Delivering complete software solution that provides not only efficiency and overall productivity but also high level of software consulting and support is Focus Softnet. M R Faisal, AVP - Business Development, Focus Softnet, shares the evolution of the company and its expansion
Neha Gohil (NG): Shed some light on Focus Softnet’s evolution as a brand and briefly describe about ‘Focus Softnet Pvt. Ltd’?
M R Faisal (MRF): Focus Softnet has evolved from humble beginnings from year 1990, to a multi-national company and is recognised for technical excellence and rapid evolution of solutions that deliver absolute value for money.
NG: What is the USP of ‘Focus Softnet Pvt. Ltd’?
MRF: Focus Softnet develop and deliver enterprise wide business solutions like, ERP, CRM, along with solutions in Warehouse Management Solution, Academic Records Management Solution, and TravelSoft that cater to innovative solutions to complex business problems.
We not only deliver the complete software solution that provides efficiency and overall productivity but also provide high level of software consulting and support to help clients achieve their goals.
NG: When and what motivated you to expand via franchising? What are your further expansion plans?
MRF: The company’s services are now used by more than 30,000 clients in 12 countries with 23 branches supporting them, spread across the US, Middle East, Far East and India. Focus Softnet wants to expand brand PAN India.
NG: What kind of location are you looking for expansion in India?
MRF: The brand wants to concentrate on western, northern, and north-eastern regions of India and look for franchisee partners in all tier I, II and III cities.
NG: Where all are you present in the country and how many franchisees do you have?
MRF: The company operates in Hyderabad (HO), Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Bangalore from its own offices. At present Focus is operating with 20+ franchisees across India.
NG: What are the requisites for an aspirant in terms of skills, area and investment?
MRF: Preferably and IT services related company with a strong knowledge about the local market.
NG: What parameters do you follow for the selection of franchise partners?
MRF: IT related companies, presence in local market, service oriented, capital and infrastructure investment.
NG: What kind of training and support you offer to a franchisee?
MRF: We provide training using the ‘Train the trainee’ program, which will help the launch of the products immediately without gestation period. The training would guide franchise teams in products of the company, help in pre-sale activities initially and in post-sale installation, training and support activity.
NG: What are the challenges that a franchisee faces in this business? How can they overcome these challenges?
MRF: Key challenges are ensuring consistency system wide, managing all the available versions, and operational challenges. The company will have specialised Accounts Manager for each franchisee and full fledge support relation team.
