What are BuildSmart users saying about the software?
Read what people like you have said about using BuildSmart software through verified user reviews
User Review Highlights
4.19
31 Reviews
Ease-of-use
out of 5Customer Support
out of 5Value for money
out of 5Functionality
out of 5"Very good budget control management. Project accounting is so easily monitored, ease in monthly closing, depreciation posting & WIPcalculations."
"Works perfectly well if cost codes are booked correctly."
"Easy to use and accurate cover all aspect of constructions. Most popular in arab world."
"Always cost associated with everything even though one pay licence fees etc."
"Not up to date with what is required in the work place, not practical and very limited."
"The integration with OneDrive is a bad idea, don't add a network datapath. Rather use local drive Candy files."
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Showing 1 - 25 of 31 reviews

Younus
Verified reviewer
Company size: 51-200 employees
Industry: Real Estate
Time used: More than 2 years
Review Source: Capterra
February 2019
Buildsmart - Review
Great experience, if they fix some bugs like and add some more features (one click voucher should open from report) to save the time.
Pros
Very good budget control management, Project accounting is so easily monitored, ease in monthly closing, depreciation posting & WIPcalculations, Nice tool for cost allocation if you have manyr departments, activity wise project procurement control etc. uploading a huge journal data through excel sheet template
Cons
Payroll module is a long hectic and not user friendly, unable to go directly to the voucher from a particular report, you have to type voucher num manually as the buildsmart does not have a feature to take you in one click, If an asset is added into fixed assets then again need to update/edit in master list.

Response from Construction Computer Software
Dear Younus, Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Your valued feedback is very important to us, please see feedback regarding your comments: We would recommend a training session on the payroll in order to increase your ease of use. The process is very simple from the capture of hours against contracts, cost codes & activities, capture any advised payments or deductions, capture leave & sick days, calculate, check, print payslips & create the WPS file with the final process of posting to the GL being an integrated system. Updating the asset master is a control process as the asset master requires so much more detail with all the depreciation options available in the system as well as other asset information. The Voucher numbering was developed purely for India & the Gulf, it complies to the requirement of sequential numbering for filing systems and document retrieval. This was never designed to be a focus of the system & not designed to drill down to a voucher number.
Replied February 2019
Clay
Company size: 201-500 employees
Industry: Construction
Time used: More than 2 years
Review Source: Capterra
This reviewer was invited by us to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive as a thank you.
July 2019
Great for Construction Costing and Financial Accounting
Great tool for the Construction industry.
Pros
The idea that construction contracts are seamlessly costed into an accounting format, for ease of reporting. Both for cost reports and financial statements.
Cons
Customer support never calls you back and some functionality can be better.
Reasons for choosing BuildSmart
Because it integrates with Candy - Also a CCS product and Candy is most likely the best in its class.
Reasons for switching to BuildSmart
Pastel cannot handle complex construction jobs, their cost centres are limited.

Response from Construction Computer Software
Dear Clay, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience using CCS BuildSmart. We are always looking for ways to improve our services and our Users' experience, your feedback has been passed on to the concerned team. Have a super day.
Replied July 2019
Richard
Company size: 501-1,000 employees
Industry: Construction
Time used: More than 2 years
Review Source: Capterra
October 2021
Waste of Money and Time.
Has never worked as promised and the live stock system is a major issue. Designed by an engineer for engineers and not for accounting.
Pros
None unfortunately. Would never use again.
Cons
The GL reports are useless. Unable to export comparatives from prior years in same format as current year.
Reasons for choosing BuildSmart
We made a huge mistake.
Reasons for switching to BuildSmart
Pressure from management

Response from RIB CCS
Good morning Richard, we're really disappointed to hear of your frustrations with BuildSmart, it's certainly not the outcome we hope for our valued clients. We'd love the opportunity to talk through your challenges with the software so we can prioritise turning things around for you. Our partners at HMS Africa will be in touch with you soonest to follow-up.
Replied October 2021
Petro
Company size: 51-200 employees
Industry: Construction
Time used: More than 2 years
Review Source: Capterra
October 2021
Build Smart review
As this is the 3rd program in the last 26 years of doing contract admin, I found this to be the easiest program to do accounting and costing in. Well done it is an amazing tool
Pros
It is very user friendly an can be applied in all stages on Construction Projects big or small
Cons
In Contract valuation, if you have an error on the amount entered it cannot be rectified, the program goes to a halt, you need to go out and go into the program. You cannot re-enter the amount, although it is only saving and posting the entry later on.
Reasons for choosing BuildSmart
na
Reasons for switching to BuildSmart
Because we were looking for a more effective program that was already developed and in a running and up to date condition where we could go live in training which made it easier to switch to a new program

Response from RIB CCS
Dear Petro, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. It's much appreciated and very important to RIB CCS and your fellow Users. We assure you of our continued support. Have a super day.
Replied November 2021

Azar
Verified reviewer
Company size: 201-500 employees
Industry: Construction
Time used: More than 2 years
Review Source: Capterra
February 2019
Solid Software for Construction Companies
Pros
The most liked feature in Build Smart is its integration with Candy the estimation software, the budget can be imported to Build Smart from Candy to manage the procurement process, then the actual cost can be exported to Candy from Build Smart for cost control reporting. It is also web based platform which make it easier to work anywhere & anytime.
Cons
Would prefer if you can link Candy & Build Smart using BOQ item codes instead of task codes to make it very precise to find each item budget and actual cost.

Response from Construction Computer Software
Dear Azar, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. Your valued feedback is very important to us and we assure you of our continued support.
Replied February 2019
Didier
Company size: 501-1,000 employees
Industry: Construction
Time used: More than 2 years
Review Source: Capterra
October 2021
Keep on developing the BuildSmart System
Pros
Wonderful product, easy to work with and compatible with in-law regulations.
Cons
More integration and synchronization with CCS Candy and BuildSmart
Reasons for choosing BuildSmart
Expertise in construction environment
Reasons for switching to BuildSmart
The integration with CCS Candy and BuildSmart

Response from RIB CCS
Dear Didier, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. It's much appreciated and very important to RIB CCS and your fellow Users. we assure you of our continued support. Have a super day.
Replied November 2021
Amanda
Company size: 51-200 employees
Industry: Human Resources
Time used: More than 2 years
Review Source: Capterra
October 2021
Payroll and Procurement
so far it has been soo good.
Pros
It's easy to use and value for money. Clear instructions Helpful Consultants
Cons
The terms they are using are quite misleading.
Reasons for choosing BuildSmart
easy and inexpensive.
Reasons for switching to BuildSmart
We wanted a software that is gonna assist us with project costing, payroll and procurement all in one software.

Response from RIB CCS
Dear Amanda, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. It's much appreciated and very important to RIB CCS and your fellow Users. we assure you of our continued support. Have a super day.
Replied November 2021
Bergh
Company size: 201-500 employees
Industry: Construction
Time used: More than 2 years
Review Source: Capterra
October 2021
Good
As time goes on, you getting used to the system and it's capabilities
Pros
Reporting Candy integration Record keeping etc etc
Cons
Limited licenses and very expensive to add more Need more resources (people) to use 100% of it's capability
Reasons for switching to BuildSmart
Pastel not designed for what we need, Buildsmart a far better option

Response from RIB CCS
Dear Bergh, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. It's much appreciated and very important to RIB CCS and your fellow Users. We like to assure you of our continued support. Have a super day.
Replied November 2021
sinethemba
Company size: 51-200 employees
Industry: Civil Engineering
Time used: More than 2 years
Review Source: Capterra
October 2021
new system -
the experience is good and the system is easy to use
Pros
it is user friendly to all and you can edit if you notice an error
Cons
the invoicing on the new system is not very user friendly

Response from RIB CCS
Dear Sinethemba, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. It's much appreciated and very important to RIB CCS and your fellow Users. We'd like to assure you of our continued support. Have a super day.
Replied November 2021
santash
Company size: 51-200 employees
Industry: Construction
Time used: More than 2 years
Review Source: Capterra
October 2021
Leading Accounting software
We are happy using this service and product
Pros
The capturing allocations and simplified reports.
Cons
The error reports that sometimes happen intermittently on remote staff computers.

Response from RIB CCS
Dear Santash, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. Its' much appreciated and very important to RIB CCS and your fellow Users. We assure you of our continued support. Have a super day.
Replied October 2021
Anonymous
Company size: 51-200 employees
Time used: More than 2 years
Review Source: Capterra
April 2019
BuildSmart for all
As mentioned above, it is a learning tool for the company and we are busy experiencing new features and report reading and excited to see what we can achieve by utilising the system on a full function basis.
Pros
What I love most about the software is the reporting system. I base it on weekly and monthly performance appraisals. I also appreciate the fact that it can direct you in terms of cost saving and very excited when new features are released. It shows that the voices of other customers are heard and CCS is constantly working to improve the use of the software.
Cons
I cannot think of anything yet as we are still new to the system and as we experience challenges, the customer support is constantly there to assist.

Response from Construction Computer Software
Dear BuildSmart User Thank you for sharing your experience with BuildSmart, your support is highly appreciated and we assure you of our continued support.
Replied May 2019
akhyar
Company size: 201-500 employees
Industry: Civil Engineering
Time used: Less than 12 months
Review Source: Capterra
February 2019
Klapmfer Middle East Buildsmart Findings
its good software having very unique required features … there is always need for betterment one must keep on updating quality features.
Pros
Reporting is very good in this software
Cons
Reporting based on Items must be there suppose we need how much steel we bought in a year I couldn't find this feature in this software. we can segregate info based on suppliers but not based on items.

Response from Construction Computer Software
Dear Akhyar, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. Your valued feedback is very important to us and we assure you of our continued support. Please see below feedback regarding your comments: In the Orders By Selection report, you have the option of running the report for a specific resource and as you are aware, each type of steel has a resource code and this can be run from a specific resource to a specific resource so you could get the complete range of steel resources across all contracts. In addition to this, if you are not procuring from a resource code, there are multiple options to report materials procured. By Ledger Code to filter type of Material or DESCRIPTION can be used and by entering a key word, all orders using the key word, like steel, would be reported.
Replied February 2019
Lisa
Verified reviewer
Company size: 201-500 employees
Industry: Construction
Time used: More than 2 years
Review Source: Capterra
April 2019
Buildsmart Review
I have been using Buildsmart for over 10 years and have always found it a very easy to use system. Also, over the years they have made many great improvements which reflects the fact that they are constantly listening to clients and trying to improve which is encouraging.
Pros
This software is very easy to use and the support is excellent.
Cons
The Procurement Module does not have a Supplier Management module that can integrate with it.

Response from Construction Computer Software
Dear Lisa Thank you for sharing your experience with BuildSmart, it's always a pleasure to hear from our long standing Users. Your continued support is highly appreciated.
Replied May 2019
Molliere
Company size: 11-50 employees
Industry: Automotive
Time used: More than 2 years
Review Source: Capterra
This review was submitted organically. No incentive was offered
October 2020
Best value for money
Overall payments to creditors and receivables are done on the system with good results
Pros
Budget control is effective. Project accounting is easily managed. Monthly closing and updating very functional and easy manageable
Cons
Can be more flexible in certain areas like payables.

Response from RIB CCS
Dear Molliere, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. Its' much appreciated and very important to RIB CCS and your fellow Users. We assure you of our continued support. Have a super day.
Replied October 2020
Rayees Ahamed
Company size: 51-200 employees
Industry: Construction
Time used: More than 2 years
Review Source: Capterra
February 2019
Easy ERP
I'm using since 2015. I'm very comfortable & it helps me in various ways to track & analyse cost data.
Pros
Simple User-friendly Report Generation Help for paperless cause
Cons
No modern look Need some more update for approval consequences Integration with other application required

Response from Construction Computer Software
Dear Rayees, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. Your valued feedback is very important to us and we assure you of our continued support.
Replied March 2019
Mohamed
Company size: 1,001-5,000 employees
Industry: Construction
Time used: More than 2 years
Review Source: Capterra
February 2019
CCS
Complete online Software, so work on any where, Simplified process to make/edit and report. Much better than other ERP Systems
Pros
Complete online based work, So we can work on anywhere.
Cons
Approval process are awesome, and Tracking the current and past is good

Response from Construction Computer Software
Dear Mohamed, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. Your valued feedback is very important to us and we assure you of our continued support.
Replied March 2019
Cryton
Company size: 51-200 employees
Industry: Construction
Time used: More than 2 years
Review Source: Capterra
October 2021
Buildsmart Pros and Cons
Well satisfied and happy to use it
Pros
Works perfectly well if cost codes are booked correctly
Cons
If cost codes are booked wrongly, it gives un accurate information

Response from RIB CCS
Dear Cryton, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. Its' much appreciated and very important to RIB CCS and your fellow Users. We assure you of our continued support. Have a super day.
Replied October 2021
Dave
Verified reviewer
Company size: 51-200 employees
Industry: Construction
Time used: Less than 2 years
Review Source: Capterra
April 2019
Buildsmart Selection & Implimentation
Integration of the financial system, Inventory, Manufacture, Construction and Acounts
Pros
Buildsmart is geared toward construction industries and lesser so toward manufacturing industries.
Cons
1) Manual Bank statement input 2) MRP entry & change mechanism

Response from Construction Computer Software
Dear Dave Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with BuildSmart. It means so much to us here at CCS. Your continued support is highly appreciated and we assure you of our continued support.
Replied May 2019
Michael
Company size: 201-500 employees
Industry: Construction
Time used: More than 2 years
Review Source: Capterra
October 2021
Intergartion
Excellent
Pros
With the mostly site operative function I perform, the integration of Buildsmart with the Candy Cost and Allowable application is extremely powerful
Cons
The capturing of accruals can be be incorrect and lead to false reporting. The last summary page showing profit, is in the construction environment, an incorrect amount. This is because no adjustments, provisions, contract rate loadings, etc. are taken into account. It will only be correct at the end of the project.
Reasons for choosing BuildSmart
For the construction industry, designed by people in the construction industry, and maintained by people who understand the construction industry
Reasons for switching to BuildSmart
Different company

Response from RIB CCS
Dear Michael, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. Its' much appreciated and very important to RIB CCS and your fellow Users. We assure you of our continued support. Have a super day.
Replied November 2021
arman
Company size: 201-500 employees
Industry: Civil Engineering
Time used: Less than 12 months
Review Source: Capterra
June 2017
Excellent
Pros
easy to use and accurate cover all aspect of constructions . most popular in arab world. approved. if you use this forget others.
Cons
perfect job, easy to learn and operate. very cost effective solutions. i recommend to every contractor.

Response from Construction Computer Software
Dear Arman, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience online. It means a lot to us here at CCS. It is always a delight for us to read a review like yours. Please be assured of our continued support in the Middle East.
Replied June 2017
Mmathabo
Company size: 51-200 employees
Industry: Law Practice
Review Source: Capterra
This review was submitted organically. No incentive was offered
November 2021
Very happy with it
The business is now producing very effective reports and financials . I am very much likely to recommend Buildsmart to other companies.
Pros
Buildsmart HR Basic. It is user friendly, documentation can easily be stored and accessed and generating a report that is professional has never been soo professional.
Cons
Nothing yet. I am, still trying to explore other features.

Response from RIB CCS
Dear Mmathabo, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. It's much appreciated and very important to RIB CCS and your fellow Users. We assure you of our continued support. Have a super day.
Replied December 2021
Anonymous
Company size: 11-50 employees
Time used: Less than 12 months
Review Source: Capterra
This review was submitted organically. No incentive was offered
November 2021
Great and good experience
Great and good experience
Pros
Very good budget control circuit, project accounting is easily monitored, easy monthly closing
Cons
There are no negatives

Response from RIB CCS
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. It's much appreciated and very important to RIB CCS and your fellow Users. We assure you of our continued support. Have a super day.
Replied December 2021
Stephen
Company size: 201-500 employees
Industry: Civil Engineering
Time used: More than 2 years
Review Source: Capterra
April 2019
Buildsmart
Pros
Easy to use, levels of accessibility well defined, integrates with CCS (Candy)
Cons
Sometime not accessible as a mobile application

Response from Construction Computer Software
Dear Stephen Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with BuildSmart, we value your opinions and we are always looking for ways to improve our services and our Users' experience. Have a wonderful day.
Replied April 2019
John
Company size: 51-200 employees
Industry: Construction
Time used: Less than 2 years
Review Source: Capterra
October 2021
Builtsmart Review
I like Builtsmart. it integrates well with Candy and the order approval process is smooth.
Pros
Candy Integration. Order approval process. Activity codes.
Cons
The software is not compatible with all common browsers. I need a old internet explorer to do reports.

Response from RIB CCS
Dear John, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. It's much appreciated and very important to RIB CCS and your fellow Users. We like to assure you of our continued support. Have a super day.
Replied November 2021
Sibongile
Company size: 51-200 employees
Industry: Civil Engineering
Time used: More than 2 years
Review Source: Capterra
October 2021
Good Communicator Programme
The Buildsmart programme has Improve my way, the company and my teams ways of doing things, and keep all the information that might be needed as a proof after some years. Which makes things easier for everyone.
Pros
Easy to use and programme easy to monitor and to manage
Cons
Easy to understand and to see when there's a mistake
Reasons for choosing BuildSmart
I think the company saw the need of Buildsmart in terms of filing and keeping important information especially.

Response from RIB CCS
Dear Sibongile, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. It's much appreciated and very important to RIB CCS and your fellow Users. We assure you of our continued support. Have a super day.
Replied November 2021
