Efficient communication technology

Behind every successful business, there is a capable technology provider. Honeywell, which has created a name for itself in the country in a short time span, has been regarded as the un- sung hero in this regard. Marilyn Li, Asia Pacific Marketing Director of Honeywell Scanning and Mobility, tells us about their operational set-up.

Aadeetya Sriram (AS): What is Honeywell all about? What kind of product and services do you provide?

Marilyn Li (ML): Honeywell Scanning and Mobility is a leading manufacturer of high- performance rugged mobile computers and barcode scanners. We work towards providing solutions for verticals such as retail, manufacturing, healthcare, transportation and logistics. In India, we have had a direct presence since 2008 and in these short few years, we have gained a strong foothold, particularly in the retail vertical. We deliver our solutions to our customers through our dedicated tier I partners and a growing network of tier II resellers providing an ever growing geographic presence in India. We’re proud that our product portfolio is one of the broadest in the AIDC (Auto-identification and Data Capture) industry.

By combining advanced laser and imaging technology with powerful wireless communications and support services, our mobile computers, hand-held, hands-free and biopic scanners deliver everything you could ask for in a retail environment. We want to ensure our technology gives our customers the capability to increase productivity, sales and earnings. We also complement all our products with advanced software, services and professional solutions that enable customers to effectively manage their data and assets.

AS: Which sector do you cater to and who do you target primarily?

ML: Our business aligns with any sector that can benefit from automation and operational efficiency. This is everything from manufacturing to hospitals to check-out counters to postal couriers. We are in the business of helping organisations improve operations, reduce down- time, and decrease human error – creating as efficient an ecosystem as possible, which will inevitably improve their bottom line.

AS: Why has Honeywell acquired EMS? What is the strategy behind the acquisition?

ML: EMS strengthens our core mobile computing business and expands our addressable market with complementary new products, channel partners, and entry into the warehousing and port segments that we believe will be growth drivers for the business.

AS: How will both the parties benefit from this arrangement?

ML: Honeywell has been very successful over the years in integrating companies into our operations, and we’ll draw on that experience to execute the integration quickly and effectively. EMS is strategic and growth-oriented, fit for Honeywell. With highly-developed products lines, an excellent reputation and a strong global distribution channel, EMS complements and significantly strengthens Honeywell’s position in the scanning and mobility segment.

AS: Please elaborate on your technology set-up.

ML: Today’s workers require real-time communications and access to critical business data to make informed decisions, regardless of what industry they are in. Throughout the course of a normal business day, many workers utilise multiple devices such as smartphones, VoIP phones, two-way radios, laptop or tablet computers and barcode scanners. Our mobile and scanning technology converges the functionality of these devices into a single, durable device. We are delivering multi-purpose utility at an affordable price. We build our devices with the latest scanning technology and keep in mind durability, lifespan and ease of use.

AS: How do you perceive the technology market in the country? How has Honeywell done in the international market?

ML: The technology does not differ too much as we want to equip our customers with world- class solutions and technology across all countries. We do see a difference in certain trends that are embraced from country to country. For example, within North America, mobile point-of- sale and mobile couponing is a popular trend but we do not see as much of this in India yet. We stay up-to-date with our customers and the trends they are following in order to tailor our products to best suit these requirements.

AS: What are your future plans in the country?

ML: We are seeing new industries looking to leverage our type of technology; they want to automate their operational processes, reduce human error, increase productivity and ultimately maximise ROI. Airlines and Metro rails are great examples. Our market in India is vast and I am confident it will continue to grow rapidly.