In an exclusive interview with SME Times, Managing Director at Anusha Technovision Alok Hada said that automation and smart lighting systems are expected to incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning more frequently so they can automatically learn from user behaviour and make modifications.

Excerpts of the interview…

1.      Tell us about the journey of AnushaTechnovision from the year it was established until now?

AnushaTechnovision Pvt. Ltd. (ATPL) is a technology- and innovation-driven company that has been offering complete services for designing, distributing, and installing lighting controls, audio-video solutions, wifi, and security systems in multiple upscale commercial, hospitality, and residential projects across the nation over the last 21 years. At Anusha, we strive to provide services that are convenient, comfortable, and completely under the client’s control. ATPL is an industry leader in supplying automation and lighting control systems to various business segments and is driven by highly energetic and motivated individuals. Our goals are to keep improving the lives of our customers and to become India's top provider of lighting control and home automation solutions.

2.      What specific difficulties do you encounter in the automation and smart lighting industries, and how do you maintain a lead in terms of innovation and technological advancements?

The world of technology is ever-changing, which is one of the largest challenges we confront. In order to maintain a lead in innovation and technological advancements, we need to continuously research, test, and enhance our products. We have been placing a high priority on investing in research and development and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement throughout our organisation in order to preserve our leadership in innovation and technological developments. In addition, we closely monitor consumer demands and market trends in an effort to foresee them and use cutting-edge technology to satisfy those changing needs.

3.How do you strike a balance between the need for automation and efficiency with concerns about the security and privacy of customer data?

As a provider of automation and smart lighting solutions, we understand the value of automation, efficiency, and client data security and privacy. Although we value efficiency and automation, we also understand that these features can be used in ways that compromise security and privacy. We make responsible use of automation and check that our procedures and systems don't jeopardise the security and privacy of our clients' data. As a part of this, we offer transparent terms of service agreements and privacy policies that outline how we manage customer data and the rights that customers have in relation to their data.

4. What steps do you take to reduce your environmental impact, and how do you prioritise sustainability and energy efficiency in your automation and smart lighting solutions?

We give sustainability and energy efficiency top priority in our automation and smart lighting solutions by creating eco-friendly products, utilising eco-friendly materials, cutting waste, implementing carbon-neutral operations, implementing energy-efficient practices in our operations, and educating our staff about environmental concerns. Additionally, in our smart lighting solutions, we employ sensors to change the light output in accordance with occupancy and natural light levels, minimising waste and consuming less energy. With the aid of the smart lighting solutions we provide, you can change interior and exterior lights remotely using a control panel inside your home or a smartphone app, aiding in the reduction of overall energy consumption.

5.What do you foresee for automation and smart lighting in the future, and how do you intend to evolve your company to remain relevant in this quickly-evolving market?

As a provider of automation and smart lighting solutions, we anticipate an increasing demand for smart homes and buildings that are connected and controllable through mobile devices. Automation and smart lighting systems are expected to incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning more frequently so they can automatically learn from user behaviour and make modifications. In order to stay relevant in this quickly changing market, we'll keep up with the most recent developments and developing technology, incorporating them into our services as necessary. In order to meet our clients’ evolving needs and address their possible grievances, we will also continue to follow our customer-centric strategy.

6.      How do you ensure that your automation and smart lighting solutions are user-friendly and accessible to everyone?

At AnushaTechnovision Pvt. Ltd., we prioritise user experience and accessibility when developing automation and smart lighting solutions. We carry out thorough user trials and collect input from a wide range of users, including those with various degrees of technical skill, to make sure that our solutions are user-friendly. We focus on inclusion when designing our solutions to guarantee accessibility for everyone. This includes implementing functions like touchlesscontrol,voice control, etc.  regardless of technical proficiency or talents, we work to develop automation and smart lighting solutions that are user-friendly and available to everyone.

7. What steps do you take to make sure that your customers are satisfied with your services, and how do you approach providing customer service and support for your customers?

To ensure that our customers are satisfied with our services, we take the following steps:

● Understand customer needs and expectations: It's essential to have a deep understanding of what our customers require and expect from our services. We achieve this by actively listening to feedback, conducting surveys, and analyzing customer data to identify pain points and areas for improvement.

● Set clear expectations: Clear communication is key to managing customer expectations. We ensure that our customers have access to comprehensive information about our products or services, including pricing, delivery times, and other critical details.

● Provide high-quality products or services: Providing high-quality products or services is fundamental to customer satisfaction. We ensure that we deliver what we promise and provide products or services that meet or exceed customer expectations.

● Be responsive: Timely and effective communication is critical to building trust and credibility with our customers. We respond to emails and phone calls promptly and address any issues or concerns in a timely and effective manner.

● Train our staff: Our staff's knowledge and skills play a vital role in delivering excellent customer service. We invest in training our staff to ensure that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle customer inquiries and complaints effectively.

● Ask for feedback: We proactively seek feedback from our customers to identify areas for improvement and make necessary changes to improve customer satisfaction. We use various methods, such as surveys, focus groups, and social media, to gather customer feedback.

8. What challenges have you faced as a CEO in this industry, and how have you overcome them?

● Technological change is a formidable challenge, as it moves at a rapid pace. To address this challenge, it is essential to stay informed about the latest trends and developments in automation technology. We need to invest time and resources in researching and understanding the latest tools and techniques that are available in the market. This will enable us to develop and refine our automation strategies regularly. We need to assess whether they are still relevant, and if not, we must update and adapt them to meet the changing demands of our industry. Moreover, we need to create a culture of continuous learning and development within our organization.

● Cost of implementation: Implementing automation can involve significant costs, such as investment in technology, retraining staff, and potential disruption to current business operations. To address this challenge, it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis that considers the short-term and long-term costs and benefits of automation. In addition, it is essential to demonstrate the potential long-term savings and benefits of automation to customers.

● Poaching from MNC’s: As the oldest company in this industry, our staff members are highly skilled and experienced, making them prime targets for other companies seeking to bolster their talent pool. With the increasing demand for automation expertise, many MNCs are actively searching for trained staff and employees to fill critical roles in their organizations. This has created a competitive hiring landscape, where skilled individuals are often approached by multiple employers at once. As a result, it is important for our company to take proactive measures to retain our top talent.

9. Can you elaborate on the company's growth strategy and expansion plans?

● Market penetration: Our goal is to increase our market share in existing markets by improving our products and services. Utilising our current clientele and better meeting their needs is made possible by this market penetration strategy. By continuously fine-tuning our offerings, we can stay ahead of the competition and maintain our position as a leading provider in our industry.

● Market development: I believe that expanding into new geographic markets is crucial for our growth. To fine-tune our approach, we will adapt our marketing efforts and continuously monitor performance to make adjustments as needed. By implementing these strategies, we can successfully expand into new geographic markets and achieve our growth goals.