At a recent event in Bhubaneswar, Schneider Electric’s leadership brought forward a compelling narrative on scalable IT strategies designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Led by Archita Bosu, Regional Head of Channel Sales, and Banani Dey, Regional Sales Manager – East, both offered invaluable insights into how SMBs can navigate the increasingly complex world of technology, energy management, and operational efficiency.
The Growing Role of Technology for SMBs
Archita Bosu, in her opening remarks, emphasized the critical role SMBs play in today’s economy, highlighting their adaptability and innovation. However, she also pointed out that the landscape is rapidly shifting, and the challenges faced by these businesses are more intense than ever. Inflation, energy costs, and geopolitical concerns are pushing SMBs to look for robust and scalable solutions to stay competitive.
Drawing from her extensive background, including her leadership roles at Hewlett Packard Enterprise and now Schneider Electric, Archita explained how SMBs can no longer afford to view technology adoption as a luxury but as a necessity. She noted, “More than half of SMBs today expect their technology partners to proactively bring innovative solutions to the table. And with 47% placing security at the top of their priority list, it’s clear that the right technology must be secure, reliable, and future-proof.”
Security and Operational Efficiency
The conversation soon turned towards security, with Banani Dey stressing its importance for SMBs operating in an increasingly digital world. As Banani put it, “Security isn’t just about protecting data; it’s about ensuring business continuity. A single breach can devastate an SMB’s reputation and customer trust, which is why secure infrastructure is key.”
Banani’s expertise as the Regional Sales Manager for Schneider Electric’s Eastern India operations came through as she discussed the challenges unique to SMBs in emerging markets. She pointed out that security and reliability should be central pillars for any SMB technology strategy. According to her, “Operational efficiency is what ultimately drives profitability. But to achieve this, SMBs need the right mix of technology—solutions that not only fit their current needs but also scale as they grow.”
Navigating Challenges and Embracing Innovation
Both speakers underscored the importance of overcoming common hurdles faced by SMBs, such as supply chain disruptions, cloud migration complexities, and financial constraints. With post-pandemic challenges still looming large—like chip shortages and extended lead times—SMBs must prioritize customer satisfaction and loyalty by ensuring uninterrupted service delivery.
Banani highlighted Schneider Electric’s role in addressing these pain points: “We are not just a product provider; we are a partner in innovation. Our solutions are designed to adapt to the unique challenges faced by SMBs. Whether it’s micro data centers or precision cooling systems, we offer technologies that enhance operational efficiency while ensuring data security.”
She went on to discuss how Schneider Electric’s Secure Power solutions, such as smart UPS systems and data center infrastructure, cater specifically to SMBs needing flexible, scalable, and energy-efficient IT systems. These innovations are designed to help businesses manage their growth and ensure they are prepared for future technological demands.
Schneider Electric’s Legacy of Innovation
Schneider Electric’s legacy of over 100 years in digitization and energy management has placed it at the forefront of technological innovation for SMBs. Both Archita and Banani emphasized the company’s investment in research and development, which amounts to 5% of its revenue, aimed at driving continuous improvement and providing forward-looking solutions.
The increasing global reliance on data was another key point both speakers touched upon. Leading researchers predict that by 2025, 180 trillion data points will be generated globally, underscoring the importance of robust IT infrastructure. Schneider Electric, through its APC flagship products, offers UPS systems, precision air conditioning, and other tools that ensure business continuity in challenging environments.
A Partnership for SMB Success
As the event concluded, Archita and Banani’s presentations made it clear that Schneider Electric is more than a technology vendor. The company positions itself as a strategic partner, enabling SMBs to harness the power of technology while mitigating risks associated with scaling. By focusing on security, operational efficiency, and continuous innovation, Schneider Electric empowers SMBs to thrive in competitive markets.
The talks delivered in Bhubaneswar highlighted how technology is not just an enabler but a necessity for modern SMBs. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, leaders like Archita Bosu and Banani Dey are shaping the conversation, ensuring that SMBs are equipped with the tools they need for long-term success.
Watch the full Session here: https://youtu.be/RpWVtnt7s3k
