Our focus is to help the AEC industry move in the direction of digital transformation.

At StrategicERP, our chief objective is to provide top-notch service to customers.

- Ashvin Gami, Managing Director, StrategicERP

StrategicERP is the software platform for start-to-end process automation, information management system customized for real estate, construction & infrastructure industry. The ERP software developed by IIT professionals, equipped with artificial intelligence, integrates the complex business process across all the departments and provides synergy and improves the adaptability of employees in using the modern ERP software. Ashvin Gami, Managing Director at StrategicERP shares his views on the scope and potential of ERP systems in redefining the AEC industry. Excerpts from the interview…

Could you enlighten us on the core strengths and competencies of StrategicERP? 

StrategicERP leverages the power of the latest technologies of today's world to help businesses achieve process excellence and maximised productivity and profitability. We help businesses to fully automate their operations, thereby reducing human errors and increasing efficiency. StrategicERP's vast experience in the construction industry gives us insight into the field that has enabled us to build IT solutions that are tailor-made for the construction industry which optimise finance activities and help improve schedule and budget compliance.

What is the scope and potential of ERP systems in redefining the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry?

Our focus is to help the AEC industry move in the direction of digital transformation. We want to enable a paperless (paper-free) environment for them in order to increase efficiency by reducing human error, saving time, reducing man-hours consumed in paperwork, reducing harm to the environment, saving storage space, and achieving better cost-efficiency. We wish to put the AEC industry on a path which will increase the use of digital reports, thereby facilitating increased use of features such as dashboards and automated reporting which will aid in leveraging business intelligence.

Why should a company opt for ERP solutions, and why should they come to StrategicERP?

Simply put, ERP solutions are a must for modern businesses. An ERP solution provides a centralised system for planning and managing all elements of a business. It not only streamlines all essential functions to achieve process excellence but also leverages information to provide a competitive edge. Additionally, it optimises productivity and provides improved cost efficiency. In the extremely competitive business world of 2020, ERP is not an option, but a necessity.

At StrategicERP, our chief objective is to provide top-notch service to customers. Not only do we develop advanced IT solutions that help our clients leverage the power of technology and maximise their output, but we also guide our clients through various stages of software selection and implementation by educating them and enable them to make informed decisions.

What are the core breakthrough technologies in ERP solutions? And how important is selecting the right ERP solution and how do you ensure the same?

The most prominent breakthrough technologies in ERP are Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data Analytics, and Cloud Technology.

Selecting the right solution is undoubtedly one of the most crucial factors in determining the success of ERP. As I mentioned earlier, at StrategicERP, we guide our clients through various stages of software selection and implementation by educating them and enable them to make informed decisions.

It is also important for businesses to research and educate themselves about ERP solutions and understand what is the right fit for their specific business needs. Also, it is best to seek advice from experts.

To what extent the AEC industry has started appreciating and adapting to ERP solutions? What are the challenges here?

I would say that while a good part of the AEC industry does understand the importance of ERP solutions, the industry is still in the process of completely appreciating all the goodness that ERP solutions have to offer.

The biggest challenge would perhaps be insufficient awareness and knowledge about ERP solutions in the industry. Not enough decision-makers study and educate themselves about the latest capabilities and features of ERP solutions to understand the importance of choosing a well-endowed solution.

How important is the training of the workforce in this area? What are the steps initiated from your side?

We believe that a software product is only as effective as its usage. This is why we assign high importance to training programs to help users get the best out of StrategicERP products. With high-quality content created by expert trainers, we ensure that programs can benefit different user groups such as developers, end-users, and process managers.

We actually provide different types of training to ensure user draw maximum value from our products. We provide role-based training to train various members of the organization in the fundamental functionalities that would be useful for their job role and also specialised training for admins, Top management user, IT managers and other super users. There is much more to our sophisticated training program which would take too long to describe in its entirety.

Please brief us on the solution provided by StrategicERP, specifically for the AEC industry?

StrategicERP offers a wide array of services including tendering, oroposal building, budgeting, execution, scheduling, procurement, contract management, inventory management, human resource management, financial management and statutory management.

As technology is fast evolving, so are the business processes. How this scenario has impacted ERP systems to grow at the same pace?

ERP systems are no longer monolithic systems but have become a combination of multiple applications with different strengths and competencies.

How the advent of AI and mobile app development services has had a positive influence on the upgrade of ERP systems?  

Simplicity is the key to success in the construction industry. Mobile apps and AI make things easier and simpler for users. Mobile apps not only give users the ability to access the system anytime and anywhere enabling them to stay connected on the go; but also saves time and removes duplication and other human errors. Mobile apps also provide customers the option of self-service, helping them become self-reliant. Cloud, Mobile, Analytics and AI will design the future landscape of ERP.

How do you assess ERP users switching over to Cloud? 

In this digital age of business, Cloud is the future as it provides unlimited computing resources needed for AI and analytics. Add to that the cost benefits, mobility, flexibility, disaster recovery, geographic advantage, and easier updates; and cloud service will be of enormous value. In time, businesses are sure to see the advantage of Cloud computing and start switching to it.

How do you assess the trends towards personalization than customization of ERP?

Customisation and personalisation is an immense advantage. It is an advantage that is essential for businesses who wish to stay ahead of the rest of the competition. IT departments are taking over the development and customization of ERP instead of outsourcing and high-end developers. But, specialisation is a virtue that can never be overlooked.

How do you look at the scope of integration of blockchain with ERP? 

This will certainly help, but in order for it to be completely fruitful; more measures by the government are still required. GST is definitely one step closer to the blockchain, but there is still time before we can see effective integration of blockchain with ERP.

Could you also brief us on the R&D efforts? What are the new solutions you are excited about?

Our R&D team consists of Bombay IITians who use sophisticated techniques such as Rapid Application Development. Our team is constantly developing new features and functionalities to add more advancements to our products as well as improve client experience and customer service. Our team also regularly develops CSR solutions and other apps and solutions in the interest of public welfare. Our latest such development was the Corontine App which was designed to help the authorities monitor the movements of asymptomatic carriers of the Coronavirus and warn people when they come in proximity of such carriers.

We are also currently developing functionalities with libraries for BoQs (Bill of Quantities) so that budgets can be managed more efficiently and fast creation of project schedules. We have also recently developed our Project Portfolio Management app native to iOS and Android OS which will enable our clients to stay on top of their projects on the go at all times. We have also developed a File Management solution recently which can be used as a repository by consultants and contractors. It also has advanced authentication protocol and functionalities for enhanced collaboration.

How do you foresee the future trends, especially in the post Covid-19 era?

I believe that the greatest trend is going to be an aggressive focus on digital transformation and remote working situations. As we all are aware that the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the business world and changed normal business as we know it. It will be quite a while before things go back to the way they were. And during this time, businesses will need to prepare themselves well to ensure they are equipped with remote working capabilities so that business will not be impeded due to physical hindrances. The post-Covid-19 era is going to change business philosophy and encourage businesses to be more technologically forward and move towards digital transformation.

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