Call Them Small-Scale Computer Manufacturers

Manufacturers of local brands, or lesser-known brands of PCs among the channel community do not like the Manufacturers’ Association of Information Technology (MAIT) calling them ‘assemblers’ or classifying them as the ‘unorganized’ sector. We suggest that this segment be called, ‘Small-Scale Computer Manufacturers’
(SSCM).

From MAIT’s point of view, it would certainly object to call this segment SSCM because majority in this segment are not registered as such. Legally speaking perhaps this objection is valid. 

But we are not speaking from a legal but a business perspective. From this angle, the manufacturers of local or lesser-known brands very much fit the bill to be called the
SSCMs. 

Why does MAIT call the likes of HCL, Wipro, Zenith and others, the manufacturers of PCs? Aren’t these organizations just big-time assemblers? 

And yet, MAIT calls these entities manufacturers of PCs because it makes business sense and also because these entities have registered themselves as manufacturers. But a mere registration does not differentiate the job that the big-time and small-time assemblers do. All that they do is assemble PCs! 

Let us look at why the SSCMs dislike to be called, ‘’assemblers’ and ‘unorganized’. Majority of the SSCMs are fully organized in their businesses today and follow the right processes. They say that their systematic approach to business has enabled them to capture 65% of the marketshare for PCs in the country.

SSCMs agree that they do have a price advantage because they bill for components and not the fully assembled PC. But more than the price advantage, they say that it is the friendly neighborhood after-sales service that they provide to their customers that helps them sell more PCs. 

By calling small-time assemblers SSCMs, MAIT would render a great amount of dignity to the labor that this segment of the channel community is putting to spread the computer culture in the country. MAIT would also inspire this community to become more organized, help the black sheep to come into the mainstream by paying duties and taxes.

In fact, we spoke to MAIT as well as SSCMs on the subject and their feedback is published in the ‘Perspective’ column on page 22 of this issue. Please do go through the story and let us know what you think the manufacturers of local and lesser known brands should be called.

SYLVESTER LOBO