Within a Common Data Environment (CDE), particularly under the ISO 19650 framework, the information container is the fundamental unit of information exchange and management. Its significance lies in transforming raw data or loose files into managed, traceable, and reliable assets that can be safely used across a project’s lifecycle.

Information flows through the CDE using information containers which behave as managed gateways to ensure that construction documents and other data are only available when they have been reviewed, approved, and released for their intended purpose.

Work In Progress (WIP):
Description: Information being developed by its originator or task team.
Visibility: This data is private and not visible or accessible to anyone else outside the immediate task team.

Shared:
Transition Gateway: Check/Review/Approve. WIP containers that are deemed suitable and complete transition through this gateway.
Description: Information approved for sharing with other appropriate task teams and delivery teams (stakeholders).
Purpose: Allows team members to collaborate and refine the information model, often used as background references to coordinate designs.

Published:
Transition Gateway: Review/Authorize. Information in the Shared state must pass this gateway to check its fitness for contractual purposes.
Description: Information authorized for use in more detailed design, for construction, or for asset management.
Purpose: This environment acts as the trusted source (the single source of truth) for site teams and other stakeholders.

Archive:
Description: A journal of information transactions that records past versions of containers.
Purpose: Provides a complete, transparent audit trail of information container development, detailing who checked, reviewed, and approved the information, when, and the outcome.

To support the structured workflow, a technology platform must meet several key requirements to be considered an ISO 19650-compliant CDE. These include:

• Unique Identification – Standard naming convention to create unique names
• Suitability Status – Ability to assign a specific suitability status and classification
• Revision Control – Ensure the only specific and relevant revisions are available for team
• Controlled Flow – Approval processes required to ensure only approved information transitions across containers