Facilitating connectivity through IT

An entrepreneur, who sequentially founded companies like Telcon and PervasiveOne Solutions Limited, holds a master degree in computer applications and has also led to the birth of ValueFirst in 2003 in India. ValueFirst helps its clients to communicate between various IT back–end systems and mobile phones using their SMS services. In a conversation with Sharmila Das from Retailer, Vishwadeep Bajaj unfolds the technology offerings for retail growth.

Retailer: What is the role of ValueFirst in supplying technology solutions to Indian retail companies? In which areas of retail, ValueFirst provides technology support? 

Vishwadeep Bajaj (VB): ValueFirst offers mobile messaging solutions to increase footfall, in-store buying and customer relationship management. Apart from increasing revenue for the retailers, ValueFirst also provides solutions to increase business efficiency and reduce communication costs. The solutions offered by ValueFirst help the retailers in management control and cutting communication costs.

Retailer: How does mobile messaging helps in running a retail business? What amount of investment is required to purchase and install the mobile messaging services in a retail business?

VB: To cope up with the ever increasing competition today, organised retail needs to adopt technology solutions for process excellence. Mobile messaging solutions can help retail industry by connecting them with two most important entities in the retail value chain - partners and consumers.  Depending upon the solution and the level of integration, the application costs vary.

Retailer: Does your company provide training facilities? After installation, what supports do you provide? 

VB: Yes, we provide training and support to our buyers. Different support models like Bronze/Silver/Gold can be opted depending upon the requirements of the retailer.

Retailer: What is your perception of Indian retailers? How much technology-conscious are they?  

VB: In every business, after a certain growth, there is an inherent need for IT. For consolidating growth, the retail segment in India is also doing the same. Retailers are now deploying ERPs, SCMs and CRMs .

Retailer: How can retailers update themselves on different aspects of installation and operation of technology, like enterprise mobile messaging in retail? 

VB: Choice of a good mobile messaging solution vendor will address this need.

Retailer: What should be the ideal investment in technology by a retailer? Please mention the percentage of turnover that needs to be invested. 

VB: I do not think that ideal investment in technology has any link with the turnover.

Certain technology in an organised retail format is a must irrespective of daily sales. Additional modules of IT applications may be required to manage standards which come with business growth.

Retailer: What challenges do you face as a technology solution provider? 

VB: The challenge is to educate the retailers as to how mobile messaging can offer business benefits to them. Once the CIO/CTOs appreciate the ROI metrics, it shall become easier to convince the retailers to adopt the technology.