BRKZ Case Study

Executive Summary

BRKZ, a construction technology company based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is transforming material procurement and supply chain management for the construction industry. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as cloud-based platforms, data analytics, and a microservices architecture, BRKZ optimizes sourcing, pricing, logistics, and collaboration. With features like real-time material sourcing, cost optimization, and smart delivery, BRKZ eliminates inefficiencies and reduces costs for contractors. The company recently secured $8 million in Series A funding to expand its operations, reinforcing its commitment to reshaping the construction industry in the MENA region.

Client Background

Founded in 2022, BRKZ is a leading construction technology company dedicated to streamlining procurement and supply chain management. The company’s platform simplifies how contractors source materials, negotiate prices, and manage logistics, making the construction process more cost-effective and transparent.

BRKZ was designed to address long-standing inefficiencies in the construction sector, particularly in the MENA region, where traditional procurement methods lead to cost overruns, project delays, and supply chain fragmentation. By digitizing procurement and enabling real-time collaboration, BRKZ empowers contractors with the tools needed to improve efficiency, save costs, and ensure project success.

In March 2024, BRKZ secured $8 million in Series A funding to expand its platform’s capabilities, enhancing its impact on the construction industry.

Business Problem

The construction industry in the MENA region faces several critical challenges:

1. Inefficient Material Sourcing

Traditional procurement involves physical visits to suppliers, manual price negotiations, and lack of transparency, leading to inefficiencies and delays.

2. High Costs

Budget overruns occur due to middlemen markups, unpredictable pricing, and supply chain inefficiencies, increasing project costs significantly.

3. Fragmented Supply Chains

Contractors and suppliers often operate in silos, leading to communication gaps, unreliable deliveries, and logistical challenges.

4. Limited Visibility

Lack of real-time insights into material availability, pricing, and delivery timelines complicates project planning and decision-making.

5. Quality and Delivery Assurance Issues

Traditional procurement does not guarantee material quality or on-time delivery, leading to project delays, rework, and increased costs.

BRKZ was developed to digitize and optimize the procurement process, reducing inefficiencies, improving cost savings, and ensuring reliable supply chain operations.

Tools and Technologies

BRKZ integrates advanced tools and technologies to create a seamless digital ecosystem for construction procurement.

Key Technologies:

• Frontend Development (Buyer Portal, Supplier Portal): Built using Next.js for a responsive, user-friendly interface.
• Backend Development: Microservices architecture powered by Spring Boot, ensuring scalability and flexibility.
• iOS Application: Developed natively using Swift for optimized performance.
• Android Application: Built using Java to support a wide range of mobile devices.
• Admin Portal (Web, iOS, Android): Developed with Flutter for cross-platform compatibility.

Core Functionalities Powered by Technology:

• Cloud-Based Infrastructure for real-time collaboration and scalability.
• Large Database to optimize workflows, predict costs, and improve decision-making.
• Data Analytics & AI for insights into material pricing trends and supply chain efficiency.
• Web & Mobile Applications to provide seamless access for contractors and suppliers.
• These technologies ensure BRKZ delivers a fast, scalable, and user-friendly platform that simplifies procurement and enhances construction operations.

High-Level Features

BRKZ provides a comprehensive platform that transforms how contractors source and manage construction materials.

1. Material Sourcing

• Connects contractors with verified suppliers to ensure quality and competitive pricing.
• Eliminates the need for manual supplier visits and negotiations.

2. Cost Optimization

• Price comparison tools allow contractors to find the best deals.
• Eliminates middlemen, reducing procurement costs.

3. Supply Chain Management

• Smart delivery system consolidates multiple orders to optimize logistics and reduce costs.
• Real-time tracking of materials ensures on-time delivery.

4. Real-Time Collaboration

• Contractors, suppliers, and project managers can communicate within the platform, reducing delays.
• Centralized dashboard provides updates on procurement and delivery status.

5. Data-Driven Insights

• Analytics tools provide trends on material costs, supply chain efficiency, and project forecasting.
• Reports and dashboards help optimize procurement strategies.

6. Vendor Management

• Pre-vetted suppliers ensure material quality and reliable deliveries.
• Contractors can rate and review suppliers based on past transactions.

7. Request for Quotation (RFQ) Management

• Users can raise RFQs, receive multiple bids, compare quotations, simplify procurement.

8. Smart Delivery & Logistics

• Automated scheduling ensures materials arrive on time, reducing delays.
• Consolidates shipments to reduce transportation costs.
• These features make BRKZ a one-stop digital procurement solution, reducing time, costs, and inefficiencies in construction projects.

Implementation and Impact

1. Increased Procurement Efficiency

• Automated RFQs reduced procurement time by 50%, eliminating manual price negotiations.
• Contractors sourced materials in minutes instead of days through verified suppliers.

2. Cost Savings

• Direct supplier connections reduced costs by up to 30%, eliminating middlemen markups.
• Smart delivery reduced logistics costs by 20%.

3. Improved Supply Chain Reliability

• Real-time tracking reduced delivery delays by 40%, improving project timelines.
• Vendors were pre-vetted, ensuring quality and reliability in materials supplied.

4. Seamless Collaboration

• Real-time communication tools reduced project delays, ensuring smooth workflows.
• Cloud-based document management improved access to procurement data.

5. Scalability and Growth

• The microservices architecture allowed for rapid onboarding of new suppliers and contractors.
• BRKZ’s Series A funding ($8 million) enabled expansion into new markets and further platform enhancements.

Conclusion

BRKZ is revolutionizing construction procurement in the MENA region by offering a digital-first approach to material sourcing, cost optimization, and supply chain management.

Through data-driven decision-making, real-time collaboration, and seamless logistics, BRKZ ensures that contractors can efficiently source high-quality materials, reduce costs, and improve project timelines.

With strong funding and continued platform enhancements, BRKZ is poised to become the go-to procurement solution for the construction industry, driving efficiency, transparency, and cost savings at scale.