An Ahmedabad-based software consultancy and enterprise resource planning (ERP) services providing firm, Intech Systems Private Limited, is planning to offer ERP solutions to SMEs based in Gujarat. The firm, which is also a partner of software giant Microsoft, intends to offer its Dynamics NAV, AX and SharePoint services to manufacturing and oil and gas units.

Speaking to the press, Ashok Mehta, managing director of Intech Systems Private Limited said that the company would be providing end-to-end solutions to SMEs on certain services for now, but also intends to add Microsoft’s customer relationship management and cloud computing solutions to their product portfolio soon.

Significantly, Microsoft is witnessing a 40% increase in its business in Gujarat and is expecting further growth in the near future. Earlier in 2009, the software giant had extended IT support to around 1000 pharma-based SMEs in Ahmedabad.

“Besides the characteristic benefits of ERP such as reduction of paper work and effective data organisation facilities, ERP will help to increase the productivity of small units. However, Microsoft and Intech Systems should also extend this facility to other states like Uttar Pradesh (UP), as well as to north-eastern states, which are less advanced technologically. Most ERP providers, especially in UP, charge a high amount for ERP services ranging from Rs 50,000-250,000,” said Manish Goel, vice president at the Indian Industries Association (IIA).

Gujarat is home to around three lakh SMEs engaged in various sectors such as garments, plastic, pharma, machine tools, gems and jewellery and handicraft, among others.