MANOJ PATIL / Armour Office Automation
Manoj Patil is known in trade circles for having been a first mover in the office automation business.
Around 29 years ago, when the trends were changing, and there was general acceptance of change in work culture, which boosted the necessity to be effective and organized in the residential and corporate segment.
This very necessity is what led Manoj Patil to start his business of Home & Office Automation services, which includes installation of CCTV Surveillance Systems, EPABX Systems, Video Conferencing Equipments, Audio System Conferences, Video Door Phones, Access Control System & Time Attendance System under the brand “Armour Office Automation” and since then they have been providing Sales and Service Support to various sectors. Their key clients vary from Large Industries to Educational Institutes & Organizations, Hotels & Hospitality Units, SOHO, Government Departments, Defence Units & Residential Complexes, including high end individual clients, too.
Starting his Enterprise
After securing a degree in Electronics & Telecommunication and gathering substantial experience of marketing communication equipments at Chowgule Industries Ltd., Manoj Patil, launched Armour Office Automation, as he always wanted to start a business enterprise of his own.
Like all businesses, his business also has seen gloomy days, but according to Manoj, the ‘Never Give Up’ attitude and optimism of his team contributes immensely towards evolution and graceful acceptance to change. This not only brings a culture of growth in the organization, but also helps stabilizes the business in extremities.
At Armour Office Automation, Manoj believes that ‘People buy hence People first’ followed by the organization, brand and finally the product. The priority is to immediately address and resolve the problems faced by their clients, rather than just pushing their products. The intent is to provide a solution for the problem at minimal cost. As a result, majority of their clients have been loyal to their services since their very first purchase and that for Manoj, is their most precious testimonial.
The BNI Edge
Speaking of his association with BNI (Aparant) and being one of its first members in the Goa region, Manoj says “BNI has been of massive assistance to our brand and we are fortunate to be associated with this organization for 10 years now. When Rajkumar Kamat, master franchisee of BNI Goa, approached me to be part of this unique referral organization, I was on board within minutes of hearing out the concept and idea!”
According to Manoj, the concept of carrying out a business by connecting with each other is a wonderful way to multiply your business opportunities.
Manoj has led the BNI in Goa three times, and today he contributes his expertise as the Senior Regional Director looking into areas of promotion of BNI in Goa. The goal is to promote the BNI concept to all Goan businessmen to help them explore the various opportunities available.
The COVID-19 Challenge
Speaking about the current COVID-19 pandemic that has struck the globe, Manoj says “In challenging times, your network and your credibility will always stand by you and this has been proved to us time and again, including this time of the year when the world is in crisis. The COVID 19 pandemic was a sudden shock to the world and no one has escaped from its impact. Like all businesses, we also had a tough time handling the problems in the initial stage when the lockdown was announced. Our clients called up for support as they were stuck at different places and needed upgrades or new products to monitor their homes or offices. Most of the clients wanted to access their camera footage on their mobiles as they were concerned about their precious belongings. The CCTV live footage would give them assurance of the safety of their people and their property as well.”
For Manoj, the only challenge for Armour Office Automation has been the work force. While few who are from other states, have retreated to their homes to the comfort of being with family, the existing team is totally motivated and doing the best they can.
Since certain customers who have the installation done by a third party do not receive back end service support, Armour Automation has successfully managed to approach such clients into getting their annual maintenance contracts. While this will lead to the need for maximizing the present set up, they have now added smart home systems to their existing range of products of surveillance and communication equipments.
The Future of Business
“We all know that the world will not be the same again post COVID-19, but like I said, we are gearing up to face the change that’s coming up, and embrace it wholeheartedly in order to develop new ways and more efficiency to resolve client problems, so that they are safe and secure,” says Manoj with a smile
