Janak Vakharia, CEO, Xpedeon, highlights how Xpedeon’s ERP platform boosts productivity by unifying procurement, inventory, and plant management—enabling real-time insights, better collaboration, and smarter resource use.

In an era where infrastructure projects are growing in scale and complexity, construction companies can no longer afford fragmented systems and guesswork-driven decisions. The future of manufacturing and construction lies in integrated digital ecosystems that offer real-time visibility, smarter resource utilisation and seamless interdepartmental collaboration. In this exclusive conversation, Janak Vakharia, CEO of Xpedeon, delves into how the platform empowers teams with live data, streamlines workflows and drives cost-effective execution across the construction and manufacturing value chain.

How does Xpedeon’s integrated ERP platform help streamline operations?
Xpedeon’s construction-specific ERP platform integrates procurement, inventory, and plant management through a unified and process-oriented approach. Designed for the construction and infrastructure sectors, the platform eliminates the inefficiencies of disconnected systems by offering real-time coordination and seamless data flow across departments.
By embedding workflows that link procurement activities with inventory balances and equipment scheduling, Xpedeon helps maintain optimal material availability, reduce wastage, and enhance operational efficiency. The platform allows teams to plan better, track movement, and align supply with on-site demand—helping businesses complete projects on time and within budget.

How does real-time data from Xpedeon assist manufacturers?
Xpedeon provides manufacturers and construction stakeholders with real-time visibility into operations such as material usage, project status, and plant and equipment performance. This live data accessibility helps teams respond quickly to changes in site conditions, material shortages, or equipment downtime. The platform connects various functions, ensuring data is always current and accessible through dashboards and role-specific views. This transparency supports faster, more informed decision-making, helping to control costs and maintain project timelines. Teams benefit from up-to-date insights that reduce the likelihood of miscommunication and operational delays.

How does Xpedeon’s software facilitate seamless collaboration?
Xpedeon fosters cross-functional collaboration by connecting departments such as engineering, procurement, finance, and site teams on a single digital platform. Its integrated system provides a common data environment that supports consistent and reliable project tracking.
Features like role-based dashboards, document workflows, and system-generated alerts enable better communication and accountability. Office and site teams can coordinate activities more effectively, reducing rework and friction. The platform’s cloud-based nature ensures that information flows securely and instantly across multiple locations, supporting collaboration regardless of geography.

How does the Xpedeon platform contribute to cost control and improved resource utilisation?
Xpedeon’s ERP supports cost management by offering tools that help organisations track resource allocation and control procurement and plant operations. Its integrated costing features allow businesses to monitor actual spending against budgets, while its inventory and plant modules help avoid over-purchasing or underutilisation of resources. By centralising key functions, the platform reduces duplication and supports better planning. Users can access insights into supplier performance, plant deployment, and stock consumption to make more strategic procurement and resource decisions. These capabilities lead to leaner operations and more efficient use of labour, materials, and machinery.

What role does Xpedeon’s solution play in enhancing compliance and quality assurance for manufacturers?
Xpedeon embeds quality and compliance monitoring within its workflows, allowing companies to align with industry standards and internal policies. The system supports documentation, tracking, and approval processes for inspections, audits, and site quality checks. Through its digital workflows,
the platform enables better control over project deliverables and material approvals. Historical data and document traceability assist with audits and ensure that compliance requirements are met consistently. This approach improves accountability and supports quality outcomes in high-stakes construction environments.

How are you preparing to meet the evolving technological needs of manufacturers?
Xpedeon is continuously enhancing its ERP platform with a focus on scalability, usability,
and responsiveness to industry demands. With a modular and mobile-ready architecture, it allows construction and infrastructure companies to adapt quickly to changes in project scope, regulations, and workforce dynamics. The platform’s cloud-based delivery ensures accessibility and security, while its configurable workflows allow businesses to tailor processes to their needs. Xpedeon is also focused on sustainability and long-term resilience, helping clients modernise operations without disrupting their core workflows.

Raunak Singh Chatha, Business Development Manager, Alfa Therm, in conversation with Kanika Mathur about transforming waste into energy with cutting-edge shredding solutions.

Advanced shredding technology is playing a pivotal role in sustainable waste management in the cement industry. Technology-led companies are providing innovative solutions for alternative fuel processing. One such organisation is Alfa Therm, a leading engineering company with over 35 years of expertise. Ronak Singh Chaddha, Business Development Manager, takes us through their tailored industrial solutions that are designed to meet the unique challenges of waste handling and emissions control, in this interesting interaction.

How is Alfa Therm contributing to sustainable waste management and recycling in the cement industry through its advanced shredding?
Alfa Therm is a 35-year-old engineering company based in Gurugram, Haryana. Through its advanced shredding technology, Alfa Therm serves as a one-stop solution for the fuelling requirements of the largest cement groups in the country, and we are currently fulfilling this role successfully. With our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, we ensure the highest quality standards and precision in our industrial solutions. Our manufacturing team comprises over 200 skilled professionals, supported by a highly advanced design team that helps us tailor our products to meet the unique needs of various industries.
Our product range includes incinerators for biomedical waste management, compost machines for organic waste processing, and shredders for producing alternative fuels. The most recent addition to Alfa Therm’s portfolio is pommels and material recycling facilities, which facilitate bio-remediation and land reclamation projects. These projects have been successfully executed across several sites in Delhi and the NCR region.
By combining engineering excellence with innovative technology, Alfa Therm continues to set high standards in sustainable waste management and recycling, making a positive impact on the cement industry and beyond.

With your state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, how does Alfa Therm ensure the highest quality standards and precision in its industrial solutions?
We have a manufacturing team of over 200 skilled professionals, supported by a highly advanced design team that helps us tailor our products to suit the specific needs of various industries.
Our offerings include incinerators for biomedical waste management, compost machines for organic feed processing, and shredders for producing alternative fuels. Currently, the most recent addition to AlfaTherm’s portfolio is pommels and material recycling facilities, which facilitate bio-remediation and land reclamation projects. AlfaTherm has successfully carried out these projects across multiple sites in Delhi and the
NCR region.

How does your expertise in processing materials like e-waste, rubber, and hazardous waste benefit the cement industry’s AFR strategies?
I would say that our greatest strength in processing materials like e-waste, rubber and hazardous waste lies in our extensive experience. The very first shredder we installed dates back to 1999, and it was assembled by my grandfather. Since then, AlfaTherm has had the privilege of working with a variety of industries across the country, including the tyre industry, the pharmaceutical sector, infrastructure, paper and pulp, and most recently, the cement industry over the last 6-7 years.
Over this period, AlfaTherm has gained valuable experience in processing diverse materials, which has helped us understand their potential. What may appear as regular waste material today could very well become a key resource to power an entire industry in the future. Our experience has allowed us to identify and harness this potential, giving us a significant edge in supporting the cement industry’s alternative fuel and raw material strategies.

What are the key innovations Alfa Therm has introduced in shredding and waste processing?
For cement manufacturers, innovation in shredding and waste processing is critical to enhancing efficiency and sustainability. However, as an engineering company, we believe that true innovation doesn’t emerge in isolation. It requires a thorough understanding of the market and the unique needs of the industry. We don’t just create solutions and hope they get adopted; we design solutions that industries are eager to embrace because they address real, pressing challenges.
Specifically for cement manufacturers, we focus on alternative fuels and raw materials (AFRs), particularly in the form of refuse-derived fuels (RDF). With India targeting its net-zero goal by 2070, cement plants—being some of the largest carbon emitters—must urgently adapt. This is where AlfaTherm plays a crucial role.
Our solutions empower cement manufacturers to enhance power generation and fuel efficiency. The largest cement groups in the country consume around 100-200 tonnes of fuel per day. Among our clients, some have managed to fulfill 15 per cent of their daily fueling needs through RDF. A few have achieved 20 per cent to 25 per cent, and we are proud to support some that have reached as high as 30 per cent of their daily fuel requirements through alternative fuels like RDF instead of conventional fossil fuels.
Our approach is to create machinery that not only addresses today’s requirements but also sets a foundation for the industry’s future. By developing advanced shredding and processing technology for RDF, we aim to make sustainable practices more accessible, efficient and impactful across the cement industry.

How does Alfa Therm customise its solutions to meet the specific challenges faced by cement plants?
When it comes to waste handling and emissions control, the biggest factors we consider are the capacities at which cement plants operate and the sources from which they procure their alternative fuels. These aspects play a crucial role in determining the customisation required for each cement plant.
For instance, if we consider RDF, it is essentially a grade of plastic. However, the quality and composition of RDF in the northern regions of India differ significantly from what is available in Tamil Nadu. As a result, the processing techniques required to handle these varying grades of RDF also differ.
At AlfaTherm, our manufacturing facility and dedicated design team ensure that our shredding solutions are tailored to the specific requirements of each cement plant, no matter where it is located in the country. Suppose a cement group has a daily requirement of 200 tonnes of RDF and sources its plastic waste locally in Tamil Nadu. In that case, our extensive research and experience over the past 6-7 years enable us to determine the precise level of treatment that this southern grade of RDF needs compared to a northern grade.
Additionally, we incorporate dust removal and ash handling systems to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, making the process as clean and sustainable as possible. Our goal at AlfaTherm is to continue being a one-stop solution for power plants across the country. Today, we serve the cement industry, but we hope to expand our expertise to more industries in the future.

Kamlesh Jain, Managing Director, Elastocon, discusses how the brand delivers high-performance, customised conveyor belt solutions for demanding industries like cement, mining, and logistics, while embracing innovation, automation, and sustainability.

In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, efficient material handling isn’t just a necessity—it’s a competitive advantage. As industries such as mining, cement, steel and logistics push for higher productivity, automation, and sustainability, the humble conveyor belt has taken on a mission-critical role. In this exclusive interview, Kamlesh Jain, Managing Director, Elastocon, discusses how the company is innovating for tougher terrains, smarter systems and a greener tomorrow.

Brief us about your company – in terms of its offerings, manufacturing facilities, and the key end-user industries it serves.
Elastocon, a flagship brand of the Royal Group, is a trusted name in the conveyor belt manufacturing industry. Under the brand name ELASTOCON, the company produces both open-end and endless belts, offering tailor-made solutions to some of the most demanding sectors such as cement, steel, power, mining, fertiliser, and logistics. Every belt is meticulously engineered—from fabric selection to material composition—to ensure optimal performance in tough working conditions. With advanced manufacturing facilities and strict quality protocols, Elastocon continues to deliver high-performance conveyor solutions designed for durability, safety, and efficiency.

How is the group addressing the needs for efficient material handling?
Efficient material handling is the backbone of any industrial operation. At Elastocon, our engineering philosophy revolves around creating belts that deliver consistent performance, long operational life, and minimal maintenance. We focus on key performance parameters such as tensile strength, abrasion resistance, tear strength, and low elongation at working tension. Our belts are designed to offer superior bonding between plies and covers, which directly impacts their life and reliability. We also support clients
with maintenance manuals and technical advice, helping them improve their system’s productivity and reduce downtime.

How critical are conveyor belts in ensuring seamless material handling?
Conveyor belts are a vital link in the supply chain across industries. In sectors like mining, cement, steel, and logistics, they facilitate the efficient movement of materials and help maintain uninterrupted production flows. At Elastocon, we recognise the crucial role of belts in minimising breakdowns and increasing plant uptime. Our belts are built to endure abrasive, high-temperature, or high-load environments. We also advocate proper system maintenance, including correct belt storage, jointing, roller alignment, and idler checks, to ensure smooth and centered belt movement, reducing operational interruptions.

What are the key market and demand drivers for the conveyor belt industry?
The growth of the conveyor belt industry is closely tied to infrastructure development, increased automation, and the push for higher operational efficiency. As industries strive to reduce labor dependency and improve productivity, there is a growing demand for advanced material handling systems. Customers today seek not just reliability, but also cost-effectiveness and technical superiority in the belts they choose. Enhanced product aesthetics and innovation in design are also becoming significant differentiators. These trends are pushing manufacturers to evolve continuously, and Elastocon is leading the way with customer-centric product development.

How does Elastocon address the diverse and evolving requirements of these sectors?
Our strength lies in offering a broad and technically advanced product portfolio that serves various industries. For general-purpose applications, our M24 and DINX/W grade belts offer excellent abrasion resistance, especially for RMHS and cement plants. For high-temperature operations, we provide HR and SHR T2 grade belts, as well as our flagship PYROCON and PYROKING belts, which can withstand extreme heat—up to 250°C continuous and even 400°C peak—thanks to advanced EPM polymers.
We also cater to sectors with specialised needs. For fire-prone environments like underground mining, we offer fire-resistant belts certified to IS 1891 Part V, ISO 340, and MSHA standards. Our OR-grade belts are designed for oil and chemical resistance, making them ideal for fertiliser and chemical industries. In high-moisture applications like food and agriculture, our MR-grade belts ensure optimal performance. This diverse range enables us to meet customer-specific challenges with precision and efficiency.

What core advantages does Elastocon offer that differentiate it from competitors?
Elastocon stands out due to its deep commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Every belt is customised to the client’s requirements, supported by a strong R&D foundation that keeps us aligned with global standards and trends. Our customer support doesn’t end at product delivery—we provide ongoing technical assistance and after-sales service that help clients maximise the value of their investments. Moreover, our focus on compliance and certifications ensures our belts meet stringent national and international safety and performance standards, giving customers added confidence.

How is Elastocon gearing up to meet its customers’ evolving needs?
We are conscious of the shift towards greener and smarter manufacturing practices. Elastocon is embracing sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient manufacturing techniques. In parallel, we are developing belts that seamlessly integrate with automated systems and smart industrial platforms. Our vision is to make our products not just high-performing but also future-ready—aligned with global sustainability goals and compatible with emerging technologies in industrial automation and predictive maintenance.

What trends do you foresee shaping the future of the conveyor belt industry?
The conveyor belt industry is undergoing a significant transformation. As Industry 4.0 principles gain traction, we expect to see widespread adoption of smart belts equipped with sensors for real-time monitoring, diagnostics, and predictive maintenance. The demand for recyclable materials and sustainable designs will continue to grow. Furthermore, industry-specific customisation will increasingly replace standardisation, and belts will be expected to do more than just transport material—they will be integrated into intelligent production systems. Elastocon is already investing in these future-focused areas to stay ahead of the curve.