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Interview with Sunil Kharbanda

Sunil Kharbanda
Sunil Kharbanda
Co-founder & Chief Revenue Officer
Trezix Software Pvt Ltd
Trezix Software Pvt Ltd

We intend to become the de facto platform for importers and exporters in the near future
Trezix is a leading innovator in the Indian imports-exports industry, aimed at simplifying the complex IMPEX process management. Committed to fostering growth and potential in this sector, the company leverages advanced technology to provide an automated, user-friendly platform for efficient business operations. In an interview with Fibre2Fashion, Trezix’s Co-founder & Chief Revenue Officer Sunil Kharbanda talks about improving import-export processes.

Can you shed some light on the overall landscape of the import-export industry in India? What trends are you observing, and how are they impacting the industry?

The import-export industry in India is experiencing a significant growth and evolving trends. With globalisation and increasing trade volumes, the industry is witnessing a surge in demand for various products and commodities. One prominent trend is the rise of e-commerce, which has facilitated cross-border transactions and provided new opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to engage in international trade. Additionally, there is a growing focus on diversifying export markets and product portfolios to reduce dependency on a single market or product.
 

What role do you see technology playing in the evolution of the import-export industry? How can it transform the future, especially of textile-apparel sector?

Technology plays a crucial role in the evolution of the import-export industry, particularly in the textile-apparel sector. Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics are transforming various aspects of the industry. They enable businesses to streamline processes, improve supply chain visibility, enhance inventory management, and optimise logistics operations. For the textile-apparel sector, technology can facilitate digital design and prototyping, virtual sampling, and supply chain traceability, thereby reducing lead times and improving operational efficiency.

How have global trade agreements and policy changes influenced the Indian import-export sector in recent years? What changes would you like to see to foster further growth?

The recent trade agreements and policy changes have had a significant impact on the Indian import-export sector. The implementation of initiatives like the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the introduction of e-Way bills have simplified the tax regime and improved compliance. Moreover, bilateral and multilateral trade agreements have opened up new markets and increased market access for Indian exporters. To foster further growth, it would be beneficial to focus on reducing trade barriers, enhancing infrastructure, and investing in skill development to boost competitiveness in the global market.

How can technology help export-import businesses navigate through supply chain and other challenges?

Technology can help export-import businesses navigate through supply chain and other challenges by providing real-time visibility, automating processes, and facilitating collaboration. It enables businesses to track shipments, manage inventory, and optimise logistics operations more effectively. Additionally, technologies like blockchain can enhance transparency and trust in supply chain transactions, reducing the risk of fraud and improving security.

Can you share your views on sustainability in the import-export industry? What steps do you think businesses in this sector need to take to become more sustainable and environmentally-friendly?

Sustainability is a crucial aspect of the import-export industry. To become more sustainable and environmentally-friendly, businesses should focus on reducing carbon emissions, adopting eco-friendly packaging materials, promoting responsible sourcing practices, and implementing energy-efficient processes. Embracing technologies such as IoT-enabled sensors for monitoring energy consumption and carbon footprint can help businesses identify areas for improvement and implement sustainable practices throughout the supply chain.

Can you tell us about the inception of Trezix and what led you to identify the need for simplification in the import-export industry?

Trezix was founded with the vision to simplify the import-export industry by providing a unified SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) platform. Recognising the complex nature of international trade operations and the need for streamlined processes, Trezix offers comprehensive management of documentation, approvals, license usage, shipment tracking, and active notifications. In addition, by centralising export and import process operations, Trezix aims to ensure seamless and efficient operations for importers and exporters across the globe.

What were some of the primary challenges you faced in the initial stages of Trezix’s development and how did you overcome them?

In the initial stages of Trezix’s development, some primary challenges included understanding the diverse regulatory frameworks of different countries, integrating with existing systems and processes of businesses, and ensuring data security and privacy. To overcome these challenges, Trezix extensively researched international trade regulations, collaborated with industry experts, and implemented robust security measures to protect user data and ensure compliance with global standards.

Can you elaborate on how Trezix differentiates itself from other players in the market, specifically in terms of its features and the user experience it provides?

Trezix differentiates itself from other players in the market through its comprehensive features and user experience. Our platform offers a smart dashboard that provides real-time data on critical business metrics, enabling users to make effective decisions. The intuitive interface and user-friendly design make it easy for businesses to navigate the platform and access the necessary information and functionalities. Additionally, Trezix’s seamless integration with existing systems and with stakeholders like banks, insurance, government regulatory bodies, and customs house agents (CHAs) streamlines workflows, and enhances productivity and profitability.

How has the response been from the industry to your platform so far? Could you share some success stories, particularly from the textile-apparel industry, that validate the impact of Trezix?

The response from the industry to Trezix has been positive. Many businesses, including those in the textile-apparel industry, have benefited from the platform’s features and capabilities. By streamlining documentation processes, improving supply chain visibility, and enabling real-time tracking, Trezix has helped businesses reduce operational costs, enhance efficiency, and expand their market reach. Several success stories validate the impact of Trezix, showcasing how it has empowered exporters to overcome operational challenges and achieve growth in the competitive global market.

Tell us about your work with government bodies and regulators to help streamline the import-export process.

Trezix actively works with government bodies and regulators to help streamline the import-export process. By collaborating with authorities, Trezix aims to stay up-to-date with regulatory changes and ensure compliance for its users. Trezix also engages in knowledge-sharing initiatives, providing insights and expertise to policymakers to shape favourable trade policies and foster a conducive environment for import-export businesses. Trezix has integrated with the Indian government’s Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) to bring all modes of transportation under a single window to connect with its stakeholders. With this integration, Trezix can provide real-time visibility to its users and help them reduce logistics costs and improve efficiency. This integration has enhanced the overall trade visibility with various stakeholders of Trezix by reducing the cost of operation and ensuring the timely execution of opportunities. Trezix can work to improve the competitiveness of Indian exporters. In the first phase, there will be five use cases of ULIP integration with Trezix.

Can you elaborate on how your platform can benefit textile and apparel exporters from India? Will it allow them to customise and adapt according to their specific business needs?

The Trezix platform offers customisable features to benefit textile and apparel exporters from India. It enables businesses to adapt the platform according to their specific business needs and preferences. With features such as digital design and prototyping, supply chain traceability, and real-time inventory management, textile and apparel exporters can streamline their operations, reduce lead times, and enhance their competitiveness in the global market.

What are your long-term goals at Trezix and how do you plan to achieve them?

Trezix envisions becoming a product-driven, customer-focused company passionate about continuously evolving to deliver a world-class experience. With a target to onboard 3,500 customers in the next five years in India, the company is preparing to foray into the US market and establish itself as the number one EXIM software solutions company in three years in the country. We intend to become the de facto platform for importers and exporters in the near future. Our long-term goals revolve around becoming the go-to platform for importers and exporters worldwide. We aim to continually enhance our platform’s capabilities by incorporating cutting-edge technologies and integrating with emerging trends in the import-export industry. By expanding our user base, fostering strategic partnerships, and continuously improving our services, we strive to empower businesses to navigate the complexities of international trade with ease and achieve sustained growth and success.
Interviewer: Shilpi Panjabi
Published on: 07/07/2023

DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.