IIA to create 'data centre' for MSMEs in Lucknow

With a view to provide reliable information and supervision to the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the Indian Industries Association (IIA) has come up with a proposal to create a ‘data centre’, including complete information about the sector.

IIA is an apex body of micro, small and medium enterprises in Uttar Pradesh working for the development and strengthening of the sector.

‘Data centre’ is a web-based SME software, containing information such as latest policies, notifications and schemes related to the MSMEs and it will also give answers to queries and doubts of entrepreneurs.

“We have planned an investment of Rs 10 lakh on procurement of the software, which will be ready in three months time. It will be a one stop for the small and medium entrepreneurs,” D S Verma, executive director, IIA, told Business Standard.

Existing Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs), prospective SMEs, industry associations, academic institutions, government departments, policy makers etc will be its main beneficiaries.

Usually small and medium enterprises find it difficult to get reliable information about facts and figures related to various sectors of the industry.

Moreover SSIs also lack specialisation and have to manage everything on their own. Data centre is a platform, where any entrepreneur can post his/her query, which will be attended.

“Usually micro and small entrepreneurs cannot afford to offer high salary packages to management graduates and hence, are left unattended. Expert management advice and assistance is a must for any sector to flourish. The information thus provided will focus on the way an entrepreneur should proceed in order to ensure maximum returns with minimum losses,” Verma said.

Data centre is a part of the ongoing initiative of the Small Industries Information and Service Centre (SIISC); a joint venture of IIA and Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).

The SIISC serves as the nerve centre for disseminating all industry-related information, with the objective of furthering industrial development.

The data centre is a value addition to the SIISC.

“Our expert group members will offer specialised consultancy on key issues like power availability, technology up-gradation, credit availability, taxation etc. It will help in widening the market sphere of the SMEs through internet and e-commerce,” Verma said.

In order to reach to maximum number of people, the association has decide to keep a notional fee for the non-IIA members, so that more people can join the facility. At present there are about 15 lakhs registered and unregistered MSMEs in the state.

“With about 5 gigabyte capacity, the software will later be converted into a portal,” said Verma.