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Interview with Rajendra Patil (India’s 1st Screen Exposing Solutions Expert)

Rajendra Patil (India’s 1st Screen Exposing Solutions Expert)
Rajendra Patil (India’s 1st Screen Exposing Solutions Expert)
Founder, Bludigit Technologies

Bludigit Technologies leading the way with innovation, excellence & service
Bludigit Technologies, based in Suart, Gujarat, stands out as one of the textile machinery manufacturing sector’s fastest-growing companies, driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to delivering professional solutions tailored to the industrial needs. 
Embracing the ethos of leveraging innovative technology to streamline manufacturing processes and drive down costs, Bludigit Technologies has earned a stellar reputation over the years.
Specialising in Computer to Screen (CTS) Screen Engravers and Eco-friendly Screen Clean Solutions complemented by value-added software solutions, the company has carved a niche for itself by not only developing cutting-edge machines but also providing swift and efficient service to its clientele. 
With a strong focus on Research and Development (R&D), Bludigit Technologies is dedicated to elevating its product portfolio to the new heights.
The company’s unwavering commitment to quality is evident in its products and services, an assurance underscored by its continuous pursuit of innovation as it continues to push the boundaries of technological advancement through in-house experimentation and strategic collaborations with overseas partners to deliver the best. 
This collaborative approach enables Bludigit Technologies to stay at the forefront of the industry, offering customers innovative solutions and technical interventions that address the ever-evolving market needs.
In a recent interview with Fibre2Fashion, Rajendra Patil, India’s 1st Screen Exposing Solutions Expert and founder of Bludigit Technologies, sheds light on the company’s vision, its diverse range of products and services, and its adoption of the latest CTS technology from CST GmbH, a leading global supplier of state-of-the-art screen imaging systems from Germany. 
During the insightful discussion that took place at Bludigit’s manufacturing facility located in Surat’s bustling Laxmi Narayan Industrial Park, Patil shared insights into the company’s journey so far, highlighting its relentless pursuit of excellence and customer satisfaction while touching upon the pivotal role played by the latest CTS technology in revolutionising the screen imaging process, driving efficiency, and enhancing productivity.

Can you share insights on Bludigit Technologies and its journey so far?

Bludigit Technologies draws its name from the fusion of ‘blue’, symbolising the vastness of the sky, and ‘digit’, representing the world of numbers. 
Founded in 2019, we embarked on our journey in the era of burgeoning technology. 
Despite being in our early days, we have experienced remarkable growth, nearly doubling our progress annually so far. 
Our focus on innovation has been met with very positive response from the industry, propelling us forward in the textile machinery manufacturing industry. 
We are deeply passionate about the pioneering new technologies and driving progress in our field of expertise.
 

Could you elaborate on your flagship offerings?

Our portfolio includes cutting-edge solutions such as Computer to Screen (CTS) technology, which we introduced to India in 2007 in collaboration with CST GmbH from Germany. 
We represent both CST Germany and Nova Inter Tech from Thailand and offer eco-friendly solutions for textile mills, including Flatbed Inkjet Engravers, known as Computer to Screen Imaging Systems, designed for serious cost-reduction plans, productivity enhancements, increased digital-imaging speeds, and reduced investment costs, maximising efficiency in pre-press and production for screen printers.
Our range extends to Rotary Engravers, a proven solution for high-quality, efficient, and profitable screen exposure processing of rotary screen production, recognised for its speed, affordability, and precision, with simple and cost-effective maintenance.
Chemical Free Rotary Nickel Screen Cleaning technology, originating from Thailand, developed by Nova Inter Tech, promotes pollution-free recycling, supporting rotary printers and aiming to safeguard the environment and workers’ health. 
The transition from hazardous chemical stripping to high-pressure water for removing photo emulsion from nickel screens dramatically extends screen lifespan and improves printing quality, allowing for multiple reuses and significant cost savings.
The Screen Developing machines, equipped with specially designed spray nozzles and a complete timer facility, offer easy and precise screen development using water pressure, with a PLC-controlled water recycling system for efficient washing and screen protection, ensuring uniform development and maintaining finest details with a repeatable standard.
Our CST Rotary Engraving solutions, including Rotary & Ratary+, offer high-quality, efficient, and profitable screen exposure processing for seamless rotary screen production, utilising innovative screen imaging technology to produce the highest quality rotary screens for textile printing.
Additionally, our software offerings, such as Automatic Channel Separation, Color Management with ATLSync, Color Formulation with Colormix, RIP for Raster Application, CMYK Automatic Separation, and Colourways Generation with Color Instinct, optimise colour reproduction and streamline printing processes, catering to digital and traditional printing needs.
Recently, we introduced a breakthrough Swiss technology, streamlining screen preparation steps from 10-12 to just two, completing the process within 5 minutes, resulting in significant savings in production time, power, water, electricity, and labour costs. 
Calculations suggest nearly 80 per cent cost savings with an ROI of 12 to 15 months, making it a compelling investment for businesses.
Our comprehensive range of hardware and software solutions address the diverse needs of textile printers, enhancing efficiency, quality, and environmental sustainability while reducing production costs and time, thereby offering a competitive edge in the market.
The Swiss technology we are about to launch soon will revolutionise pre-press and production processes, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.

Are there any other companies in India currently, offering similar technology?

As of now, Bludigit Technologies stands alone in offering this advanced Swiss technology in the country.

Could you elaborate on the applications of your upcoming CST machine?

Our CST machine caters to a wide range of industries, including textiles, ceramics, automotive, electronics, and more. We customise our offerings to meet the specific requirements of each industry, ensuring versatility and efficiency.

What are your thoughts on the potential threat of replication, and in such a scenario how do you plan to maintain your competitive edge?

While imitation is a possibility, our commitment to unparalleled after-sales service is what truly distinguishes us. Beyond merely providing robust machines, we prioritise delivering prompt technical support and minimising downtime for our customers. This comprehensive approach ensures not only the satisfaction of our clientele but also fosters long-term loyalty.
Our dedication to superior after-sales service goes beyond the initial sale, as we understand the importance of ongoing support in maintaining customer satisfaction. By offering timely technical assistance and swiftly resolving any issues that arise, we strive to exceed customer expectations and build lasting relationships. This commitment to customer support not only differentiates us but also reinforces our reputation as a trusted partner in meeting the needs of our valued clientele.

How are you planning to roll out this technology across different regions in the country?

We are implementing a strategic rollout plan, commencing with launches in various regions. In the east, Kolkata will witness our debut next month, followed by launches in Tiruppur for the south and Ludhiana for the north in subsequent months. Additionally, our Surat office will spearhead launch and marketing in the western sector including for Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

Any innovative marketing strategy that you intend to employ for the launch of this innovative technology?

Our approach encompasses a comprehensive 360-degree analysis, identifying customer needs, target audiences, and effective campaign strategies. We are also rigorously testing the technology to ensure it seamlessly integrates as per requirements of the Indian industry before the official launch.

Given the market’s price sensitivity, how do you position your product offerings?

Our product pricing is competitive, aligning with existing solutions in the market while offering exceptional value. 
We prioritise affordability without compromising on quality or innovation.

How would you rate your machines in terms of performance quotient considering the demanding nature of the industry that they cater to?

Our machines are engineered for robustness and durability, capable of withstanding rigorous industrial operations. With an average lifespan of 5-7 years, and extendable to over a decade, our machines offer reliable performance even in challenging environments.

Any innovations on the horizon apart from this new technology, which would be launched soon?

We are constantly coming up with new interventions through research and development (R&D). So far, we have already installed over 250 CTS machines across India, emphasising our commitment to service and customer satisfaction. Additionally, we are enhancing after-sales service by strategically stationing technicians in key manufacturing hubs nationwide.

What is your perspective on the investment in R&D and its returns?

Given the rapid pace of technological advancement, continuous R&D is imperative, and our efforts in this area are ongoing. In addition, our partners, whether based in Germany or elsewhere, are also engaged in similar pursuits. 
However, to better cater to our Indian clients, we undertake in-house R&D activities. This includes collaborative efforts with our overseas partners as well to enhance services and efficiency, tailored to the specific requirements of each market.
Importantly, all our R&D endeavours are customer-centric! We prioritise understanding and fulfilling customer needs. This involves incorporating add-ons to existing products to maximise benefits for our customers. By doing so, we aim to ensure that customers do not necessarily have to invest in additional or new products or technologies to derive enhanced value from our offerings.

How has collaboration with overseas partners contributed to your competitive edge?

Collaborating with international partners empowers us to harness the global expertise while customising solutions to meet local demands. This symbiotic relationship allows us to offer exceptional products and services that precisely cater to specific market requirements. 
By merging international and local insights, we can develop tailored solutions that are both effective and efficient in addressing the unique needs of our clientele. Such collaborative approach ensures that our offerings resonate with the local market while benefiting from the best practices and innovations from around the world. Through this synergy, we can consistently deliver superior results and exceed the expectations of our customers, thereby solidifying our position as a trusted provider of high-quality solutions and technologies.

How do you address operational challenges specific to each client’s requirement while ensuring seamless customisation of your offerings?

We offer tailored solutions and extensive manpower training to optimise the performance of our products according to each client’s unique needs. Our goal is to ensure maximum efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Customisation is integral to our approach, and we accomplish it by adapting the base model to meet individual client requirements. This flexibility allows us to cater to diverse needs more effectively.

Do you offer the software separately or are they integrated in your product offerings?

Our machines feature fully integrated software packages, which are included as part of our standard offering. We prioritise customer satisfaction by providing essential software components at no extra charge, which distinguishes us from many of our competitors who often charge additional fees for such features. 
This approach underscores our commitment to ensuring customer convenience and delivering value-added solutions. By bundling essential software with our machines, we aim to streamline the user experience and eliminate the need for customers to incur supplementary expenses.

What according to you are the major challenges towards optimal utilisation of technology in today’s age?

The shortage of skilled labour poses a notable challenge, affecting the efficient utilisation of technology. To address this issue, we offer comprehensive training and support to our clients, aiming to facilitate the smooth integration and operation of our products. Our training programmes are designed to equip users with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively leverage our technology. 
By providing ongoing support and guidance, we empower our clients to overcome workforce challenges and maximise the benefits of our solutions. Our commitment to assisting clients in navigating technological complexities underscores our dedication to their success and ensures a seamless experience with our products.

What are your growth aspirations for future?

Our goal is simple yet ambitious: to cultivate 10,000 satisfied customers. By prioritising customer satisfaction and innovation, we aim to leave a lasting impact on the industry while fostering growth and development.
We are currently working on enhancing operational speed and adding new features to our existing machines to boost productivity further as our focus is always on delivering cost-effective solutions that streamline production processes and maximise efficiency.
Our commitment to collaboration and partnership with the clients is what distinguishes Bludigit Technologies. 
We prioritise customer needs, offering comprehensive support and tailored solutions to drive mutual growth and success.
Interviewer: Deepankar Shyam
Published on: 13/06/2024

DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.