Fischbach Group Shapes Smarter Renovation Projects with RIB 4.0

The Fischbach Group is a closely connected network of construction companies from various trades focusing on the modernization and renovation of buildings. Acting either as a general contractor or subcontractor, the group also offers construction services for individual trades: from façades, scaffolding, and roofing to windows and doors, building technology, and hazardous material remediation. Founded in 1914, the Fischbach Group today employs around 600 people.

The Fischbach Group specializes in renovating and modernizing large-scale residential properties. One standout project took place in Duisburg-Ungelsheim, a former steelworkers’ neighborhood from the 1950s. The team transformed an aging housing complex into a modern, sustainable net-zero community. The project covered 31 buildings with four apartments each. In another development in Dortmund-Bergmannsgrün, 16 buildings were upgraded with energy-efficient technology, including heat pumps, underfloor heating, intelligently insulated façades and brand-new bathrooms, windows and radiators.

One system for 16 companies

Stefan Gaudig, Managing Director of the Fischbach Group, understands that renovation projects in the housing sector, which are often intended as sustainable, economical alternatives to demolition and new construction, depend on seamless, digital processes. “Our focus must always be on the project and its individual challenges,” he explains. “For that, we need a cross-company construction management software that ensures transparency across all 16 of our subsidiaries.”

During the selection process, several software systems were evaluated, including RIB 4.0.  Gaudig and his leadership team, together with representatives from various departments, conducted an in-depth assessment. The individual modules of RIB 4.0 and competing ERP systems were tested within the subsidiaries. The Fischbach Group decided to go with RIB 4.0, recognizing it as the system that best fit and reflected the way the company is organized.

In 2022, the Fischbach Group rolled out RIB 4.0 as its new company-wide system. At the same time, the accounting department, previously managed by an external tax advisor, was brought in-house with the help of RIB Finance. Since 2023, the team has been using the software productively across key areas like cost estimation, measurement, project management and invoice processing. New modules, including procurement, are being added gradually.

Because RIB 4.0 and RIB Finance are comprehensive software systems with numerous interdependencies between modules, a solid initial configuration was essential. Implementation of certain modules required longer project phases to establish important company-wide standards. Gaudig praised RIB Software’s professional project management and the perseverance of the expert team.

Knowledge transfer, reliable partnership and the human factor

The success of the rollout hinged on RIB’s reliability as a partner and on the well-organized training sessions for knowledge transfer. Equally important, according to Gaudig, was clear communication: “This was crucial to guide operational users, who suddenly had to work with entirely new software, through the transition smoothly. It was a massive step,” he admits.

From early 2023, the entire commercial department began working exclusively with RIB Finance. “We’re practitioners,” Gaudig emphasizes. “Our expertise lies in construction processes, not in office systems. RIB Software brought in the know-how for implementation and laid the groundwork for us to manage our daily operations effectively.”

Step-by-step implementation and consistent data management

The Fischbach Group introduced RIB 4.0 and RIB Finance one company at a time, beginning with Fischbach Bau, the largest subsidiary specializing in planning, general contracting, and thermal insulation. Within each subproject, key users were assigned specific responsibilities and later trained other employees. Subsidiaries that followed benefited from the experience gained in the first rollout. This phased approach ensured that the unique requirements of each department were well-integrated into RIB 4.0.

Those users who really got to know the system soon realized how powerful consistent data management could be and helped transfer this knowledge to colleagues across the organization.

Sophisticated reporting system

Managing Director, Stefan Gaudig, is impressed with the transparency the new project- and enterprise platform provides. RIB 4.0 now delivers comprehensive analysis and reporting capabilities across all subsidiaries. Key performance indicators can be verified at any time via the directly integrated RIB Finance accounting module.

By connecting RIB 4.0 with Microsoft Power BI, management now has access to a sophisticated reporting system with a broad analytical base which is accessible anytime, anywhere and in real time. “An ideal foundation,” says Gaudig, “that enables us to focus entirely on our projects and contribute to creating more housing in Germany through our renovation expertise.”

After approximately 18 months, the foundation is solid and the rollout has been deemed a complete success.

1. The Fischbach Group specializes in renovation and modernization projects for institutional housing. In Duisburg-Ungelsheim, the group, commissioned by Rheinwohnungsbau, transformed an aging complex into a modern, sustainable net-zero neighborhood.

2. The Rheinwohnungsbau renovation project in Duisburg-Ungelsheim comprised 31 buildings, each with four apartments.

3. In Dortmund-Bergmannsgrün, 16 buildings were renovated for Vivawest, featuring sustainable building technology with heat pumps, underfloor heating, insulated façades, and new bathrooms, windows and radiators.

Image credit: Fischbach Group.