Latest news with #Unicommerce
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Small and Smart: How AI is powering SMEs in India's e-commerce boom
iStock AI has been a great help not just for sellers but for consumers as well. Since OpenAI launched ChatGPT, a conversational chatbot powered by artificial intelligence (AI), in 2022, the world has not been the same. Although AI wasn't entirely new to businesses and consumers, ChatGPT showcased the potential for technology to be used across various sectors with diverse and nuanced applications. The world of supply chain and e-commerce had already begun employing data analytics and machine learning (ML) to gain insights into consumer behaviour and facilitate demand forecasting and inventory management. As AI continues to advance, experts say it is reshaping the e-commerce industry in India and changing the way Indians shop online. People no longer use short keywords while using AI tools like ChatGPT for shopping online, according to Kapil Makhija, CEO & MD of Unicommerce. Instead, they ask complete, natural questions, such as 'What are the best high-quality shoes for running?' or 'Show me kurti options under Rs 1,000' or 'Show me running shoes that can be delivered in 2 days.' 'These and more are real examples of how customers are using AI in their digital commerce journeys,' says Makhija. 'Evolving user behaviour, expansion in the number of online channels, growing emphasis on enhanced user experience and the need to drive higher operational efficiencies are driving AI adoption in multiple ways,' he stay visible in AI-driven conversations, he says, product data needs to mirror the way people speak with natural phrases like 'reliable running shoes for daily jogs' or 'suitable for gym workouts', which mimic how shoppers describe their needs in AI tools. 'The more closely product information matches the way people actually describe what they're looking for, the more likely it is for the product to be recommended by conversational AI tools.''AI can enable an enhanced search experience by using natural language processing (NLP), which helps understand customers' search intent while offering conversational search. It can allow customers to refine queries through dialogues, like a discussion with a human salesperson,' he says. Additionally, AI is helping these demands sync up with the inventory, says Makhija. 'When a customer looks for running shoes that can be delivered in two days, it will look at available data and give the results. If a brand's inventory is not synced across channels, the choice will not show up, even if it is available,' he explains.'Real-time inventory visibility is no longer an operational strength; it is the starting point in an AI-powered shopping world. While there are a growing number of sales channels like multiple marketplaces, quick-commerce chains, brand websites and apps, physical stores and omni-channel integrations that connect brands to sellers, the inventory is typically held in a few locations only. Technology helps track real-time inventory across various points of sale and storage,' he the same time, he points out that AI can simplify the complexity of selling on multiple e-commerce platforms by automating product listings to ensure consistent descriptions and images across platforms. For automating operations, e-commerce enablement platform Shiprocket has recently launched an AI-integrated model context protocol (MCP) server. This server allows AI agents to perform key operations, such as checking shipping rates or tracking orders, all through a single line of instruction. Saahil Goel, Co-founder and CEO of Shiprocket, says that India has a very good opportunity with AI due to the abundance of unstructured data in the country. This includes different accents, languages, and voices, which means that many things that could be automated in the West remain unautomated in India.'Additionally, India has struggled with DIY (Do-It-Yourself) in the past, and it still hasn't accepted it to a great degree. I do think that can change with AI. Right now, the merchant depends on service providers for many things, all of which can come down to a prompt. Today's AI-powered co-pilots are very intelligent; they can be connected to a merchant's business, their ad account, their marketplaces, Google Analytics, etc. A merchant can simply ask the co-pilot to do a reconciliation or ask, 'How much money does Amazon owe me?' and they will get accurate answers. SMEs could have a McKinsey consultant in their pocket,' he says, adding that often SMEs struggle with not knowing, and then the cost to deliver that knowledge to them is very high in a service-orientated also helps with eliminating errors, especially in logistics, such as getting the right state and PIN codes, he also highlights that logistics accounts for a substantial expense in e-commerce operations. Different products, geographies, modes of payment, values of products and more determine the right courier selection for a certain order. AI models predict which courier will deliver fastest or with the least risk of RTO (Return to Origin) for a specific package or geography.'For businesses using multiple delivery partners, AI engines help allocate deliveries across different courier partners based on service levels, area efficiency, or cost. Shipway is Unicommerce's logistics management platform that provides both courier aggregation and courier automation services. Shipway's smart courier automation services help it dynamically suggest the best carrier based on current rate cards, package weight, distance, and urgency. This helps businesses reduce RTOs, improve delivery SLAs and manage costs,' he adds that AI can also help in RTO (return-to-origin) reduction and fraud detection. AI helps in predictive analytics to determine likely failure chances of a delivery based on address patterns, COD risk, or past delivery success. 'AI can predict the likelihood of delivery failure and automate proactive action like calling the customer in advance. AI can also increase the efficiency of fraud detection by flagging suspicious delivery patterns, like unusually high failed deliveries from a specific area or user,' he has been a great help not just for sellers but for consumers as well. As per Praveen Govindu, Partner, Deloitte India, AI now permeates nearly every aspect of the digital retail experience. From bot-led customer support to reduced cart abandonment, AI has a lot to offer to enhance consumer experience.'Virtual assistants and chatbots now handle a wide range of customer interactions—from answering questions to guiding users through purchases and resolving post-purchase issues, improving conversion rates and post-purchase satisfaction. AI also tackles the persistent problem of cart abandonment by sending smart, personalised reminders and offering targeted discounts on abandoned cart products. Real-time chatbots also step in to resolve last-minute doubts, nudging customers to complete purchases,' he continues, 'AI-driven AR (Augmented Reality) allows customers to visualise how products like cosmetics, clothing or furniture will look like on real users/set-ups, bridging the gap between online convenience and in-store confidence.'However, this technology comes with its own set of challenges, such as outdated data quality, over-automation, integration issues and privacy can automate only what is well-defined. If business processes are flawed, automation will simply make bad outcomes happen faster. Over-automation can also lead to inefficiencies and customer frustration if not properly managed. Further, integrating AI with existing systems can be difficult, especially with legacy infrastructure causing delays and additional costs. Implementing AI involves significant upfront investment, ongoing maintenance and employee training. 'These can be barriers for small businesses,' he says. He also points out the lack of human to Deloitte India's Govindu, AI cannot think strategically, create original ideas or form emotional connections with customers. 'It only excels at well-defined and repetitive tasks.'Adds Shiprocket's Goel, saying that AI is also capable of generating fake content and fake reviews and thus has the potential to be abused. Interestingly, it is also good at catching these fake reviews and accounts and checking whether they are the future looks promising as per the experts. Goel believes that AI's applications will go deep into regional tier II and tier III markets using video and voice-based intelligence.'Today, when we work with brands or B2C firms, there are typically 4-5 segments—male, female, urban, non-urban, etc., and their combinations. But, in reality, there could be 1000s. You could do thousands of creatives for these thousands of people. With AI, it becomes possible to run the same ad in different versions as per every city,' he about the future use cases, Govindu said that there will be a lot more autonomous product tagging and catalog management as well as real-time profiling and customer targeting. AI will automatically tag, categorise, and update product listing based on image and text recognition, he says.'By analysing real-time data streams like browsing patterns, cursor movements, and session interactions, AI constructs evolving customer profiles and plans hyper personalised targeting strategies. For example, AI can monitor micro interactions (scroll depth, hover duration) to infer intent adjusting recommendations mid-session. It can also analyse externally integrated data like weather, location, and device-type to tailor offers,' he says. On the occasion of World MSME Day on June 27, 2025, ET Digital will also open registrations for its sixth edition of the ET MSME Awards 2025. The coveted award programme celebrates India's top MSMEs for their achievements and contribution to the nation's economic development.
Business Upturn
10-06-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
The Man Company partners with Unicommerce to strengthen e-commerce and quick commerce operations
By Aditya Bhagchandani Published on June 10, 2025, 13:23 IST Shares of Unicommerce eSolutions Limited are in focus today, Tuesday, June 10, after the company announced a strategic partnership with men's grooming brand The Man Company to enhance its e-commerce operations and quick commerce fulfilment. According to the official press release, The Man Company will leverage Unicommerce's flagship platform, Uniware, for multi-channel order and warehouse management. This integration will automate order processing across its website, marketplaces, and quick commerce platforms, improving delivery speed and reducing errors. The collaboration aims to cater to rising demand in India's male grooming market, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.06% and reach USD 1,844.65 million by 2029. Unicommerce's technology will also streamline order returns and enhance post-purchase experiences for The Man Company's customers. The grooming brand, owned by Helios Lifestyle and recently acquired by Emami, offers a premium range of products including skincare, haircare, beard care, and fragrances. Commenting on the partnership, Zairus Master, CEO of The Man Company, highlighted the importance of seamless fulfilment in meeting evolving customer expectations. Kapil Makhija, MD & CEO of Unicommerce, noted the opportunity presented by the D2C grooming segment and expressed confidence in supporting The Man Company's growth trajectory. This move aligns with Unicommerce's broader strategy of supporting D2C and retail brands across sectors. The company, serving over 7,000 clients in India and internationally, processed over 1 billion order items on its Uniware platform in Q3 FY25. Disclaimer: The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Stock market investments are subject to market risks. Always conduct your own research or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions. Author or Business Upturn is not liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Aditya Bhagchandani serves as the Senior Editor and Writer at Business Upturn, where he leads coverage across the Business, Finance, Corporate, and Stock Market segments. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to journalistic integrity, he not only contributes insightful articles but also oversees editorial direction for the reporting team.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Tata 1mg partners with Unicommerce to boost e-commerce efficiency
New Delhi: Digital healthcare platform Tata 1mg has partnered with SaaS-based e-commerce enablement platform Unicommerce to streamline its backend operations and boost delivery efficiency across India. The integration of Unicommerce's technology will automate order processing, improve inventory accuracy, and enhance demand forecasting—ensuring timely product availability and delivery across 1,000+ Indian cities. The system also allows for efficient batch tracking, helping identify expired or defective products and triggering alerts to protect consumer safety. The collaboration aims to optimise fulfilment of Tata 1mg's own-brand products, including nutraceuticals, kids' and women's nutrition, protein drinks, and wellness items for diabetes, pregnancy and lactation. With Unicommerce's multi-channel order and warehouse management systems, Tata 1mg can now manage orders received via its website and partner marketplaces more effectively, leading to a smoother customer experience. Ketan Bhatia, Vice President – Consumer Products, Tata 1mg, said, 'As a leading online health and wellness brand, we're focused on delivering a seamless shopping experience. Our partnership with Unicommerce strengthens our e-commerce operations to enhance the buying experience for our customers across the country." Speaking about the association, Kapil Makhija, MD & CEO of Unicommerce said, 'Healthcare brands are embracing technology to optimise their digital channels, providing timely deliveries to end customers, which is a critical factor in this sector. We are privileged to support Tata 1mg in their journey to offer rich wellness experiences.
Business Upturn
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Unicommerce and Tata 1mg partner to streamline e-commerce operations
India's online healthcare and pharmacy sector continues to expand rapidly, driven by growing digital adoption and increased demand for accessible medical solutions. In a strategic move to enhance its backend e-commerce infrastructure, digital healthcare provider Tata 1mg has partnered with Unicommerce, an e-commerce enablement SaaS platform, to improve operational efficiency. The collaboration focuses on automating Tata 1mg's order processing and inventory management. Unicommerce's platform enables real-time tracking of stock levels, demand forecasting, and reduced overstocking—key factors in ensuring consistent product availability across over 1,000 cities in India. Tata 1mg offers a wide range of branded products in categories such as nutritional supplements, medical devices, orthopaedic aids, personal care, and Ayurveda. These products are distributed through its own website and various online marketplaces. To support its growing online presence, Tata 1mg has implemented Unicommerce's multi-channel order management and warehouse management systems. These tools help standardize and streamline order fulfilment processes across platforms, aiming to improve delivery speed and accuracy. Additionally, Unicommerce's batching system supports the identification and management of expired or defective products. Features such as expiry alerts and batch-level tracking help initiate recalls or prioritize the sale of soon-to-expire items, reducing waste and ensuring regulatory compliance. India's e-pharmacy market was valued at USD 394.09 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 801.34 million by 2030. Key growth drivers include the convenience of online medicine delivery and increasing internet penetration in tier-1 and tier-2 cities. Government initiatives like the Digital Health Incentive Scheme (DHIS) further support this growth by promoting the adoption of digital technologies among hospitals, clinics, and healthcare startups. Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
Fashion Value Chain
15-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
Unicommerce Processes 2 Cr+ Q-Commerce Orders in FY25
Unicommerce, a leading SaaS platform for e-commerce enablement, has successfully processed over 2 crore quick-commerce order items in FY25 through its flagship platform Uniware. This significant volume was achieved via Uniware's integration with India's top quick-commerce (Q-commerce) platforms. The system allows brands to process bulk shipments from their warehouses to Q-commerce mother hubs in real time, ensuring speed, accuracy, and operational efficiency. The seamless integration enables real-time order alignment, smarter inventory allocation, and automated shipment management through pre-linked B2B courier partners. It also ensures compliance with GST e-invoicing and e-way bill mandates. Categories that have seen major benefits from this capability include personal care, nutraceuticals, toys, snacks, fashion accessories, apparel, and home décor. With the Indian quick commerce market expected to grow at a 16.6% CAGR between 2025 and 2029, reaching a projected US$9.95 billion by 2029, platforms like Unicommerce are helping brands meet the rising demand for 10–20 minute delivery expectations. Kapil Makhija, MD & CEO of Unicommerce, stated: 'Quick commerce is reshaping consumption behavior and retail expectations. Unicommerce is proud to support brands with scalable, tech-enabled solutions that align with this high-speed delivery model.' Uniware offers a centralised dashboard to manage orders from D2C websites, marketplaces, offline stores, and Q-commerce platforms, empowering brands with real-time inventory visibility and streamlined fulfilment.
