Generative AI Enhances Enterprise Project Performance

Hexagon has released EcoSys 9.4, introducing an embedded generative AI assistant that allows project teams to interact directly with enterprise project data using natural language. The update extends the EcoSys Enterprise Project Performance platform from structured reporting and controls toward an AI-supported project intelligence environment aimed at large, data-intensive capital programs.

AI-driven access to project performance data
At the core of EcoSys 9.4 is HxGN Alix, a generative AI chat assistant integrated into the platform. Alix enables users to query schedules, costs, forecasts and performance indicators conversationally, without navigating multiple dashboards or exporting data. The assistant operates on EcoSys’ existing project lifecycle dataset, which typically aggregates cost, schedule, risk and change data across portfolios of complex projects.

The technical relevance lies in reducing latency between data availability and decision-making. Instead of manual data extraction or report configuration, project controls engineers and managers can request contextual insights directly, such as explanations for cost variances, schedule deviations or emerging risk trends, based on live project data.

Automation and workflow support in project controls
EcoSys 9.4 uses AI not only for data retrieval but also to automate routine project controls activities. Reporting, status checks and data lookups can be handled by the AI assistant, allowing teams to focus on exception management and corrective actions. The system leverages tools-based AI methods that enable the model to interact with structured datasets and predefined business workflows rather than operating as a standalone text interface.

From a governance perspective, Alix operates within the same permission framework as the user. The assistant can only access data already authorized for that role, ensuring compliance with enterprise data security and confidentiality requirements. Project data is not shared externally or used to train the underlying AI models.

Relevance for large-scale industrial and infrastructure projects
Enterprise Project Performance platforms such as EcoSys are typically used in capital-intensive sectors including energy, chemicals, mining, transportation and large infrastructure. These environments involve multi-year programs, thousands of cost accounts and frequent changes driven by engineering, procurement and construction activities.

By enabling conversational access to this data, EcoSys 9.4 addresses a common bottleneck in project governance: the gap between data collection and actionable insight. The approach supports earlier identification of deviations and more consistent decision-making across geographically distributed teams, which is increasingly critical as projects scale in size and complexity.

Platform evolution and roadmap context
EcoSys 9.4 reflects Hexagon’s broader strategy to embed AI across its Asset Lifecycle Intelligence portfolio, with HxGN Alix expected to expand into additional asset and operations domains. The release also aligns with Hexagon’s planned Octave spin-off, which will consolidate software and SaaS assets focused on industrial analytics, digital engineering and AI-enabled decision support.

In this context, EcoSys 9.4 represents a shift from static project performance management toward an interactive, AI-assisted project ecosystem, where enterprise data can be queried, interpreted and acted upon in near real time within established governance frameworks.