--- title: "RIB BuildSmart Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra" description: "Is RIB BuildSmart the right Accounting solution for you? Explore 83 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice." source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/p/156457/BuildSmart/reviews/" page_type: "reviews" language: "en" --- RIB BuildSmart 4.3 (83) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/156457/BuildSmart/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated August 26th, 2026 # Reviews of RIB BuildSmart Ease of use 4.1 Customer Service 4.2 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews PS Prudence S Office SupervisorCivil Engineering, 201 - 500 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “It combines all organization transactions in one quality system and easily to work on RIB Buildsmart“ April 30, 2026 Rekha J System AdministratorConstruction, 501 - 1,000 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Users often face some practical limitations, especially at site level.“ December 18, 2025 OM Onwell M quantity surveyorConstruction, 1,001 - 5,000 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “In my experience it has led to fast tracking of materials to be purchased and made delivery easier as you can match your order agaianst invoice from suppliers“ March 19, 2025 OO Oaikanyega O Junior Quantity SurveyorConstruction, 5,001 - 10,000 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “That it's so difficult to use and the only way for a person to know how to use it is to do a paid for course.“ February 19, 2025 SM Sinethemba M BookkeeperAccounting, 201 - 500 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “buildsmart errors can be corrected easily with the help of support they are very quick to help you if you have a problem“ June 3, 2026 MJ Mark J AccountantConstruction, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “Financial and user defined reports leave much to be desired.“ March 25, 2025 YR Yvonne R buyerConstruction, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “This helps reduce using multiple spreadsheets or systems.“ April 7, 2026 GS George S Contract ManagerConstruction, 1,001 - 5,000 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “The use of stores is not always conducive to how materials are delivered and used on a site.“ July 17, 2024 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 83 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use Azar O. Project Manager Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Solid Software for Construction Companies " February 11, 2019 5.0 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. Review Source Response from RIB Software February 12, 2019 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. NS Nadine S. Chief Operating Officer Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great software for construction " July 1, 2025 5.0 It’s a great program to understand your contract costing. On the finance side the capturing of information is user friendly. Pros The costing reports that are available give detailed information about where you are making or losing money on the contracts. Cons Sometimes it logs you out and you don’t know so you carry on working only to realise later none of those items have been captured Switched from [PASTEL Moving Software](https://www.capterra.com/p/143849/PASTEL-Moving-Software/) It did not do a good job costing contracts and the reports were inadequate Review Source Response from RIB Software July 8, 2025 Dear Nadine, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with BuildSmart. We are pleased to hear that you find the detailed costing reports valuable in understanding your contract performance and that the finance features are user-friendly. We understand your frustration with the system occasionally logging you out without notification, leading to lost work. We have escalated this feedback to our technical team. If this issue persists, please don't hesitate to contact us directly via the support portal so we can investigate the root cause and provide a permanent solution. We appreciate your continued support and are committed to ensuring BuildSmart meets your needs every step of the way. Warm regards, The RIB Team NG Nolan G. ICT Admin Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Average system " January 5, 2026 3.0 Very Average , there are other systems with more capabilities that are alot cheaper than Buildsmart is Pros Accessibility being web based, users can access the system from anywhere with any device , provided theres an active conncetion Cons Very old methods used in calculations and reporting is limited, very expensive for the capabilities Review Source Response from RIB Software March 22, 2026 Hello Nolan, Thank you for your feedback. We appreciate you sharing your experience. We’re glad the web-based accessibility has been valuable for your team. BuildSmart is designed specifically with contracting best practices, and it is tailored specifically for the unique challenges of the construction sector. We recently launched the RIB BuildSmart Knowledge Hub, where you can find additional information on the contract, financial and procurement dashboards and reporting. SO Solomon O. General Manager Civil Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Value for money construction software." March 19, 2025 5.0 Value for money and construction made easy Pros The link between Buildsmart and Candy which allows for project cost monitoring and offer the opportunity to see when a project is running at a lot is real time. Cons My inability to be able to fully utilised all the functionalities Switched from [Pastel](https://www.capterra.com/p/176456/Pastel/) The company's growth necessitated the need for a switch. Review Source Response from RIB Software March 20, 2025 Dear, Solomon O, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. It's much appreciated and very important to us and your fellow Users. We assure you of our continued support. Have a super day. NK Noel K. Financial Controller Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Best Construction Cost accounting systems" February 4, 2025 5.0 I have been using the system since 2018, We have enjoyed using the program, made many employees lives much more efficient and easier to perform tasks. we are able to use system from all around the world. Pros The ease of use, control that can be implemented and support received when required/ Cons The adhoc system bugs from time to time. Switched from [Sage 50cloud Pastel](https://www.capterra.com/p/213902/Sage-50cloud-Pastel/) Was not a good construction accounting system Review Source Response from RIB Software March 13, 2025 Dear Noel, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. It's much appreciated and very important to us and your fellow Users. We're glad to hear BuildSmart has made tasks easier and more efficient for your team, and that you're enjoying the system’s ease of use, control, and global accessibility. We assure you of our continued support. Have a super day. DD Daniella D. Programmer Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "RIB - The Future " December 18, 2025 5.0 Great! Project, commercial, and finance teams all work from the same real-time data Budgets, commitments, actuals, and forecasts are always aligned Cost risks and overruns are visible early, not at month-end Workflows and approvals reduce manual effort and improve governance Reporting is faster, more accurate, and trusted by leadership Pros Built for large, complex construction projects especially valued by contractors handling multi-project Cons Implementation time and effort - Rolling it out across an enterprise can take significant time, planning, and change management - more so than lighter or point-solution tools. Review Source Response from RIB Software March 27, 2026 Hello Daniella, Thank you for your review and for sharing your experience with BuildSmart. We’re glad to hear real-time data, aligned budgets, and improved workflows are helping your teams work more efficiently and spot risks early. We appreciate your feedback on implementation as well. Rolling out a system across large, complex construction businesses does require planning and change management, but the goal is to build a strong foundation that supports long-term control and collaboration across projects. AP AJEETH P. PROCUREMENT OFFICER Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "BUILDSMART IS MY GO-TO TOOL " September 15, 2025 5.0 I ENJOY WORKING ON BUILDSMART. VERY EASY AND USER FRIENDLY. EASY REPORT RUNNING. NEW BUILDSMART A BLEESING. MORE FEATURES / MAKES LIFE EVEN MORE EASIER Pros BUILD SMART IS VERY USER FRIENDLY. ANY QUERY I HAVE, BUILDSMART IS MY GO-TO TOOL. I US EIT TO HOLD STOCK ON HAND, USE IT FOR PURCHASE ORDER FOR CONTACTS /SURVEYS ALMOST ANYTHING. REPORTS ARE EASY TO RUN AND QUICK TO DOWNLOAD. SAVES ALOT OF TIME. I LIKE ALL THE NEW SHORTCUTS . THE NEW BUILDSMART IS EVEN MORE EASIER TO USE . IT ELIMINATES ALL THE EXTRA PROCESS TO CETAIN ITEMS WHCIH I USE EXAMPLE FINDING A GRN THAT I DID NOT PRINT . IN THE PAST WE HAD TO RUN A REPORT TO GET THE GRN BUT NOW TOU CLICK ON THE PO , EXPAND AND PRINT Cons THE NEW LOOK - IT IS HARD ON THE EYES (PO LIST NEED TO BE CLEARLY SEPARATED BETWEEN THE LINES LIKE THE OLD BUILDSMART). PLEASE CREATE A MOBILE VERSION 🙏 Review Source Response from RIB Software February 9, 2026 Thank you for your detailed feedback. We’re pleased to hear that BuildSmart is easy to use and helps streamline reporting, stock management, purchasing, and everyday tasks, saving you valuable time. We also appreciate your honest feedback on the new interface and have shared your feedback with our product team. SR Shikaar R. Operations Manager Civil Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "RIB Buildsmart .... God Sent !" September 29, 2025 5.0 God sent ! Makes overall experience good. Gives contractors the confidence and accuracy that we need. Pros It is an overall efficient convenience that takes alot of pressure away from this ever so demanding industry. Cons Apart from the undo button when pricing works, comparing this to the competitors, not much to be said. Switched from [Pastel](https://www.capterra.com/p/176456/Pastel/) Not getting accurate information from sites. Review Source Response from RIB Software December 16, 2025 Dear Shikaar, Thank you so much for your positive feedback. We are delighted to hear that RIB BuildSmart helps reduce pressure in such a demanding industry and supports confidence and accuracy in your work. Your comments has been noted and shared with our team for review, as we continuously strive to improve the user experience. If you have any additional concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your local support team. We are always happy to assist and ensure you get the most out of RIB BuildSmart. MA Michelle A. Debtors Administrator Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Buildsmart Review " July 9, 2025 4.0 Overall good experience. Getting used to the new look and feel of the upgrade. Learning new features and benefits Pros Personalizing your home page to make it easier when choosing different options and easier to navigate Cons System doesnt always recognize when changing between entities. System kicks you out often if you havent used it for a few minutes Review Source Response from RIB Software February 9, 2026 Thank you for your feedback. We’re pleased to hear you’ve had a positive overall experience and are enjoying the new look, features, and the ability to personalize your home page. We also appreciate your comments regarding entity switching and session timeouts. This feedback has been noted and will be shared with our product team as we continue to improve performance and usability. Richard S. Director Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Not designed by accountants" July 4, 2024 1.0 Extremely painful. Would not use if I had a choice. Pros Multiple contracts - relatively easy to set up and capture when its working. Cons Stock module pedantic. Financial reports not standardized across financial periods. Review Source Response from RIB Software July 19, 2024 Dear Richard, Thank you for your feedback on BuildSmart. We understand that it might not be the perfect fit for everyone, especially those outside the construction industry. BuildSmart is specifically designed for contractors and construction companies, focusing on managing subcontractors and other industry-specific needs. While Accounting systems are good for general accounting purposes, they don't offer the specialized tools and functionalities that BuildSmart provides for the construction sector. BuildSmart is tailored to handle the complex workflows, project management, and financial tracking required in construction, which can be quite different from standard accounting practices. We appreciate your insights and are continually working to improve the usability and efficiency of our software based on user feedback. If you have any specific issues or suggestions, we’d love to hear more so we can address them effectively. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts VR Verified Reviewer Quantity Surveyor Civil Engineering Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Impressive Experience" July 14, 2025 5.0 It is reliable beyond doubt. The system is relatively available to users at all times which makes it the best Pros Its is error free that is the system can not corrupt or change after or when one is using the software Cons There is no adjustments after sending a request unless the request is open that is any adjustment one has to open the request first Review Source Response from RIB Software September 3, 2025 Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with RIB BuildSmart. We’re glad to hear that you find the system reliable. To better understand your concerns and provide direct support, please share your contact details or company name, and our local team will be happy to assist you. You can also reach out directly via RIB BuildSmart Marketing IS Innocent S. Accountant Civil Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Junior Accountant Chronicles" February 4, 2025 5.0 Am so interested in the overall controls of the system, am keen on learning further about the system and grow my knowledge as a user Pros Easy to use and more than one way of doing things Cons So far nothing as i'm still learning the system Review Source Response from RIB Software March 13, 2025 Hi Innocent, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. It's much appreciated and very important to us and your fellow Users. We're glad to hear you're finding the system easy to use and are enjoying the learning process. We look forward to supporting you as you continue to grow your knowledge. MM Mosesenyane M. Contracts Manager Civil Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great buildsmart" February 19, 2025 5.0 Great experience and well integrated with CCS Pros Security and control . With the levels of authority Cons User interface, its is not user friendly Review Source Response from RIB Software March 13, 2025 Dear, Mosesenyane, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. It's much appreciated and very important to us and your fellow Users. We assure you of our continued support. Have a super day. BR Benoit R. GM Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Bad Experience " July 31, 2024 1.0 Very bad and disappointing. I will not recommend using this crap. Pros Real time reporting, with tons of features which are sometime useless Cons The support is not in line with the customer requirements. Reason for choosing RIB BuildSmart Because we were already on Candy and had very good experience there Review Source Response from RIB Software August 21, 2024 Dear Benoit, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback on RIB BuildSmart. We value your perspective and regret that your recent experience did not meet your expectations. We understand that response times to development requests have been a significant concern for you. We appreciate your candid feedback on this issue, as it helps us identify areas for improvement. Please be assured that we are actively working to address these concerns to better align our support with your requirements. It's encouraging to hear that you've found substantial value in our system since you began using it in 2021, and that your experience with Candy has been positive. We are committed to ensuring that RIB BuildSmart continues to deliver the high level of functionality and support you expect. We are confident that with the steps we are taking, you will see improvements in our service and response times. We hope this will lead to a more favorable experience moving forward. Thank you again for you JK Jans K. Contracts Manager Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "It's fine, I guess" August 26, 2024 3.0 Been using it for about 8 years and will probably continue to do so since it fills a niche in the market with few competitors, however there are lots of room for improvement. Pros Detailed records and reports available, synergizes nicely with other software. Cons Unpredictable crashes, customer support that are not able to fix issues. Review Source Response from RIB Software April 2, 2025 We truly appreciate your continued use of BuildSmart over the past eight years and are glad to hear you've found value in its reporting and integration features. Your feedback on system stability and support is invaluable. Please share your contact details or company name, and our team will reach out to address your concerns directly. PM Pheeha M. Quantity Surveyor Mining & Metals Used the software for: 2+ years ### "RIB BuildSmart Software Review. " August 14, 2024 5.0 RIB BuildSmart is user friendly and yet comprehensive software that one can use to manage finances of the projects and business overall. it is financial software that a recommend for construction businesses as it tailored for such type of businesses. The ability to report live information on the ground is absolute essential. Pros One of the aspects I appreciate most about Build Smart is its ability to offer real-time financial updates for the project and the entire business. Its integration with CCS guarantees that data is more precise and reduces the frequency of irregularities that could compromise the accuracy of the data and the reliability of the reports. Cons I have nothing much about the downside and believe with training you get better and faster in completing tasks. I must say at times the programme gets slow and it kicks you out and you need to login again and again. Review Source Response from RIB Software March 13, 2025 Hi Pheeha, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. It's much appreciated and very important to us and your fellow Users. We're pleased to hear that the real-time financial updates and integration with RIB are adding value to your work. We assure you of our continued support. Have a super day. IN Ivan N. purchasing manager Civil Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Buildsmart Procurement " August 26, 2024 2.0 Buildsmart has not interacted with end users Pros the interaction with CCS and very little else Cons Buildsmart is not user friendly and is not a complete procurement system for construction. It has no hire purchase order for plant and formwork Switched from [InhouseDelivery](https://www.capterra.com/p/10013527/InhouseDelivery/) Majority of the group was on Buildsmart Review Source Response from RIB Software April 2, 2025 We appreciate your feedback on the procurement features and user experience—your insights help us improve. We'd love the opportunity to address your concerns directly. Please share your contact details or company name, and our team will reach out to assist you. DE Didier E. Chief System Administrator Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Keep on developing the BuildSmart System" October 20, 2021 4.0 Pros Wonderful product, easy to work with and compatible with in-law regulations. Cons More integration and synchronization with CCS Candy and BuildSmart Alternatives considered [NetSuite](https://www.capterra.com/p/135757/NetSuite/)[Sage 50cloud Pastel](https://www.capterra.com/p/213902/Sage-50cloud-Pastel/) Reason for choosing RIB BuildSmart Expertise in construction environment Review Source Response from RIB Software November 2, 2021 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. GS George S. Contract Manager Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "The Best there is" July 17, 2024 5.0 I enjoy using BuildSmart and would recommend to any construction company. Pros The ease of integrating Candy with the cost in BuildSmart. The different reports that is available and the overall functionality Cons The use of stores is not always conducive to how materials are delivered and used on a site. Review Source Response from RIB Software August 6, 2024 Dear George, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. It's much appreciated and very important to us and your fellow Users. We assure you of our continued support. Have a super day. VR Verified Reviewer Procurement Manager Civil Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "BuildSmart for all" April 17, 2019 4.0 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. Review Source Response from RIB Software May 2, 2019 Dear BuildSmart User Thank you for sharing your experience with BuildSmart, your support is highly appreciated and we assure you of our continued support. BV Bergh V. QS Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Good" October 20, 2021 4.0 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 Review Source Response from RIB Software November 3, 2021 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. AN Amanda N. HR Officer Human Resources Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Payroll and Procurement" October 20, 2021 4.0 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. Reason for choosing RIB BuildSmart easy and inexpensive. Review Source Response from RIB Software November 2, 2021 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. LS Lindiwe S. Costing Clerk Construction Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Best Application" August 14, 2024 5.0 Best application ever and also less time consuming Pros It saves time and most efficiency. Very simple Cons Not being to connect on wireless network Review Source Response from RIB Software March 13, 2025 Hi Lindiwe, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. It's much appreciated and very important to us and your fellow Users. We're glad to hear you’re finding the application simple, efficient, and time-saving. We assure you of our continued support. Have a super day. MCM Mohamed Cassim M. Sr.Estimator Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Product overview " January 16, 2023 5.0 Pros It’s very helpful for estimation and quick output Cons Sometime it’s loading for unknown reason Review Source Response from RIB Software May 16, 2024 Dear Mohamed, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. It's much appreciated and very important to RIB and your fellow Users. We assure you of our continued support. Have a super day. MM Mmathabo M. clerk Law Practice Used the software for: I used a free trial ### "Very happy with it" November 23, 2021 5.0 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. Review Source Response from RIB Software December 7, 2021 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. Similar Products Featured ## Send me user reviews about this product ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox.