Construction and building information modelling software developer RIB Software is transforming the way in which large-scale projects are managed in South Africa’s construction industry. As the local construction sector continues to navigate complex projects and mounting pressures to be increasingly efficient and sustainable, the company’s digital tools enabling greater efficiency, transparency and control.

“Providing all stakeholders within an organisation the ability to see how a project is unfolding in real time supports better decision-making, and better decision-making at the end of the day is what prevents cost creep,” said RIB Software sub-Saharan Africa sales director Quimby Bunce when interviewed by Creamer Media publishing editor Martin Creamer.

RIB’s software protects profit margins by creating a digital workflow that incorporates the diverse set of stakeholders involved with a project, covering the entire process from estimating and planning to delivery and final account. It ensures that information is accessible and supports collaborative participation to come up with cost-effective solutions. In so doing, construction and engineering firms can improve their competitive advantage.

The company’s RIB Candy project management and construction estimating software is a prime example of the company’s product offering. This solution brings together the domains of estimating, planning and project control.

“It allows the original estimate through this digital workflow to become the budget for the project, and so also your cost control environment,” explained Bunce.

This integration helps to mitigate the risk of cost overruns or scheduling delays, ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget. One of RIB Software’s standout offerings – RIB BuildSmart cost management and enterprise accounting software – exemplifies this approach.

“BuildSmart extends project control into project cost accounting and the financial domain. It functions as an operational backbone for a construction company, ensuring that there is access to real-time information around costs and expenditure on site,” said Bunce.

This is in addition to ensuring that when things go wrong, there is visibility broadly across the project’s stakeholders, giving them adequate time to respond and take appropriate cost-saving measures.

By enhancing accuracy and transparency, RIB Software helps reduce costly errors and waste on large construction sites.

“This translates into less rework. Mistakes in construction on large engineering projects can be costly. Reducing waste is better for the environment and for the bottom line. Digital transformation is a significant step toward the industry – which is a large contributor to greenhouse-gas emissions – becoming more efficient and contributing less towards waste,” emphasised Bunce.

Thereby, for construction companies feeling the pressure to deliver projects on time, on budget and with reduced environmental impact, digital transformation is becoming a critical strategy.

Bunce also stressed the importance of ongoing support for clients beyond software implementation.

“Our role doesn’t end at implementation, that’s where it begins. Yes, we are a technology company, but we’re staffed by construction and engineering professionals. It’s these professionals who engage with our customers on an ongoing basis to offer support, consulting and also training around how they can continue to address their long-term digital transformation needs.”

He added that successful digital transformation requires industry expertise, not only technology.

“It’s not a journey that has a clear beginning or end. Effective digital transformation requires a strong partnership with a company which is working towards realising similar goals.”

For South Africa’s construction industry, which is critical to economic growth and infrastructure development, embracing digital solutions like those offered by RIB Software represents an opportunity to improve project outcomes, reduce waste and contribute to a greener, more efficient built environment.