Ryder Unifies Project Data and Strengthens Financial Insight Through Practice Management

Ryder Architecture uses Milient's Project Flow, previously known as Rapport3.

Previously, Ryder Architecture relied on a fragmented mix of software tools to manage different areas of the business. Project data was spread across spreadsheets and disconnected systems, making it difficult to gain real-time insight into performance.

As David Stabler, Projects Director, explains: "On the project side, we were using packages like Excel with clever formulas in the background to calculate pipelines, costs and profit, which I don’t think is dissimilar to where many practices have come from when implementing a project management system."

There was a growing recognition across the business that efficiency gains could be made — and an increasing appetite for accessible, live data that could clearly show how projects were performing financially.

Choosing Milient

Ryder initially trialled a bespoke Union Square solution but struggled to achieve the level of flexibility and customisation they needed. As a result, they widened their search.

After identifying two suitable products, Project Flow and CMap, Ryder undertook a period of presentations, due diligence and direct conversations with existing users of both systems. Following this evaluation, they selected Project Flow, adopting the core Project Costing module alongside CRM (Contacts) and Sage 200 integration.

Implementing Project Flow

Ryder began the consultancy and implementation process a few months after making their decision. For David, planning was critical.

“I think the most important thing to appreciate is that when you are implementing anything of the nature of Rapport3, or any system like it, which represents a significant change to the way people work in the business, it’s really important to have a plan and to stick to it,” David explained. “Milient were great - they effectively led that planning process through the initial consultancy to establish our requirements.”

This structured approach helped ensure Project Flow was implemented in a way that aligned with Ryder’s workflows and long-term objectives.

Benefits of Milient

Project Flow’s CRM module has helped Ryder bring clarity and consistency to client information, supporting relationship management and business development — particularly valuable during periods of remote working.

The team has also made extensive use of Project Flow’s reporting capabilities to support financial management, alongside Microsoft Power BI to visualise project data at the team level.

When remote working became widespread, Project Flow played a key role in maintaining continuity.

“Having a dedicated and accessible cloud-based system assisted in our transition to more effective and flexible working during the COVID-19 pandemic. [...] We’d likely have seen greater challenges with the accessibility and quality of our information with the associated cost implications to the business.”

Integration and Support

Customer service has been an important part of Ryder’s experience — both during data migration and ongoing use.

When asked about support, David said: “Great! In our experience, the team are attentive to our needs and responsive in addressing issues.”

Project Flow as a Single Source of Truth

Project Flow is now embedded into Ryder’s day-to-day operations. Teams actively suggest improvements and enhancements, which David feeds back into product development discussions.

Currently, Ryder is focused on unlocking even more value from the system. Project Flow now serves as their single source of truth, supported by customisations and integrations that enable vital data to flow into OpenAsset and Power BI.

Ryder is also exploring the HR module and has engaged with upcoming developments via Project Flow’s Virtual HR Focus Groups. Several of Ryder’s alliance partners also use Project Flow, enabling more collaborative project delivery across joint ventures.

Summing up, David concludes: "Project Flow has got great functionality, and you're missing a trick if you don't use it to its full potential."