Aghanti Abel Muyicks, a software engineer, now running an IT firm known as Yicks Information Technology, speaks on the impact of his company’s services on Nigerian businesses, in this interview with OLUYINKA ALAWODE
Business
Istarted Yicks Information Technology in 2013. The company has been involved in various forms of hardware and software projects. It has also provided internet service, web-designing, maintenance, repairs, sales and purchases of computer systems and hardwares.
CRM
We have now decided to be fully involved in software engineering development for greater efficiency, that is the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) application. CRM meets the key needs of clients in various sectors such as educational, health care and other sectors but our major target is the educational sector.
Competition
CRM offers schools the opportunity to build and maintain relationships with their students, a task which is essential for schools. Educational institutions are constantly pitted against each other in a battle to capture students’ attention and it is in their primary interest to engage with the students and share valuable information about their schools. It is very important for schools to differentiate themselves from their competitors and this involves sharing information with students on how the school can empower them and position them for success in the future.
Records
The ability for schools, especially private ones, to keep and manage records of all their students is a major problem. For instance, in Delta state, they still rely on the old-fashioned way of record keeping. So, if an ex-student wants to collect his certificate a long period after leaving school, before handing over the certificate to the student, so many records have to be checked such as if the student has outstanding fees to be paid and so on. It usually takes a whole lot of time to be able to dig out basic information regarding a particular student.
Efficiency
Getting the files or papers where such information is kept usually takes a whole lot of stress. Sometimes the student may be asked to come back after some weeks to enable them verify all those information. But using a well-structured CRM to get the same information will only take minutes to verify any information. This will save the school and the student a whole lot of time and energy getting the information
Keeping track
Schools also need to retain and be able to track their past interactions with their students. In a complex, multi-faceted environment where past interactions with students are often forgotten, our CRM will allow schools to centralise their communication and engagement with an important audience. Our CRM systems provide schools numerous benefits and allow them to target various groups simultaneously.
Mission statement
It is no wonder our mission statement is to provide the best possible reliable software solutions which will deliver long-term commercial benefits based on our clients’ key business requirements. The strategies are economical, efficient, durable and flexible to help our clients improve IT efficiency and business profitability.
Background
I obtained a degree in software engineering at the National Institute of Information Technology (NIIT). I currently have two people working for me but we plan to expand staff strength after launching our first web application.
Advice
I think the government should do more programmes and schemes to help businesses grow. For young entrepreneurs, I say you have to ‘dream it, think it, plan it and do it.’
OLUYINKA ALAWODE
