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DesignTech Systems

• Founded: 1998
• Headquarters: Pune
• Business Activities: CAD, CAE and Product Life Cycle Management
• Website: www.designtechsys.com

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DesignTech Systems

In 1998, Vikas Khanvelkar, recognized the opportunity in the SMB market presented by the large scale adoption of the Windows OS. “The cost of a workstation with software came down from about Rs. 40 lakh to Rs 5 lakh immediately after Windows became the norm as opposed to the Unix. I realized that the change meant even smaller companies could get a share of the CAD/CAM pie and decided to start off on my own to cater to this segment,” says Vikas Khanvelkar, MD, DesignTech.

However, there was only one obstacle – the absence of trained manpower. “Initially for SMBs, CAD meant only AutoCAD. So, we conducted seminars in engineering colleges to ensure that every mechanical student knew IDEAS 3D in addition to AutoCAD,” he says.

The gamble paid off. “We realized it was not just about supplying software and training, but also about sorting out the problems of our customers. Our pro-active support and on-time implementations sets us apart,” says Khanvelkar.

DesignTech holds training sessions by a senior expert, so that within three months new joinees are able to service any software tool. Employees and principals are a tightrope walk for most SIs, but Khanvelkar has managed to inspire confidence in DesignTech’s principals by outlining marketing, training and enquiry activities in partnership with the principal. “Moreover, while deciding on a new product, we ensure there’s no overlap with existing principals,” he says.

DesignTech plans to increase its presence in emerging markets, and an office in Europe is on the cards. “We want to become a strong design services company, while continuing to provide services for modeling and analysis,” Khanvelkar concluded.