In an interview with Kajal Mehra from TimesTech, Seema Vakharia, COO of Xpedeon, shared how the company’s shift to a cloud-based SaaS model, AI and IoT integration, and ESG-focused solutions are transforming the construction industry. She also discussed adapting global practices to India’s challenges and teased future innovations in blockchain and voice-enabled ERP systems.
Read the full interview here:
TimesTech: How has Xpedeon’s shift to a cloud-based SaaS model strengthened your market position?
Seema: Xpedeon’s shift to a cloud-based SaaS model was a strategic decision aimed at modernising our software and staying competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Prior to March 2020, we operated on an on-premises system, mainly due to data security concerns in regions like India, the Middle East, and the UK, where businesses were hesitant to adopt cloud solutions. However, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital transformation and changed perceptions around cloud security. Recognising this shift, we transitioned to a cloud-native model between March 2020 and March 2021, ensuring that there were no layoffs during this period. Our remote teams executed a seamless migration, onboarding 50 clients and laying the groundwork for phasing out on-premises systems in the next two years.
This transition has significantly strengthened Xpedeon’s position in the market. As construction firms increasingly move away from on-premise solutions, we capitalised on this trend to enhance our ERP system, making it more accessible and adaptable. This move has set the stage for our global expansion into the US and Asia Pacific markets in 2024. By providing a cloud-based ERP solution tailored specifically for the construction industry, we’ve simplified adoption, improved accessibility, and reinforced our position as a leading technology partner in the sector.
TimesTech: How is Xpedeon using AI and machine learning to optimise resource allocation, scheduling, and risk management?
Seema: Xpedeon is at the forefront of utilising AI and machine learning to optimise key aspects like resource allocation, scheduling, and risk management. With the increasing adoption of AI, machine learning, agent-tech AI, and IoT-based ERP integrations, we are reshaping industry standards. Internally, we’ve integrated AI to enhance documentation, test case development, coding, and training processes. On the client side, the demand for AI-driven solutions is growing, and we’re leveraging AI to streamline processes such as invoice matching, along with other critical elements of the project-driven industry.
We’re also preparing to launch an advanced AI model in the coming months, with a vision to incorporate even more AI-driven efficiencies across the construction and project sectors in the near future.
TimesTech: How does IoT integration in Xpedeon’s ERP enhance the real-time tracking of materials, equipment, and workforce safety?
Seema: IoT integration is revolutionising the way construction projects are managed. At Xpedeon, we’ve successfully integrated IoT in key areas such as weighbridge systems, automatic daily logs for construction equipment, and RFID tracking of high-value goods. These integrations minimise human data entry, speed up access to critical information, and improve the reliability of data used for reporting.
By embedding IoT into our ERP system, we’ve increased the accuracy and timeliness of data, enhancing decision-making in real time. As we continue to explore and refine IoT capabilities, we aim to bring even more tangible business benefits to the Engineering & Construction (E&C) industry, particularly in optimising resource use and ensuring safety.
TimesTech: How does Xpedeon help construction firms balance ESG goals with cost efficiency?
Seema: Xpedeon enables construction firms to balance Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals with cost efficiency by eliminating data silos and optimising resource management. This not only reduces material wastage but also improves operational efficiency. Our platform provides real-time insights and predictive analytics that help businesses make better decisions to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining profitability.
Through comprehensive carbon footprint reporting, we offer a complete solution for managing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at both the project and organisational levels. This allows businesses to track and control their emissions across all three scopes defined by the GHG protocol. Additionally, Xpedeon’s digital transformation stack helps to eliminate paper-based processes, supporting sustainability initiatives by reducing paper usage. With real-time data, our platform also helps reduce construction waste by ensuring firms purchase only what’s needed and by efficiently tracking surplus and scrap materials for proper disposal or reuse.
TimesTech: How do you adapt global best practices to address India’s unique construction challenges?
In India, we face unique construction challenges that require adapting global best practices to the local context. One significant challenge is managing extensive documentation, such as health and safety forms, incident reports, and inspections. While Western markets focus on compliance and regulatory frameworks for document management, the real issue lies in converting this data into actionable insights. AI plays a critical role here, processing large volumes of information to identify risks and enable corrective measures.
Additionally, the dynamic nature of construction projects and the frequent turnover of workers complicate the integration of new staff into corporate processes. There is also a disconnect between on-site operations and corporate-level reporting, often leading to data inconsistencies. To address these issues, Xpedeon integrates mobile apps, portals, and other technologies to create a unified platform that ensures seamless communication and real-time access to data across all project sites.
TimesTech: What’s next for Xpedeon in AI-driven automation, blockchain, and voice-enabled ERP solutions?
Seema: Looking ahead, Xpedeon is committed to advancing AI-driven automation with solutions that go beyond traditional chatbots to drive real improvements in efficiency and productivity. Our ongoing R&D efforts are focused on AI use cases that directly impact customer workflows, such as improving project management, cost estimation, and decision-making in construction. In the next 18 to 24 months, we also plan to leverage advancements in telecom bandwidth to optimise AI-powered site communications, enhancing the overall efficiency of construction operations.
In addition, Xpedeon is exploring blockchain applications to ensure secure, transparent project data management. This includes tamper-proof contracts, payments, and compliance tracking. Furthermore, we’re incorporating voice-enabled ERP solutions to automate on-site data entry and decision-making with simple voice commands, improving user experience and accessibility. As we expand internationally, we will continue to deliver cutting-edge solutions to meet the evolving needs of the construction industry.
