CONSTRUCTION CASE STUDY
Complex Co logo
Complex Co logo

How Complex Co. Advanced Their Safety and Compliance Standards in 12 Months on Simpel

HIGHLIGHTS
  • Replaced Procore and 1Breadcrumb with a single operational platform
  • Onboarded and went live in under 6 weeks
  • Published 1,800+ site diaries within 12 months
  • Deployed QR pre-starts across all plant
  • Enabled live compliance visibility across all active projects
MODULES
Simpel's icons for their Essentials, Safety Quality, Reporting, and Site Access Functionality Packs
HIGHLIGHTS
  • Replaced point solutions with a unified digital platform
  • Saved hours every day with streamlined operations
  • Rolled out Simpel across entire project portfolio
  • Enhanced audit readiness and ISO compliance with real-time data access
  • Empowered site teams with defined processes, intuitive workflows and mobile accessibility
MODULES

Before Simpel: Running Key Workflows Across Separate Point Solutions

Before adopting Simpel, Complex Co. was using both Procore and 1Breadcrumb to manage operations. Each system held pieces of the puzzle but weren’t quite matching up with one another. Even with integrations, the team often found themselves relying on manual workarounds and double handling to keep their data aligned.

There was a lot of back-end administration to make sure that everything went from one area to another. We were loading contractors into Procore and expecting it to automatically populate into 1Breadcrumb. It was supposed to, but it didn’t really work like that. It was a lot of back-end fiddling around to make things work.
Lloyd Lucas
Quality & Systems Manager
There was a lot of back-end administration to make sure that everything went from one area to another. We were loading contractors into Procore and expecting it to automatically populate into 1Breadcrumb. It was supposed to, but it didn’t really work like that. It was a lot of back-end fiddling around to make things work.
Lloyd Lucas
Quality & Systems Manager

Selecting Simpel: Switching to a Unified Platform Specialising in Construction Operations

The decision to change platforms started with a shift in mindset. Rather than trying to make one system cover everything, Complex chose to separate their tools by purpose. So, they invested in a specialised financial software and specialised construction operations software respectively.

“We thought it would be easier to separate the two functions and get a new tool to do financials separately that specialises in it. Then bring all our quality, Work Health and Safety (WHS), and onboarding processes into the one platform.”

Having seen it in action on other sites, when they started evaluating new platforms, Simpel was already on their radar. They considered several options during their search, but Simpel stood out for its unified structure. Mirroring the flow of operations, it could handle their processes end-to-end without added overhead.

Three layers of a construction tech stack: Specialty tech, operations software, financial software

Learn more. 

Learn more. 

“When we started looking for something new, Simpel was already high on my list. I’d seen it on other jobs, and the setup with the turnstiles always stuck with me. It ended up being a no brainer. It was doing both in the one and then you didn't have to worry about migration or anything. It’s handling all those processes in one system.”

Selecting Simpel: Switching to a Unified Platform Specialising in Construction Operations

The decision to change platforms started with a shift in mindset. Rather than trying to make one system cover everything, Complex chose to separate their tools by purpose. So, they invested in a specialised financial software and specialised construction operations software respectively.

“We thought it would be easier to separate the two functions and get a new tool to do financials separately that specialises in it. Then bring all our quality, work health, safety, and onboarding processes into the one platform.”

Three layers of a construction tech stack: Specialty tech, operations software, financial software

Learn more. 

Having seen it in action on other sites, when they started evaluating new platforms, Simpel was already on their radar. They considered several options during their search, but Simpel stood out for its unified structure. Mirroring the flow of operations, it could handle their processes end-to-end without added overhead.

“When we started looking for something new, Simpel was already high on my list. I’d seen it on other jobs, and the setup with the turnstiles always stuck with me. It ended up being a no brainer. It was doing both in the one and then you didn't have to worry about migration or anything. It’s handling all those processes in one system.”

Rapid Roll-out: Up and Running in Weeks, Not Months

Rolling out a new system mid-project is never ideal, but with overlapping timelines and new sites on the horizon, Complex needed to move quickly. Simpel’s Client Success team handled the setup behind the scenes, digitising forms, configuring workflows, and running tailored training sessions.

“We had to adapt pretty quickly, and it was really helpful that Simpel got all our forms built for us straight away. We ran all our training within four to five weeks to fast track it onto a few new projects. It all came together quickly and got jobs off the ground, which was really good.”

Software Subcontractors Want to Use: Built for Boots on the Ground

Designed with the End User in Mind

Subcontractors were quick to notice how much easier it was to manage safety, documents, and day-to-day tasks without switching between multiple systems. Most are focused on site work, handling plant checks, and compliance on the fly without admin support, so having a system that’s easy to use makes a real difference.

“I think that's the mistake we made in the past. We were just thinking about ourselves and how we were going to have to adapt to it. But the bigger consideration now is around your subbies and smaller contractors. You can't just have an expectation that they're all going to jump into the system and do all these mini tasks. It's not really what they sign up for.”

Subbie Buy-in Starts at First Sign-in

Subbies were sceptical at first. Once they realised they could set up their profile once and use it across all Simpel-powered projects, resistance faded fast.

Now there’s no need to start from scratch on new projects. One profile carries over, making it faster and easier to stay compliant without the usual back-and-forth. Log in, upload, and move on. It’s a small change that’s had a big impact on uptake.

“We had a bit of pushback but once people realised they only had to set it up once they were on board. They have one profile, set it up once, and it carries across every contract, or project. It’s just log in, drop what’s needed into a box, and they’re done.”

Software Subcontractors Want to Use: Built for Boots on the Ground

Designed with the End User in Mind

Subcontractors were quick to notice how much easier it was to manage safety, documents, and day-to-day tasks without switching between multiple systems. Most are focused on site work, handling plant checks, and compliance on the fly without admin support, so having a system that’s easy to use makes a real difference.

“I think that's the mistake we made in the past. We were just thinking about ourselves and how we were going to have to adapt to it. But the bigger consideration now is around your subbies and smaller contractors. You can't just have an expectation that they're all going to jump into the system and do all these mini tasks. It's not really what they sign up for.”

Subbie Buy-in Starts at First Sign-in

Subbies were sceptical at first. Once they realised they could set up their profile once and use it across all Simpel-powered projects, resistance faded fast.

Now there’s no need to start from scratch on new projects. One profile carries over, making it faster and easier to stay compliant without the usual back-and-forth. Log in, upload, and move on. It’s a small change that’s had a big impact on uptake.

“We had a bit of pushback but once people realised they only had to set it up once they were on board. They have one profile, set it up once, and it carries across every, contract or project. It’s just log in, drop what’s needed into a box, and they’re done.”

Site Diaries are a Daily Habit Safeguarding Projects: 1,800+ entries in 12 months

Site diaries aren’t just a daily routine for Complex Co, they’re an essential tool for protecting the business, capturing proof, and keeping projects on track. With more than 1,800 entries logged in 12 months, site diaries have become a key part of their safety workflows. It’s not just about ticking a box for them; it’s about having the evidence to back the work done every day, every step of the way.

“We’re big on recording information. We take a lot of photos and use site diaries to make sure everything’s properly documented. It’s how we stay accountable and ensure our obligations are met, with clear records to support it. That way, if someone comes back months later with questions, we’ve got the evidence. Simpel makes that whole process a lot easier.”

Customised for High-Risk Maintenance Work: Scrivener Dam

Scrivener Dam isn’t your average project and Complex needed more than a generic diary. With Simpel, they configured the site diary to suit high-risk operations, logging exactly what’s needed to maintain control: water levels, site activity, weather conditions, and more. Every entry is timestamped, stored securely, and easy to export if needed. It’s not about filling out a form. It’s about having a reliable record when the stakes are high.

“We tailored the site diary on our maintenance project at Scrivener Dam. It tracks water levels, who’s on site, how much water is released, and even what the weather conditions are. If something was to go wrong, it could have major consequences downstream. That’s why record keeping is so important there. It’s high-risk and we need to log everything.”

Image of Scrivener Dam operation and mainenance run by Complex Co. and powered by Simpel

Site Diaries are a Daily Habit Safeguarding Projects: 1,800+ entries in 12 months

Site diaries aren’t just a daily routine for Complex Co, they’re an essential tool for protecting the business, capturing proof, and keeping projects on track. With more than 1,800 entries logged in 12 months, site diaries have become a key part of their safety workflows. It’s not just about ticking a box for them; it’s about having the evidence to back the work done every day, every step of the way.

“We’re big on recording information. We take a lot of photos and use site diaries to make sure everything’s properly documented. It’s how we stay accountable and ensure our obligations are met, with clear records to support it. That way, if someone comes back months later with questions, we’ve got the evidence. Simpel makes that whole process a lot easier.”

Customised for High-Risk Maintenance Work: Scrivener Dam

Scrivener Dam isn’t your average project and Complex needed more than a generic diary. With Simpel, they configured the site diary to suit high-risk operations, logging exactly what’s needed to maintain control: water levels, site activity, weather conditions, and more. Every entry is timestamped, stored securely, and easy to export if needed. It’s not about filling out a form. It’s about having a reliable record when the stakes are high.

Image of Scrivener Dam operation and mainenance run by Complex Co. and powered by Simpel

“We tailored the site diary on our maintenance project at Scrivener Dam. It tracks water levels, who’s on site, how much water is released, and even what the weather conditions are. If something was to go wrong, it could have major consequences downstream. That’s why record keeping is so important there. It’s high-risk and we need to log everything.”

One Platform, Full Transparency

Complex Co. has significantly enhanced operational clarity, reduced administrative overhead, and improved compliance transparency by bringing all critical processes into Simpel. With real-time insights and streamlined workflows, the platform has become central to how Complex Co. manages high-risk, high-standard projects.

About Complex Co.

Complex Co. is an Australian construction company with over 60 years of experience delivering technically complex infrastructure projects. Their work spans sectors such as transport, water, marine, and renewables. The team is known for tackling challenging projects that require precision, compliance, and deep technical expertise.

Thanks to Lloyd Lucas and the team at Complex Co. for their ongoing support and contribution to this case study. 

Thanks to Lloyd Lucas and the team at Complex Co. for their ongoing support and contribution to this case study. 

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