From Midnapore To Global Success: How BlueHorse Transforming MSMEs With IT

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which are businesses with limited resources but high potential, often face challenges of staying competitive, managing costs, and effectively scaling up as they grow. Information Technology (IT) tools can transform these businesses, making them more efficient, productive and profitable. However, many MSMEs hesitate to invest in IT due to myths about high costs and complexity. And with this in view, this company was floated in Midnapore in Bengal and nearly fifteen years down the road, the company is successfully doing businesses all over the country and in many parts of the world.

Speaking to Bizz Buzz exclusively, Vineet Agarwala, Founder & CEO, BlueHorse Software, narrates how he has built his business empire, driven by the philosophy: ‘Teamwork is Dreamwork’ and also shares his dream of developing a Google-like fun-culture based out of his home town- Midnapore

Why did you decide to get into the IT sector? And Midnapore, of all places? Is it only because you hail from that place?

When we were growing up, there were two best career options for students who were doing reasonably well, were medical and software engineering. My elder brother was studying engineering and I also wanted to follow him and study engineering. When I asked for suggestion from my elder brother, who was studying chemical engineering, he told me that IT would be the easiest of all the disciplines. So I took it up. After finishing my studies, I got a job in an IT firm in Maharashtra owned by a Gujrati. I did not do well at the interview, nevertheless, he met me personally and asked me being a Marwari from Bengal, why I was looking for this job, so far away, instead of joining my family business. My answer was that I wanted to learn things and learn nuances of running a business. He offered me the job, but I was not too happy with the salary I was offered. When I aired my dissatisfaction over the salary offer, pat came his response: ‘If you are joing this for earning money, go and join your family’s business and you will earn much more. But if you are willing to learn, I can assure you that you will earn a lot here.’

And so many years down the road, I have no hesitation in admitting that I have learnt a lot from him and the organisation, which helped me taking my company to where it is today.

And the second part……?

Oh yes, to respond to the second part of your question, I was born and brought up in Midnapore. All my family members and friends were in Midnapore. I was deeply and emotionally connected to Midnapore. And I wanted to stay close to them. If this was the first reason, the second reason was that I found a large number of youngsters from Midnapore working in my earlier organisation and elsewhere that I used to visit on office works. So I thought if I could set up something in their hometown, they would certainly like to work there and their productivity would also be higher. And the attrition rate would be low.

Let me also mention at this point that I had initially set up a chemical unit- basically soap making and all that, after coming back from Maharashtra. After sometime I decided to float a small IT company with only two persons, just to indulge in my hobby, while carrying out my full time business. But some of my old bosses, friends, other known persons came forward and started giving me works and In had to go on increasing the number and expanding operations.

Where and how did the name come from?

When the question of naming the company came, we were scratching our brains and exploring various options. Then suddenly it came to my mind that blue is the colour of passion and horse is the symbol of speed and agility. Besides, our family God also rides on a blue horse. Thus came the name.

What are the mission and vision, you started this company with?

We’re a team of thinkers, designers, architects, geeks, and engineers working together to breathe life into your ideas. We are out on a mission to develop a Google-like culture in Midnapore. As an organisation, we aim to create a Google-like fun culture which we call ‘Learn-Play-Grow’. Our purpose is to offer a work-life balance by creating an environment where our people thrive by having the best time of their day while at play. We firmly believe that ‘Teamwork Is Dreamwork’.

How big is the team now?

We are an eighty member team now and are growing steadily and on a regular basis.

So, what do you do now? What are the services that you offer?

We offer various innovative and customer-focussed solutions:

• Custom web application: Customer web application development is a way to design and build unique web apps tailored to your specific business needs. It can also increase your conversion rates, because these apps are designed to get the highest user engagement possible. We offer fast, and cost-effective delivery of web apps, websites, and web portals with Laravel technology that faultlessly reflect your individual business processes.

• E-commerce solutions: In order to succeed in today’s digital world eCommerce web development is very important. With an effective eCommerce website, businesses can easily provide customers with what they need, when they need it. We have an in-depth understanding of the leading ecommerce platforms to provide ecommerce businesses with the suitable and affordable technology stack like Magento.

• PWA & Hybrid Mobile App: Progressive web apps (PWAs) and Hybrid mobile apps are web-based applications that mimic the functionalities and UX of native mobile apps. Our experts are here to help you to build the mobile app. Our experts are here to help you to build a progressive mobile app. Ionic makes it incredibly easy to build beautiful and interactive mobile apps.

Could you please mention some of the interesting projects you have executed?

Let me give you some examples:

1) Wow! Momo Foods, known for Wow! Momo, Wow! China, and Wow! Chicken, is one of India’s fastest-growing QSR brands, boasting over 800 stores across eight unique offerings. They have launched the Wow Eats app, a one-stop platform where customers can conveniently order from all Wow! brands in one place. BlueHorse Software developed an all-in-one omnichannel app that integrates all Wow Brands under a single platform, ensuring a seamless customer experience. The app allows users to order from any Wow store or brand—whether for delivery, takeaway, or dine-in—through a unified interface.

2) Recognizing the need for innovative solutions, Manyavar’s partnership with BlueHorse began with swiftly resolving Manyavar's e-commerce challenges. Throughout this decade-long collaboration, BlueHorse has navigated eCommerce intricacies, vendor management, brand experience, and store operations. This partnership symbolizes the fusion of tradition and innovation in fashion. Together, we've tackled operational challenges, enhancing efficiency and driving growth in retail. This collaboration showcases technology's transformative potential in modern retail operations. BlueHorse developed the Sarthi App to empower Manyavar's store managers for comprehensive store audits. Initially deployed to streamline store audits, it was later extended to include audits of jobbers. Through the Sarthi App, managers can conduct audits efficiently, identify areas for improvement, and ensure consistent brand standards across stores. This provides real-time visibility into operations, ensuring a consistent brand experience and standards across Manyavar's vast retail network. BlueHorse developed the Sansar portal to enhance inventory management capabilities. It enables real-time inventory access, reducing intra-store orders during shortages. Stores can also place orders within the network, optimizing inventory usage and order fulfillment efficiency. Sansar also streamlines customized order tracking, providing visibility throughout the fulfillment process.

3) To tackle EazyDiner's data challenges, BlueHorse Software devised a two-part solution. Firstly, BlueHorse developed a system to manage their data in real-time, ensuring accuracy. Secondly, utilized Amazon Web Services (AWS) S3 for a scalable content management system, guaranteeing fast loading times and high-quality visuals for users. BlueHorse Software implemented Elasticsearch for accurate search results. This robust search engine tackles massive restaurant datasets with lightning-fast speed and scalability.
Furthermore, NLP integration empowers the system to understand user intent behind queries, ensuring relevant results even for informal searches. Location intelligence personalizes recommendations based on user preferences and local specialties, creating a truly delightful search experience for EazyDiner's customers. EazyDiner introduced the "Light Table App" for restaurants, facilitating seamless management of both offline and online reservations. This app allows real-time updates of table availability, instant confirmation to diners, and ensures accurate inventory management, enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction.