NBHC moves technical data from FT's server

NBHC has developed a client's interface which provides customized details of commodities

Within four months of acquisition by private equity player India Value Fund (IVF), National Bulk Handling Corporation (NBHC) has shifted its technical database including emails, front-end and back-end information systems, from its erstwhile promoter Financial Technologies (India) to its own server.

“Most of the warehouses under our management are connected to front-end interface developed by us. We are going to concentrate on information technology in a big way in future where our customers can see and evaluate their underlying stocks under our management any time and assess its value any time,” said Anil Choudhary, managing director and CEO of NBHC.

A warehousing and commodities management company with over Rs 6,000 crore under its management, NBHC has developed a client’s interface, which provides customised details of commodities with the entire quantity of stock-in and stock-out real-time update.

“We lost some banks and corporate clients due to the (Rs 5,600 crore) payment default at National Spot Exchange Ltd. The value of commodities under our management fell substantially. But not only did we restore our lost clients, our business was also totally regained,” said Choudhary.

NBHC is looking to tie up with at least seven more banks this year to take its overall tally to 50. Recently, the company signed a pact with Karnataka Bank for storage and bulk handling of agri commodities. NBHC is planning to intensify surveillance on its warehouse through increasing focus on information technology.

When quizzed about fresh investment on increasing number of owned warehouses, Choudhary said: “The management is keen on investment and funding will not be an issue. But our business model is developed in such a way that looks at long-term profit for both our warehouse partners and us.” The company currently owns 80,000 tonnes of commodities warehousing capacity. NBHC has commenced procurement of agri commodities in Bihar and West Bengal with increasing focus on the northeast region.

In April this year, IVF purchased 100 per cent stake in NBHC from Financial Technologies (India) at Rs 241.74 crore, which Choudhary said is the largest investment and its first-time entry into direct business. Until now, IVF has been just an investor in many companies, he noted.