (CDE)
What is a Common Data Environment (CDE)?
A CDE is a centralized digital space where project information is gathered, managed, and shared. It supports structured collaboration among stakeholders across the lifecycle of a built asset - from planning and design through construction and operation.
Why Plannerly is a CDE (and not just file storage)
Plannerly stands out because it does not only store and share files. It also connects files to the workflows that produce them:
- Facilitates the creation, approval, and versioning of documents
- Manages scope, milestones, tasks, and information requirements
- Automates naming, storage, and organization so teams do not have to
- Connects to model data via Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC)
- Keeps everything in a secure, controlled environment
"If your current CDE is only folders - you are missing approvals."
"If requirements are not connected - delivery becomes guesswork."
"If evidence is not traceable - audits become painful."
Docs are created and approved in Plannerly
In many CDEs, documents are authored elsewhere and uploaded. In Plannerly, the Docs module allows you to:
- Author documents collaboratively
- Assign reviewers and manage approval workflows
- Once approved, documents are automatically versioned and archived
Each approved document can be:
- Exported to PDF or Word
- Automatically stored in your File Manager
- Tagged and organized by project structure
- Named using conventions that follow your standards
Scope, timeline, and reports are created and stored
Plannerly lets you build structured scope directly inside projects, including:
- Milestones
- Work packages
- Tasks
- Information requirements
When these components are exported (PDF, Excel, MS Project, and more), they can also be saved into the File Manager, preserving version control and traceability.
All documents, scopes, and reports are centrally organized using folders or smart filters - making Plannerly a single source of truth.
Task files and supporting information stay connected
Every task in Plannerly can store supporting files such as:
- Construction drawings
- Images or field photos
- Supporting documents
- Checklists and references
These attachments are available in the task for context and also appear in the File Manager, searchable alongside all other project files.
This helps teams:
- Track documentation associated with each deliverable
- Maintain a connected workflow from scoping through execution
- Keep traceability of who added what, where, and when
Upload any file type to File Manager
You can upload files directly into the File Manager, including:
- PDFs
- Images
- Excel sheets
- Revit or IFC models
- Contracts or reports
Once uploaded, files can be organized using saved filters, tagged with metadata, and managed with naming conventions and version control - the same way as Plannerly-generated files.
ACC integration for model and file access
Plannerly can connect with Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC):
- Connect your Verify module to view and interact with models from ACC
- Link model elements to scope and validate information requirements
- Bring model-based checking into the same workflow as documents and tasks
This helps you manage document and model data in one unified interface.
Interoperability with other CDEs (coming soon)
Plannerly can support workflows that feed other environments:
- Export files that are automatically named and versioned, then upload them to your organization’s preferred system
- Use saved filters that align to folder structures in SharePoint, ACC, Aconex, and other systems
- Where supported, map or sync filtered outputs to external structures
Even if Plannerly is not your primary file storage, it can still be the source of structured, approved project documentation.
What Plannerly does that storage-first CDEs do not
Many traditional CDEs are storage-first tools. They typically do not provide:
- Collaborative document authoring
- Structured scope and requirements
- Approval workflows tied to document structure
- Integrated model validation within the same platform
With Plannerly, you can create, approve, export, and organize information without duplicating work or manually filing documents.
Summary - why use Plannerly as your CDE?
| Feature | Plannerly | Traditional CDEs |
|---|---|---|
| Document authoring | Yes | No |
| Approval workflow | Built-in | Often external |
| Auto-naming and filing | Yes | Manual |
| Scope creation | Yes | No |
| Timeline, milestones, tasks | Yes | No |
| Model integration | ACC integration | Varies |
| Smart organization | Saved filters | Varies |
| File versioning | Yes | Yes |
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FAQs
Is Plannerly a CDE or a document tool?
Plannerly works as a CDE because it stores files and connects them to structured workflows for documents, scope, tasks, and approvals.
Can I use Plannerly if my organization already has a CDE?
Yes. Many teams use Plannerly to create and approve structured documentation, then export and publish it into their required storage system.
Does Plannerly support model-based workflows?
Yes. With ACC integration, you can connect model data to scope and verification workflows inside Plannerly.
