Ian Hauptfleisch general manager CCS (Gulf) L.L.C, Dubai

How can CCS Candy can complement the use of BIM in projects?

CCS Candy is an Estimation and Project control software application that essentially provides tools for a contracting company to estimate and control a construction project from tender through to final account. What can be measured can be controlled and the better the measure, the better the control. Quantities are usually easier to take off from a 3D BIM model while the latter also provides valuable insights into the design, buildability and sequencing of the work to avoid clashes and costly variations down the line. Design changes can also be visibly incorporated, making them easier to understand, measure and cost. Forewarned is forearmed and this collaboration will result in less changes to the original scope of work, in turn resulting in a cost and time saving for all parties concerned.

How beneficial BIM is and how has the wider industry reacted to the promotion and take up of the software?

BIM, done properly, is invaluable and has proven itself again and again – the savings from BIM in both design, work sequencing and change management benefits both the professional team and contractor and ultimately the client. Anyone shown BIM cannot deny the benefits but it will take some time to replace the traditional methods, which many have become accustomed to and experienced in over the years. The Bill of Quantities is still the widely accepted contractual document for constructions projects and forms the basis for pricing, costing and payment of a project. Unfortunately the relating of a BIM model to a bill of quantities and vice versa is not a simple task, without prescribed standards and formats.

Based on your first hand experience of the construction industry and the software that can benefit it, is there a gap in the market to develop software for any other processes or functions in the construction of projects?

I don’t think there is a gap in the construction industry to develop brand new software. The real gap lies is integrating or collaborating between  the “best of brand, fit for purpose” software applications available to all related construction personnel and companies. It is nigh impossible for one software application to cater for every need of a contracting entity as the requirements are so diverse as a result of the multi-discipline operations undertaken, varying client specification and the personnel required to staff these operations.

How well adopted is construction technology/ software (in general) in the Middle East, compared to other regional/ geographic markets? Why is this?

Considering we have almost 150 contracting companies and over 1000 users using CCS Candy Estimation and Project Control software in the GCC, construction technology is well adopted in the Middle East.  However there is still a large aspect of underutilisation evident in the market.

The “crash” effect on the Middle East experienced from the highs of 2008 to the lows of 2009 made clients and contractors alike realise the significance of good time and value budgeting as a basis for effective cost control and decision making and ultimately the  success or failure of a construction venture. Informed and timely decisions minimise loss and risk in this challenging environment. Many companies took the opportunity presented by the slow down to consolidate and train staff to use our software products properly and maximise on their investment. When the market does pick up again, which it is doing now, they will be even better equipped to utilise  software tools to aid decision making, accuracy and control to meet and better their margins.