Industry Trends & Market Outlook
IT Voice – What are the key trends shaping the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry in 2025?
Emerging technologies like AI, Machine Learning, and automation are transforming the AEC industry by enhancing efficiency and streamlining processes. Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) are improving design visualization and collaboration, enabling better decision-making throughout projects. Sustainability continues to drive industry change, with increased demand for green certifications, renewable materials, and energy-efficient designs. Combined with smart city initiatives, these trends are reshaping how projects are planned, constructed, and managed for a more sustainable and efficient future.
IT Voice – How do you see AI, automation, and digital twins evolving in construction technology?
Vijay Gupta – The construction industry is experiencing a transformative shift with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and digital twins. AI enhances design accuracy and optimizes resource allocation, leading to more efficient project planning. Automation, through robotics and drones, streamlines tasks such as site inspections and progress monitoring, boosting productivity and safety. Digital twins—dynamic digital replicas of physical assets—facilitate real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, improving decision-making throughout a project’s lifecycle. These technologies collectively promote smarter, more sustainable construction practices
IT Voice – What impact will government policies and smart city initiatives have on the industry?
Vijay Gupta – Government policies and smart city initiatives significantly influence the construction industry by promoting transparency, encouraging investment, and driving sustainable urban development.
In India, the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) of 2016 mandates project registration and disclosure of key details, enhancing consumer confidence and streamlining dispute resolution.
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), launched in 2015, aims to provide affordable housing through subsidies, boosting demand in the affordable housing segment and stimulating related construction activities.
The implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017 simplified the tax structure by consolidating multiple taxes, reducing construction costs, and increasing pricing transparency, thereby enhancing efficiency in the sector.
The Smart Cities Mission, initiated in 2015, focuses on developing 100 smart cities with advanced infrastructure and digital integration, creating opportunities for real estate investment and elevating urban living standards.
However, regulatory challenges persist. Complex approval processes and compliance costs can lead to project delays and increased expenses, particularly impacting small and medium-sized enterprises. Streamlining these processes is essential to foster growth and innovation within the industry.
In summary, while government policies and smart city initiatives have introduced reforms that enhance transparency and promote sustainable development, addressing regulatory complexities remains crucial to fully realize their benefits in the construction industry.
IT Voice – How is the industry responding to sustainability and net-zero construction?
Vijay Gupta – Construction industry is increasingly embracing sustainability and net-zero energy principles, driven by environmental concerns and economic incentives. A notable example is the Indira Paryavaran Bhawan in New Delhi, inaugurated in 2014 as India’s first net-zero building, featuring passive solar design and on-site renewable energy generation
The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) has been instrumental in promoting green building practices. Additionally, India’s steel ministry introduced a classification formula for ‘green steel’ based on carbon emissions per metric tonne of steel produced, aiming to decarbonize the steel industry.
India is exploring innovative solutions such as agrivoltaics, integrating solar panels with agriculture, and promoting rooftop solar installations. With continued collaboration among government bodies, industry stakeholders, and local communities, India aims to advance sustainable and net-zero construction practices, contributing to global climate objectives
SoftTech Engineers’ Plans for 2025
IT Voice – What are SoftTech Engineers’ key strategic priorities for 2025?
Vijay Gupta – Focus on making products work effortlessly with leading platforms while pushing the boundaries of AI technology. Adapt offerings to meet global needs, and strengthen connections through bold sales strategies and partnerships. Utilize smart analytics to guide decisions. Foster a strong brand, empower teams, and invest in people for sustained growth and innovation.
IT Voice – Are there any plans for geographical expansion or new market segments?
Vijay Gupta – Yes, we are expanding our reach and we have international presence in US, Europe, APAC Middle East & Africa.
IT Voice – How do you plan to strengthen partnerships with government agencies and private developers?
Vijay Gupta – To strengthen partnerships with government agencies and private developers, we plan to focus on collaboration, transparency, and innovation. Developing products and services that address the specific needs of government agencies and private developers, ensuring sustainable growth, green digital transformation and seamless integration and efficient operations.
IT Voice – What role will cloud computing and AI play in your future roadmap?
Vijay Gupta – Cloud computing and AI are central to our future roadmap, enabling innovation, scalability, and efficiency. Cloud computing provides adaptable infrastructure, enabling seamless collaboration and real-time access to data from anywhere. AI plays a key role in analyzing large datasets, delivering actionable insights, and automating repetitive tasks, thus improving productivity. These technologies also support the development of tailored solutions by understanding customer preferences and patterns. Additionally, cloud computing enhances sustainability by optimizing resource usage and minimizing environmental impact. Together, AI and cloud computing empower us to innovate and deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet evolving client needs and drive long-term growth.
Product Innovation & Development
IT Voice – What are the latest advancements in the Civit Suite that customers can expect?
Vijay Gupta – SoftTech is focused on global expansion through targeted market analysis, localized product adaptation, and strategic partnerships. By integrating cutting-edge technologies like BIM, IoT, and Digital Twins, we’ll enhance our solutions for diverse regions. Continuous research and innovation will drive product evolution, while localized branding and top-tier customer support will strengthen market presence. Our goal is to achieve sustained growth by expanding into key global markets and becoming a leader in digital AEC solutions
IT Voice – How is SoftTech leveraging AI and ML to improve efficiency in the construction lifecycle?
Vijay Gupta – We integrate the latest technologies, including Generative AI and Machine Learning, into our product development to meet changing industry needs and customer expectations. By promoting a forward-thinking mindset across our team, we encourage creative problem-solving and the adoption of cutting-edge solutions. This forward-looking approach allows us to adapt to dynamic market conditions, delivering advanced, AI-powered tools that exceed customer expectations and help them navigate the industry’s changing landscape.
IT Voice – Are there any upcoming product launches or major upgrades in 2025?
Vijay Gupta – Yes, we are working on innovative products, but it will not be appropriate to discuss it at this time.
IT Voice – How does your company balance innovation with cost-effectiveness for clients?
Vijay Gupta – We balance innovation with cost-effectiveness by leveraging advanced technology, AI, ML, and process innovation. AI and ML help us automate tasks, analyze complex data, and deliver impactful insights, reducing operational costs while enhancing efficiency. Cloud computing provides scalable solutions, enabling resource optimization and affordability. Our focus on process innovation ensures continuous improvement in workflows, delivering cutting-edge solutions while managing expenses. By customizing solutions to meet client needs and budgets, we align innovation with practicality. Sustainable practices and partnerships with technology leaders further help us achieve cost-effectiveness while staying innovative, ensuring value-driven outcomes for our clients in a competitive market.
