RIB 4.0 Simplifies Daily Cost Estimation Workflows

After a successful pilot in the Eastern Regional Division, where RIB 4.0 was put to the test across cost estimation, CRM, and project management, DB Services began rolling out the software nationwide.

“The implementation of RIB 4.0 gives us a solution that has already proven itself in many other companies—as well as within the broader DB Group,” said Isabell Alex, Product Owner at DB Services.

The company’s legacy software was no longer able to meet the growing demand in bid preparation and tender management, and this necessitated a search for a new cost estimation tool. The company found that RIB 4.0 offers a more structured user interface, improved transparency around pricing components (costs, markups, sales prices), and significantly more advanced reporting features.

Additionally, RIB 4.0 meets today’s digital standards and is capable of replacing the previously separate CRM system. It includes full CRM functionality, such as managing and analyzing customer relationships. Customer-specific inquiries and contracts can now be directly integrated into workflow management via the RIB system.

RIB 4.0s clear, guided user navigation

Before the company-wide launch, it was essential for employees to familiarize themselves with the new system’s workflows and interface. One of RIB 4.0’s standout features is its clear, guided navigation—users are led, step-by-step, through their estimation tasks. Pricing catalogs and customer data can also be stored in the system, further simplifying quote creation.

During the pilot phase, which has now concluded, the software underwent extensive testing. Key users became deeply immersed in the system and are now well equipped to support others in their daily use of RIB 4.0.

The software helps keep quotes consistent and clear, so teams can price work accurately and stay aligned with company standards.

Useful information at your fingertips

Marcel Wanka, Head of Estimating, is assisting Isabell Alex with the wider rollout of RIB 4.0.

“Once the knowledge is in place, RIB 4.0 significantly lightens the load of day-to-day estimating. The system provides the bulk of the data and information we need, cutting down long, tedious searches. We can draw from existing project data, material and pricing catalogs, and internal labor rates. Thanks to the software’s built-in structure, errors are quickly identified—or often avoided altogether.”

A view of all cost components

Alex and Wanka both value how clearly RIB 4.0 breaks down every cost component behind a price. Company standards, such as minimum quantities by region or production area, are already built into the system, making it easy to stay consistent. It also simplifies data analysis, so users can quickly see how often certain services are requested or what was offered to specific clients.

Pilot launched in February 2024

The pilot phase began in February 2024 in the Eastern Regional Division. Other regions quickly followed with training initiatives. A short transition period during the national implementation will keep the legacy software active, after which it will be retired when the new system takes over.

Less effort, higher quality

Wanka and Alex are optimistic about the change, “Feedback from the Eastern region has been largely positive. While there were the usual teething problems that come with any new IT rollout, we’re confident the long-term benefits far outweigh the short-term challenges,” said Wanka.

“Our goal was to give our teams a stable IT solution to ease their daily workload, streamline bid preparation, and provide a reliable, cost-effective standard for our clients. With RIB 4.0, we’re well on our way.”

Transparent quoting at DB Services: Internal standards for pricing, minimum quantities, suppliers, etc, are stored in the RIB 4.0 system for each regional and production area.

DB Services implements RIB 4.0 software for cost estimation, CRM, and project/enterprise management.