The construction industry in India has been steadily incorporating various digital solutions and technologies.

Iesh Dixit, Founder & CEO, Powerplay

How are construction software and other soft solutions playing a major role in India?

The construction industry has been historically known for being slow to adopt new technologies, but with the rapid advancement of digital solutions, there has been a significant shift in this trend. Construction software and other soft solutions are now playing a major role in India, enabling construction companies to streamline their operations, reduce costs, and increase efficiency.

In the past, construction businesses relied heavily on traditional methods like pen and paper or spreadsheets to manage their projects, which were prone to errors and time-consuming. However, with the advent of construction software and other soft solutions, these tasks can now be performed seamlessly with just a few clicks.

These digital solutions have revolutionized the industry by allowing companies to manage their projects more effectively, reduce waste and improve project timelines.

What are the kinds of digital solutions and technologies adopted in construction and building projects?

The construction industry in India has been steadily incorporating various digital solutions and technologies to expedite their digital transformation journey. Some of the core software investments made by construction companies include Building Information Modelling (BIM), project management, enterprise resource planning (ERP), and client relationship management (CRM) tools. These solutions assist companies in streamlining their operations, enhancing communication between teams, and improving project delivery.

Additionally, construction enterprises are beginning to realize the benefits of investing in emerging digital technologies such as predictive analytics/big data, Internet of Things (IoT), and 3D printing. Predictive analytics and big data assist construction companies in analyzing project performance and identifying potential risks, allowing them to make informed decisions. The use of IoT in construction enables real-time monitoring of various project components such as temperature, humidity, and pressure, which aids in identifying and addressing issues as they arise. 3D printing, on the other hand, is used for creating customized building components, reducing waste and improving efficiency.

Overall, the construction industry in India is embracing digital solutions and technologies to enhance their operations, reduce costs, and deliver projects more efficiently.

What are the dedicated digital/software solutions for different types of infrastructure construction projects offered by the company? How are these solutions beneficial for customers?

Powerplay is a SaaS-based application designed for construction businesses that aims to facilitate the tracking and management of labour, materials, and work. It is available in multiple Indian languages, making it accessible to a wider audience. This software helps construction businesses avoid the tedious task of manually tracking daily details, which are traditionally done using pen and paper, WhatsApp, or Excel spreadsheets. By efficiently managing all on-site stakeholders, Powerplay helps reduce construction costs and time. It offers various features such as Geo Tagging, Org Level Dashboard, and support for Native Indian languages. The platform can be accessed through Android app, iOS app, and the Web browser.

One of the unique features of Powerplay is that it allows workers and supervisors to log their job data with multimedia proof and offers powerful analytics to assist them in planning their next phase of work. The startup uses a SaaS business model with free downloads and extra fees for each premium feature a user wants to use.

By adopting Powerplay, construction companies can improve their operational efficiency, reduce costs, and save time. The platform enables better collaboration between on-site stakeholders and provides real-time visibility into the construction project's progress. Powerplay's analytics and reporting features also allow construction businesses to gain insights into their operations, which can help them make data-driven decisions.

How prepared are infrastructure players and developers in adopting these technologies?

The construction industry in India has witnessed a significant shift in user behaviour in the past few years, particularly due to the pandemic, which has forced companies to be more tech-savvy. However, the pace at which construction companies are adopting digitalization is still slow. According to a study conducted by IDC, over 70% of companies in India are still in stages 1 and 2 of the digital transformation process, with only 3% successfully completing the journey.

The benefits of technology-enabled and data-driven construction are significant. If used wisely, it can lead to up to 50% less rework, up to 30% cost savings due to waste reduction, and up to 30% machine productivity and fuel savings. Therefore, it is essential for infrastructure players and developers in India to prioritize digital transformation to enhance their operations, improve project delivery, and reduce costs.

What is your outlook on soft technologies and digital solutions for the construction industry?

My outlook on soft technologies and digital solutions for the construction industry is positive. The construction industry has been slow to adopt technology in the past, but with the rise of construction tech, that is changing. With the availability of data at our fingertips through SaaS products, the industry can now make strategic investments in technology to improve project delivery, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.

One of the biggest challenges faced by construction companies is complying with RERA norms and delivering projects on time. Construction tech platforms that enable end-to-end material, labour, and task management can help construction companies adhere to these norms and deliver projects on time, while avoiding the cost and legal implications.

Moreover, SaaS-based construction management platforms and applications can solve the biggest pain point of small and medium construction companies, which is effectively tracking and managing materials, labour, and tasks. By using these tools, construction companies can reduce the risk of project delays and improve overall project management.

I believe that construction tech will play a significant role in the construction industry in the future. Real-time data analysis to make immediate decisions will be the key task of the construction industry. With smart construction tech products and services to manage site and business operations, construction companies can create the best projects in time and seamlessly sell them to customers, providing a positive experience.

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