In the bustling landscape of Dubai Expo 2020, BeWunder faced an extraordinary challenge: orchestrating the installation of cutting-edge audio, visual, and lighting (AVL) systems across multiple pavilions and facilities.
To navigate this labyrinthine project, BeWunder implemented PlanRadar, a digital Software as a Service (SaaS) platform tailored for documentation, communication, and task management in construction and real estate projects.
PlanRadar emerged as the linchpin in the company’s endeavour, leveraging its cloud-based capabilities to enhance project oversight and communication. Real-time updates, easy access to essential documents, and instant sharing of updates with stakeholders became integral facets of the project’s success, enabling BeWunder to meet the Expo’s demanding schedule with ease.
Bringing in a holistic approach
The idea of PlanRadar was born out of an understanding of the challenges faced by the construction industry and the pressing need for a digital solution to address them, by Domagoj Dolinsek. His extensive expertise in the construction field, helped him recognise the pain points and hesaw an opportunity to revolutionise the industry.
“He gathered a team of co-founders, including myself, who shared the same passion and determination to bring this vision to life,” said Ibrahim Imam, Co-Founder, Group-Co-CEO, CEO MENA and APAC at PlanRadar in an interaction with edge/, who founded the company in 2013 in Vienna.
The startup entered the MENA market in 2022.
With PlanRadar, the team aims to bridge the gap between traditional construction practices and the digital era, enabling professionals to embrace innovation and achieve greater efficiency. By leveraging technology and data, they want to empower construction companies to make informed decisions and efficiently manage their projects at any stage of the build lifecycle. The ultimate goal is to revolutionise the construction industry by providing a comprehensive solution that addresses the unique challenges of projects of all sizes and complexity levels.
“We place particular emphasis on ensuring full connectivity across project planning, data and insights, with Document Management, project scheduling, building plan and BIM model management, and instant report generation,” said Imam
Imam’s insights underscore PlanRadar’s holistic approach to project management, seamlessly integrating tasks and data flow to ensure efficiency and transparency throughout the project lifecycle.
PlanRadar’s scope extends beyond project oversight; it encompasses the entire building lifecycle, from planning to operation. The platform’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive features empower teams to navigate projects of any scale with precision and agility.
“We understand the importance of real-time communication and task management, and ensured that these capabilities were always at the core of the PlanRadar platform – first principles that can be digitised and scaled as the platform grows,” added Imam.
Building a user-centric design
His insights shed light on PlanRadar’s unwavering commitment to user-centric design and continuous improvement, ensuring that the platform remains at the forefront of digital innovation in construction and real estate project management.
The journey towards PlanRadar’s prominence was not without its challenges. Convincing traditional sectors entrenched in paper-based methodologies to embrace digital solutions demanded meticulous effort and perseverance. However, through relentless innovation and a customer-centric approach, PlanRadar successfully bridged the gap between conventional practices and digital transformation.
“The initial platform testing and development conducted by PlanRadar has focused on continuously improving user experience and maximizing the platform’s efficiency.”
Building a strong differentiator
There is a growing focus on proptech in the region. Players like Hupsy, Silkhaus, and Nomad Homes, are bringing in technology into real estate market and segment. A Wamda Research Lab report pointed out that in 2022 investments in proptech swelled to $101 million over 30 deals. This accounted for 2.6 per cent of the funding raised by startups. In 2023, this was lower, at $69 million but regions like UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt are growing destinations in the space.
By incorporating feedback from clients and industry experts, PlanRadar ensures that its platform remains intuitive, efficient, and adaptable to evolving user needs. Furthermore, PlanRadar’s adoption of a tiered subscription pricing model sets it apart from competitors, ensuring accessibility and affordability for users across diverse industries and geographies.
“One of the primary obstacles encountered by PlanRadar was persuading traditional sectors such as construction and real estate to embrace a digital solution.” PlanRadar’s journey is emblematic of the broader digital transformation reshaping the construction and real estate industries.
Looking ahead
Looking ahead, PlanRadar anticipates significant shifts in the industry, driven by cloud-based solutions, artificial intelligence, and sustainability imperatives. As a catalyst for change, PlanRadar remains poised to lead the charge, facilitating seamless collaboration, and empowering teams to achieve their goals efficiently and sustainably.
PlanRadar envisions a future where its platform continues to evolve in tandem with industry demands and technological advancements. To achieve this, the company remains focused on several key initiatives, of expanding into new markets globally, build enhanced features and functionality, bring in sustainability initiatives, create newer customer centric innovations, and integrate new and emerging technologies.
“We recognise the transformative potential of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in project management. By integrating AI and ML capabilities into its platform, PlanRadar seeks to empower users with predictive insights, automated decision-making, and enhanced data analytics capabilities.”
