Archive: February 1, 2024

Unicommerce adds Endless Aisle to its Omnichannel Retail Management System

1st Feb 2024, New Delhi: Businesses continue to adopt omnichannel technology to align with users who move seamlessly between the online and physical stores of a brand. With Unicommerce’s “Endless Aisle”, the brand will be available to accept orders at their stores for out-of-stock items and have them delivered to the customer’s doorstep. This is enabled by the “Unified Inventory View” offered by Unicommerce, which allows the store personnel to have a real-time view of inventory across multiple stores and warehouses and reserve the SKU required by the customer.

The “Endless Aisle” enhancement focuses on different pain points across industry sectors as it caters to unique customer challenges. In the case of an apparel brand, a walk-in customer may like a certain shirt but may not find the right size. Similarly, for bulky products like furniture, electronic items, and high-value goods like jewelry, etc., an endless aisle serves as a platform where the customer can order the item at the store and get it shipped to their doorstep.

Unicommerce’s omnichannel retail management system facilitates the integration of brands across marketplaces, websites, and brick-and-mortar stores. The “Endless Aisle” enhancement will also provide an online return facility for purchases made in-store. Additionally, retailers may get data insights on customers’ tastes and preferences, execute diagnostic and predictive analysis of customer data as well as improve personalized experiences as per customers’ behavior.

Speaking on the launch of the product upgrade, Kapil Makhija, MD & CEO of Unicommerce, said, “The launch of “Endless Aisle” marks a significant step in our ongoing commitment to providing sellers with the best-in-class technology that allows them to offer an enhanced shopping experience to their customers. With omnichannel becoming crucial across the ecommerce and retail landscape, our solutions are always evolving to meet the changing needs of brands and businesses.”

Omnichannel brands and retailers leverage technology to deliver an unparalleled customer experience, which not only makes the customer’s purchasing journey engaging but also significantly time-efficient. While customers today enjoy shopping at their convenience, they more often engage with brands that offer omnichannel experiences and ease of shopping across digital and physical channels.

Unicommerce is one of the leading e-commerce enablement SaaS platforms that enables end-to-end management of e-commerce operations for brands, retailers, marketplaces and logistics service providers. The company has a consistently growing Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR)and Revenue. As of the quarter ending September 2023, Unicommerce has achieved a 750 million+ Annual Transaction run-rate, serving over 3500 customers, managing 8000+ warehouses, and processing orders from 1900+ stores through its platform.

Kramer and AudioCodes Partner to Deliver Complete Solution for Microsoft Teams Rooms (MTR)

India, Feb 1st, 2024 – Kramer, a pioneer in audio-visual products and solutions, and AudioCodes, a leader in advanced communications software and AI, have announced a new partnership to deliver complete Microsoft Teams Room (MTR) solutions. This collaboration is set to redefine the meeting experience, and AV-enabled hybrid work environments, offering a comprehensive approach to modern collaboration needs.

Uniting Expertise for Enhanced Communication

This strategic partnership integrates Kramer’s innovative audio-visual solutions with AudioCodes’ Microsoft Teams Room products. The partnership encompasses a full range of components, from video bars and compute units to speakers, DSPs, switching, efficient cable management, plus AI recording and analytics for Teams meetings, ensuring a seamless and comprehensive meeting room experience that delivers more productive meeting outcomes.

Transforming hybrid work and meeting environments, this collaboration aims to provide end-to-end solutions from small huddle rooms to expansive, fully equipped boardrooms. The synergy between AudioCodes’ expertise in MTR-certified products and AI-powered voice applications, plus Kramer’s proficiency in the audio-visual field is expected to elevate user experiences in hybrid work settings.

For system integrators, this partnership offers significant value. They receive a fully tested room solution where all components are guaranteed to work in harmony, along with ready-made plans and schematics for the entire installation. This approach significantly reduces adjustment times and labor costs, resulting in considerable savings and allowing system integrators to offer more competitive solutions to their customers.

Commitment to Excellence

Both companies bring a legacy of quality and innovation to this partnership, promising a user-friendly, reliable, and cutting-edge MTR solution. This alliance is not merely a combination of products but a fusion of visions, set to revolutionize the way businesses communicate and collaborate in a hybrid world.

Leaders from Kramer and AudioCodes share their excitement about this partnership:

“As we announce our partnership with AudioCodes, an esteemed leader in voice and AI solutions for Microsoft Teams, we at Kramer are taking a significant step towards fulfilling our vision of providing the most comprehensive and complete solutions for Hybrid Workspaces. This collaboration marks a milestone in our journey to enrich and streamline the way people communicate in today’s ever-evolving work environments,” said Gilad Yron, Kramer’s CEO.

“Partnering with Kramer, we’re leveraging the unique strengths of both our companies to create a more connected, efficient, and productive work environment. This collaboration embodies AudioCodes’ specialty in MTR products and AI-powered meeting analytics, with Kramer’s cutting-edge AV solutions, setting a new benchmark in hybrid workplace communication,” said Lior Aldema, AudioCodes Chief Business Officer.

Looking Ahead

Kramer and AudioCodes are dedicated to continual innovation and improvement of their joint solutions. With this partnership, they are poised to set new industry standards, driving the evolution of meeting spaces and collaborative environments.

Advantage Vidarbha successfully concluded the 1st edition of’Khasdar Industrial Mahotsav – Nagpur’

Mumbai/Hyderabad/Nagpur 1st Feb 2024: The Association of Industrial Development (AID) concludes the first edition of the ‘Khasdar Industrial Mahotsav – Advantage Vidarbha’ in Nagpur. The event was inaugurated by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road, Transport, and Highways, Shri Devendra Fadnavis Deputy Chief Minister Maharashtra, and other dignitaries Shri Narayan Rane Minister MSME Government of India, Shri Sudhir Mungantiwar Minister of Forests of Maharashtra, Shri Ajay Bhat Minister of State for Defence GOI, Shri Girish Mahajan Tourism Minister of Maharashtra along with senior leadership from central and state politics, as well as business industry stalwarts.

‘Khasdar Industrial Mahotsav – Advantage Vidarbha’ was a three-day event that took place in Nagpur from January 27th to January 29th, 2024. The event focused on promoting industrial development in the Vidarbha and Maharashtra regions, creating a unified platform for Vidarbha industries to showcase their business potential, and exploring opportunities for expansion and collaborations. Over 250 exhibitors participated in the expo, with 90% of them representing the Vidarbha industry.

“The issue of carbon emissions due to vehicles running on petrol and diesel, and the resultant pollution has become a growing concern today. Alternative fuels like ethanol, methanol, and other components can be used to address this, reducing both carbon emissions and the dependence on oil imports. The time has come to prioritize coal gasification and reconsider royalties. Moreover, if electricity is generated nearer to the mines, it would not only save transportation costs but would also increase the capacity for energy generation,” – Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari said on the sideline of Advantage Vidarbha Expo

Speaking on the occasion Ashish Harshraj Kale, President, of the Association for Industrial Development (AID) said “It was a pleasure for all of us at AID to host the senior government delegates along with senior industry stalwarts. On behalf of the association, I express gratitude to each of them for their vision for the region. The region has immense potential to make a stronger and consistent contribution to the nation’s growth drive.

This three-day expo marked great success with various panel discussions in the presence of stalwarts of the sector. The startups, given that India is a developing country, have made incredible contributions. We are pleased to see a larger set of startups emerging from the region. The level of support and mentorship provided by the industry will be a milestone in this journey.

Our honorable Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari Ji has been the torchbearer of the development drive in the nation, and it is his vision that has made this landmark expo a reality. The expo witnessed the participation of over 250 exhibitors, representing a diverse range of 43 business sectors in the region.”

He further added, “This is just the beginning, and we have a long way to go. As an industry, we are committed to the vision of our leadership.”

Vidarbha in Maharashtra, known for its rich biodiversity and resources, is emerging as a promising hub for industrial and tourism investment. Comprising 11 districts including Nagpur and Gadchiroli, it boasts excellent infrastructure and a high mineral contribution. The ‘Advantage Vidarbha – Khasdar Audyogik Mahotsav’ event marked a significant step in this direction, with over 25 MOUs signed between angel investors and regional startups. Major investors like Haldiram and Nuwals pledged not just financial support but also mentorship. This initiative is crucial as Maharashtra, contributing 20% of India’s startups and 25% of its unicorns, is seeing a startup boom beyond metros, with tier 2 and 3 cities gaining momentum. Advantage Vidarbha is set to play a key role in nurturing young talent and startups in the region.

The three-day event featured diverse sessions and panel discussions covering various sectors such as education, defense, aviation, startups, MSME, bamboo, IT & ITES, pharmaceuticals, real estate, steel & PEB, finance, logistics & warehousing, mining equipment, coal gasification, fisheries, Ayurveda, dairy, and more. Senior Ministers from the State and Central Government, industry stalwarts across sectors, and renowned educational institutions, experts, and think tanks came together to discuss the potential challenges and their solutions to create a seamless business ecosystem and ensure the developmental growth of the region.

The inaugural day of the event centered its discussions on exploring the region’s potential, the availability of skilled manpower, geographical advantages, and efforts to promote and raise awareness about the initiative. Additionally, the focus was on attracting investors to invest in the region. The day of the event witnessed keynote addresses and sessions on the startup ecosystem of the region, education, aviation, defense, gem and jewelry, and the food processing industry. The first day concluded with the signing of 25 MoUs with angel investors, providing financial support to startups in Vidarbha.

The second day of the event concluded with in-depth discussions, including sessions and panel discussions, regarding the advancement of the bamboo sector and the exploration and creation of business opportunities for MSMEs, startups, pharmaceuticals, IT & ITES, real estate, and steel & PEB. There was a particular emphasis on the significance of coal gasification, efforts to reduce carbon emissions, and the transition towards alternative fuel options.

On the final day, there was a brainstorming session and panel discussions focused on tapping into the region’s potential for the expansion of fisheries and fish farming, dairy, and Ayurveda. The conversations also addressed themes like training local youth for job creation and the development of various sectors, encompassing mining equipment, logistics & warehousing, IT & ITES, and finance. The event concluded with the unveiling of a Coffee Table Book showcasing the entrepreneurial success stories of Vidarbha. The book aims to highlight the significant contributions of these individuals to the region’s economic development.

AISECT Spearheads the Tech Era with Free Cloud Computing Training for Women, a CSR Initiative with Microsoft and NSDC

National, 1st Feb 24: AISECT and Microsoft have undertaken a transformative venture in the field of technology and digital literacy since 2021. To address the digital divide, AISECT implemented its CSR program “Microsoft RISE – Rural India Skill Empowerment” a free skill training program that has positively impacted over 2,00,000 individuals throughout India. The program is specifically designed to cultivate essential skills, including digital literacy, employability, communication, and entrepreneurship skills, for individuals facing socio-economic disadvantages.

As the partnership evolves, AISECT, in collaboration with Microsoft and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), is expanding its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The new initiative introduces a free cloud computing program in India, with a specific emphasis on empowering women. This initiative aligns with the shared mission of empowering rural, disadvantaged individuals to compete globally in the technology-driven era.

Through this collaboration, AISECT is delivering cloud computing training programs to over 800 candidates using Microsoft Azure. Azure, a comprehensive platform offering over 200 services across 18 categories, spans computing, networking, storage, IoT, migration, mobile, analytics, containers, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. These programs are designed to empower participants to address contemporary challenges and develop cutting-edge skills.

To enrich their learning, students now have access to online resources through the innovative e-learning platform AISECT Learn (www.aisectlearn.com). This complements their physical training with self-directed opportunities to explore additional readings, educational videos, and more, leading to a deeper understanding and a more comprehensive educational experience.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Siddharth Chaturvedi, Director of AISECT said “Our goal is to foster economic security and stability among young individuals, with a particular emphasis on women, through comprehensive skill training and holistic development. AISECT is dedicated to expanding access to opportunities in both professional employment and self-employment, surpassing the confines of conventional training programs.”

The adaptability of Azure empowers students to address a wide range of scenarios, encompassing data backup, disaster recovery, software development, big data analytics, and customer-facing web applications. This thorough training approach guarantees that individuals acquire not only specialized skills but also the flexibility to navigate the constantly evolving landscape of cloud services.

AISECT foresees a future where technology acts as a catalyst for positive change, unlocking potential and empowering women in the digital era. In collaboration with Microsoft and NSDC, AISECT is dedicated to shaping a more inclusive society. Emphasizing the commitment to skill development, rural empowerment, technological progress, and gender inclusivity, AISECT positions itself as a leader in the transformative use of technology for societal advancement.

The Circle FC selects 10 Startups for the Water-Tech Accelerator Program in collaboration with the Embassy of Israel in India and IDE Technologies

New Delhi, 1st Feb 2024 – The Circle: Founders Club (The Circle FC), a business accelerator for growth-stage startups announced the commencement of ‘The Water Challenge’ Accelerator Program. In collaboration with the Embassy of Israel in India and IDE Technologies, this 12-week intensive acceleration journey aims to empower 10 innovative water-tech companies.

As the global focus intensifies on sustainability and ESG principles, ‘The Water Challenge Accelerator Program reinforces its commitment to helping startups by prioritizing eco-friendly solutions for pressing water-related challenges.

Selected through a rigorous application and interview process, the 10 startups in the cohort represent a diverse array of solutions addressing critical water issues in India.

Phyfarm, Aumsat, Hydrotec Solution, Nimble Vision, WaterLab Solutions, Hygienity, Biofilm Engineers, EcoEnso, Watsan Environtech, and iSync represent a spectrum of innovative approaches ranging from smart agriculture platforms and satellite-based water infrastructure intelligence to affordable water purifiers and smart water management solutions utilizing IoT and AI.

The program provides comprehensive support, including technology validation, commercialization guidance, market access, and fundraising opportunities. The startups are mentored by experts from both Israel and India, including IDE Technologies, Absolute, Kristnam Technologies, Hunch Ventures, Omnivore Partners, Speciale Invest, MITCON, and Enviraj Consulting.

Nemesisa Ujjain, VP – of Innovation, The Circle FC expressed, “In a world where water scarcity is a looming challenge, we are dedicated to supporting startups driving change, pushing the boundaries of innovation, and ensuring that India emerges as a global leader in water-tech solutions.”

Doron Gidony, Innovation Attache at the Embassy of Israel in India, added, “The Water Challenge marks a major milestone in our efforts to overcome the barriers created by borders and enable a seamless and collaborative environment for innovation. Through this program, we are leveraging our expertise in water tech to create a powerful synergy that paves the way for innovation.”

The program will culminate with a Demo Day on 22nd February 2024, hosted by The Circle Work at Gurugram. During this event, the startups will pitch their solutions to a jury panel comprising of venture capitalists and investors, competing for the winning prize.