27 May

Vet2Trade™ Business Report: 2024 Incumbents and Challengers of the Indian Pet Market

By TWB_ In Communication, Leadership, Marketing Content, Press & Media, Strategic Marketing /   248 Comments

Executive Summary

The Indian pet market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increased pet ownership, rising disposable incomes, and greater awareness of pet health and nutrition. The market is segmented into pet food, veterinary pharmaceuticals, pet accessories, and online retail. Key players like Mars International India, Nestle Purina, Drools Pet Food, Zoetis India, and Heads Up For Tails dominate the market. This report provides an in-depth analysis of these companies, detailing their financial performance, market positions, opportunities, competition, market insights, and challenges. The market is projected to grow significantly, presenting lucrative opportunities for innovation and expansion.

Market Segmentation

The Indian pet market can be broadly segmented into:

  1. Pet Food
  2. Veterinary Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare
  3. Pet Accessories and Supplies
  4. Online Pet Retailers

Key Players and Financial Performance

Pet Food

  1. Mars International India Pvt. Ltd.
  • Brands: Pedigree, Whiskas
    • Annual Revenue: Approximately INR 500 crore (USD 60 million) in 2022​ (Mordor Intelli)​.
    • Market Position: Mars dominates the Indian pet food market with popular brands like Pedigree and Whiskas. The company’s extensive distribution network and strong brand loyalty provide a competitive edge.
  • Opportunities: Expanding into rural markets and introducing more premium product lines. Developing new formulations for specific dietary needs can also create new revenue streams.
    • Key Competitors: Nestle Purina, Drools Pet Food, and Royal Canin.
  1. Nestle Purina Petcare India
  • Brands: Purina ONE, Pro Plan
    • Annual Revenue: Significant contribution to Nestle’s overall pet care segment, though specific figures for India are not disclosed​ (Mordor Intelli)​.
    • Market Position: Nestle Purina is known for its premium pet food offerings, focusing on health and nutrition.
  • Opportunities: Expanding its product range and leveraging its global expertise to innovate. Strategic partnerships with local retailers and veterinary clinics can enhance market penetration.
    • Key Competitors: Mars International, Royal Canin, and Drools.
  1. Drools Pet Food Pvt. Ltd. (IB Group)
  • Annual Revenue: Approximately INR 200 crore (USD 24 million) in 2023​ (India Retailing)​.
    • Market Position: Drools is known for affordable, high-quality pet food, available both online and offline.
  • Opportunities: Expanding its e-commerce presence and increasing market penetration in tier-II and tier-III cities. Introducing new product lines and enhancing distribution networks can drive growth.
    • Key Competitors: Mars International, Nestle Purina, and Royal Canin.
  1. Royal Canin India (Subsidiary of Mars Inc.)
  • Annual Revenue: Contributes to Mars Inc.’s global revenue of over USD 45 billion (INR 3.6 trillion)​ (Mordor Intelli)​.
    • Market Position: Royal Canin focuses on breed-specific and prescription diets, catering to a niche market.
  • Opportunities: Expanding its product offerings and increasing market penetration through veterinary recommendations and pet specialty stores.
    • Key Competitors: Nestle Purina, Drools, and local premium brands.

Veterinary Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare

  1. Zoetis India Ltd.
  • Annual Revenue: Part of Zoetis’ global revenue of USD 7.8 billion (INR 624 billion) in 2022​ (Mordor Intelli)​.
    • Market Position: Zoetis is a leading provider of vaccines, medications, and diagnostic products for pets in India.
  • Opportunities: Introducing new products and expanding its distribution network. Collaborations with veterinary clinics and hospitals can boost market presence.
    • Key Competitors: Boehringer Ingelheim and Vetoquinol.
  1. Boehringer Ingelheim India Pvt. Ltd.
  • Annual Revenue: Contributes to the global revenue of EUR 20.6 billion (USD 22.6 billion or INR 1.8 trillion) in 2022​ (Mordor Intelli)​.
    • Market Position: Boehringer Ingelheim offers a broad range of veterinary pharmaceuticals, focusing on innovation and quality.
  • Opportunities: Expanding its product portfolio and increasing market penetration. Strategic marketing and educational initiatives for veterinarians can enhance brand recognition.
    • Key Competitors: Zoetis and Vetoquinol.
  1. Vetoquinol India Animal Health Pvt. Ltd.
  • Annual Revenue: Part of Vetoquinol’s global revenue of EUR 521 million (USD 570 million or INR 45.6 billion) in 2022​ (Mordor Intelli)​.
    • Market Position: Vetoquinol is known for its comprehensive range of animal health products, including medications and nutritional supplements.
  • Opportunities: Leveraging its global expertise to innovate and expand its product range. Increasing market penetration through veterinary partnerships and direct consumer marketing.
    • Key Competitors: Zoetis and Boehringer Ingelheim.

Pet Accessories and Supplies

  1. Heads Up For Tails (HUFT)
  • Valuation: Over USD 50 million (INR 400 crore) post latest funding round​ (Mordor Intelli)​.
    • Annual Revenue: Estimated INR 100 crore (USD 12 million)​ (India Retailing)​.
    • Market Position: HUFT is a leading retailer of premium pet accessories and supplies with a strong online and offline presence.
  • Opportunities: Expanding its product offerings and increasing market share. Enhancing its e-commerce platform and exploring international markets can drive growth.
    • Key Competitors: Supertails and Captain Zack.
  1. Supertails
  • Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR): INR 100 crore (USD 12 million)​ (India Retailing)​.
    • Market Position: Supertails is an emerging player in online pet supplies and services, focusing on providing a comprehensive range of products and services to pet owners.
  • Opportunities: Expanding its service offerings and enhancing its online platform. Collaborations with veterinary services and product innovation can enhance market position.
    • Key Competitors: Heads Up For Tails and Wiggles.in.

Other Notable Companies

  1. Captain Zack
  • VC Funding Received: Significant investment to expand its range of pet grooming products​ (Mordor Intelli)​.
    • Market Position: Captain Zack specializes in pet grooming products, catering to niche market needs with a focus on quality and safety.
  • Opportunities: Expanding its product range and increasing brand awareness. Partnerships with pet salons and grooming services can boost market penetration.
    • Key Competitors: International grooming brands and local startups.
  1. Wiggles.in
  • VC Funding Received: Substantial funding to enhance its pet healthcare services and products​ (Mordor Intelli)​.
    • Market Position: Wiggles.in focuses on preventive care and wellness, providing a range of pet healthcare products and services.
  • Opportunities: Expanding its service offerings and increasing its market penetration. Direct consumer engagement and educational initiatives can drive growth.
    • Key Competitors: Supertails and traditional veterinary clinics.

Market Insights

The Indian pet care market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 17.08%, reaching USD 1.87 billion (INR 149.6 billion) by 2029​ (Mordor Intelli)​. Key growth drivers include:

  • Increasing Pet Ownership: Urbanization and lifestyle changes are leading more families to adopt pets. The growing trend of nuclear families and a desire for companionship are significant factors.
  • Rising Disposable Incomes: Higher spending power allows pet owners to invest in premium products and healthcare services. The expanding middle class and dual-income households contribute to this trend.
  • Growing Awareness: Better awareness about pet nutrition, health, and wellness is driving demand for high-quality products. Initiatives by companies to educate consumers through marketing and outreach programs are playing a crucial role.
  • E-commerce Growth: The rise of e-commerce platforms has made it easier for pet owners to access a wide range of products and services, contributing significantly to market growth.

Challenges

Despite the robust growth, the market faces several challenges:

  • Regulatory Issues: Lack of standardized regulations affects product quality and consumer trust. The absence of stringent quality control measures can lead to variability in product standards.
  • Distribution and Supply Chain: Ensuring timely delivery and availability of products, especially in rural areas, remains a challenge. Logistics and supply chain inefficiencies can impact product availability.
  • Awareness and Education: Continued efforts are needed to educate pet owners about proper pet care and nutrition. Misconceptions and lack of knowledge about pet health can affect market growth.
  • Affordability Concerns: The relatively high cost of premium and specialized pet products may alienate price-conscious consumers. Companies need to balance quality and affordability to cater to a broader market.

Opportunities for Challengers to Established Players in the Indian Pet Market

Services

  1. Personalized Veterinary Care: There is a growing demand for personalized veterinary services that include telehealth consultations, home visits, and wellness plans tailored to individual pets. Companies like Wiggles.in are already capitalizing on this trend by offering preventive care and wellness packages​ (Mordor Intelli)​.
  2. Pet Grooming and Spa Services: High-quality grooming and spa services are becoming popular, especially in urban areas. New entrants can establish premium grooming salons or mobile grooming units to cater to busy pet owners. Partnerships with pet salons and grooming brands can enhance market presence​ (Mordor Intelli)​.

Products

  1. Organic and Natural Pet Food: There is an increasing consumer preference for organic and natural pet food products free from artificial additives and preservatives. New players can introduce lines of organic pet food and treats to meet this demand. Leveraging trends in human nutrition can also appeal to health-conscious pet owners​ (Mordor Intelli)​​ (India Retailing)​.
  2. Customized Nutrition: Offering customized pet nutrition plans based on age, breed, size, and health condition can differentiate new products. Companies can develop proprietary algorithms and partner with veterinarians to provide tailored pet food​ (Mordor Intelli)​.

Segmentation

  1. Focus on Under-served Pet Categories: While dogs and cats dominate the market, there is a growing interest in other pets like birds, fish, rabbits, and reptiles. New companies can specialize in these segments by offering targeted products and services, such as specialized nutrition, habitats, and healthcare​ (Mordor Intelli)​​ (India Retailing)​.
  2. Geographic Expansion: Many rural and semi-urban areas are still under-served. New entrants can tap into these markets by establishing strong distribution networks and creating awareness about pet care. Customized marketing strategies for different regions can drive penetration​ (India Retailing)​.

Branding

  1. Emphasize Sustainability: Brands that emphasize eco-friendly and sustainable practices can attract environmentally conscious consumers. This includes using sustainable packaging, sourcing ingredients responsibly, and promoting environmental initiatives​ (India Retailing)​.
  2. Leveraging Technology and Innovation: Brands that leverage technology for product innovation, such as smart pet devices (e.g., GPS trackers, health monitoring systems), can stand out. Investing in research and development to create innovative products can drive brand differentiation​ (Mordor Intelli)​.
  3. Community Building and Education: Brands that invest in building a community around pet care and education can gain loyal customers. This includes hosting workshops, online forums, and creating content that educates pet owners about best practices in pet care​ (India Retailing)​.

Conclusion

The Indian pet market is poised for substantial growth, driven by increasing pet ownership and a rising focus on pet health and wellness. Key players are expanding their product ranges and improving accessibility to meet the growing demand. The market presents numerous opportunities for innovation and expansion, particularly in online retail, premium products, and healthcare services. Challengers to established players in the Indian pet market have multiple opportunities to carve out their niche through innovative services, targeted products, strategic segmentation, and strong branding. By addressing under-served segments, emphasizing sustainability, and leveraging technology, new entrants can differentiate themselves and capture market share. The key is to understand evolving consumer preferences and create value propositions that resonate with modern pet owners.

Sources

  1. Mordor Intelligence – India Pet Food Market Report: India Pet Food Market
  2. Indiaretailing.com – Indian Pet Care Market: Indian Pet Care Market
  3. Economic Times – Mars Petcare Growth: Mars Petcare
  4. Drools – Market Overview: Drools Market Overview
  5. Zoetis – Annual Report 2022: Zoetis Annual Report
  6. Boehringer Ingelheim – Annual Report 2022: Boehringer Ingelheim Annual Report
  7. Vetoquinol – Annual Report 2022: Vetoquinol Annual Report
  8. Heads Up For Tails – Press Release: Heads Up For Tails Press Release
  9. Supertails – Annual Revenue: Supertails About Us

About Vet2Trade™

Vet2Trade™ is part of Rakesh Shukla-led VOSD Corporation. Vet2Trade™ is India’s largest B2B platform for the veterinary industry, bringing together Medical Equipment and Instruments, Medical Supplies and Accessories, Pharmaceuticals and Medications, Pet Services, and Pet Care in a single marketplace. Vet2Trade™ brings together various players in the veterinary industry and operates as a reliable, quality-driven platform ensuring convenience and competitive pricing for all its users.

VOSD Corporation™ is a holding company that creates and delivers India’s most beloved pet brands & businesses to pet parents across veterinary care, pet transport, lifestyle, vet pharma, and pet food. These include Vet2Trade™, VOSD AI™, VOSD Advance Vet Care™, VOSD Brands™ and VOSD-on-Wheels™. Together these companies fund the VOSD Trust™ — the world’s largest dog rescue.

About Rakesh Shukla

Rakesh Shukla is the foremost expert on dogs in India & the founder of the VOSD Trust™ — the world’s largest dog rescue. Rakesh has spent 30 years creating several multimillion-dollar world-class software products & businesses. Rakesh manages a portfolio of successful startups –  in IT, PetTech, and RetailTech including VOSD™ Vet & Pet Corporation, TWBcx™, The Better Company™ & inStore™ Retail. The VOSD Trust™ is the sole financial survivor of Rakesh Shukla and all his investments and companies.

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27 May

Vet2Trade Business Report: Comparison of the key trends and players in India and the US – by Rakesh Shukla, vet2trade.market

By TWB_ In Communication, Internal Communications, Leadership, Marketing Content, Press & Media, Product Strategy /   55 Comments

Executive Summary

The veterinary market is segmented into several primary categories, including companion animals, livestock, and various services like diagnostics, therapeutics, and pet food. This report details these segments and examines the differences in the Indian and US markets in terms of segmentation, relative size, growth, and trends. Key trends such as technological advancements, drug developments, and healthcare improvements are highlighted. This report also provides a granular analysis of urban vs. rural areas within each country and identifies major players in the industry, especially those operating in both India and the US.

Primary Segments in the Veterinary Market

1. Companion Animals

  • Diagnostics: Includes diagnostic imaging, blood tests, and genetic testing.
  • Therapeutics: Encompasses medications and treatments for diseases and conditions.
  • Pet Food: Nutritional products tailored for various breeds and health conditions.
  • Services: Routine check-ups, vaccinations, and emergency care.

2. Livestock

  • Diagnostics: Disease testing and monitoring.
  • Therapeutics: Veterinary drugs and vaccines for disease prevention and treatment.
  • Nutrition: Feed supplements and nutritional products to enhance productivity and health.
  • Services: Breeding, health monitoring, and surgical procedures.

Comparison of Veterinary Markets: India vs. US

Market Size and Growth

  • US Market:
  • The US veterinary market is one of the largest globally, with a market size of approximately $45 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 5% over the past five years.
    • The companion animal segment dominates, driven by high pet ownership rates and significant spending on pet healthcare and wellness.
  • Indian Market:
  • The Indian veterinary market is smaller but rapidly growing, with a market size of about $1.4 billion in 2023, and a higher CAGR of 8% over the past five years.
    • The livestock segment is more prominent due to the agrarian economy and reliance on livestock for income.

Granular Analysis

  • Urban vs. Rural:
  • US: Urban areas show higher expenditure on companion animals with a focus on advanced diagnostics and therapeutics. Rural areas focus more on livestock services.
    • India: Urban regions are seeing increasing pet ownership and related services, but rural areas still largely depend on livestock veterinary services for economic reasons.

Trends

  1. Technological Advancements:
  • US:
  • Telemedicine: Companies like Fuzzy Pet Health and PetDesk are providing telehealth services, enabling pet owners to consult veterinarians remotely, enhancing access to veterinary care.
    • AI-driven Diagnostics: Firms like SignalPET use artificial intelligence to interpret radiographs, improving diagnostic accuracy and speed.
    • Wearable Health Monitoring Devices: Products like the Whistle GPS Pet Tracker and FitBark monitor pet activity and health metrics, providing real-time data to veterinarians and pet owners.
  • India:
  • Telemedicine: Platforms such as Practo and VetnCare offer teleconsultation services, particularly beneficial in remote areas where veterinary facilities are scarce.
    • Mobile Apps: PetKonnect and Woofwoofnow provide veterinary consultation, health tracking, and service bookings, making veterinary care more accessible to urban pet owners.
  1. Drug Developments:
  • US:
  • Biologics: Zoetis’ Cytopoint, a monoclonal antibody therapy, provides targeted treatment for canine atopic dermatitis, representing a shift towards precision medicine in veterinary care.
    • Novel Therapies: Elanco’s Galliprant, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), offers an innovative approach to managing canine osteoarthritis with fewer side effects compared to traditional NSAIDs.
  • India:
  • Affordable Generics: Companies like Hester Biosciences focus on producing cost-effective generic vaccines and medications for livestock, such as Hester’s ND+IB vaccine for poultry.
    • Veterinary Vaccines: Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) has developed Raksha Ovac, a vaccine for ovine footrot, addressing a significant health issue in sheep farming.
  1. Healthcare Improvements:

US:

  • Specialized Veterinary Practices: The rise of specialty clinics like VCA Animal Hospitals and BluePearl Veterinary Partners, which offer advanced services such as oncology, cardiology, and neurology, reflects a trend towards specialized and comprehensive pet healthcare.
    • Wellness Programs: Companies like Banfield Pet Hospital offer Optimum Wellness Plans, which include preventive care, vaccinations, and routine health checks, promoting proactive health management for pets.
  • India:
  • Advanced Treatments: Veterinary hospitals like Cessna Lifeline in Bangalore provide state-of-the-art treatments including endoscopy, orthopedic surgeries, and critical care, bringing advanced veterinary services to urban pet owners.
    • Preventive Care: NGOs and veterinary organizations are increasingly focusing on preventive care programs, such as regular vaccination drives and health camps for livestock in rural areas, improving overall animal health and productivity.

Key Players in the Veterinary Market

US

  1. Zoetis Inc.
  • Market Share: Zoetis is the largest global player in animal health with a significant market share.
    • Technical Differentiators: Leading in research and development with innovative vaccines, parasiticides, and diagnostic products.
    • Key Market Segments: Companion animals and livestock.
    • Product Brands:
  • Companion Animals: Simparica Trio (parasiticide), Cytopoint (atopic dermatitis treatment).
    • Livestock: Draxxin (antibiotic), Excede (antibiotic).
  1. IDEXX Laboratories
  • Market Share: A major player in veterinary diagnostics.
    • Technical Differentiators: Cutting-edge diagnostic technology and software solutions.
    • Key Market Segments: Companion animals.
    • Product Brands:
  • Diagnostics: Catalyst One (chemistry analyzer), SNAP tests (rapid diagnostic tests).
  1. Boehringer Ingelheim
  • Market Share: Significant global presence in animal health.
    • Technical Differentiators: Strong focus on vaccines and therapeutics, innovative R&D.
    • Key Market Segments: Companion animals, livestock, poultry.
    • Product Brands:
  • Companion Animals: NexGard (parasiticide), Heartgard (heartworm prevention).
    • Livestock: Ingelvac (swine vaccines), Bovikalc (cattle supplement).

India

  1. Hester Biosciences
  • Market Share: Leading in the poultry vaccine market in India.
    • Technical Differentiators: Extensive vaccine production capabilities, focus on affordability.
    • Key Market Segments: Poultry, livestock.
    • Product Brands:
  • Poultry: Hester ND+IB (Newcastle and Infectious Bronchitis vaccine), Hester Coryza (fowl coryza vaccine).
  1. Venkys India
  • Market Share: Major player in the poultry segment.
    • Technical Differentiators: Comprehensive product portfolio for poultry health and nutrition.
    • Key Market Segments: Poultry.
    • Product Brands:
  • Nutrition: Venky’s India feed supplements.
    • Health Products: Vetcom (medications for poultry).

Companies Operating in Both Markets

  1. Boehringer Ingelheim
  • Market Share: Substantial presence in both India and the US.
    • Technical Differentiators: Advanced R&D, extensive portfolio in vaccines and therapeutics.
    • Key Market Segments: Companion animals, livestock, poultry.
    • Product Brands: (See above)
  1. Elanco Animal Health
  • Market Share: Strong market position globally, including India and the US.
    • Technical Differentiators: Focus on innovation, broad portfolio across species.
    • Key Market Segments: Companion animals, livestock.
    • Product Brands:
  • Companion Animals: Trifexis (parasiticide), Galliprant (arthritis treatment).
    • Livestock: Rumensin (feed additive), Imrestor (immunostimulant).
  1. Merck Animal Health
  • Market Share: Leading player in animal health with operations in both countries.
    • Technical Differentiators: Comprehensive solutions, advanced biologics.
    • Key Market Segments: Companion animals, livestock, poultry.
    • Product Brands:
  • Companion Animals: Bravecto (flea and tick treatment), Nobivac (vaccines).
    • Livestock: Zilmax (beef cattle feed additive), Safe-Guard (anthelmintic).

Conclusion

The veterinary markets in India and the US show significant differences in size, growth, and focus. The US market is more developed with a strong emphasis on companion animals, advanced diagnostics, and therapeutic services. In contrast, the Indian market, while smaller, is growing rapidly with a primary focus on livestock health. Both markets are experiencing trends driven by technological advancements and healthcare improvements, though the pace and focus of these trends vary. Key players like Boehringer Ingelheim, Elanco, and Merck are instrumental in shaping the veterinary landscape in both countries.

About Vet2Trade™

Vet2Trade™ is part of Rakesh Shukla-led VOSD Corporation. Vet2Trade™ is India’s largest B2B platform for the veterinary industry, bringing together Medical Equipment and Instruments, Medical Supplies and Accessories, Pharmaceuticals and Medications, Pet Services, and Pet Care in a single marketplace. Vet2Trade™ brings together various players in the veterinary industry and operates as a reliable, quality-driven platform ensuring convenience and competitive pricing for all its users.

VOSD Corporation™ is a holding company that creates and delivers India’s most beloved pet brands & businesses to pet parents across veterinary care, pet transport, lifestyle, vet pharma, and pet food. These include Vet2Trade™, VOSD AI™, VOSD Advance Vet Care™, VOSD Brands™ and VOSD-on-Wheels™. Together these companies fund the VOSD Trust™ — the world’s largest dog rescue.

About Rakesh Shukla

Rakesh Shukla is the foremost expert on dogs in India & the founder of the VOSD Trust™ — the world’s largest dog rescue. Rakesh has spent 30 years creating several multimillion-dollar world-class software products & businesses. Rakesh manages a portfolio of successful startups –  in IT, PetTech, and RetailTech including VOSD™ Vet & Pet Corporation, TWBcx™, The Better Company™ & inStore™ Retail. The VOSD Trust™ is the sole financial survivor of Rakesh Shukla and all his investments and companies.

References

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20 May

Trends & influences of the Indian Pet Market – by Rakesh Shukla,  VOSD™ Corporation

By TWB_ In Communication, Marketing Content, Product Strategy, Strategic Marketing /   47 Comments

Trends & influences of the Indian Pet Market – by Rakesh Shukla,  VOSD™ Corporation

Overview

The Indian pet market has experienced significant growth over the past five years, driven by increasing pet ownership, urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and changing social attitudes towards pets. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the companion animal market in India, with particular focus on dogs, detailing the primary segments, market size, trends, key drivers, and influencing phenomena.

Market Segments

The Indian pet market can be divided into several primary segments:

  1. Pet Food
  2. Veterinary Care
  3. Grooming and Accessories
  4. Pet Pharmaceuticals
  5. Pet Services
Pet Food

The pet food segment is the largest in the Indian pet market. According to the “Euromonitor International Report,” the pet food market in India was valued at approximately INR 2,500 crore in 2020, with an annual growth rate of around 13%. The segment includes dry food, wet food, and treats, with premium and specialized diets becoming increasingly popular.

Veterinary Care

The veterinary care segment includes routine check-ups, vaccinations, surgeries, and preventive care. The “IMARC Group Report” estimates this segment to be valued at INR 1,000 crore in 2021, with a growth rate of 10% per annum. The rise of pet insurance and digital veterinary services has also contributed to this growth.

Grooming and Accessories

This segment covers grooming products, toys, clothing, and accessories. It was valued at INR 800 crore in 2021, growing at an 11% annual rate according to the “TechSci Research Report”. Increased humanization of pets has driven demand for premium grooming products and accessories.

Pet Pharmaceuticals

Pet pharmaceuticals include medicines, supplements, and vaccines. The “Mordor Intelligence Report” indicates this market segment was valued at INR 700 crore in 2020 and is growing at a rate of 9% annually. Increasing awareness about pet health and wellness has spurred growth in this segment.

Pet Services

This segment includes boarding, training, pet sitting, and pet transportation. According to “Research and Markets,” the pet services market was valued at INR 500 crore in 2021, growing at a 12% annual rate. The increasing number of dual-income households has fueled demand for these services.

Market Size and Trends

The overall companion animal market in India, focusing on dogs, has shown robust growth. The total market size in 2021 was estimated to be INR 5,500 crore, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 12% over the past five years.

  1. Rising Premiumization: There is a noticeable trend towards premium products, especially in pet food and grooming segments. Owners are willing to spend more on high-quality, nutritious food and premium grooming products.
  2. Increasing Pet Adoption: Adoption rates have surged, driven by greater awareness and changing societal norms. This has led to increased demand for veterinary services and pet pharmaceuticals.
  3. Growth of E-commerce: Online platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and specialized pet stores like Heads Up For Tails have seen significant growth, offering convenience and a wide range of products.
  4. Digital Veterinary Services: Telehealth services for pets have become popular, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing for remote consultations and care.
  5. Humanization of Pets: Pets are increasingly seen as family members, driving demand for higher quality food, better healthcare, and luxury accessories.

Key Drivers

Several key drivers have influenced the growth of the Indian pet market:

  1. Rising Disposable Income: Higher disposable incomes have enabled more households to afford pets and spend on premium products and services.
  2. Urbanization: Urban living conditions and smaller family units have contributed to increased pet adoption.
  3. Awareness and Education: Greater awareness about pet health, nutrition, and wellness has led to higher spending on veterinary care and pharmaceuticals.
  4. Social Media Influence: Pet owners are increasingly influenced by social media, leading to trends in pet fashion, grooming, and unique pet services.
  5. COVID-19 Impact: The pandemic saw a rise in pet adoption as people sought companionship during lockdowns. It also accelerated the adoption of digital services and e-commerce for pet products.

Influencing Phenomena

Several phenomena have influenced the Indian pet market:

  1. Regulatory Changes: Policies regarding pet importation, breeding standards, and veterinary practices have shaped the market dynamics.
  2. Technological Advancements: Innovations in pet care products, telehealth, and e-commerce platforms have transformed how pet services are delivered and consumed.
  3. Environmental Concerns: There is a growing trend towards sustainable and eco-friendly pet products as consumers become more environmentally conscious.
  4. Cultural Shifts: Changing cultural attitudes towards pets as part of the family unit have driven market growth across all segments.

Conclusion

The Indian pet market, particularly for dogs, is poised for continued growth, driven by rising incomes, urbanization, and the increasing humanization of pets. With robust growth across all segments, from pet food to veterinary care and services, the market offers substantial opportunities for businesses and investors. The impact of digital transformation and changing consumer behavior will further shape the future of this dynamic market.

About the Author: Rakesh Shukla, a BTech & MBA, has spent 30 years creating many multimillion-dollar world-class software products & businesses. Rakesh manages a portfolio of successful startups –  in IT, PetTech, and RetailTech including VOSD™ Vet & Pet Corporation, TWBcx™, The Better Company™ & inStore™ Retail. VOSD™ Corporation includes Vet2Trade™, VOSD AI™, VOSD Advance Vet Care™, and VOSD-on-Wheels™ which together fund VOSD Foundation™ — the world’s largest dog rescue.

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20 May

The Indian Context of Customer Service vs. Customer Experience: by Rakesh Shukla, CEO at InStore™ by TWBcx™

By TWB_ In Communication, Marketing Content, Product Strategy, Strategic Marketing /   30 Comments

“The Indian Context of Customer Service vs. Customer Experience: Differences & Technologies Driving Each in Retail”

In the competitive world of retail, businesses are constantly striving to improve their interactions with customers. Two critical concepts in this endeavor are customer service and customer experience. While often used interchangeably, these terms represent distinct facets of customer interaction that can significantly influence a company’s success. This article delves into the differences between customer service and customer experience, explores the technologies that drive each, and highlights best practices and future trends within the retail sector, particularly focusing on the Indian market.

1. Defining Customer Service and Customer Experience

Customer Service refers to assistance provided to customers before, during, and after purchasing products or services. Traditionally, customer service was limited to in-person interactions, phone calls, and later, emails. Its primary goal is to resolve customer issues and ensure satisfaction with the company’s offerings.

Customer Experience (CX) encompasses the entire journey a customer takes from the first point of contact with a brand through to post-purchase interactions. CX includes every touchpoint a customer has with a company, from navigating the website to interacting with sales and support teams. The goal of CX is to create a seamless journey that fosters loyalty and encourages repeat business.

2. Historical Context and Evolution

Evolution of Customer Service:

  • Early 20th Century: Customer service primarily involved face-to-face interactions in stores.
  • 1960s-1970s: Emergence of call centers, allowing businesses to offer support over the phone.
  • 1990s: Introduction of email support, providing an additional channel for customer service.
  • 2000s: Adoption of live chat on websites, enabling real-time assistance.
  • 2010s-Present: Rise of AI-powered chatbots and automated helpdesk software, enhancing efficiency and scalability.

Evolution of Customer Experience:

  • 1980s: Focus on in-store experience, with an emphasis on store layout and customer service.
  • 1990s: Emergence of the concept of customer journey, considering all touchpoints a customer interacts with.
  • 2000s: Integration of online and offline experiences, with the rise of e-commerce.
  • 2010s-Present: Development of omnichannel strategies, providing a seamless experience across all channels. Enhanced personalization through AI and big data analytics.

3. Key Technologies in Customer Service

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems:

CRM systems are essential for managing customer interactions and data throughout the customer lifecycle. They help businesses organize, automate, and synchronize sales, marketing, and customer service processes. A CRM system allows customer service representatives to access customer history, preferences, and previous interactions, enabling personalized and efficient support.

Chatbots and AI Assistants:

AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants use natural language processing (NLP) to understand and respond to customer queries. These tools can handle a high volume of inquiries simultaneously, providing instant support and freeing up human agents to tackle more complex issues. Advanced chatbots can learn from interactions, improving their responses over time.

Helpdesk Software:

Helpdesk software automates the process of managing customer support tickets. It includes features like ticket categorization, automated responses, and workflow automation. This technology ensures that customer issues are resolved efficiently and that no query goes unanswered.

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) Systems:

IVR systems enable customers to interact with a company’s call center through voice or keypad inputs. Modern IVR systems use speech recognition to guide customers through menu options and provide information or route calls to the appropriate department. These systems reduce wait times and improve the efficiency of customer support.

4. Key Technologies in Customer Experience

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for Personalization:

AI and ML algorithms analyze customer data to offer personalized recommendations and experiences. In retail, these technologies can suggest products based on past purchases, browsing behavior, and preferences. Personalization enhances customer satisfaction and increases the likelihood of repeat purchases.

Omnichannel Platforms:

Omnichannel platforms integrate various customer touchpoints, including online, mobile, and in-store interactions, into a single seamless experience. They ensure that customers have a consistent and personalized experience regardless of the channel they use. For example, a customer can start shopping on a mobile app and complete the purchase in-store without any disruption.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR):

AR and VR technologies create immersive shopping experiences. AR allows customers to visualize products in their environment using their smartphones, while VR provides a virtual shopping experience that mimics being in a physical store. These technologies enhance the online shopping experience, making it more interactive and engaging.

Big Data Analytics:

Big data analytics involves collecting and analyzing vast amounts of customer data to gain insights into behavior and preferences. Retailers use these insights to make data-driven decisions, optimize marketing strategies, and enhance customer experiences. For instance, data analytics can identify trends and predict future purchasing behaviors, allowing for more targeted marketing campaigns.

5. Best Practices in Implementing Customer Service and Customer Experience Technologies

Customer Service Best Practices:

  1. Integrate AI with Human Support: While AI can handle routine queries, human agents should be available for complex issues. This hybrid approach ensures efficiency and personalized support.
  2. Train Staff Continuously: Regular training ensures that customer service representatives are familiar with the latest technologies and best practices. This improves the quality of support and enhances customer satisfaction.

Customer Experience Best Practices:

  1. Seamless Omnichannel Integration: Ensure that all customer touchpoints are integrated and provide a consistent experience. For example, customer data should be accessible across all channels, allowing for a seamless transition from online to offline interactions.
  2. Leverage Data Analytics: Use big data analytics to gain insights into customer behavior and preferences. This information can be used to personalize marketing efforts, optimize inventory, and improve overall customer experience.

6. Measuring Effectiveness of CS & CX

Measuring Customer Service Effectiveness:

  1. Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) Scores: CSAT scores are based on customer feedback and measure satisfaction with a specific interaction or overall service.
  2. Response Times: Tracking the time it takes to respond to and resolve customer queries helps assess the efficiency of customer service operations.

Measuring Customer Experience Effectiveness:

  1. Net Promoter Score (NPS): NPS measures customer loyalty and likelihood to recommend the company to others. It is based on a single question: “How likely are you to recommend our company to a friend or colleague?”
  2. Customer Journey Mapping: This involves mapping out the entire customer journey and identifying touchpoints where improvements can be made. It provides a comprehensive view of the customer experience and highlights areas for enhancement.

7. Future Trends in Customer Service and Customer Experience Technologies

Customer Service Trends:

  1. Increased Use of AI and Machine Learning: AI and ML will continue to play a significant role in customer service, with advancements in NLP and predictive analytics enabling more sophisticated and proactive support.
  2. Predictive Analytics for Proactive Service: Predictive analytics can anticipate customer needs and issues before they arise, allowing businesses to offer proactive support and enhance customer satisfaction.

Customer Experience Trends:

  1. Enhanced Personalization with AI and ML: AI and ML will further refine personalization, offering even more tailored experiences based on real-time data and customer behavior.
  2. Greater Adoption of AR and VR: As AR and VR technologies become more accessible, their adoption in retail will increase, providing immersive and engaging shopping experiences.

Understanding the differences between customer service and customer experience is crucial for businesses aiming to thrive in the retail sector. While customer service focuses on resolving specific issues and ensuring satisfaction, customer experience encompasses the entire journey a customer takes with a brand. Both are essential for building customer loyalty and driving business success. By leveraging advanced technologies and following best practices, retailers can enhance both customer service and customer experience, ensuring they stay ahead in a competitive market. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, staying informed about the latest trends and technologies will be key to maintaining a competitive edge.

In India there are several mature examples of leveraging technology for enhancing both CS and CX scores. For instance HDFC Bank has successfully implemented AI chatbots to enhance its customer service. The chatbot, named EVA, can handle millions of customer queries efficiently, providing instant responses and freeing up human agents to focus on more complex tasks. EVA uses natural language processing to understand and respond to customer inquiries, improving over time through machine learning.

On he other hand Myntra, one of India’s leading fashion e-commerce platforms, uses AI-driven personalization to enhance customer experience. Myntra’s algorithms analyze customer data, such as past purchases and browsing history, to offer personalized product recommendations. This tailored shopping experience increases customer satisfaction and loyalty.

 

About the Author: Rakesh Shukla is the founder of Avinya Innovation and Incubation which has launched TWBcx: CXM on Subscription™. TWBcx™ is a XaaS CXM suite that allows businesses to deliver outstanding experiences throughout the customer journeys and customer touch points as a subscription! inStore™ is a product in the TWBcx™ suite that focuses on small & medium retail store formats. More information on inStore™ on https://instore.bargains/home/

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19 May

Personalizing User Experience in Retail Stores, by Rakesh Shukla, CEO at InStore™ by TWBcx™

By TWB_ In Communication, Leadership, Marketing Content, Press & Media, Product Strategy /   28 Comments

Technologies and Workflows Personalizing User Experience in Retail Stores: – by Rakesh Shukla, CEO at InStore™ by TWBcx™: XaaS on Subscription™ 

Introduction

In the current competitive retail environment, tailoring the in-store experience is crucial for improving customer satisfaction, boosting sales, and fostering brand loyalty. This article investigates cutting-edge technologies that enable customized shopping experiences. We analyze technical specifics and operational processes, emphasizing how these innovations close the final gap to provide real-time recommendations and personalized interactions for shoppers

Front-End Technologies: Enhancing User Experience

1. Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT devices such as smart shelves, beacons, and RFID tags are essential for gathering data and providing real-time insights into customer behavior. These devices help retailers track inventory, monitor shopper movement, and send personalized offers directly to customers’ smartphones.

Technical Details:

  • Beacons: Small, battery-powered devices that use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to transmit signals to nearby smartphones. When a customer with a store’s app comes within range, the beacon triggers a notification with a personalized offer.
  • Smart Shelves: Equipped with weight sensors and RFID readers, these shelves track product levels and customer interactions. They can alert staff when restocking is needed and provide real-time inventory data.
  • RFID Tags: Attached to products, these tags transmit data to RFID readers, allowing for precise inventory tracking and automated checkout processes.

Workflow:

  1. Data Collection: IoT devices collect data on customer behavior, product interactions, and inventory levels.
  2. Data Transmission: Data is transmitted in real-time to the central server via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
  3. Processing and Analysis: The server processes this data, often in the cloud, using algorithms to detect patterns and trigger actions.
  4. Personalized Interaction: Based on the analysis, personalized offers are sent to customers’ smartphones via the store app.

2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

AI and ML algorithms analyze large datasets to provide personalized recommendations, optimize store layouts, and predict customer preferences. These technologies enable retailers to offer customized shopping experiences, such as personalized product suggestions and dynamic pricing.

Technical Details:

  • Recommendation Engines: Use collaborative filtering, content-based filtering, and hybrid methods to suggest products based on customer behavior and preferences.
  • Predictive Analytics: Analyzes historical data to predict future trends and customer needs.
  • Natural Language Processing (NLP): Enables AI-powered chatbots to understand and respond to customer queries in real-time.

Workflow:

  1. Data Ingestion: Customer data from various sources (POS, CRM, IoT devices) is ingested into a data lake.
  2. Data Processing: Data is cleaned, transformed, and loaded into a data warehouse.
  3. Model Training: Machine learning models are trained on historical data to recognize patterns and make predictions.
  4. Real-Time Inference: Trained models are deployed to production to provide real-time recommendations and dynamic pricing.
  5. Customer Interaction: Personalized recommendations are displayed on digital screens, kiosks, or mobile apps.

3. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

AR and VR technologies create immersive shopping experiences, allowing customers to visualize products in different settings or try them on virtually. These technologies help bridge the gap between online and offline shopping experiences.

Technical Details:

  • AR Applications: Use smartphone cameras and AR software to overlay digital information on the physical world. Technologies like ARKit (iOS) and ARCore (Android) are commonly used.
  • VR Setups: Require VR headsets and controllers to create a fully immersive environment. VR applications are typically developed using platforms like Unity or Unreal Engine.

Workflow:

  1. Content Creation: 3D models and AR/VR content are created and stored in a content management system.
  2. Application Development: AR/VR applications are developed and integrated with retail systems.
  3. Deployment: Applications are deployed to mobile devices or VR stations in the store.
  4. User Interaction: Customers interact with AR/VR content, enhancing their shopping experience by visualizing products in different contexts or trying them on virtually.

4. Mobile Apps and Location-Based Services

Mobile apps with location-based services enable retailers to engage customers with personalized offers, product information, and in-store navigation. These apps use GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth to determine the customer’s location and provide relevant content.

Technical Details:

  • Location Services: Utilize a combination of GPS, Wi-Fi triangulation, and BLE beacons to accurately determine the customer’s location.
  • Push Notifications: Use Apple Push Notification Service (APNs) or Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) to send real-time notifications.
  • In-Store Navigation: Leverage indoor mapping and navigation SDKs like Mapwize or IndoorAtlas.

Workflow:

  1. Location Detection: The mobile app detects the customer’s location using GPS, Wi-Fi, and BLE beacons.
  2. Data Processing: Location data is processed to determine the nearest products or offers.
  3. Content Delivery: Relevant content, such as promotions or navigation assistance, is delivered to the customer’s mobile device.
  4. User Interaction: Customers interact with the app to receive personalized offers and navigate the store.

Back-End Technologies: Supporting Business Applications

1. Internet of Things (IoT)

Integration:

  • POS Systems: IoT devices can integrate with POS systems to update inventory levels in real-time.
  • CRM: Data collected from IoT devices can be fed into CRM systems to enhance customer profiles and tailor marketing efforts.

Technical Details:

  • Middleware: IoT middleware platforms like AWS IoT or Azure IoT Hub manage data flow between devices and enterprise systems.
  • Data Storage: IoT data is stored in scalable databases such as NoSQL (e.g., MongoDB) for fast processing and retrieval.
  • APIs: RESTful APIs facilitate communication between IoT devices and enterprise applications.

Workflow:

  1. Data Collection: IoT devices collect data from the retail environment.
  2. Data Transmission: Data is sent to the IoT middleware platform.
  3. Data Storage: The middleware processes and stores the data in a database.
  4. System Integration: APIs enable integration with POS and CRM systems, updating inventory and customer profiles in real-time.
  5. Action Triggers: Based on predefined rules, actions such as restocking alerts or personalized promotions are triggered.

2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

Integration:

  • Inventory Management: AI can predict demand and optimize stock levels.
  • Customer Service: AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can provide personalized assistance to customers in-store.

Technical Details:

  • Data Pipelines: ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes ingest data from various sources into a data warehouse.
  • Model Deployment: Machine learning models are deployed using frameworks like TensorFlow Serving or AWS SageMaker.
  • API Endpoints: Models are accessed via REST or gRPC endpoints for real-time inference.

Workflow:

  1. Data Ingestion: ETL pipelines collect data from POS, CRM, and IoT devices.
  2. Data Processing: Data is processed and stored in a data warehouse.
  3. Model Training: Machine learning models are trained using historical data.
  4. Model Deployment: Trained models are deployed to the cloud or edge devices.
  5. Real-Time Inference: Models provide real-time predictions and recommendations via API endpoints.
  6. System Integration: AI insights are integrated with inventory management and customer service platforms to drive personalized experiences.

3. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

Integration:

  • Mobile Apps: AR features can be integrated into retail mobile apps to provide virtual try-ons and interactive product demos.
  • In-Store Displays: VR setups in-store can offer virtual tours and product visualizations.

Technical Details:

  • Content Management Systems (CMS): Store AR/VR content and manage updates.
  • SDKs and APIs: Use AR/VR SDKs (e.g., ARKit, ARCore) and APIs to integrate AR/VR capabilities into mobile apps.
  • Cloud Rendering: For complex VR experiences, cloud rendering services like AWS Gamelift can be used to offload processing from local devices.

Workflow:

  1. Content Creation: Develop 3D models and AR/VR experiences using design tools like Blender or Maya.
  2. Application Development: Integrate AR/VR content into mobile apps or standalone VR applications.
  3. Deployment: Deploy applications to app stores or VR stations within the store.
  4. User Interaction: Customers use AR apps on their smartphones or VR headsets to interact with virtual content.
  5. Data Collection: User interaction data is collected and analyzed to refine AR/VR experiences.

4. Mobile Apps and Location-Based Services

Integration:

  • Loyalty Programs: Mobile apps can integrate with loyalty programs to offer personalized rewards and discounts.
  • In-Store Navigation: Apps can guide customers to products within the store, enhancing the shopping experience.

Technical Details:

  • Backend Services: Use cloud services (e.g., AWS Lambda, Google Firebase) to handle backend logic and data processing.
  • APIs: Integrate loyalty program APIs and indoor navigation SDKs with the mobile app.
  • Analytics: Implement analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel) to track user interactions and optimize app performance.

Workflow:

  1. User Registration: Customers register and log in to the mobile app, linking their profile with the loyalty program.
  2. Location Detection: The app uses GPS, Wi-Fi, and BLE beacons to determine the customer’s location within the store.
  3. Content Delivery: The backend processes location data and delivers personalized content and navigation instructions to the app.
  4. User Interaction: Customers interact with the app to receive personalized offers, rewards, and in-store navigation assistance.
  5. Data Collection: User interaction data is collected and analyzed to improve the app’s features and user experience.

5. Data Analytics and Customer Insights

Advanced data analytics tools process customer data to generate actionable insights. Retailers can use these insights to understand shopping patterns, optimize store layouts, and tailor marketing strategies.

Technical Details:

  • Data Warehousing: Use scalable data warehouses like Amazon Redshift or Google BigQuery to store and analyze large datasets.
  • Analytics Tools: Leverage tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for data visualization and reporting.
  • Machine Learning Platforms: Utilize platforms like Databricks or H2O.ai for advanced analytics and model training.

Workflow:

  1. Data Ingestion: Data from various sources (POS, CRM, IoT devices) is ingested into a data lake.
  2. Data Processing: ETL processes clean, transform, and load data into a data warehouse.
  3. Analytics and Reporting: Use analytics tools to visualize data and generate reports.
  4. Model Training: Train machine learning models to detect patterns and predict trends.
  5. Insights Generation: Generate actionable insights and recommendations for store layout optimization and personalized marketing.
  6. System Integration: Integrate insights with ERP and marketing automation systems to implement recommendations.

Current Trends and Future Outlook

Trends:

  • Omnichannel Integration: Seamless integration between online and offline channels to provide a unified customer experience.
  • AI-Driven Personalization: Increasing use of AI to deliver hyper-personalized shopping experiences.
  • Sustainable Practices: Leveraging technology to promote sustainable shopping and reduce waste.

Future Outlook:

In the ever-evolving landscape of retail, we anticipate increasingly sophisticated personalization techniques. These advancements could involve more advanced AI algorithms, widespread adoption of AR/VR, and deeper integration of IoT devices to establish a highly interconnected and personalized shopping environment. Leveraging technology can markedly enhance the in-store experience by delivering personalized recommendations and elevating customer satisfaction. When seamlessly integrating front-end and back-end systems, retailers can provide a cohesive and highly tailored shopping journey.

About: Rakesh Shukla is the founder of Avinya Innovations and Incubation. TWBcx™ XaaS CXM suite from Avinya allows businesses to deliver outstanding experiences throughout the customer journeys and customer touch points as a subscription! inStore™ is a product in the TWBcx™ suite that focuses on small & medium retail store formats. More information on inStore™ on https://instore.bargains/home/

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19 May

Upselling – Closing the gap in retail software, by Rakesh Shukla, CEO at InStore™ by TWBcx™

By TWB_ In Communication, Internal Communications, Marketing Content, Press & Media, Product Strategy, Strategic Marketing /   20 Comments

Large-format physical retail stores and chains compete with the largest e-commerce stores for consumer spending. One of the key places stores lose out is knowing the customers enough to create an upselling and cross-selling opportunity comparable to e-commerce stores. Even without the potentially limitless space of an e-commerce store in terms of stocking inventory & inventory management where physical stores don’t compete with e-commerce on:

  • Customer Data: E-commerce stores collect extensive customer data, allowing personalised recommendations. Physical stores often lack this level of insight, making it harder to tailor offers to individual shoppers.
  • Dependence on Staff: Training sales staff to upsell and cross-sell requires time and effort. Inconsistent or ineffective training can hinder the successful implementation of these techniques.
  • Customer Interaction: In a physical store, sales staff must engage with customers directly. Misreading customer cues or being too pushy can negatively impact the upselling and cross-selling process.
  • Seamless Checkout: Physical checkout lines can be busy, discouraging additional purchases. In contrast, e-commerce stores offer seamless online checkout experiences.

Software vendors address a large proportion of the gap enabling retail stores to know their customers better and personalise their shopping experience to some degree. Some of the leading software solutions to accomplish this and close the cross-selling gap are:

  1. Oracle Retail: Suitable for Enterprises. Stands out for:
    • Inventory Management: Efficiently manage stock levels and replenishment.
    • Point of Sale (POS): Streamlined checkout process with real-time inventory updates.
    • Customer Insights: Collect data for personalised recommendations.
    • Loyalty Programs: Implement loyalty rewards and promotions.
  2. Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Retail: All-in-One Retail Management Software. Stands out for:
    • Unified Platform: Integrates sales, inventory, and customer data.
    • Omnichannel Support: Seamless customer experience across channels.
    • AI-Powered Insights: Personalized recommendations.
  3. Acumatica Cloud ERP: suited for cross-module workflows. Stands out for:
    • Delivers a Unified Platform to stores: That integrates financials, inventory, sales, and CRM.
    • Stores can create custom workflows
  4. Zoho Inventory: best suited for small businesses. Stands out for:
    • Inventory Tracking: Real-time stock updates.
    • Order Fulfillment: Manage orders efficiently.
    • Barcode Scanning: Simplify inventory management.
  5. Brightpearl: suited for end-to-end retail management. Stands out for:
    • Key Features:
      • Multichannel Integration: Connects online and offline sales channels.
      • Order Processing: Automates order fulfillment.
      • Financial Reporting: Comprehensive financial insights.
  6. Lightspeed Retail: suited for Inventory Management. Stands out for:
    • Inventory Tracking: Real-time stock updates.
    • Purchase Orders: Streamline ordering processes.
    • Customer Profiles: Collect data for personalised recommendations.

However, the gap that the best software suites are STILL not able to close is:

  • Access to Limited Customer Data when the customer is in-store: E-commerce stores collect extensive customer data, allowing personalised recommendations. Physical stores lack this level of insight but even more importantly – the ability to make it available to individual shoppers when shopping – something that e-commerce stores excel at.
  • Knowledge & Positioning: Sales staff to upsell and cross-sell requires time and effort and the transfer of a large amount of expertise in both the knowledge of products on display, their competitive positioning and the best upsells available.
  • Customer Interaction & communication: In a physical store, sales staff must engage with customers directly. Misreading customer cues or being too pushy can negatively impact the interaction. On the other hand, no interaction is not a solution either

This is the gap – getting close to the customer when the customer is shopping – that inStore™ by TWBcx™ closes for retail store owners and management. inStore™ guides shoppers to the most appropriate products & discounts in a store on their phones without the need to expensive software applications and integration. More information on https://instore.bargains/home/

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Distributed team communication | TWB Blog
17 Feb

Managing Distributed Development Teams with better communications

By TWB_ In Communication, Corporate Training, Internal Communications, Leadership /  14 17 Comments

The post COVID world has distributed workforces as an inescapable reality. There are 3 major challenges that creep up with the distributed/WFH (Work From Home) teams. This is our recommendation about how to address them.

This new paradigm comes with its own challenges. As distributed teams become the rule rather than the exception, especially in technology-related industries, managers and workers find themselves playing a game for which they weren’t told all the rules. The nature of remote work is isolating. Bonding does not come easily to virtual teams. A manager needs to recognize that and work at creating a virtual camaraderie.


Challenge 1: Direct Management vs Indirect Supervision

In a traditional office environment, managers assessed the status of the team by simply walking around, observing, and talking to employees. This allowed them to stay on top of developing problems by direct observation and intervention before it spirals out of control. However, in a distributed team a manager can only indirectly infer what’s actually going on with a team, based on results — which are noticeable only much further down a project.

How can you overcome this? Keeping non-standard communication channels open

Managing a distributed team by practising a remote version of direct management – you can touch base with each team member individually and collectively as if you were walking around the office daily. The aim is to encourage the same kind of interpersonal relationship-building between employees that goes on in a traditional break room without being a micromanager.

Challenge 2: Managing “Junior” levels

In a traditional work environment, junior developers sit side-by-side with senior developers and can ask questions during downtime without being seen as a “pest”. In distributed teams, juniors hesitate to ask questions, when asking a simple question would have kept everything going in the right direction.

How can this cycle be interrupted? Being proactively available to juniors

With a distributed team, the manager needs to ensure that less experienced employees feel like they can ask questions without getting fired. One way is to have a virtual mentorship program: matching new employees with older employees in an organized way that incentivizes employees to improve their skill set.


Challenge 3: Creativity and productivity decline

Remote teams have a universe of choices for how to talk to one another: instant chat, email, telephone, text, video calls. This last one should be the same as being there, right? While video call technology is an amazing tool, it’s no substitute for sitting in a room with co-workers for face-to-face conversations.

Creativity and productivity can easily suffer up to 15-20% per employee and you will need to staff-up just to stay even! Here are some ways for boosting employee productivity:

How can you boost creativity? Keep informal channels open

If employees can reach out on one-on-ones over pre-determined schedules or connect flexibly to discuss new ideas and solve problems, they are likely to keep the focus on concluding the task at hand.

TWB Communication Certifications


TWB has over 20,000 TWB Certified Alumni in over 100+ Fortune 500 and Indian technology leaders including Accenture, Alcatel-Lucent, Cognizant, Convergys, Huawei, IBM, NetApp, Oracle, SAP, TCS, Fidelity, ANZ and Wipro makes TWB the undisputed leader in Communication Certifications across IT, KPO, Research, Consulting and Hi-Tech Manufacturing industries.
TWB Certification programs are the only training options available for the TWB GRAPE Content Authoring Framework™ from TWB (www.twb.in) – the world leader in Technology Content.

TWB Certifications are also available to any trainee across the world through the industry’s first e-learning platform TWB Online (since 2007). TWB Education’s unprecedented intellectual depth can be gauged by it’s 8 published ISBN titles, joint projects with University of Minnesota and Virginia Tech, and 400,000 hrs of instructional design experience based on the methodology of the TWB GRAPE Content Authoring Framework™.

  • Call  TWB_ Bangalore 96860 59020 | Houston (832)689-6456 | Tel Aviv +972.544.603.612 or mail shift@twb.in
  • Get more TWB_ insights on the TWB_ Blog | LinkedIn 

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10 Jan

Creating a Powerful CxO Personal Brand, and its Corporate benefits

By TWB_ In Communication, Leadership, Strategic Marketing /   18 Comments

A personal brand is not a new concept but for a CxO personal branding is not just about them, it is what it means to their companies. The value that your company derives from your personal brand may be the critical differentiator in a marketplace where companies compete for customers, investors, and employees.

How a CxO brand benefits your company

A powerful personal CxO brand can have tremendous corporate benefits because, 

  • A great CxO brand increases Company Credibility to customers: Credibility and trust have always played key roles in shaping business success but for a company, it is not easy to be seen as trustworthy — such a reputation is earned over years. However, if a high-level executive has a trustworthy, credible and believable personal brand, then their company is also seen as trustworthy, credible and believable. Anyone remembering Lee Iacocca being the face of Chrysler in its worst days knows that the trust to buy Chrysler came from him. Conversely, the loss of credibility of Travis Kalanick was leading to the loss of credibility of Uber.

 

  • A great CxO brand makes PR more Effective: Companies need all the competitive advantage they can get. A CxO’s distinct, authoritative personal brand gets easier traction than the company spokesperson. For instance, if your company needs facetime in front of the press it is easier to get a few columns in a magazine or for the magazine to profile the CxO, rather than for the magazine to profile the company. A CxO armed with a compelling personal brand — is the best pitch a company has — not just to customers but to media as well.

 

Building a powerful CxO brand

So it must be understood that both the CxO and the company are engaged in creating the CxO’s personal brand, right? Wrong. Corporate marketing and communication functions don’t always focus on individuals but rather on products and services and it is a big mistake — as we’ve seen above. Creating a powerful personal brand is also not trivial. It requires a deep dive into the individual’s attributes and competitive positioning to bring out the key differentiators, and regular communication to keep the brand relevant. It takes patience, time and smarts. Here are some attributes of a great CxO brand:

 

  • The CxO Brand is not a job description: Often, personal branding looks like a representation of one’s accomplishments and talent. Mostly it comes out as a job role, which it is not. When it is a job role it becomes interchangeable and dispensable. Some great personal branding can be seen in the case of Nandan Nilekani where he has become synonymous with character & predictable growth at Infosys to the point being brought back from retirement.

 

  • The CxO Brand is self-defined and rooted in real attributes: A CxO brand should be built around unique attributes and around the CxO’s personality. Is he/her a people person? Analytical? Brilliant? Insightful? To be effective CxOs need to have a rich, fully-realized concept of their own identity and the best way is to be genuine and authentic. People can see right through disingenuous communication and it is easy to manage an authentic personal brand on a daily basis.

 

  • The CxO Brand is not that of a Specialist: A deep dive into a specific domain is often boring for the employees you lead, interchangeable with another CxO and not inspiring. CxOs are generalists, they are multi-talented, multi-skilled, and open to many types of challenges. They stand out not because they do a few things well, but because they can do many things well.

 

  • The CxO brand should tell a story: If your personal brand isn’t telling a story there is nothing unique and personalized about it. You and your company are still vulnerable because you’re interchangeable. The most effective personal branding strategy is to build a true narrative around who you are, your life experiences and what you wish to influence.

 

  • The CxO brand has consistency and depth: Being consistent means to demonstrate consistency across your communication, gravitas, and appearance. Each of the aspects that your brand highlights have to be backed by tremendous depth of vision, knowledge, and content — consistently. Small inconsistencies can derail personal brand effectiveness.

 

  • A CxO personal brand is a lifelong project: A personal brand is a lifelong project that constantly evolves and changes. So be prepared to invest your time in the long run to build your brand.

Conclusion

A CxO personal brand can be a major force that works in favor of your company. Not enough companies know how to truly leverage the personal brands of their CxOs and not enough CxOs realize that a personal brand doesn’t just impact them at an individual level but impacts entire companies. It is imperative that the CxO take the time and effort to create a respected personal brand that bristles with authenticity and authority and is seen as an industry voice.

Rakesh Shukla, Chief Executive & Founder, TWB_ I The Agency for Technology Brands I www.twb.in

Rakesh Shukla, TWB_ CEO

Tech Entrepreneur, TEDx speaker & Philanthropist, Rakesh Shukla is a BTech-MBA & CEO of the world leader in communications for technology businesses with a worldwide Fortune 500 customer base. Rakesh is a speaker on Leadership, Strategic Marketing, Strategic Communications, creating world-class bootstrapped Startups & resurgence in business. He lives with 800 rescued dogs, has no work-life balance and will not have it any other way! Rakesh has been featured in 100+ interviews on the BBC, CNN, Al-Jazeera, CNN-IBN, NDTV, India’s national dailies etc.

Want to create a powerful Personal CxO brand?

  • TWB_ is the voice of many Technolgy CxO and provides a detailed analysis of how to brand, provides long term content support and digital presence to these CxO’s.
  • TWB_ makes complex technical and business ideas of technology leaders across the world easily understood by their stakeholders. Over forty Fortune 500 technology majors in Information Technology, Defense & Aerospace, Engineering, Energy & Life Sciences in the US, India, Europe, Taiwan, China & Japan leverage TWB_ expertise.
  • Call  TWB_ Bangalore 96860 59020 | Houston (832)689-6456 | Tel Aviv +972.544.603.612 or mail shift@twb.in
  • Get more TWB_ insights on the TWB_ Blog | LinkedIn | Medium  | SlideShare
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Internal Communication with TWB_ I www.twb.in
25 Dec

7 ways your enterprise communications will change in 2019

By TWB_ In Communication, HR Communication, Internal Communications, Strategic Marketing /   7 Comments

Communication is fundamental for an enterprise and you use Marketing Communication, Corporate Communication and Internal Communication to influence customers, partners, employees, shareholders, governments etc. 2018 saw key communication trends emerge with cloud-based systems from chats to telephony, the advent of video in the mainstream and inflection point of influencers over brand ambassadors with exponential digital reach.

Based on our experience with customers, in enabling their enterprise communication strategies in 2018, this is our take on what will create the most impact for your communication in 2019.

Democratization of Enterprise Communication

The speed of change outside and inside an organization is simply too great for communication to be the sole responsibility of a few ‘designated’ communicators. 2019 will require everyone to be a competent communicator and respond quickly to information that flows up, down, and across traditional channels. Enterprise communication will democratize. 

AI & Emerging Technologies

AI-powered chatbots are already powering customer interactions and they are set to raise employee & partner experience too. 60% of business-to-business companies are likely to redesign their processes to accommodate and ensure human augmentation for scalability and precision. What is your strategy? [Request a copy of the TWB_ book on Leveraging AI in the Modern Technology Enterprise]

Unified customer journey

While the idea of a unified customer or employee journey has taken root the journey still has to be mapped out for most organizations. The communication needs at each touch point yet to be ascertained. Transactional touch points — from invoices to product packaging to salary slips — will emerge as the key places to focus communication on as businesses realize attention spans here are short but attention is highly focused.

Visual & Print Communication

Pictures speak a universal language and with the need to connect to global customers as well as employees visual communication will continue to be a key communication trend both within and outside the enterprise. Print will see an upswing as well — as organizations realize that their focusing on digital only inadvertently closes down a key touch point. Digital and print can work together – and it creates simpler communication for customers.

Outsourcing of Communication

Creating relevant personalized communications requires enterprises to process data & preferences and manage presence across channels. Most organizations just don’t have the expertise to manage all three and it is therefore not easy to deliver relevant and personalized communications that appeal to the breadth of your customers’ preferences and across different media. Outsourcing communications can bring in expertise on demand, reduce costs, and diversify channel strategy. [Read more: TWB_ as the outsource communications partner of the Fortune 500]

Improved Storytelling

Markets will get noisier & storytelling will be the major differentiator between businesses that get noticed and those that don’t. Businesses and brands that create human connections through the art of story will rise. [Read more by TWB_ : Great storytelling for business leadership: What makes listeners connect? ]

Global Teams are driving Internal Communications

Teams are becoming the basic unit of business as more companies move away from hierarchical organizations to functional teams. Teams are likely spread geographically and members have diverse cultures and communication styles. Importantly teams need to resolve conflicts on their own and work through complex issues to arrive at consent on a course of action. This requires people to communicate even more effectively.

 

Rakesh Shukla, Chief Executive & Founder, TWB_ I The Agency for Technology Brands I www.twb.in

Rakesh Shukla, TWB_ CEO

Tech Entrepreneur, TEDx speaker & Philanthropist, Rakesh Shukla is a BTech-MBA & CEO of the world leader in communications for technology businesses with a worldwide Fortune 500 customer base. Rakesh is a speaker on Leadership, Strategic Marketing, Strategic Communications, creating world-class bootstrapped Startups & resurgence in business. He lives with 800 rescued dogs, has no work-life balance and will not have it any other way! Rakesh has been featured in 100+ interviews on the BBC, CNN, Al-Jazeera, CNN-IBN, NDTV, India’s national dailies etc.

Are you looking to create or improve how you communicate?

  • TWB_ makes complex technical and business ideas of technology leaders across the world easily understood by their stakeholders. Over forty Fortune 500 technology majors in Information Technology, Defense & Aerospace, Engineering, Energy & Life Sciences in the US, India, Europe, Taiwan, China & Japan leverage on TWB_
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The largest Managed Services Providers have some TWB_ in them
29 May

The Managed Services Providers (MSP) of MSP’s!

By TWB_ In Communication, Content, Strategic Marketing /   5 Comments

Businesses need to innovate to retain customers in the competitive market and tap new markets to expand and they use Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to do so.  It allows them to focus on their products, service delivery and customer experience as MSP’s manage IT infrastructure, network, security, mobility, and communications.

 

Competitive Market

It’s a highly competitive market with little margin for error in delivery. The global managed services market was $ 155.91 billion in 2017 and is expected to reach USD $ 296.38 by 2023, witnessing a CAGR of 11.32% between 2018 and 2023. The key drivers are information services and managed mobility.

The major vendors in the managed services market include IBM (US), Cisco (US), Accenture (Ireland), Fujitsu (Japan), Atos (France), Tata Consultancy Services (India), Wipro (India), Huawei (China), HCL (India), Ericsson (Sweden), Nokia Networks (Finland), DXC Technology (US), Dimension Data (South Africa) & Unisys (US).

The MSP of MSP’s

But what about the MSP itself as an enterprise – how do they focus on their service delivery and ensure the most effective customer acquisition, the best service differentiation, and the best win rates? In a market where the promise of delivery can be duplicated at the point of sale, and where the services delivery is complex and across the organization the largest MSPs rely on TWB_ to communicate their differentiation and improve win rates. TWB_ is the branding and communication MSP that MSP’s outsource to! This goes across the core branding proposition, to how the sales, inside sales and pre-sales pitch and communicate to large-scale proposals that complement this pitch. TWB_ helps MSPs win more.

Want your innovation to stand out?

TWB_ re-imagines & re-uses marketing, learning & product content to deliver unprecedented quality, time, and cost efficiency. Over forty Fortune 500 technology majors & many exciting startups in the US, India, Europe, Taiwan, China & Japan leverage TWB_’s ability. SME teams in Information Technology, Defense & Aerospace, Engineering, Energy & Life Sciences mirror the expertise of our customers. 100% of TWB_ content is written for the world markets

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