Case Study – Civil Construction Solutions

Engineering Firm Managing $10M+ Projects Transforms Operations with CompleteEmpire

“I’ve looked for this software and it doesn’t exist elsewhere. With my peers in the industry, other consultancies and businesses like mine, I have no hesitation in saying ‘hey, you should look at this software’ because it’s been custom built for services with multiple varied rates, time-sheeting and the like. It’s good.”

– Julian Bailey, Director, Civil Construction Solutions

Introducing Civil Construction Solutions

Civil Construction Solutions manages complex infrastructure projects worth tens of millions, with total project values reaching up to a billion dollars. Led by civil engineers, this New South Wales-based consultancy provides expert project management services for both government and private sector clients across Australia.

When handling projects of this scale, even small errors in time-sheeting or project management can cost millions. That’s why Civil Construction Solutions needed more than just another off-the-shelf solution – they needed a partner who could deliver a custom-built platform tailored to their exacting requirements.

“Accuracy is key. It’s process, procedure, and risk. If we’re getting paid for 10 hours but paying out 12, those numbers add up fast. All the numbers have got to be aligned and accurate because it could cost us millions.”

After spending three years and roughly $150,000 struggling with previous software that was eventually discontinued, Civil Construction Solutions found their answer in CompleteEmpire. Within one month, they transformed their operations with a customised solution that handles everything from complex time-sheeting to project financial management.

The Challenges Faced By Civil Construction Solutions

Managing Multi-Million Dollar Projects with Outdated Software

Before implementing CompleteEmpire, Civil Construction Solutions faced significant operational hurdles that put their business at risk. Three key challenges stood out:

• Unreliable software investment and cost blow-outs
  After investing three years and approximately $150,000 in another platform, including external consultants and staff training, Civil Construction Solutions still couldn’t achieve the efficient operations they needed. “They still didn’t get it functioning efficiently,” explains Bailey. Worse still, the software was suddenly discontinued, leaving them vulnerable and forcing them to find an alternative solution.
  
• Complex time-sheeting requirements
  Managing variable rate charging proved especially challenging. With different professionals billing at different rates and multiple projects running simultaneously, accurate time tracking was crucial. Each hour needed to be correctly allocated to specific projects and budgets, with any misalignment potentially costing the business significantly.
  
• Mobile accessibility issues
  Civil Construction Solutions’ team needed to manage time-sheeting and project data on the go. “I said I need to do all this on my mobile phone because I’m that busy. I don’t want to open up my laptop with my time sheet,” says Bailey. Their previous solution wasn’t mobile-responsive, making it difficult for team members to input and access critical project information while on site.
  

The CompleteEmpire Solution

Custom Software for Maximum Precision

To solve their challenges, CompleteEmpire delivered a comprehensive solution that transformed Civil Construction Solutions’ operations through three key innovations:

• Rapid, custom implementation
  Unlike their previous three-year struggle, CompleteEmpire had Civil Construction Solutions up and running within a month. “Over the space of a month with an hour here and there, we were actually able to help bring the software to a point where it’s what I wanted – as much and more than what we experienced with (the previous software),” says Bailey. The CompleteEmpire team provided direct access to their software engineers, ensuring rapid customisation to match Civil Construction Solutions’ specific needs.
  
• Real-time mobile dashboard
  When Civil Construction Solutions needed mobile access, CompleteEmpire delivered within 24 hours. “He went and adjusted the software so it was then legible and workable on a mobile phone,” explains Bailey. The customised dashboard now allows team members to select from dozens of fields, filter data in real-time, and manage time-sheets directly from their phones.
  
• Flexible financial management
  CompleteEmpire’s integrated system was set up to manage Civil Construction Solutions’ complex billing requirements with ease. The platform manages variable rate charging across multiple projects, with regular weekly updates ensuring the system continues to meet their needs.
  

Key Results

Precision When Millions Are At Stake

CompleteEmpire’s custom solution has led to significant improvements for Civil Construction Solutions. These include:

• Custom solutions at speed
  Civil Construction Solutions experienced unprecedented software customisation speed. Where previous solutions took years to adapt, CompleteEmpire delivered custom modifications efficiently. “They’ll put the code in place and say, ‘Let it update over the weekend,’ and it’ll be there on Monday,” says Bailey.
  
• Dramatic cost and time savings
  The implementation process was transformed from a three-year, almost $150,000 ordeal to a streamlined one-month setup. “We’ve done twice as much work,” Bailey notes. The efficiency gains came without the hefty consulting fees and extensive training periods required by their previous system.
  
• Real-time mobile access
  The team now manages complex project data directly from their phones. The dashboard provides instant access to critical time-sheet data, with customisable filters allowing managers to see exactly what they need. “If you save that report to your home screen, it works just like an app – the web access is more than adequate,” explains Bailey.
  
• Future-proof investment
  Unlike their experience with discontinued software, Civil Construction Solutions gained a secure, long-term solution backed by a well-funded organisation. This security, combined with CompleteEmpire’s willingness to continually improve and customise the platform, has given Civil Construction Solutions confidence in their investment.
  

“The software is custom-built to suit our requirements and it’s cost-efficient. And when we needed changes, they modified it within a day.”

– Julian Bailey, Director, Civil Construction Solutions

Conclusion

Building Success with Custom Solutions

For Civil Construction Solutions, managing multi-million dollar infrastructure projects demands precision, reliability, and efficiency. CompleteEmpire hasn’t just met these demands – it’s exceeded them.

The transformation from a three-year implementation struggle to a fully customised solution in 30 days demonstrates the power of software that truly understands the construction industry’s needs.

Rapid, Responsive Customisation
When Civil Construction Solutions needed changes, they were delivered within weeks, not months. Our platform adapts to your specific requirements without the extensive implementation times and costs typically associated with custom software.

Stable, Secure Platform
Built with long-term stability in mind, CompleteEmpire provides the reliability that complex infrastructure projects demand. Unlike software that can disappear overnight, we offer a secure, sustainable solution for your business.

Efficient Operational Management
Whether you’re tracking variable billing rates or managing complex time-sheeting, CompleteEmpire streamlines your core processes. Our mobile-optimised platform ensures you can access critical project data whenever and wherever you need it.

Want to see how CompleteEmpire can transform your business?

Request a demo today and discover how CompleteEmpire can streamline your operations with custom solutions delivered in weeks, not years.

Visit www.empiresoftware.com.au or email complete@empiresoftware.com.au