Our Candy Software provides Smart Estimating, Planning & Project Control at your Fingertips

RIB products are continually evolving in line with industry and technology trends. Candy – Estimation & Project Control Software offering, is not sold, but available on a Subscription basis and new releases and upgrades are made available free of charge to Users on a regular basis. In an exclusive interview to CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES, LALU VARGHESE, MD, LALS SOFTWARE SERVICES, RIB authorised & exclusive distributor for India gives an overview on the CPM software industry, his company’s software, USP’s and a lot more.

Briefly give us an overview of the CONSTRUCTION SOFTWARE industry, the latest trends and the business drivers?

Overview of the Construction Software Industry:

Digital tools and platforms created to optimize and streamline different parts of the construction process are offered by the construction software sector. This covers, among other things, design, budgeting, scheduling, project management, and building information modeling (BIM). In the construction industry, these software programs seek to boost output, foster better teamwork, lower mistakes, and boost overall project efficiency.

There are several categories into which construction software can be separated, including:

Project Management Software: Helps manage budgets, timelines, resources, and tasks.

Buildinag Information Modeling (BIM) Software: A digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of buildings.

Construction Estimating Software: Assists with cost estimation, bids, and procurement.

Latest Trends:

Cloud-Based Solutions: More construction companies are adopting cloud-based software, enabling real-time collaboration, remote access, and scalability. These platforms allow teams to work from anywhere and have access to the most up-to-date project data.

Business Drivers:

Cost Efficiency: As construction projects become more complex, businesses are turning to software solutions to improve budgeting, track expenses, and optimize resource allocation, leading to reduced operational costs and better margins.

Increased Demand for Project Transparency: Clients, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies demand greater transparency in project status, costs, and timelines. Construction software helps deliver real-time updates, reducing the chances of disputes and improving client relationships.

Collaboration and Communication: Software solutions facilitate smooth communication, which lowers misunderstandings and delays because construction projects frequently involve a number of stakeholders, including owners, contractors, subcontractors, architects, and engineers.

Digital Transformation in the Industry: As the construction industry adopts digital tools, businesses are increasingly reliant on technology to remain competitive, driving the demand for construction software.

These trends and business drivers indicate that the construction software industry is evolving rapidly, driven by technological innovations that help companies improve efficiency, reduce costs, and meet the challenges of an increasingly complex and competitive environment.

Tell us about the solutions and services offered by your firm in the Construction software space? Brief us about software solution, its applicability to various sectors of construction and infrastructure. 

Candy: Smart Estimating, Planning & Project Control at your Fingertips

RIB Candy

From on-screen Quantity Takeoff, Estimating and Project Planning through to final certificate, RIB Candy targets the unique requirements of engineering and construction contractors; providing an interactive link between the Bill of Quantity (BOQ), estimate and program in one exceptional project management and construction estimating software.

This is achieved by combining powerful features within a single user interface that eliminates departmental silos while aligning time and money to deliver a wealth of forecast information

CORE FUNCTIONALITY

First Principles Estimating resource and rate build-ups

Resource and wastage analysis

Global & Local Variables and Applied Factors

Masters

Multi-currency

Auto-pricing

Macro Price Codes

Alternatives

Description Matching

Indirect Costing

Cost, Task and Bill Codes

Subcontractor Adjudicator

Free format worksheets

Does your company offer any specific software for small contractors, kindly elaborate.

RIB Candy – From small, medium to big enterprises use RIB Candy – from a single bid to a multi-million, subcontractor collaboration – all can find value in RIB Candy as it is a subscription based product – you pay per licence. Versatile and scalable: used by small, medium, and large entities.

What are the USP’s of your products Vis-à-vis competition

All features you will need from estimating, planning, quantity takeoff, cash flow, forecasting, cost & allowables, valuations, subcontract manager – ALL IN ONE INTERFACE

WHY CANDY STANDS OUT FROM THE REST

• Improved accuracy, transparency and auditability of estimation and project control.
• Fit-for-purpose technology designed by experienced construction industry professionals.
• Around the clock support – we’re available when you need us most!
• Powerful yet user friendly, designed to work the way you think.
• New versions and updates available, via download, at no additional charge.
• Dynamic integration with BuildSmart for upfront purchase control, subcontract management, and accurate budget / allowable vs. cost analysis and reporting.
• Versatile and scalable: used by small, medium, and large entities.
• Enhanced and developed continually based on both user and industry requirements and best practices.

Are you launching any new products and their advantages?

We are continuously updating our current products with new features and capabilities to meet and exceed the industries’ requirements.

Could you talk of the challenges associated with convincing clients of the efficacy and profitability of software solutions and services offered by firms such as yours?

The biggest challenge is that medieval Software systems had engrained themselves into the heart of Construction organizations for few decades. So our biggest challenge has been in terms of “change management” and the initial resistance we faced while trying to inculcate the benefits of globally-renowned CANDY Software solution. Once clients understood the value addition of CANDY to their business operations, it has been easier to convince about the efficacy that our Software brings to their business.

What kind of government policy would foster growth of the Construction Software industry in India.

In addition to offering financial and non-financial incentives to encourage the adoption of new technologies and create a favorable business environment, government policies should prioritize innovation, skill development, and infrastructure development in order to support the expansion of the construction software industry in India.

Future outlook for the industry and from a company perspective

In order to succeed, businesses must prioritize talent development, resilience, and digital transformation. The industry view for 2025 and beyond indicates that ongoing technology breakthroughs, notably in AI and automation, will reshape work and business models. To stay ahead of the curve, businesses must be flexible and nimble, continuously testing out new business models and technology.