Pivoting Construction Industry Through Digital Innovation: Xpedeon’s Story

Janak Vakharia, CEO and Founder of Xpedeon since 1994, has steered the company from inception to a globally recognized ERP solutions provider. Under his leadership, Xpedeon successfully transitioned from a traditional licensing model to a profitable Cloud/SaaS platform, driving significant growth through strategic market expansion and technological innovation. With three decades of industry experience, Janak has played a pivotal role in expanding Xpedeon’s presence in the GCC, UK, and Ireland, while currently focusing on scaling operations across the US, EU, and Asia-Pacific. 

He oversees strategic planning, revenue growth, and operational efficiency, all while fostering a high-performance global team. Janak holds a B.Sc. in Computer Science and is an alumnus of the Stanford Seed Transformation Program. Beyond the boardroom, he is an avid badminton player, Western classical pianist, scuba diver, and tech enthusiast. In this exclusive interview to CiOL, he shares insights into Xpedeon’s journey, growth strategy, and what lies ahead for the construction industry.

Xpedeon has been around for over three decades—how has the company evolved over time, and what are some of the major inflection points in your journey?

Founded in 1995, Xpedeon has long been at the forefront of driving digital transformation within the construction and engineering management sectors. From our early days in 1998, when we expanded into the Dubai Gulf Territory, to our 2002 entry into the UK and Ireland markets, we've continually broadened our reach. A pivotal moment was the launch of our comprehensive ERP solution suite in 2006, tailored to the unique needs of the construction industry. The introduction of mobility solutions in 2013 brought real-time project tracking to the forefront, significantly enhancing operational efficiency.   

Our transition to a cloud-based SaaS platform between 2020 and 2021 marked a milestone in scalability and flexibility, empowering construction firms globally to enhance their operations. This shift was driven by the need for greater digital resilience and security, coupled with the industry's increasing reliance on cloud solutions. The Series A funding from Norwest Venture Partners in 2022 further fueled our commitment to innovation, with a focus on AI-driven automation, IoT integration, and expanding our footprint into Saudi Arabia. Today, Xpedeon continues to lead with cutting-edge solutions that foster efficiency, collaboration, and profitability across the construction industry.

How is construction as a vertical different, what are the unique differentiators, and how are you playing out in this industry with digital interventions?

The construction industry presents unique challenges, including fragmented workflows, complex supply chains, and fluctuating project demands, all of which require specialized solutions. Unlike other sectors, construction demands an integrated system that can unify financial management, procurement, project execution, and workforce coordination. Xpedeon stands apart by offering a fully cloud-based, end-to-end ERP solution that breaks down data silos and enhances collaboration across project teams.

Our platform provides real-time insights into every aspect of a project, enabling teams to monitor progress, optimize resource allocation, and make informed decisions. By leveraging AI, IoT, and automation, Xpedeon streamlines critical processes such as resource management, scheduling, risk assessment, and invoice matching—ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in alignment with sustainability goals. We’re committed to transforming construction operations by providing innovative solutions that drive efficiency, mitigate risks, and enhance profitability.

Can you give a sense of ERP adoption trends in construction and the benefits firms are accruing?

ERP adoption in the construction industry is experiencing rapid growth as organizations seek more integrated, data-driven solutions. Traditional, siloed legacy systems no longer meet the demands of modern construction projects, which require real-time data, robust collaboration, and efficient resource management. Xpedeon’s cloud-native ERP solution addresses these challenges by centralizing project data and automating workflows to improve efficiency and decision-making.

Let's look at the key benefits:

• Real-Time Project Tracking: Our dashboards provide instant access to key metrics, allowing stakeholders to track progress and adjust strategies as needed.

• Optimized Resource Allocation: AI-driven scheduling ensures resources are used efficiently, reducing downtime and project delays.

• Cost Control: Automation of procurement and invoice matching reduces operational costs and ensures accuracy.

• Sustainability and ESG: Our built-in ESG reporting tools help companies align with sustainability goals while maintaining profitability.
  As construction firms continue to embrace digital transformation, Xpedeon’s ERP solution is helping them achieve greater agility, operational efficiency, and long-term growth.

You raised Series A funding—how is that fueling your next phase of growth?

Xpedeon’s Series A funding from Norwest Venture Partners in 2022 has been a critical enabler of our growth strategy. The funding has allowed us to expand our footprint in key global markets, including the GCC, UK, Ireland, and India, and establish a new office in Saudi Arabia. Beyond geographic expansion, the investment has fueled advancements in AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies, ensuring we remain at the cutting edge of the construction tech industry.
With this backing, we are accelerating R&D in areas such as AI-driven risk management, process automation, and the development of voice-enabled ERP solutions. These innovations will further enhance operational efficiency, data accuracy, and real-time decision-making on construction sites. As we continue to innovate, we are committed to delivering solutions that help the construction industry thrive in a digital-first world.

If you had to bet on one game-changing trend in construction tech, what would it be—like how AI is redefining this space?

The game-changing trend in construction tech is undoubtedly the convergence of AI, automation, and cloud-based ERP solutions. These technologies are reshaping how construction firms operate—enabling smarter decision-making, optimizing workflows, and enhancing collaboration. With the vast amounts of data generated in construction, AI-driven analytics is revolutionizing the industry by providing predictive insights and automating key processes like scheduling and risk management.

Xpedeon is at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging AI to optimize project delivery in real-time. Our AI-powered scheduling tools improve resource allocation, while IoT-enabled tracking offers better visibility into the movement of materials and equipment. Additionally, AI-driven, voice-enabled ERP systems make data entry easier and more intuitive on-site, improving efficiency and accuracy. Together with blockchain for secure, transparent contract management, these innovations position Xpedeon as a leader in driving digital transformation within construction.