Sudheer Nair: Fighting All Odds

Sudheer Nair, CEO, Eresource Infotech started his career with self belief as the sole capital. Today his turnover is more than `8 crore

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a much talked about topic in most business environments today. Working on the same front is Sudheer Nair, CEO, Eresource Infotech. Being one of the leading enterprise solution companies in India . Eresource provides end-to-end solutions that leverage technology-enabling customers to grow their business. Targeting at Indian SMEs, this ERP solution serves various sectors like manufacturing, process, construction, infrastructure, transportation, trading, pharmacy and automotive industries. What is striking here is the growth graph that Nair has seen in his life. Nair is not a entrepreneur by birth. With ambitious dreams in his eyes, Nair has treaded his life path fearlessly and one can say, he has emerged a winner. Today, his company is growing at 150% each year and is constantly updating his product to remain in the forefront.

Where he began
Though not comfortable with the word ‘rich' Sudheer Nair's life is an example of rags to riches story. With his father's expiry, the bread winner of the family when Sudheer was mere 16 years old, it was quite early in life that he learnt to shoulder major responsibilities. At this point of time, there were no business thoughts in mind. It was simple struggle for existence. Dropping out of his education, Nair started his career doing helper's job that included loading and unloading of cargo at Mumbai's Sahar Cargo Complex, followed by landing as a typewriter for typing programs. It was here that he subsequently learnt his first stint with computers, considered to be an uphill task in those days. After this there was no looking back. Landing a job as a programmer with the famous afternoon daily Afternoon Despatch & Courier in the year 1990, being a consultant to the day he donned the entrepreneurial hat in 2006, it was a quick succession of events. It was the programmer's job which inspired him to start his own venture along with his job in Dubai which more exposure to the enterprise solution software. "Once I started, I turned all my focus on it and fought against all odds and achieved all that what I have today" said Nair.

Some call it the ruler of Destiny whereas others attribute it to be the master of luck and fortune. A firm believer in the Supreme Being that rules most of our lives, Nair despite all believed in two words as the motivating factor for success-hard work and determination. "When you are determined to achieve anything there is nothing impossible. But you need to work hard to achieve it. There is no short cut to success. It is a simple lesson that I have learned from own experience. Determination and hard work were my only capital when I ventured out to produce a product." As one can guess, Nair's life was not a bed of roses. There were struggles that he had to overcome to reach where he stands today. "Struggle is everywhere. You can't achieve anything unless you overcome these challenges and struggles," comments Nair.

How did he Make it?
People in India are still to understand the potential of an ERP. Implementing and managing an ERP system is not an easy task. The transition period from the traditional system or manual processing to ERP is difficult as new skills have to be learnt; new procedures and processes have to be followed, and so on. Many employees think that ERP will add more work, make the work more difficult and will force unnecessary procedures. One must understand that transformation from the old system to the ERP system is not that easy. However, if the management and the implementation team do their job properly, ensuring that the employees are told what to expect and given proper training, then the transition can be smooth. It is only then that employees understand the potential benefits and the effort saved through automation of talks and jobs. Today's ERP tools automate many of the repetitive, monotonous and tedious procedures, tasks and processes thus making the life of the employees a lot easier. When asked about his challenges that he faced while establishing his venture, Nair said that it "is the mindset of people you encounter. Initially I was discouraged by people whom I approached. If you are a weak person you may get dejected and there is a possibility of taking a U-turn on decisions. On the other hand, if you are confident about your product, then there is nothing that can stop you from going ahead. Don't expect your product to be a big success in the next day. However, it will definitely bring rich dividends in the long run, if the product is a genuine one. That's what happened with eresource and I am happy about the outcome."

 

Solving a Problem
Though there were enterprise solutions available in the market, there was none that one could find to suit the needs of the SME segment in India. Different factors contributed to the reason. "The prime factor was the cost involved in it and the second is the customization as per our local requirements. I wanted to produce an ERP solution that will fit into the needs and budget of SMEs in India. I am happy that eresource has succeeded in a big way in that count," said Nair on being questioned as to how his product is bringing a solution to an existing problem. Nair started his career with self belief as the sole capital and today his company has noteworthy financial reserve with an annual turnover of more than `8 crore on an average basis for the last three years.

Beyond Work
Nair loves music and spends quality time with family when he is free. His life majorly revolves around meeting professional targets. However, he gives his due respect to his family for supporting his intentions. "The inspiration and love you get from your family members makes you stronger and determined. It varies from person to person and family to family. I am lucky on that count. I can say, support of my family is a big factor behind my success, especially my mother, without her I wouldn't be what I am today."