Adopting the right digital technologies is increasingly becoming the key parameter that determines a venture’s success. The cloud is at the very cutting edge of cyber technology today and successful cloud adoption has enabled greater business growth for many enterprises. Meet entrepreneur Andre Lobo, who has established a cloud-based HR solution, WorkPro Technologies Private Limited that allows firms to streamline employee management conveniently and smoothly. What motivated Andre was the opportunity he perceived in getting companies to use automation to make business decisions.

In conversation with GlobalLinker (GL) Andre Lobo (AL) shares about his company WorkPro - the solution it provides, the milestones achieved so far and the vision for the company going forward.

GL: Tell us about your business.

AL: WorkPro is a cloud solution that enables CEOs and HR managers to manage employee affairs seamlessly. Founded in July 2014, we help SME companies automate HR and sales processes like performance appraisals, sales tracking, expense tracking, attendance, leave, employee lifecycle and payroll. Nearly 75% of HR departments in India do not have comprehensive and effective performance measurement systems. Despite this, the HR services market is already a $4 billion industry. Seeing an opportunity to help growing companies use automation to make business decisions, all at an affordable monthly cost, inspired me to start WorkPro.

GL: What are the challenges you have faced in establishing your business?

AL: It is crucial to get good talent in a startup company and hiring has been a challenge, whether it be in the technology, sales or customer support functions. Other challenges include finding the right product-market fit quickly and building a brand based on trust for customers.

GL: What is the USP of your business?

AL: Our vision is to create ‘Simplicity in HR Software’. We are making it easy for companies to automate their HR processes, take business decisions with the data derived from automation and create accountability among their employees. We assist our clients in every aspect of managing their human resources. The USP of our business is providing easy-to-use solutions that don’t require extensive training, responsive & friendly customer support and offering customers the option to buy the full suite of HR, sales and business analytics features or just specific features so that it fits into their budget.

GL: What are some of the milestones of your business?

AL: In a short span of 6 months we are working with some large companies like Larsen & Toubro as well as smaller, growing companies. This shows the flexibility and adaptability of our solution to meet varying needs, which is one of our strenghts. In a month, more than 15,000 transactions happen on our platform. And we have been selling for about 6-8 months. So the going is still early, but the customer response we are seeing is promising.

GL: What role do you feel GlobalLinker plays in connecting and assisting SMEs?

AL: GlobalLinker provides us an opportunity to network with SMEs through its global network and helps us in reaching customers. It also assists us in creating awareness about our products and acts as a fantastic platform to keep abreast with the latest news and updates.

GL: What is your big business dream?

AL: My big business dream is to see WorkPro become the go-to software for SMEs to manage all their Human Resource functions. I believe SMEs are a vast untapped market and we are building something which will enable this vast audience to manage their employee affairs in an uncomplicated manner. We want our solution to be one that is not just purchased, but is also used and enthusiastically vouched for by the companies that use it. That is the vision for what we are doing as a team.

GL: What is your message to aspiring entrepreneurs?

AL: Be bold and optimistic in whatever you do. Always believe in yourself. Have a large vision and plan. Push yourself beyond your limits every single moment and last but not least always keep talking to your customers at every stage of your business’ development to understand their needs, get their feedback and to keep solving their problems.

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