Digital

Collaboration creates app that will revolutionise payment process

In the construction industry, which handles trillions of dollars in payments annually, sluggish payment processes and widespread data discrepancies are commonplace. These issues often precipitate disputes and financial instability among contractors and other stakeholders, leading to project delays, cost overruns and even contractor insolvency.

A recent survey found only 33% of developers held a high level of trust in their contractors, illustrating the pervasive distrust that characterises the industry’s reliance on fixed-price contracts. These contracts often shift financial risks to contractors, deepening the trust deficit and exacerbating the industry’s chronic inefficiencies and opaque practices that undermine timely payments and data transparency.

To address these challenges, Hubble, a world-leader in construction management software, in collaboration with RLB, developed a revolutionary app to enhance transparency, standardise data management and ensure robust payment security.

Phased development programme

The app, called Hubble Pay, was developed in three phases:

Development of a common cost data standard and repository

This initial phase focused on creating a standardised, universally accessible data repository to reduce discrepancies and enhance the reliability of cost management across the industry.

Integration of cost management with 5D BIM

By embedding cost management directly into 5D building information modelling (BIM) processes, this initiative allowed for real-time, accurate tracking of project costs and schedules. This integration facilitated well-informed decision-making based on accurate, current data.

Field mobile application for progress claims

The final phase involved developing a mobile application that integrates with the 5D BIM model. This helps to streamline the progress claims process by enabling real-time updates directly from construction sites, thus enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of the payment process.

Crucial role in project

RLB’s Singapore office played a crucial role in the app’s development and successful deployment by providing:

Expertise sharing and validation

Leveraging extensive industry knowledge, we refined and validated Hubble’s technological solutions, ensuring they were practical and effectively addressed the operational challenges of the construction sector.

Data collection and validation

We assisted in collecting and validating data, which is crucial for fine-tuning the technology’s algorithms and enhancing its accuracy and reliability.

Implementation support and feedback

As a primary user of the new app, we provided ongoing feedback, which is essential for the iterative improvement of the technology to meet the dynamic needs of the industry.

Cities of Tomorrow funding

This project was funded by Cities of Tomorrow (CoT), a research and development programme led by Singapore’s Ministry of National Development. Hubble’s objectives resonated with CoT’s goal to support innovations that promise transformative impacts on urban environments.

The development of Hubble Pay marks a significant step forward in improving the efficiency of payment processes in the construction industry. By integrating advanced technologies such as 5D BIM into daily construction management processes, it has established a new benchmark in cost management that could serve as a blueprint for global industry standards.

This new solution will help to rebuild trust, enhance productivity, reduce costs and improve reliability of project delivery, promoting a more efficient, integrated and technologically advanced construction industry.

“The development of Hubble Pay marks a significant step forward in improving the efficiency of payment processes in the construction industry.”

Lai Sun Mei
Director,
RLB Singapore
sm.lai@sg.rlb.com