Specification checker: control over maintenance, insight into quality, and confidence in implementation

An overview is essential in the management of infrastructure and public spaces. Yet many municipalities and contractors still work with paper checklists, Excel files, and separate emails. This takes time, increases the risk of errors, and slows down collaboration. Bestekchecker, developed by Merkator B.V., offers an alternative that works in practice.

From stacks of paper to a single digital environment

Bestekchecker is a digital workflow platform that supports the entire process of inspection, quality control, and contract processing. Whether it concerns RAW or image quality, the system supports all types of specifications and enables direct control in the field. Inspectors record findings via a mobile app, including photos and GPS location. The information is automatically processed and linked to invoicing and case management systems.

The result is a single central location where municipalities, regulators, and contractors work with the same data. This largely eliminates separate files, duplicate entries, and discussions about work performed.

One platform for client and contractor

Bestekchecker digitally connects the entire maintenance chain with a mobile app for inspections and registration, automatic testing against RAW and CROW standards, real-time reports and dashboards, and a link to invoicing and a complete audit trail. Municipalities gain control over quality and budgets, and contractors experience greater clarity and less administrative pressure.

Practical example: Municipality of Breda

For years, the Municipality of Breda used paper lists to monitor maintenance. This led to delays and limited transparency towards contractors. Since switching to Bestekchecker, inspections are now fully digital. Any deviations are shared with the contractor within a few hours, allowing them to make immediate adjustments. “Now everything is clear at a glance,” says the Head of the Implementation Department at the municipality. The results speak for themselves:

• Up to 50% time savings on administration and reporting;
• Faster invoicing and fewer outstanding items;
• Higher quality through direct feedback and better overview.

The main advantages:

• Reduced administrative burdens and failure costs;
• Shorter lead times between inspection and implementation;
• Transparency and evidence with photos and locations;
• Faster invoice processing and fewer disputes.

The next step: looking ahead with data

Merkator is working on new features such as image recognition, predictive dashboards, and links to GIS and IoT data. This will enable Bestekchecker to evolve towards predictive maintenance and fully digital management of outdoor spaces.

Digitization in the civil engineering sector is not only about efficiency, but also about clear agreements and trust in the collaboration. Those who have a firm grasp on maintenance gain insight into quality and peace of mind in the execution.