Cloud technology innovation grows locally with TradeCard

Cloud platform provider TradeCard has many options to choose from when recruiting technology talent and software developers. With headquarters in New York and offices in California and Hong Kong, there’s Silicon Valley, Wall Street and Southeast Asia within its reach. But instead of turning to these traditional technology hubs, TradeCard positioned itself in Sri Lanka when it mapped out its organisational plan to drive product development, enhance global support, and grow its platform.

TradeCard entered Sri Lanka in 2009 when a small group in Sri Lanka began developing products for TradeCard’s software platform, supporting the technology team in New York. The efficiency, productivity and quality of work led to a ramp up in staff and a formal presence in Sri Lanka. In 2009 TradeCard employed a staff of 15. In just two years total staff grew to 70. The Sri Lanka organisation, today known as TradeCard Services, includes customer support and business development staff in addition to software and product developers.

The difference in miles and time zones proved to be a blessing. Being half a world apart, TradeCard leveraged the Sri Lanka office to enhance its global customer support staff which is available to customers 24 hours per day, seven days per week, in 68 countries. The technology team is essentially now able to work around the clock in different time zones. While conference calls and online meetings help the communication process day to day, TradeCard acknowledges that there’s no replacement for face to face time. As new team members join in Sri Lanka, they often visit the New York office. They might spend multiple weeks in New York training and working with the technology and product teams in New York to foster team building.

TradeCard is unique in its embracement of cloud technology. Not only is TradeCard a provider of cloud-based supply chain software but it is an avid user of cloud. Staff finds itself on the cutting edge of technology. It develops, sells and supports cloud technology to retailers, brands and their suppliers, and it uses cloud tools in day to day operations. Team members use NetSuite, the company’s ERP backbone system, to store key data regarding operations and customers. They use a call centre CRM solution from Contactual to deliver customer support and ensure seamless handoffs between Sri Lanka, Shenzhen and the U.S. They collaborate on documents and data using Google Apps. TradeCard takes pride in delivering a global platform that connects all parties in the supply chain to enable collaboration. It employs cloud within its own business to empower employees to do the same.

“TradeCard is a cloud platform on the cutting edge of technology and global trade. But it’s the people on our team in places like Sri Lanka that enable us to deliver services to 8,000 companies in 68 countries,” said Guy Rey-Herme, President of TradeCard, Inc. “TradeCard team members are smart, innovative and thirsty to grow their knowledge and skillset. We plan to continue tapping the talent pool in Sri Lanka and further invest in training and development to enhance our business.”