The verdict in three sentences
A successful construction requirements spec in Dublin in 2026 costs each module separately and fixes the business workflows before writing a single line of code. The line that blows budgets is not development but change orders caused by a fuzzy scope, which often add 40% to the bill. A well-scoped base starts around FCFA 6,500,000; an integrated multi-site platform exceeds FCFA 35,000,000.
Budget per module: the 2026 grid
A spec costed module by module protects both developer and client. Here are the 2026 ballparks for construction project management software, from base to advanced modules.
| Module | Budget (FCFA) | Priority | Indicative timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project base + scheduling | 6,500,000 to 11,000,000 | critical | 6 to 9 weeks |
| Budget tracking + progress | 4,000,000 to 7,500,000 | critical | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Procurement/suppliers | 3,500,000 to 6,000,000 | high | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Mobile labour time tracking | 3,000,000 to 5,500,000 | high | 3 to 5 weeks |
| Site reports photos/geoloc | 2,500,000 to 5,000,000 | medium | 3 to 4 weeks |
| Accounting/payroll integration | 4,000,000 to 8,000,000 | as needed | 4 to 7 weeks |
The project base and budget tracking are non-negotiable: they make money by preventing overruns. Photo and geolocation modules improve control but can wait for phase 2.
Business workflow and integrations to specify
A vague spec costs dearly. Each workflow must be described with its actors, steps and controls. Here are the critical workflows to cost and their impact on the integration budget.
| Workflow / integration | Complexity | Extra cost (FCFA) | Risk if omitted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Works progress validation | medium | 2,000,000 to 4,000,000 | Payment delays |
| Supplier order tracking | medium | 1,800,000 to 3,500,000 | Material shortages |
| Offline mobile time tracking | high | 2,500,000 to 5,000,000 | Unstable 3G tracking |
| Automated accounting export | high | 3,000,000 to 6,000,000 | Re-entry and errors |
| Multi-site dashboard | high | 3,500,000 to 7,000,000 | Blind steering |
Offline mobile time tracking is essential on sites where 3G is unstable: specify deferred synchronisation from the start, otherwise you pay a heavy change order.
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Mini case study
Mr Doyle, director of a property development firm running 4 simultaneous sites in Dublin, drafts his spec. He costs a base at FCFA 9,000,000, budget tracking at FCFA 6,000,000, mobile time tracking at FCFA 4,500,000 and a multi-site dashboard at FCFA 5,500,000, i.e. FCFA 25,000,000. Today his average budget overruns reach 4% of site cost, roughly FCFA 18,000,000/year on a volume of FCFA 450,000,000 of works. Real-time budget tracking should, by his prudent estimate, halve these overruns, i.e. FCFA 9,000,000 saved per year. The software pays back in under 3 years, not counting the 12 h/week saved on manual reporting consolidation.
FAQ
Where to start on a limited budget? With the project base + budget tracking, roughly FCFA 10,500,000 to 18,500,000. These two modules prevent overruns and pay back fastest.
Is offline mobile time tracking essential? On sites with unstable 3G, yes: a failed clock-in corrupts payroll. Count FCFA 3,000,000 to 5,500,000 for reliable deferred sync.
How much does accounting integration cost? Between FCFA 4,000,000 and 8,000,000 depending on the target accounting software. It removes re-entry and saves several hours per week for admin.
How to avoid change orders that double the bill? By freezing workflows and functional scope in the spec before quoting. Precise scoping cuts change orders from 40% to under 10% of the initial budget.
What timeline for a full multi-site project? From 5 to 8 months depending on module count. A base alone can ship in 6 to 9 weeks, then advanced modules in phases.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your number of sites, priority modules and indicative budget, and we turn your need into a costed requirements spec. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
