CMS Desk, a specialised platform designed for the construction industry, was not conceived in corporate boardrooms or high-tech labs. Instead, it was developed on construction sites by a team of developers, construction managers, and engineers with firsthand experience of the industry’s challenges and inefficiencies. What began as an internal tool has evolved into a comprehensive platform that streamlines operations reduces costs and enhances project efficiency.

The story of CMS Desk began with Piotr Szczypkowski, an experienced electrical and mechanical contractor, and his project manager, Danny Mc Cready. As Szczypkowski’s business expanded, so did the complexity of managing procurement and project execution. In response, he tasked Mc Cready with establishing a procurement department to bring structure and efficiency to these processes.

Mc Cready initially relied on interconnected spreadsheets, but their limitations quickly became apparent. The lack of transparency, inefficiency and extensive manual effort impeded operational progress. Exploring commercially available software solutions proved unviable, as many were prohibitively expensive, overly complex or burdened with rigid subscription models that did not align with the company’s requirements.

“We needed a practical solution, purpose-built by industry professionals who understood the day-to-day challenges we were facing,” explains Mc Cready. Drawing on his web development knowledge, he took a hands-on approach to designing a system himself that directly addressed the needs of the construction sector.

The result was EMS—a simple but effective management system that streamlined processes and eliminated bottlenecks as well as improved operational efficiency. EMS demonstrated how digital tools could address longstanding inefficiencies in construction, providing greater visibility and control over key processes. Recognising its transformative potential, Szczypkowski provided financial backing for Mc Cready to further develop and refine the system. With the support of professional developers, Mc Cready evolved EMS into CMS Desk—a fully integrated platform tailored to the construction industry’s unique demands.

From Internal System to IndustryWide Solution

CMS Desk was originally developed as a proprietary tool to enhance Szczypkowski’s company’s efficiency, cost control and project delivery capabilities. By leveraging digital processes, the platform gave the firm a strategic advantage, allowing it to submit more competitive tenders and demonstrate its ability to manage projects with greater precision.

As industry peers took notice of its benefits, inquiries about its availability began to surface. What started as an internal solution soon grew into a commercially viable software platform, addressing common challenges faced by construction firms across the sector.

Today, CMS Desk continues to evolve, with Szczypkowski and Mc Cready remaining actively involved in its ongoing development. Their commitment ensures that the platform remains relevant, effective, and aligned with the ever-changing needs of the construction industry.

A Tailored, Cost-Effective Approach to Construction Management

Designed specifically for the UK construction sector, CMS Desk provides a modular, centralised platform that integrates procurement, project management, and reporting functions. Unlike competitors that require firms to subscribe to an entire software suite—often leading to unnecessary expenses—CMS Desk enables users to select only the tools they require. This flexibility reduces complexity, optimises workflows and drives cost savings.

Clients can customise their platform by selecting modules such as procurement, timesheet management, or quality control. This approach eliminates unnecessary expenditure while maintaining the efficiency of a fully integrated system. With a focus on operational streamlining, cost reduction and data-driven decision-making, CMS Desk empowers contractors to manage projects with greater control and transparency.

For instance, the procurement module offers complete visibility into supplier pricing, enabling clients to compare quotations, track order progress in real time and flag discrepancies for prompt resolution. UK-based clients also benefit from CMS Desk’s procurement service, CMS Buyer, which leverages an extensive supplier network to negotiate bulk discounts and preferential pricing. Clients can compare their suppliers’ quotes against those secured by CMS Buyer, selecting the most cost-effective option. If CMS Buyer delivers greater savings, purchases can be facilitated on their behalf, often with 30-day credit terms. These features provide substantial cost advantages, helping firms control procurement expenses while maintaining supply chain efficiency.

“Our core mission has always been to reduce costs and help contractors future-proof their businesses,” says Mc Cready. In an industry affected by supply chain disruptions and fluctuating material costs, CMS Desk equips construction firms with the tools to remain agile and competitive.

Innovative Features Driving Real-World Impact

The success of CMS Desk is reflected in its tangible benefits for clients. Kilmurray Construction Ltd. has described the platform as its “best investment” of 2024, citing significant cost reductions and operational efficiencies. Another key feature that proves particularly valuable was the mismatch checker, which identifies discrepancies between quoted and invoiced prices. This seemingly simple yet highly effective tool has helped CMS Desk Clients save tens of thousands of pounds each month.

“The cost savings from this feature alone often offset expenses in other areas, giving firms a stronger financial position,” Mc Cready explains. CMS Desk’s modular structure allowed Kilmurray to implement only the necessary tools, reinforcing its practicality and adaptability.

Another standout innovation is the On-Site Selfie function, a timesheet management tool that allows workers to clock in and out via photo verification. By replacing paper-based timesheets, this feature minimises administrative errors and eliminates fraudulent entries.

Building on this success, CMS Desk introduced CMS On-Site, a mobile app featuring geolocation tracking, photo verification, and automated timesheet exports. These capabilities enhance workforce transparency, simplify compliance and improve project oversight, allowing contractors to focus on delivering high-quality outcomes.

An Industry-Driven Platform for the Future

CMS Desk remains committed to continuous innovation, ensuring the platform evolves in line with industry demands. A major development currently underway is the integration of AI-driven automation, designed to streamline administrative tasks and enhance data accuracy.

Launching in March 2025, the AI-powered update will automate the processing of key financial documents, including quotations, invoices, credit notes, and delivery receipts. By intelligently sorting and uploading these files directly from email, the system will significantly reduce manual workload, allowing contractors to allocate more resources to project execution. Regular updates and enhancements ensure CMS Desk remains a future-ready solution, reinforcing its value as an essential tool for construction professionals.

Collaboration drives CMS Desk’s success. Every feature undergoes rigorous real-world testing and is refined based on client feedback, ensuring it directly addresses industry challenges. This customer-centric approach and its commitment to innovation position CMS Desk as a comprehensive solution designed to simplify workflows, reduce costs and future-proof construction operations. A recent expansion into Europe, with warehouses in Poland, has further strengthened its value proposition for UK-based firms. By optimising material imports and reducing supply chain costs, this strategic move has provided clients with more cost-effective procurement options.

“Our mission has always been simple—to make life easier for contractors while saving them time and money,” Mc Cready concludes.

From its humble beginnings in the trenches of construction sites to its evolution into a leading software solution, CMS Desk’s story is a reminder that the best solutions often come from those closest to the problem.