Accountability is one of the biggest challenges facing SMEs, many of which easily lose stock, or money with no one to account for this. When IT specialist Robert Manyala founded the tech company Robisearch Limited in 2015, it is this challenge that he sought to help SMEs overcome.
From his high school days in Homabay, Manyala displayed an inherent passion for technology, knowing the kind of impact it can have on livelihoods. He would work tirelessly day and night to sharpen his computer skills, hoping to one day turn his vision into a reality.
His passion for technology extended into university where he chose to study Computer Science at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology (JKUAT). It is here that he began creating small systems such as websites for individuals as well as institutions.
He later began receiving orders for more complex software including point of sale systems, customer feedback software, property management systems, bulk SMS, bulk WhatsApp, biometric time attendance and Access Control software.
“With the urge for these innovations to be implemented, we had to form a company because we could not manage the systems as individuals. So we registered a business and moved into an office in Ngara,” said Mr. Manyala.
They began to develop software, including a point of sale system that enables entrepreneurs to know how much their businesses are making, how much are they spending on a daily basis and whether they are making profits, remotely.
“Many businesses don’t know how much they are making and they don’t know how to make decisions based on the data or analysis. Somebody who runs multiple businesses for instance could have a tough time in tracking their profits and business performance at a go,” said Mr. Manyala.
They also developed biometric systems to help schools, companies, and property owners conduct their affairs in a more accountable manner. They have developed a property management system for instance that helps landlords and property owners manage their properties from one central place. Someone who owns multiple rentals is thus able to know the vacancies, and status of payments instead of just relying on the word of agencies and caretakers. Tenants can also use the portal to raise pertinent issues. Agencies working with multiple landlords can also leverage on the tool to make work easier.
They also have a school management system that enables schools to account for students through a check in system. Any time a child is leaving school whether it is because of school fees or because they are going back home, parents are able to know the time the child has left school and when to expect them.
The firm has also developed a software application that enables organisations to efficiently manage client feedback. Customers can give feedback on what they like or what they want improved on via the platform. The platform then generates valuable and actionable insights that organisations can use to enhance customer experience.
“Customer feedback is critical for any organisation as this is what enables them to understand the needs and demands of their customers and respond accordingly,” noted Mr Manyala.
For their efforts, the firm has received several awards and recognitions, including on 24th November this year, when they received an award as Top Digitally Fit ERP and Software solutions provider for SMEs and on 30th June this year, when they received an award as the Pacesetters in software and Digital Solutions.
Manyala says the biggest challenge they face in promoting these solutions is competition from cheap but sub-standard products.
“You can try selling someone a product at Sh10, but a customer will tell you they can get the same product at Sh2, so for them as long as the name is the same, then they do not see why there should be a difference in value,” said Mr. Manyala.
The other challenge he says is the fast rate at which the technology keeps changing, where an innovation that seems popular today, tomorrow could be outdated, but with an agile and dynamic team that is constantly working to innovate, he says they have been able to give the customer what they need.
Software solutions provider Robisearch Limited has been recognised as a leader in the creation of digital solutions that help businesses streamline work processes.
READ MORE: Erp Solutions Kenya
During the KEOnline Digitally Fit awards held on 24th November at the Safari Park hotel in Nairobi, Robisearch Limited was awarded as Top Digitally Fit ERP and Software solutions provider for SMEs.
Some of the solutions the firm provides include a point-of-sale system that enables business owners to track the performance of their enterprises remotely, and know whether staff are being accountable.
“Somebody who runs multiple businesses could have a tough time tracking their profits and business performance, thus end up losing stock, or money with no one to account for this. The Robisearch Point of Sale system helps business owners to keep track of their stock and inventory, even when they are working remotely,” noted Robert Manyala, Director, Robisearch.
Robisearch Limited has also developed a software application that enables organisations to efficiently manage client feedback. Customers can give feedback on what they like or what they want improved on via the platform. The platform then generates valuable and actionable insights that organisations can use to enhance customer experience.
“Customer feedback is critical for any organisation as this is what enables them to understand the needs and demands of their customers and respond accordingly,” noted Mr Manyala.
Robisearch has also developed a property management system that enables landlords, agents and property owners to manage their rentals with ease.
The system enables property owners to generate invoices and receipts of tenant payments, as well as maintain records of property occupants digitally, thus reducing the inefficiencies that come with paper-based record keeping.
The system also enables property owners and agents to easily manage the booking and renting of rooms, as well as manage tenancy agreements and leases.
“Someone who owns multiple residential houses is able to know the vacancies and status of payments instead of relying on agencies and caretakers. Tenants can also use the portal to speak up. Agencies working with multiple landlords can also leverage the tool to simplify work,” noted Manyala.
Currently, the PMS is available for property owners in major towns and cities like Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Kakamega, Meru, Naivasha, Nakuru, among others. It is also available in Tanzania and Uganda.
Other solutions Robisearch Ltd. provides include bulk SMS, bulk WhatsApp, Website Design and Development, biometric time attendance and Access Control. The Digitally fit award cements the firm’s recognition as a Pacesetter in software and Digital Solutions.
Accountability is one of the biggest challenges facing SMEs, many of which easily lose stock, or money with no one to account for this. So when IT specialist Robert Manyala founded the tech company Robisearch Limited in 2015, it is this challenge that he sought to help SMEs overcome.
From his high school days in Homa Bay, Manyala displayed an inherent passion for technology, knowing the kind of impact it can have on livelihoods. He would work tirelessly day and night to sharpen his computer skills, hoping to one day turn his vision into a reality.
His passion for technology extended into university where he chose to study Computer Science at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology (JKUAT). It is here that he began creating small systems such as websites for individuals as well as institutions.
He later began receiving orders for more complex software including point of sale systems, customer feedback software, property management systems, bulk SMS, bulk WhatsApp, biometric time attendance and Access Control software.
“With the urge for these innovations to be implemented, we had to form a company because we could not manage the systems as individuals. So we registered a business and moved into an office in Ngara,” said Mr Manyala.
They began to develop software, including a point of sale system that enables entrepreneurs to know how much their businesses are making, how much are they spending on a daily basis and whether they are making profits, remotely.
Also read: Best Point of Sale in Kenya
“Many businesses don’t know how much they are making and they don’t know how to make decisions based on the data or analysis. Somebody who runs multiple businesses for instance could have a tough time in tracking their profits and business performance at a go,” said Mr. Manyala.
They also developed biometric systems to help schools, companies, and property owners conduct their affairs in a more accountable manner. They have developed a property management system for instance that helps landlords and property owners manage their properties from one central place.
Someone who owns multiple rentals is thus able to know the vacancies, and status of payments instead of just relying on the word of agencies and caretakers. Tenants can also use the portal to raise pertinent issues. Agencies working with multiple landlords can also leverage on the tool to make work easier.
They also have a school management system that enables schools to account for students through a check in system. Any time a child is leaving school whether it is because of school fees or because they are going back home, parents are able to know the time the child has left school and when to expect them.
Also read: Digital Customer Feedback In Kenya
The firm has also developed a software application that enables organisations to efficiently manage client feedback. Customers can give feedback on what they like or what they want improved on via the platform. The platform then generates valuable and actionable insights that organisations can use to enhance customer experience.
“Customer feedback is critical for any organisation as this is what enables them to understand the needs and demands of their customers and respond accordingly,” noted Mr Manyala.
For their efforts, the firm has received several awards and recognitions, including on 24th November this year, when they received an award as Top Digitally Fit ERP and Software solutions provider for SMEs and on 30th June this year, when they received an award as the Pacesetters in software and Digital Solutions.
Manyala says the biggest challenge they face in promoting these solutions is competition from cheap but sub-standard products.
“You can try selling someone a product at Sh10, but a customer will tell you they can get the same product at Sh2, so for them as long as the name is the same, then they do not see why there should be a difference in value,” said Mr Manyala.
The other challenge he says is the fast rate at which the technology keeps changing, where an innovation that seems popular today, tomorrow could be outdated, but with an agile and dynamic team that is constantly working to innovate, he says they have been able to give the customer what they need
What Is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a self-regulating business model that helps a company be socially accountable to itself, its stakeholders, and the public. By practicing corporate social responsibility, also called corporate citizenship, companies can be conscious of the kind of impact they are having on all aspects of society, including economic, social, and environmental.
Engaging in CSR means that, in the ordinary course of business, a company is operating in ways that enhance society and the environment instead of contributing negatively to them.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
What Are the Benefits of CSR?
CRS initiatives strive to have a positive impact on the world through direct benefits to society, nature and the community in which a business operation. In addition, a company may experience internal benefits through the initiatives. Knowing their company is promoting good causes, employee satisfaction may increase and retention of staff may be strengthened. In addition, members of society may be more likely to choose to transact with companies that are attempting to make a more conscious positive impact beyond the scope of its business.
Importance of Digital Visitors Book – A visitor log book is the core tool for capturing who is coming in and out of your workplace. It is a record of the current visitors on site, who they are, what company they represent, who they are visiting, time in, time out, contact details and purpose of visit.
A digital visitor log book is an online and interactive registry of all visitors on site and their historical sign in activity. This might include mapping their location via GPS for remote work sites through to more advanced sign in workflows being recorded as part of the sign in registry going far beyond just a log book of sign ins. It can be a searchable registry of who is on site right now and engage the visitor with a more interactive sign in workflow and process covering important areas such as vaccination declarations, health screening, viewing emergency procedure content or capturing their photo as part of the sign in process.
Comparison: Online VS Paper Based Log Book
Visitor log books can be either paper based or online. A paper based log book will literally be at reception requiring the visitor to sign in using a pen to fill out their contact details, person visiting and time in. an online visitor log book is a far more streamlined and automated approach where information is inputted digitally, photos can be captured, timestamps in and out are recorded, digital notifications can be generated to the person being visited, blocks can be put in place to prevent unwanted guests and with a digital record of who is currently on site right now, you can send out alerts in the event of an emergency to warn everyone who is currently on site right now (i.e. emergency evacuations).
iPad or Tablet Log Book in Reception
When using an online visitor log book, the most common method of delivery is on a tablet or iPad. You might wall mount it or have it presented on a stand for quick and easy sign in and sign out by visitors in the workplace.
Running out of pages and needing a new log book
When going the paper based option, eventually you will run out of pages and need to purchase a new visitor log book. Compare that to an online visitor log book where you don’t need to replenish the log book each time it runs out. Being entirely online gives you unlimited log book sign ins digitally.
Visitor Records
With a paper based log book, its very difficult to work through who signed in, when, how often, from which companies, different hand writing styles, illegibility and inconsistency. Compare that to an online format where everything inputted is consistent, legible, auditable, can be tracked from reporting and registries and you can easily drill down into different details.
Going beyond a visitor log book
With an online log book you can introduce visitor inductions and emergency plan acknowledgement in an online format. Ensure visitors go through important safety and workplace topics including digitally acknowledging they understand them as they arrive on site.
Digital Visitors Book Software
Visitor Log Book Software is an important tool for businesses to track who visits their location and when they are coming. It is a great way for companies to monitor activity, ensure safety, and maintain security. Whether your business requires all customers to check in, you want greater control over access rights and permissions or just need to know who’s entering different areas of the building – visitor log book software can help make it easy!
When implementing Visitor Log Book software there are multiple features that businesses should look for such as ease of use, robustness of reporting tools needed to produce data-driven insights and tracking capabilities of visitors that will allow you historical information about them. Additionally, some systems give you the ability to create custom forms so visitors can provide information about themselves when arriving at your premises while others may even grant access privileges such as providing after hours entry with special pass codes without compromising on security policy.
Overall; Visitor Log Book Software empowers companies by streamlining processes from check-in right through until departure allowing employees peace of mind when adding another layer into managing workplace safety and security.
Access control is a form of data security that dictates who is permitted to access or indulge in company resources, company information, and much more. Access control provides a way for companies to ensure that users are correctly identified and provided with the proper amount of access. Various access control examples can be found in security systems, including, biometric systems, motion detectors,and so forth. Let’s take a look at how access control systems work.
Access control systems work by identifying users through unique PIN numbers, usernames, passwords, and other forms of identification. The control system then determines what level of access will be granted to the employee based on the credentials programmed into the system under their specific identifier.
As of now, there are four primary types of access control models. Each of these different models determine the level of access that will be permitted to the user. These models are as follows:
Attribute-based access control assigns or denies access to users based on a set of rules and limitations that have been previously defined by the owner or system administrator. The freedom of customization is what makes this method such a popular choice.
Discretionary access control is the least restrictive control model. Once granted access, each user is provided with the same level of control. To use the above example, this means that the production and logistics manager would both have access to all resources, regardless of whether they are required to utilize all of them within their position in the company.
This form of access control is generally the most popular control model. Role-based access control provides access based on the position of the employee. For instance, a production manager might have access to different areas and assets than a logistics manager, depending on what they require in order to fulfill their job.
Mandatory access control is the most restrictive control model. Generally, the only employee that will have this level of access is the system owner. Mandatory access control is used for organizations that require maximum security, with credentials limited to a sole, high-level operator.
Why is access control important?
Access control systems can also function to enhance worker safety. Within manufacturer facilities, there are any number of machines or other equipment that require specialized training to operate. With access control, workers without the proper credentials can be barred from operating this equipment, preventing them from putting themselves and their coworkers at risk due to improper operations.
Beyond initial access protection, access control also provides businesses with the ability to track the movement of individuals inside physical locations. In this manner, access control systems help determine the identity of anyone entering or exiting the building or a designated area, providing a record in case that access is misused or otherwise taken advantage of.
The primary importance of an access control system is to protect manufacturers from unauthorized access. As indicated above, many of these systems are equipped to bar individuals from areas in which they are not supposed to be and restrict access to necessary areas.
Access control systems don’t just protect physical assets, either. This technology also keeps important information and data from falling into the wrong hands by reinforcing the security of the systems housing that data. In this way, a strong access control system can help businesses reduce the possibility of data leakage from both internal and external sources.
Now that you understand just how important access control systems are, the next step to take is to ensure that you are choosing the proper access control system! At Robisearch Limited we strive to assist all types of businesses with their technological needs. Contact us 0716413386 or 0780655987.
Inflation is a major challenge for individuals and businesses alike. When prices rise and purchasing power declines, consumer buying behaviors change. Stores must then put in place clever and effective strategies to maintain their sales and retain their customers even in times of inflation.
How do you keep customers during inflation?
Discounts and freebies boost customer loyalty and sales, but sometimes businesses are unable to offer them. In that case, the best solution is to do fewer promotions but make them effective. This can be done by creating targeted and personalized offers based on customer behaviors, their needs at the moment, and statistics you have collected such as the frequency of purchases. Robisearch Limited point of sale has loyalty points and coins that allow you to award your loyal customers
Being there for customers also means helping them find alternatives that allow them to save money or have access to the products they need even if prices have increased. If you offer cheaper and quality alternatives, customers are more likely to continue shopping at your place. Do not hesitate to make promotional campaigns to make these products known to your customers and encourage them to buy them.
By understanding customers and their perceptions, you can meet their needs in the right way and at the right time. A customer-centric approach involves reaching out to them strategically. You can take into account the preferences and needs of customers to adapt your offer. The perfect CRM tool from Robisearch Limited will help you store all the data in regards to customer details, history and purchases.
You are more likely to keep your customers if you continue to offer quality products even in times of inflation. It is normal to explore possibilities for reducing production and supply costs, but make sure that you do not sacrifice product quality or customer service.
Diversifying the product offering by offering cheaper alternatives or lesser-known brands helps mitigate the impact of inflation by providing more affordable options to customers.
Customers want cost savings and discounts, but they also want to save time and a seamless shopping experience. That’s why stores should focus on improving the overall shopping experience, which includes reduced wait times at checkout, attentive customer service and simple exchanges and refunds processes. Robisearch point of sale system will help your customers have the ultimate customer experience.
It is essential for stores to communicate , especially if it is simply related to increased procurement costs due to inflation or increased employee salaries. This helps to establish a relationship of trust with customers.
Focusing on retaining existing customers is a good way to keep customers in times of inflation. Building customer loyalty is achieved through various means such as offering special advantages, rewards programs or exclusive offers. It is generally less expensive to retain existing clients than gain new ones. The more purchases a customer makes from your store, the more likely they are to purchase again in the future. Loyalty or rewards programs motivate customers to choose one store or brand over another. These types of programs give customers an incentive to make repeat purchases.
Some people struggle financially and are looking for flexibility in payment options. Stores can attract new customers by offering varied and flexible payment options. Many customers are looking for credit to pay for their purchases or the option to delay payment. The Robisearch point of sale system is multi currency enabled and has flexible payment options.
Be sure to offer all possible payment methods you can. Cash, debit, credit, mobile wallet, contactless payment, gift cards or store credit, even checks. You wouldn’t want to lose a sale because you don’t provide a specific payment option!
In conclusion, the period of inflation can seem daunting, but with all the right tools, you will be able to seize the opportunities to stand out and strengthen your relationship with customers. By taking these tips into account, you will undoubtedly retain your customers and even attract new ones!
Are you in the market for a point-of-sale (POS) system for your retail business? You’re not alone, and you’ve come to the right place if you’d like to learn more about how this kind of system works. Why should you pair POS technology and cloud technology instead of any other system you are already using? In a nutshell, because cloud-based POS software is a significant upgrade from cash registers and offers incredible benefits for your business as well. Below we discuss some of the benefits of using a cloud point of sale system.
Not only does POS software automate the sales and inventory management process. It can be installed on different workstations and integrated with internet-connected mobile devices such as Windows tablets.
This option is very convenient. First, for you and your team and second for your customers. You will be able to access your data, create invoices and prepare orders even when you are participating in a special event.
Having a good POS system can significantly reduce all kinds of risks compared to a cash register system. And if you have chosen a cloud-based POS software, your data is in good hands because strict security protocols have been put in place to ensure the management of the IT system.
Cloud technology ensures a full and automatic periodic backup on one or even several remote servers. It even allows the POS software provider to include automatic and regular updates. These updates increase the security level of the software.
Cloud based POS software, as opposed to traditional cash registers, makes everything run more smoothly. With this system in place, inventory management will be easier and lower operating costs will become a reality. But the most important thing to remember is that efficiency leads to greater productivity and better performance, which ultimately translates into greater profits.
By choosing a cloud-based POS system, you ensure that you can always respond quickly to consumer needs. Remember that regular updates are available and are intended to adapt certain features to new behaviours.
This software enables you to better control your operations remotely by helping you monitor the various departments and how they are running even when you are away. This allows you to react quickly to any issues that may arise.
For instance, you can know that a new order wasn’t placed when stocks ran out. You can also tell that activity at certain checkout terminals wasn’t as high as usual. This information can help you resolve common business issues as soon as they arise, even when you’re away, and prevent coming back to a bigger crisis.
The POS system can easily create accurate and reliable reports that are available at the click of a button. This way, you can know when a certain product is out of stock or is selling too quickly. This enables you change your reordering schedule. Thanks to cloud-based technology, you can access these reports from anywhere.
These reports can even let you know which products are popular and selling well and which ones aren’t, or you can use them to analyze whether your latest promotional campaign is working. The best part is that you can get this information in real time. With cloud-based POS software for multiple stores, you can get all the information you need about various branches within your retail franchise or chain in one place.
With a good POS system, not only can you track promotions, but you can also incorporate them into the system. Modern POS software allows you to create special offers by customer or product category, discounts, coupons and other promotional options like gift cards or loyalty programs to market your brand to your customers. This way, you will save a lot of effort and money.
Once the campaign is over, you can access the reports section and analyze the results of your promotion to find out what impact it had on your customers and sales.
From the points above, it’s clear that combining your day-to-day operations with cloud-based POS software is now a critical requirement for your business. So, if you haven’t made the switch to a POS system yet, it’s high time you gave the idea some thought! Contact Robisearch Limited today on 0716413386 or 0780655987 for a customized point of sale system for your business.