Since 1989, our mission has been simple—to help businesses make profits at the press of a button through smart automation and innovation.
Print3 : Could you share the founding story of Hi-Tech Systems PFE Pvt. Ltd.?
Parag Shah : Hitech was established in 1989 as an agency that would help MSME automate their business. In 1989 we represented Wipro computers and then in 1991- we started promoting Modi Xerox. From 1991 to 2008 we had Motorola Pagers, BPL Mobile, Airtle Data communication business along with Xerox business. In 2004 during the 1 visit to Drupa, we saw a big gap in Print Finishing and started importing Print Finishing Equipment from 2008. Mission then and now has been to help our customers ‘Make Profits at A Press of A Button”.
Print3 : How did Hi-Tech Systems evolve into one of India’s trusted names in post-print and packaging machinery?
PS : 2008 when we got the 1 Visiting card cutting machine, it became an instant hit as it filled the gap of getting accurately cut visiting cards by every digital printer.We had already imbibed the excellent after sales service processes by hiring Ex Xerox Service manager as our consultant.We brought in additional products viz. Paper cutter, Laminator and creasing along with Perfect binding. We kept filling the gaps by either identifying the same or our own customers coming and asking for the same.
P3 : What key values have driven the company’s journey over the years?
PS : Ethics, Integrity and Honesty. Customer first is our policy.
P3 : Who or what inspired you to enter the print finishing and packaging industry?
PS : Mr. Bhuvan Kulkshetra Ex Regional Director of Xerox and our existing custoemrs.
P3 : Could you explain the role of technology and R&D in your product development?
PS : Meeting customer’s requirements has been a driving force in our identifying product and right source. R& D in modifying the current equipment or getting it developed has been instrumental in getting some of the unique products /solution.
P3 : How do you ensure international quality and safety standards in your manufacturing process?
PS : All our products are sourced from vendors who provide us CE standards. Plus we ensure every machine comes with safety sensors where ever needed to ensure operators are safe.
P3 : What are some recent innovations or upgrades you’ve introduced in your product line?
PS : Recently we installed a Single Pass Carton/pouch/Paper napkin printing machine that allows you to print with MOQ 1.
P3 : How do you integrate automation or digital control systems into your equipment?
PS : All our products offer a) Make ready time < 5 minutes b) High Productivity c) Almost Zero Wastage d) Semi Skilled labour e) compact size. These attributes helps printers get their ROI in < 18 months.
P3 : How has the demand for post print and packaging equipment evolved in the Indian and global markets?
PS : It has been growing steadily.
P3 : What marketing or distribution strategies help you reach customers across India and abroad?
PS : Direct and indirect channels, exhibitions.
P3 : Do you notice any new trends in packaging or finishing that influence your product strategy?
PS : Yes. Like digital prints, Labels and packaging would go towards digital sooner than later.
P3 : What have been the major milestones in Hi-Tech Systems’ growth journey?
PS : 3000+ machines with 2000+ customers with 50% of our orders are repeat.
P3 : How do you maintain consistency in product quality while scaling operations?
PS : With constant feedback mechanism from the market and working with our outsourced mfr to incorporate necessary changes.
P3 : Could you describe your manufacturing to customer support?
PS : The mission is to Source the widest range of solutions to help our customers( printing companies) offer a Well FInsihed Documents – thereby getting a faster and better ROI.
P3 : How do you view the role of technology in transforming India’s printing and packaging sector?
PS : Technology is an integral part of rapid development and for the next few years it would evolve much faster than past 15 years. Every printer will have to adapt and thrive. Old processes would be redundant.
P3 : What advancements in automation or smart machinery are shaping the industry today?
PS : Every printer should analyse the time it takes for a job to travel from order to Payment received and ensure minimum time is wasted on every activity. E.g., order to print, Print To Finish, Finsh to delivery and Delivery to payment . Check for the time consumed and see if you can reduce the same. Remember. Your profits are on paper till the payment is in your account.
P3 : How is Hi-Tech Systems contributing to modernization and digital integration in printing and packaging?
PS : Digital technology has brought in the concept of conceptualisation to final product delivery in minutes. Finishing through conventional methods defeats the purpose of Digital printing. Automating the same would enhance profitability through productivity, saving on wastage, labour, power and space.
P3 : Are there plans for expansion — into new geographies, new product lines, deeper services?
PS : Yes we do have aggressive plans We would also bring newer products to help our existing and new customers to generate more business and profits thereby contributingto Bharat’s GDP.
P3 : What’s your outlook for the future of India’s post-print and packaging equipment industry?
PS : It would gorw in tandem with Digital and offset printing market.
P3 : How can Indian manufacturers compete globally in terms of quality and innovation?
PS : Market is huge and mostly driven by Chinese. Indian mfr needs to gear up and work out their own strategies.
P3 : How does Hi-Tech Systems promote sustainability in manufacturing and operations?
PS : Reduced wastage and Reduced Power consumption are key benefits in using Hitech’s solution.
P3 : Do you have any CSR initiatives related to community, environment, or employee welfare?
PS : Every 15 August we do a CSR. In the past few years, we have planted tress, replaced plastic bags with cloth bags, celebrating independence day with differently abled children etc.
P3 : How do you ensure employee training, safety and professional development?
PS : Each every employee goes through minimum 11 days of Learning and Development every years.