Media Spotlight

As a major source of global CO2 emissions, the construction industry needs to take heed of digital solutions like 6D BIM to drive sustainability efforts and build a net-zero world for future generations.

The construction industry is more positive about the year ahead! This is one of the key insights gleaned from a 2022 Construction Industry Outlook survey conducted by RIB CCS in Africa and the Middle East in the final quarter of 2021.

The construction sector is one of the most important sectors worldwide, representing about 13% of global employment. In South Africa, this figure is about 8%, painting a bleak picture for the industry and the economy as a whole.

We are proud to welcome Cebarco Bahrain to the Candy family!

2021 has been an exciting year for RIB CCS, and in keeping up with the global trend, we took the leap from the traditional office space to a hybrid working scheme.

RIB CCS was awarded Software Solutions Company of the Year 2021 at the BNC Construction Innovation Awards, which recognises individual excellence, corporate strength and project success in the region’s construction industry.

Coding, or programming, is what moves our modern world forward. Programming decides on how we use technology, and how technology will shape our future.  And who’s in charge of all of this? Computer programmers.  

As an experienced Wage Administrator, Mariska has found the efficiency and intuitive structure of the cloud-based solution to be an invaluable tool in the remuneration process.

This Women’s Month, we celebrate Yolandi Jonker, Business Development Executive at RIB CCS, as she talks about her successful journey in the engineering & construction industry.

RIB Software SE, the world's leading provider of the iTWO 4.0 5D BIM Enterprise Cloud Platform Technology, today announced the conclusion of a phase-II MTWO contract with the Barzani Group, a leading construction and property development company in South Africa.

Deniz has been successfully using RIB CCS’s products, Candy and BuildSmart, for the last two years at Summertown Interiors; focusing on commercial, healthcare and retail-related fit-out projects. Summertown Interiors are well known within the UAE for delivering high-quality and sustainable workplace solutions. 

The launch of Connect, a fully cloud-based data warehouse for RIB CCS’ Candy and BuildSmart solutions, which enables online information sharing between multiple stakeholders throughout an organisation, is testimony to RIB CCS’ commitment to ongoing innovation.

We’re proud to welcome Washirika 3 Oaks to the BuildSmart family!

Construction companies that have committed to digital transformation will be able to integrate more effectively, enhance their business offerings, improve their capabilities and reap the greatest rewards.

The construction industry is tool-based – there are different tools for different jobs. This creates silos of information and work that are unstructured and uncollated. Andrew Skudder, CEO of RIB CCS, talks to Infrastructure News about a solution-based collaborative platform and one central database.

The digitalisation of construction companies' processes and tools and the introduction of sensors and connectivity on project sites are driving deep changes in the construction and engineering industries.

Whenever significant change occurs in a business, the process can seem overwhelming, and if not conducted correctly, can result in unsuccessful transformation. The need for change management is therefore essential. 

“When nothing is certain, anything is possible. The complex world we are moving into requires economies of learning and robustness,” says John Sanei, futures strategist, human behaviour specialist and best-selling author.

The construction industry – one of the least-digitalised industries globally – can improve its efficiency and productivity, and regain its competitiveness, if it digitalises, says construction and engineering software solutions firm RIB CCS CEO Andrew Skudder.

Covid-19 brought with it numerous challenges for the global construction industry, including project delays, productivity loss, supply chain disruptions and more. These impacts have accelerated the need for digital transformation in the construction industry. While some enterprises in the sector claim to be digitised, many continue to suffer collaboration issues and lack of access to all their company data. 

CCS is taking on a new identity under the moniker of RIB CCS. This is after the company’s recent partnership and 100% acquisition by software multinational RIB Software SE - an innovator in the building and construction industry.

We talked to Julie Burchell, an estimating software product owner at CCS, for her own perspective to being a woman in a male-dominated field.

Mining is ever-changing, and presents new challenges that project managers have to overcome in order to keep projects on schedule and within budgets.  
Thus PM strategies need to be updated regularly, making use of technological tools to ensure continued efficiency.

The future will always be filled with uncertainty and exciting new technologies; AI and machine learning are just two of them. Far from being a cause for concern, however, they represent an incredible opportunity to meet novel challenges with innovative solutions.  

Modern Mining speaks to Joe de Klerk, CCSMI MD in this regard.

Bizcommunity speaks to Bonokuhle Magwaza, an automated QA tester from CCS, about his experience in the software computing space and his thoughts on the significance of Youth Month this year.

CCS recently conducted a survey, among our clients, stakeholders and industry partners, to establish how they have been affected by the lockdown and what measures they are putting in place to manage the current situation. Some interesting insights emerged.

Bizcommunity is reaching out to South Africa's top industry players to share their experience of the current Covid-19 crisis, how their organisations are navigating these unusual times, where the challenges and opportunities lie, and their industry outlook for the near future. They chatted to CCS CEO, Andrew Skudder.

The construction industry is a highly competitive environment that operates on very tight margins at the best of times. The sector has been under pressure for some time now and the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic has added a squeeze to construction companies throughout the world. 

Andrew Skudder, CEO of CCS, says that in difficult times the ability to manage costs and have intimate control of budgets is imperative for competitiveness and survival, and that software can enable this.

An uptake in blockchain technology is poised to be a game-changer in the built environment, says Andrew Skudder, CEO of CCS

In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, we wanted to inform you, our valued Clients, that your needs and those of our employees and partners is and always will be of absolute priority to us. 

"Project managers and construction companies should be looking for best-of-breed software that embraces the nuances of the industry. The software they choose should be backed up with excellent implementation, training and support." says Andrew Skudder, CEO CCS   

In his 2020 budget speech, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni detailed a plan for the nation that seeks to address government’s increasing debt (now 66% of South Africa’s total economy).

From cloud computing and artificial intelligence, to 5G and mobility, a key trend in 2020 is the accelerated digitisation of construction companies. This is critical for future proofing their businesses and maximising efficiency and profitability, says Mr. Skudder, CCS CEO.

"The construction sector is one of the least digitised industries globally. While this is largely attributed to the complexity of the industry, the power of data can no longer be ignored. It is at the heart of everything and if properly harnessed, can fundamentally change productivity in the industry." Andrew Skudder, CCS CEO.

"Can Construction Technology help?"  CCS CEO, Andrew Skudder, spoke with Beeld Newspaper in South Africa.

CCS UK: Partnering for tomorrow with RIB.

In keeping with our drive to stay ahead of our customers’ needs, we wanted to provision a version of Candy enabling a as-a-Service (aaS) offering. The new cloud-based solution needed to offer all of the benefits of the existing Windows application, while enabling Candy and QTO to be deployed online and accessed from any location around the world.  This is how we did it.

CCS Gulf, General Manager, Rob Matheson, discusses why “real” project cost control must start right at the beginning by utilising purpose-built and best of breed estimation and planning tools.

If you did anything online today, thank a programmer.  September the 12th is Programmers’ Day, and here at RIB CCS, we agree that it’s high time these unsung heroes and heroines are celebrated. 

Rob Matheson, General Manager of CCS - Gulf , speaks to Big Projects about how the right level of insight helps contractors understand how project financing, payment terms and late payments may affect the profitability of a project. 

In celebration of Woman's month in SA, CCS spoke to Babsie De Buys, Accountant for Aveng Grinaker LTA, and asked her advice for young women considering her profession and her experiences to date. 

In celebration of Woman's month in SA, CCS spoke to Zandile Nkosi, Site Agent for WBHO, and asked her advice for young women considering her profession and her experiences to date. 

South African construction companies have endured a difficult few years. Not only have they struggled as a result of a slowdown in government infrastructure spending, but they have also faced difficulties because of late or slow payment by their clients.

Middle Eastern construction companies should be looking for ways to use technology to drive higher productivity, achieve cost savings and improve project management, to weather a tumultuous time for the industry

BNC MENA speaks to Joanna Pollard about positioning CCS as Market Leaders in the industry, teamwork and CCS Gulf Objectives for 2019.

CCS has acquired Construction Computer Software Limited (CCS UK), a UK-based distribution partner for CCS, to strengthen the company’s presence in the United Kingdom and Ireland. 

Leading mining groups are looking for ways to use technology to gain better visibility into business performance and tighter control over their processes.  Joe de Klerk, MD of CCSMI, gives his top 5 tips for on choosing the right solution for you.

“We are very proud to be partnering with an industry leader like RIB, which will bring a wealth of opportunity to CCS, our Clients and our team". Andrew Skudder, CCS CEO.

Andrew Skudder, CEO, CCS, looks at South Africa; a complex, high-risk and low-margin market, with little room for error.

Here are some of our tips for positioning to win construction contracts against the backdrop of a hungry and competitive construction industry.

At the helm of the Dubai-based construction mammoth ASGC, its president Emad Azmy says that one of the company’s major goals when it comes to technology adoption in 2019, is to increase the application of technologies such as radio frequency identification (RFID) and drones on its construction sites throughout the region.

A huge congratulations to our client, Mr. Yu Tao, President & CEO of CSCEC ME, who is ranked No. 2 in 2019 Construction Week Power 100 List, for the 3rd year in a row.

We're excited to announce that CCS has formed a strategic partnership with technology software company, RIB Software, where RIB will acquire a 70% shareholding in CCS. 

Taking the top spot in the 2019 Construction Week Power 100 for the 3rd year in a row, is Kez Taylor, CEO of Dubai-based engineering and contracting heavyweight ALEC. 

The world watched in horror in April as flames consumed the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, gutting an 850-year old building considered to be one of the most beautiful and historically significant examples of the gothic architectural style. Thanks to the brave actions of the firefighters, most of the building was saved. Now, it's over to the craftsmen, builders and architects to restore it to its former glory.

Joe de Klerk, MD at CCS Mining & Industrial shares his views on the importance of proper project control solutions.

With the mantra of ‘cash is king’ more pertinent than ever before in the region’s building sector, construction budgets and cost control remain of critical importance to all stakeholders across the supply chain.

Joe de Klerk, regional executive at CCS, explains to Big Project ME how technology will help in advancing project management methodologies and principles, and contribute to improving the built environment. 

EXCLUSIVE: Open exchanges can help contractors accurately estimate construction budgets, Andrew Skudder (CEO, CCS) tells Construction Week.

Big Project ME looks at the second annual VE Summit, which focused on value engineering in construction and infrastructure, and how technology will continue to affect this growing facet of the construction industry. 

In an exclusive interview, Lalu Varghese, Director, CCS’s India operations speaks to Construction Opportunities about the latest trends in the PMs industry, the main challenges, strategies to overcome them and the future outlook.

Andrew Skudder, CEO. CCS, warns construction firms of the risks of not digitising operations.

Mining and industrial organisations need to adopt integrated business solutions that enable them to bridge the gap between their engineering and finance departments if they are to maximise the profitability of their projects and gain visibility into - and control over - project costs and performance.

The impact of VAT on construction projects - and contractors - can be better understood through the adoption of specialist software, as Andrew Skudder, CEO of building technology giant Construction Computer Software (CCS) explains

CCS's Andrew Skudder explains how specialist construction software can help building firms streamline VAT-related tasks. 

Although there is much room for growth and the implementation of effective project management (PM) tools in mines across Africa, the current global economic climate has led companies to refrain from investigating in PM software, says CCSMI MD, Joe de Klerk. 

Consultants win the first-ever competition pitting the best of the construction industry against each other for 18 holes. 

Southern and North Africa hold immense potential for software company CCSMI to expand its client base, and the company will use the Investing in African Mining Indaba as a platform to target companies in Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, says MD Joe de Klerk.

Andrew Skudder, CEO of CCS, sits down with Engineering News for an interesting interview including his personal and professional life. 

Andrew Skudder, CEO, Construction Computer Software (CCS), Talks to Construction Week about Cost Management in the Construction Industry. 

Candy did it again! Winner of the "Estimation and Valuation Software" Category at the "Construction Computing Awards – The Hammers 2018”. 

Clearly, the benefits of project management software are fully understood at CCS Client, ALEC, whose CEO, Kez Taylor, was the number one entry on the 2018 Construction Week Power 100 list. Middle East construction contractors would do well to follow in the footsteps of the UAE contracting heavyweight.  

Professional working in the built environment gathered to discuss how value engineering can improve efficiency and performance in the industry. 

Ian Hauptfleisch, GM - CCS Gulf, provides some tips about achieving quick results on construction projects by using the right software. 

With over 35 years’ experience in providing specialised software solutions for the construction & engineering industries, CCS has built an international reputation for excellence in doing just that. Ian Hauptfleisch, CCS Regional Head of MENA & India speaks about the company’s offerings, the recent development in the software, the growth of India as a market, and much more.

Graeme Braybrooke, CCS Business and Systems Analyst, examines how variations play a major role in the success or failure of a project.

• how do leading contractors globally, deal with scope changes and variations?
• How do we keep the client and consultant updated with changes and how do contractors prove the cost that has been incurred by completing these variations?
• What about extensions of time claims and proving Indirect costs?
• Many questions and scenarios that could possibly be disputed and invariably are.

A huge congratulations to our client, Mr. Hamish Tyrwhitt, CEO of Arabtec Holding, #3 in the 2018 Construction Week Power 100.

A huge congratulations to our client, Mr. Yu Tao, President & CEO of CSCEC ME, who is ranked No. 2 in 2018 Construction Week Power 100 List.

Ian Hauptfleish, GM of CCS Gulf, outlines some key factors to consider when choosing construction software, with Big Project ME.

Taking the top spot in the 2018 Construction Week Power 100 for the 2nd year in a row, is Kez Taylor, CEO of ALEC Engineering and Contracting. 

A huge congratulations to CCS clients who were once again among the winners and we're extremely proud to be associated with these prestigious companies and professionals . We are proud to partner with them in the construction of so many landmark projects.

Andrew Skudder, CEO, Construction Computer Software (CCS), talks about managing cash flow through its software solutions Candy and BuildSmart.

Andrew Skudder, CEO, Construction Computer Software (CCS), talks about managing cash flow through it's software solutions Candy & BuildSmart with MEP Middle East 

Ian Hauptfleish, General Manager of Construction Computer Software (CCS) Gulf outlines how the right construction software can result in long-term cost and efficiency savings, for Construction Week magazine.

CCS recently donated computers Wierda Park Primary School to enhance learner experience. 
Principal Ntombi Mamakoko said in a statement she was grateful to CCS and its CEO, Andrew Skudder, who came in person for the handover.

Ian Hauptfleisch, GM of CCS Gulf, explains to Construction Business News ME, who really benefits from PM software and how choosing the right software can be vital in winning and managing projects.

Lalu Varghese, Director of CCS India, speaks exclusively to Construction Opportunities Magazine about CCS's USPs, latest technology trends and the future outlook for the industry and region. 

With so much happening in the Indian construction industry, Lalu Varghese, Director, LSS, CCS Partner in India, weighs in on the issues at hand.

Recapping the 2018 edition of the Big Project ME Golf Day - Contractors Cup, with the industry's finest golfers coming together for a day of friendly competition. 

The De Beers Group started excavation work on an underground extension to its Venetia Mine in South Africa in 2013.

The new development is expected to extend the life of the mine to 2046 and deliver about 96 million carats in diamonds.For the Venetia project, the Candy estimating and project control software from CCS Mining & Industrial (CCSMI) was chosen.

CCS CEO, Andrew Skudder, and the team from CCS UK, accepting the Construction Computing Award for Estimating & Valuation Product of the Year, for Candy, at The Hammers XII held in the UK on Thursday evening,16 November 2017. A very happy team indeed.

The De Beers Group started excavation work on an underground extension to its Venetia Mine in South Africa in 2013.

“Using the right tool for the job & why it’s crucial for any construction project” – Ian Hauptflesich, GM for CCS Gulf’s contribution to this month’s Big Projects magazine.

“Software doesn’t make people work – people make software work, our software is merely a tool set… how you use it is essential” says CCS Gulf GM, Ian Hauptfleisch in this weeks Construction Week article on MONEY MATTERS – Streamline with Technology.

Congratulations to our recently published Poet, Mr. Rinu John, CCS Gulf’s Accounts & Training Controller, on your success at the Sharjah International Book Fair.

SAFCEC have released the winners of the 2017 Photo Competition.

Construction Business News – Middle East spoke to 5 female marketing managers from reputed organisations in the Gulf to understand their successful journeys in the male-dominated construction sector.  CCS Gulf’s Marketing and PR Manager, Joanna Pollard, was one of these women.

Due to its twin products Candy and BuildSmart, CCS clients can recap a unique synergy between both products, something which no other software vendor in the construction sector has managed to achieve.

JOHANNESBURG – The technology sector remains resilient in a tough economic environment and this is evident in tech firm EOH’s annual results where the company reported a 16% increase in profits.

“Leaders, irrespective of what industry or business they’re in, from their wealth of experience and expertise, provide essential and measured insights and visions for the current and future

Ian Hauptfleisch, General Manager, CCS Gulf advises contractors how it can help them implement better cost control and prepare for VAT and other changing market conditions in the GCC.

See what Peter Damhuis, CCS Business Analyst has to say on “Putting the ‘I’ in BIM”, in this July 2017 issue of Big Projects. Peter Damhuis, CCS business analyst, observes that a comprehensive BIM strategy requires all project and asset information to be shared to succeed.

A huge congratulations to our client, Mr. Samer Khoury, President of Engineering & Construction at Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC), #3 in the 2017 Construction Week Power 100 List.

A huge congratulations to our client, Mr. Yu Tao, President & CEO of CSCEC ME, who is ranked No. 2 in 2017 Construction Week Power 100 List.

A huge congratulations to our client, Kez Taylor, CEO of ALEC, who was recently awarded #1 in the Construction Week Power 100, their annual ranking of the most influential individuals currently working within the Middle East’s construction sector.

A huge congratulations to CCS clients who were once again among the winners and we’re extremely proud to be associated with these prestigious companies and professionals.

Andrew Skudder, CEO, CCS, advises now is the time for construction companies to get back control of their operations. With the GCC construction industry enduring a tough economic climate following years of unprecedented growth, contractors are realising the value of greater control and transparency in their operations.

Ian Hauptfleisch, General Manager of CCS Gulf, tells Big Project ME how his company’s cost control software can help contractors protect themselves in difficult economic times.

Peter Cheney, Managing Director of Construction Computer Software (CCS) talks to Construction Week about the Construction Software industry, its effect on the Construction industry and its future.

Are mobile solutions the way forward for the GCC construction industry? CCS MD, Peter Cheney, discusses this with Big Projects.

The World Cup announcement of 2 December 2010 has changed the way the country not only sees itself, but also its plans for expansion and social growth. Considering the well-established User base of construction companies in Qatar using CCS products, CCS definitely anticipates an integral role in the World Cup build-up.