In an exclusive interview with Onkar Sharma, Payal Nambiar, Founder and CEO of B-Square Group, reveals the company's inspiring journey from a small Indian IT startup to a global trailblazer in business solutions. She unveils how B-Square has adeptly navigated the ever-shifting technological landscape, with their latest breakthrough being the fifth-generation Pothera ERP. Payal also explores the profound impact of regulatory milestones like GST on their strategic operations.
Q: Over the years, the conversation around ERP implementations has shifted. While they used to be a hot topic, recent discussions have centered on other technological advancements. How is B-Square staying relevant and meeting customer demands during this transition?
Payal Nambiar: B-Square started with basic software solutions that were in demand in the early 2000s during the dot-com boom. Recognizing the rapid evolution of technology, we transitioned from service software to developing our own ERP solutions, like Intact ERP and CRM systems. This journey has taught us the importance of customization, especially in the Indian market where every industry has unique challenges.
Our latest offering, Pothera ERP, addresses the comprehensive needs of manufacturers. It includes modules that support production based on customer orders and internal inventory management. The intelligent forecasting feature predicts sales for the next three months based on past data, allowing for precise material requirement planning (MRP). This helps procurement and finance departments to prepare well in advance, optimizing the manufacturing process through various stages, even those with more than ten production steps.
Our focus is on streamlining operations and enhancing visibility across the organization. This integration allows for better decision-making, improved ROI, and superior customer service. In today's competitive landscape, it's crucial to optimize operations and concentrate on core business activities. With advancements like cloud technology, multi-plant operations have become more efficient. We aim to empower businesses of all sizes to automate their processes and stay competitive.
Q: The introduction of GST in India spurred a wave of automation, even among smaller businesses. How did this impact B-Square and its offerings?
Payal Nambiar: Initially, the introduction of GST met with resistance as many businesses were wary of moving to a system that required greater transparency and compliance. However, over time, businesses began to see the benefits of a more organized system. GST simplified processes and reduced the need for multiple software solutions across departments.
Before GST, many organizations used disparate systems for sales, purchase, and finance, leading to inefficiencies. Post-GST, there has been a trend towards integrated solutions. Our comprehensive ERP system now covers all aspects, including GST, TDS, and other compliances, on a single platform. This shift has increased the demand for our full-suite ERP solutions, streamlining operations for our clients.
Q: With the rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning, how is B-Square adapting to these technological shifts to meet the growing demand for intelligent business solutions?
Payal Nambiar: Technology is evolving rapidly, and so are we. From the beginning, we've prioritized innovation and kept pace with technological advancements. We started with customized applications and progressively embraced newer technologies. Recognizing the transformative potential of AI and machine learning, we invested in these areas, trained our teams, and developed cutting-edge solutions.
Our latest product, Pothera ERP, is a fifth-generation ERP system designed to leverage the latest technological advancements. We continuously update our products to ensure they meet the evolving needs of our clients. By integrating AI and machine learning, we provide intelligent solutions that enhance efficiency, decision-making, and overall business performance.
At B-Square, we are committed to staying ahead of the curve and delivering solutions that not only meet but exceed our clients' expectations.
