Key Features
Learn more about the main functionalities for managing your data in Define
Create and Manage Verified Content
The first step towards quality data is to create content in Define data dictionary and the main feature of this solution is to describe various construction objects and their attributes, also called “properties”. Later on, this data is used to create data templates which can be shared across organisations, departments and work processes in a human and machine-readable format. They ensure interoperability and prevent errors when multiple stakeholders work on a project.
Manage Authorities and Domains
The data management is ensured by expert teams called “Authorities”. They are responsible for one or more “Domains”.
Domains are areas of expertise (HVAC, MEP, FM, Environmental) that are used to define which authority has the relevant knowledge to create or approve content in Define.
By setting the ‘domain’ and ‘authority’ in Define you can create teams who have expertise in one or several domains and allow them to create and assess concepts in Define ONLY in the areas that they are most competent.
Define allows also to perform a Data Auditing Process which guarantees by double verification the quality of the data.
Share and use Data Templates
The second key feature of Define data dictionary are the the Data Templates, which carry the information on specific construction objects. For example, a wooden door or a metallic door will have different characteristics, also called “properties”.
Data Templates allow users to compare, validate or share trustworthy information in a format that provides interoperability and ease of use at any level. This could be done via Define Public View or integrated with external IT infrastructure through API integration service.
Define Public view
With the Public view of Define, the users can take advantage of an easy to navigate interface. Through the Public view, they simply ‘point and click’ the information that they need and quickly create exports of the Data Templates in an Excel format.
An additional feature is the so-called “white labelling” where the users can easily rebrand the tool according to their specific brand identity. Thus, Define will be part of the organisation’s web presence that completely reflects its branding strategy.
Define API integration service
Another way to share and use the Data Templates can be done automatically through Define API where data can flow seamlessly through different software, externally and internally, without anything being ‘lost in translation’.
Define API solution is intended for data requesters, who wish to integrate Data Templates within their existing IT infrastructure. It allows users to receive automatic updates, notifications when Data Templates are changed, benefit from different criteria for filtering, fast queries, and more.
Data Security
With the increasing importance of data exchange in work processes and between organisations, data security is a priority in Define.
- Every customer has their own access and context where they store data
- The data is stored in Microsoft Azure Cloud on West Europe data centers in Amsterdam, Netherlands and each customer has the possibility to download it at every moment
- Cobuilder operates in the ISO 9001/27001 standard and stores information according to GDPR regulation
ISO 9001 sets criteria for a Quality Management System implemented at the organization.
ISO 27001 sets requirements for information security management systems and enables organizations to manage financial information, intellectual property, employee details and other information trusted by third parties.