Summary
Raubex, a leading South African construction materials company, transformed its operations by switching from outdated, disconnected systems to Acumatica Cloud ERP. The transition, supported by Astraia, was completed smoothly within five months. This modern ERP solution provided real-time project accounting, mobile access for field teams, and integrated management for both construction and mining operations, significantly improving efficiency, collaboration, and decision-making.
Key Points
- Legacy Challenges: Raubex struggled with fragmented software and spreadsheets causing delays, data duplication, and poor visibility into projects and finances.
- ERP Selection: Chose Acumatica Cloud ERP for its real-time capabilities, scalability, mobile access, and strong fit for construction and materials mining.
- Implementation: Partnered with Astraia for a well-planned, phased rollout, completed in five months without business disruption.
- Benefits Realized: Enhanced project accounting accuracy, unified data across departments, mobile workflows for field teams, and effective stock management.
- Strategic Impact: Acumatica became a foundational tool enabling smarter, faster operations and long-term business growth.
Raubex’s Road to a Modern Construction ERP
Raubex is one of South Africa’s top construction and materials companies. But not long ago, they were struggling behind the scenes. Their old systems, spread across different software and spreadsheets, just couldn’t keep up. Project info was scattered, financials were difficult to track, and teams often worked without the full picture. Sound familiar?
Many construction business owners know the pain of juggling disconnected tools. When your accounting software feels clunky, and it’s a mission to get clear reports, running a growing business gets frustrating fast.
That’s where this story comes in. Raubex decided enough was enough. They switched to a modern Construction ERP, and everything changed. In this post, you’ll see how Acumatica helped them ditch the chaos, connect their teams, and run smarter, faster projects. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to upgrade your ERP, this real-world example might just give you the answer.
Legacy ERP Setbacks: Why Raubex Needed a Modern Solution
Before switching to Acumatica, Raubex was stuck with an outdated system that simply couldn’t keep up. They were using a mix of old-school ERP software, spreadsheets, and extra tools just to get basic work done. Everything felt disconnected. People had to enter the same data in multiple places. It was slow, frustrating, and easy to mess up.
Their project accounting tools were just as clunky. There was no way to track real-time costs or get quick answers on budgets. Reports were always delayed, and by the time leadership got the numbers, it was often too late to make smart decisions. Some managers even had to drive to the office just to get the info they needed from the system. That’s not how a fast-moving construction company should work.
Raubex isn’t just one company, they also run materials and mining operations. But their old system couldn’t connect everything properly. It was built for a different time. They required one system that could handle it all, from project sites to the back office.
The pressure was building. As the company grew, so did the cracks in their systems. They knew it was time for something better. And that’s where the idea of a modern, cloud-based construction ERP came in.
Switching to Acumatica: Why a Cloud ERP for Construction Was the Right Choice?
Raubex knew they couldn’t keep patching up their old systems. It was time for a change. They started looking at newer options and quickly realised that a cloud ERP for construction was the way forward. They needed something that worked in real-time, on job sites, in the office, and everywhere in between. That’s when Acumatica stood out.
Acumatica checked every box. It was built for construction companies like theirs, with powerful project accounting, financial tools, and support for both their building and materials divisions. The fact that it worked on any device, from anywhere, made it perfect for field teams too.
What really sealed the deal? It could grow with them. No limits on users, no expensive add-ons. Plus, it integrated smoothly with their custom tools. As Raubex’s finance manager put it, Acumatica gave them a strategic advantage. It wasn’t just software; it was a smarter way to run the entire business.
Smooth Implementation with Astraia: Raubex’s 5-Month ERP Rollout Success
Rolling out a new system can feel risky, especially in construction where delays cost money. But for Raubex, the shift to Acumatica went smoother than expected, thanks to their trusted partner, Astraia. With in-depth experience in the construction industry, Astraia helped guide the process every step of the way.
The teams kicked things off with three months of solid planning. After that, it only took two months to get the system live. “That was quite impressive,” said IR van der Merwe. In just five months, Raubex went from outdated software to a modern ERP implementation for construction companies—without slowing down the business.
What made it work? Dedicated teams, clear goals, and smart training. Astraia helped tailor the system to fit Raubex’s real construction workflows. The transition was phased, so there was no downtime, and the business kept running. For companies thinking about switching ERPs, Raubex proves it can be fast, smooth, and well worth it.
Business Benefits: Enhanced Project Accounting, Mobile ERP Access for Construction & More
Since switching to Acumatica, Raubex has seen real, game-changing results across the board. Let’s start with project accounting. Before, tracking costs and updating budgets was a mess, different people using different tools, reports delayed, and nobody quite sure where the numbers stood. Now, project managers and accountants work in the same system. Job costs update in real time, budgets are clear, and monthly reconciliations that used to take forever are finally off their backs.
Departments that once felt disconnected are now working together. The estimating, procurement, and site teams all enter data into Acumatica. That means no more duplicate entries or chasing down missing info. Everyone, from foremen to execs, works off the same page with a single source of truth.
Out on site, the change is just as big. Teams now use phones or tablets to track work, submit orders, and approve invoices. No more hauling paper back to the office or waiting days for updates. Work flows faster, and decisions happen when they’re needed, not a week later.
Even Raubex’s materials division has benefited. They now manage stock and production more efficiently, whether it’s aggregates or bitumen. Acumatica works across their whole operation, not just construction, but mining and materials too.
Managers now have real-time dashboards, making it easy to catch problems early and stay on top of forecasts. And staff? They’re more productive, less stressed, and finally have the tools to do their jobs right.
“Acumatica has exceeded our expectations,” says Van der Merwe. “It transformed how we run our business.”
Final Takeaway: Lessons from Raubex’s Construction ERP Success
Raubex went from wrestling with clunky systems and scattered data to running a smarter, faster business with a modern construction ERP. With Acumatica, they gained real-time project visibility, better financial control, and tools that actually support how they work in the field and office. It wasn’t just an upgrade, it was a turning point.
If you’re a construction leader juggling spreadsheets, chasing down reports, or dealing with systems that can’t talk to each other, Raubex’s journey is worth thinking about. Their success shows what’s possible when you choose the right cloud ERP and the right partner. Acumatica gave them the foundation, and Astraia made the rollout smooth.
So if you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to make a change, maybe this is your sign. The right system won’t just save time, it will help you build a stronger business for the long haul. Just like Raubex.
FAQ Section
1. Why did Raubex decide to switch to a new construction ERP system?
Raubex was using outdated ERP software and spreadsheets that couldn’t keep up with their growing needs. The system was slow, disconnected, and difficult to use, especially for project accounting and financial reporting. Staff had to do extra manual work just to get basic tasks done. They knew if they wanted to grow and stay competitive, they needed a modern cloud ERP for construction.
2. What made Acumatica the right choice for Raubex?
Acumatica offered everything Raubex needed: real-time reporting, project accounting tools, mobile access for site teams, and the ability to manage both construction and materials divisions in one platform. It’s flexible, easy to use, and doesn’t charge per user, perfect for a company with teams in the field and the office. Plus, it integrates well with custom tools like weighbridge software.
3. How long did it take to implement Acumatica at Raubex?
The full ERP rollout took just five months. Raubex worked with Astraia, an experienced Acumatica implementation partner in the construction space. With three months of careful planning and two months of hands-on setup, they were up and running, on time and on budget. There was no business disruption, which is a big deal in the construction industry.
4. What improvements has Raubex seen since going live with Acumatica?
The gains have been huge. Project accounting is now real-time and accurate. Teams are more productive, thanks to mobile access and shared data. Raubex’s leadership can make faster, smarter decisions using dashboards and live reports. Even their materials division has better stock control and smoother operations. It’s not just software—it’s helped the whole company run better.
5. What can other construction companies learn from Raubex’s experience?
Raubex’s story proves that switching to a modern construction ERP doesn’t have to be painful. With the right solution and a good partner like Astraia, even a big transition can be smooth. The lesson? If your current systems are holding you back, now’s the time to explore your ERP options. It’s not just an IT move, it’s a smart business decision that could set you up for years of growth.
