TAIT hosts an open discussion forum for members

The Trade Association of Information Technology (TAIT) has held an open forum discussion to address some key problems plaguing traders and System Integrators in Mumbai. The event started with the Board of Directors introducing the agenda and then opening the house for a freewheeling discussion where every member could share their experience and offer possible solutions. The focus remained on finding a universal solution that can be implemented by all members of the community, while uniting everyone with the benefit of collective growth and goodwill. Some key takeaways from this which were agreed upon.

1. Creating a micro-site where members can share details of defaulters with a valid proof of a bounced cheque or failed payment. This will help other members to be cautious when dealing with the defaulter.

2. A compulsory 30 days credit period with a Postdated Cheque, as a standard procedure, to be followed by all members, when dealing in the market as well as among each other.

3. As a process, any customer/ client/ fellow member who has delayed payments beyond 38 days, will be blacklisted and all will be informed to not do any further business with the entity/ client/ member, unless the previous dues are cleared.

4. An arbitration clause to be added to all invoices, both hard copy and soft copy, as well as to add this in the email signatures and Pos, etc.

The TAIT Open Forum also discussed and decided to gather 25–30 top industry veterans to form a screening committee to create a mechanism to control unfair business practices and payment defaulters.

The second key topic of discussion was the lack of an effective vendor policy which could safeguard the interest of the traders and System Integrators. Members point outed the wary state of duplicity in the market introduced by vendors to boost sales. The focus area of the conversation revolved around promoting best and fair practices of doing business and the need for a strong unification of the members of the association so as to make their concerns heard. The key takeaways from this discussion are:

1. Creation of a universal vendor policy that will be beneficial to all members of TAIT

2. A sincere effort to create transparency and proactively share vendor information/ observations with fellow members so duplicity or any manipulation by vendors can be brought to everyone’s notice

3. A strong sense of unity among members is required so that TAIT can communicate in one voice when demanding fair practises and transparency for members

4.  A stronger stance required to be taken when dealing with dumping of products and setting up unrealistic sales targets

Speaking on the occasion, Krupashankar Chaube, President, TAIT, says, “With the rapidly- changing business and market dynamics, the controls that the business owners had over their business is undergoing a massive change. The credit issue is a crucial challenge that largely impacts these smaller businessmen. This session is one of the first events where we have brought all members to together under one roof to acknowledge the problem and to openly discuss best ways to tackle the same. As TAIT, we realized it was the need of the hour to have such session where issues that are core to the business of the members are discussed and possible solutions are arrived at, so despite the flux in the market, our members can tide over the challenges just fine.”

The interactive session was then followed by a LaunchPad Pro session by N Computing, which showcased cost-effective and intelligent products for home and enterprises. These included 3 and 5 user devices for educational institutes and small offices. Apart from being cost-effective and compact, these devices are also designed to consume up to 90% less electricity. Some other products included the RX300 and MX 100s.

The evening ended on a relaxed note with members exchanging their experiences and suggestions over cocktails and dinner.