Japanese Innovators Entering ASEAN: Aldagram

Aldagram, a Japanese tech company, tackles project complexities in construction and real estate with their user-friendly cloud platform, KANNA. KANNA centralizes project data, allowing mobile on-site data capture and real-time progress visualization, all designed to empower professionals with data-driven insights for efficient decision-making. Their focus on user-friendliness ensures accessibility for all, streamlining workflows and reducing paper reliance, making KANNA a key tool for enhanced project execution in these non-desk work industries. With that, why don’t you join me in learning more about Aldagram with its Head of Business Development, Shinji Ito.

Given your extensive career experiences, what has led you to be part of Aldagram? 

I used to work for a traditional Japanese company called Sysmex, which manufactured medical devices. I worked there for 5 years and quit to move to Spain to learn about business administration. Afterwards, I became an Associate for McKinsey & Company, which is a U.S. based consulting firm. I spent 2-3 years in the company and wanted to learn more about entrepreneurship. This was why I wanted to join a fast-paced startup: to learn everything from the ground up. This is why I am here today.

What is Aldagram and what is its mission and vision?

At Aldagram, our mission is to revolutionize the construction industry, and it all starts with the incredible talent – the craftspeople who make it happen. We see firsthand how their skills and experience are vital, but we also recognize that outdated systems are holding them back. That's why we're here. We believe technology can be a powerful tool, not a replacement. Our vision is to build a sustainable and productive platform that empowers craftspeople. By streamlining those clunky processes, we want to unlock their full potential and let them truly shine. In our world, talent is valued, and that leads to a brighter future for everyone.

Even our name reflects this mission. ‘Aldagram’ is a combination of "Alder," a symbol of growth and life, and "Diagram," representing technology. We see ourselves as the strong foundation.

KANNA is your flagship project management software. Can you elaborate on the specific functionalities it offers to address challenges in the construction and real estate industries?

As of the moment, most of our clients use Excel or other software to create their schedules. Apart from this, there are multiple back-and-forths when it comes to communication. For example, when project managers need to get approval or revisions from their clients and it takes multiple days using different communication apps. It is very inefficient. Sometimes data is lost in translation.

KANNA is a cloud-based platform that clients can utilize through their laptops or mobile phones so that every member in the management hierarchy can track and monitor schedules. Apart from this, files can also be uploaded and downloaded by any member, saving greater time and fostering more visibility and transparency in the team. All the product information is tracked and shared in real time.  

The construction and real estate industries traditionally rely on paper-based workflows. How does KANNA encourage businesses to adopt a digital project management approach?

We approach companies who are aware of the issues they have when it comes to the traditional management approach. Apart from this, we also advocate for the benefits of going digital with KANNA, doubling down on why the traditional project management approach is no longer viable in this day and age. We know it will take time, most especially since a lot of traditional companies are used to this kind of workflow. But hopefully in the near future, everyone will be using a digital management approach just like KANNA.

What are some of the key differentiators between KANNA and other project management software solutions in the market?

Compared to Construction Management Software, we are very flexible and easy to use. In fact, we are rated 4.5 stars in the app store. Everyone and anyone can use KANNA. Another strength we have is that clients can use KANNA on-the-go as long as they have their phones. Whenever they are on the field, they can use KANNA to upload, update, track, and monitor projects.  

Does Aldagram plan to offer additional software solutions beyond KANNA to cater to a broader range of needs within the construction and related industries?

We are about to release a new product that is still under the KANNA software.  

Shinji is the Head of Business Development of Aldagram. He plays a crucial role in driving the company’s growth and success through market expansion, building partnerships, and leading sales and revenue generation among others. As seen in him, Shinji is passionate about digitalizing the obsolete ways of tracking and monitoring projects in the real estate industry.  

Visit www.techshake.asia if you would like to know and connect more with Aldagram.