Software · Malaysia
RIB CostX
2D and BIM takeoff with estimating spreadsheets live-linked to drawings
Market position
RIB CostX, first sold as Exactal CostX, is a takeoff, estimating and reporting product from RIB Software, which says it is part of Schneider Electric. It measures from 2D drawings, PDFs and 3D BIM models into live-linked estimating workbooks, and comes in Complete, Core and Quantify packages. RIB lists APAC offices in Australia, China, India and New Zealand but none in Malaysia.
Malaysia-specific note
RIB lists no Malaysian office, so Malaysian buyers get prices through RIB's global quote form. CostX is a takeoff and estimating layer only; it does no LHDN MyInvois or SST work, so pair it with local accounting software.
Pros
- + Takeoff from 2D drawings, PDFs and 3D BIM models
- + Estimating spreadsheets live-linked to drawings
- + Automatic revision handling
- + Standalone, network or cloud (CostX Cloud) licensing
Cons
- − No public prices: custom quote only
- − No Malaysian office listed by RIB
- − Estimating only: no accounting or e-invoicing
- − Aimed at quantity surveyors and estimators, not small trade firms
Typical Malaysia pricing
Quote-based; no public prices. RIB gives custom prices for its Complete, Core and Quantify packages through a form on its site.
Why this matters for Malaysia trades
Under Act 520, every local and foreign contractor must register with CIDB (the Construction Industry Development Board), which grades contractors G1 to G7 with works limits from RM200,000 (G1) to no limit (G7), issues the SPKK certificate for government works and registers construction workers, site supervisors and project managers through the Green Card; working unregistered risks a fine of RM10,000 to RM100,000. LHDN/IRBM runs income tax, employers’ monthly PCB/MTD deductions and the MyInvois e-invoicing system. SSM (the Companies Commission of Malaysia) registers businesses, companies and LLPs; under Act 138 only a Professional Engineer or engineering consultancy practice registered with the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) may submit engineering plans to an authority; and employers must register with and pay monthly contributions to EPF/KWSP and to SOCSO/PERKESO (including EIS), with HRD Corp registration and levy required at 10 or more employees in covered industries.
Malaysian construction and trades software selection is shaped by MyInvois, the national e-invoicing system run by LHDN/IRBM (the Inland Revenue Board), rolled out in phases by turnover from August 2024. Businesses with turnover up to RM5 million entered on 1 January 2026, but under LHDN’s e-Invoice Guideline of 30 August 2026 those below RM3 million are exempt unless a shareholder company, holding company, related company or joint venture has turnover of RM3 million or more, and an interim relaxation for the up-to-RM5 million phase runs to 31 December 2027, allowing consolidated e-invoices for taxpayers who meet its conditions. AutoCount, SQL Account, Bukku and other local accounting and ERP vendors listed here say they submit e-invoices to MyInvois. Add the Ringgit (MYR), SST, CIDB contractor grading from G1 to G7, and monthly EPF, SOCSO, EIS and PCB payroll deductions, with LHDN publishing a list of payroll software whose PCB calculation meets its specification.
Frequently asked
Is RIB CostX a good fit for Malaysia trades?
RIB CostX, first sold as Exactal CostX, is a takeoff, estimating and reporting product from RIB Software, which says it is part of Schneider Electric. It measures from 2D drawings, PDFs and 3D BIM models into live-linked estimating workbooks, and comes in Complete, Core and Quantify packages. RIB lists APAC offices in Australia, China, India and New Zealand but none in Malaysia. RIB lists no Malaysian office, so Malaysian buyers get prices through RIB's global quote form. CostX is a takeoff and estimating layer only; it does no LHDN MyInvois or SST work, so pair it with local accounting software.
What does RIB CostX cost in Malaysia?
Quote-based; no public prices. RIB gives custom prices for its Complete, Core and Quantify packages through a form on its site. Pricing and availability can change by region; confirm current Malaysia pricing on the vendor's site before committing.