"Lenovo’s philosophy as a "Partner First" preference has also helped us to Build a strong presence in the channel"

Abhishek Jain, Director, Systech IT Solutions

Please give us a little brief about yourself and your company.

I have been an Entrepreneur for over 2 decades. With roots from a traditional business route of Marbles and Granites in Rajasthan, I am the first generation in the family to be part of an IT Business. Systech IT solutions is one of Lenovo’s national distributors of consumer laptops. We started a decade ago with a team of 5 employees with a Rs. 15 Cr target and now we are one of the most successful IT, Telecom, Networking and Consumer Durable Distribution Companies in India. Our Group of Companies have over 250 Employees with a TO of Rs. 900 CR in India.   

Briefly explain your business model. What are the growth opportunities you see for yourself in the near future?
We have seen an exponential growth in the IT Industry in the last 3 decades. Systech has been a core partner with Lenovo for the last 10 years in the PC Distribution & Retail Business and we cater to over 40 Exclusive Stores of Lenovo and 500 Multi Brand Partners. We also own 7 Exclusive Stores of Lenovo in Karnataka. In the Telcom Business we have partnered with one of the leading Smartphone Brands in India for over 16 quarters and cater to their distribution. We have a footprint across South India and cater to the Consumer Durable Business and all the large retail chain outlets.  

The PC industry has also seen significant growth in the last 16 months. With the advent of Work from Home and Study from Home, PC business is witnessing a steep incline and we are fortunate to be associated with the #1 PC Brand in the World. Alongside Lenovo, our business has grown by over 50% in the last few years. With the constant introduction of world class products, we are thrilled to have been a part of this growth history with Lenovo.  

How has your business grown and what has been Lenovo’s contribution to your business growth?
Our Business has grown 2x in terms of profitability over the last 2 years. Lenovo has introduced path breaking technology in their products and our partners and customers have testified this by helping us achieve record breaking sales. Our Partnership with Lenovo has been the primary reason as to why Systech IT Technologies is now considered one of the most preferred  IT distribution business house in South India. Lenovo’s philosophy as a “Partner First” preference has also helped us to build a strong presence in the channel. We are now, not only catering to Consumer Business of Lenovo but also the Commercial Business Line and SMB Segment in Karnataka.

What is the most preferred brand/product by your customers? Have you seen any customer trends in the last few months?
Systech currently owns 7 exclusive Stores in Karnataka. We have seen an increased business in the channel through the existing customer’s of Lenovo and believe that Lenovo’s approach toward customer centricity in terms of Technology and Services has not only helped us retain existing customers but also increase sales via referral lines. Work from Home and Study from Home has created a strong demand for quality products for Customers. We have seen over 40% of our Customers purchasing Laptops more than 52,000 INR which was not the case 2 years ago. Along with PC’s, the accessories business is also seeing a major upward trend. Lenovo’s world class webcams, Monitors, headphones have become the new line of Return of Investment for Partners in the Industry.

How have you tackled challenges post the COVID-19 pandemic? What have you done differently during this time? Any best practices that you have followed as change during the pandemic?
During the Covid Situation – Systech as an Organization contributed toward CSR Activities. Along with Lenovo we contributed to the American Indian Foundation, in support of the needy. All our staff also received free vaccination support from Systech along with Medical Insurance for Employees and their Family. We actively contributed toward Ambulance Support, Food Distribution and Free Supply of IT essentials to the affected Families. In terms of the increased demand in IT products that we have witnessed, we have introduced some of the most innovative service offerings to partners and customers. For example:
1.    Door to Door Delivery of PC’s and IT Solutions to Partners and Customers.
2.    Round the clock 7 day warehouse support post lockdown removal.
3.    Strict Hygiene maintenance across daily Operations.

 
Emerging product lines & accessory biz focus along with Lenovo how?
Customer demand with the new normal has been a major contributor of PC peripherals sales.  With increased usage of Laptops, requirement of backup adapters, high quality visual and audio products such as Webcams and Headphones are new lines of Revenue of PC Partners. Other Emerging product lines such as wireless keyboards and Bluetooth silent mouse from Lenovo are also widely purchased by our Customers.

How are they focusing on upsell & maximizing reach to service more consumers?
Over 80% of Lenovo PC’s come with 1 year Warranty along with premium care and accidental damage protection. We see that with the increased usage of laptops, customer’s alignment toward purchasing extended warranty and other service offerings have gone up by over 125% over the last 12 months. Lenovo covers over 26000 pin codes across the country with a wide service coverage with multiple service centres. They are a highly skilled Technical Team both on and off the field that has been the backbone to our PC sales. Also with the inclusion of web services by Lenovo, approaching key locations of customers at large residential complexes via a Service on Wheel initiative has surely been a major support to customers specifically during the last 16 months.