In today’s fast-paced digital world, bridging the gap between technology and usability is crucial. Enter Rishab Chandra, Co-Founder and CTO of TaskTracker’s journey from the United States classrooms to the forefront of SaaS innovation is a testament to his vision and determination.
TaskTracker, a platform, is transforming how businesses manage tasks, track performance, and enhance productivity, making digital literacy accessible to all.
From Education to Innovation
Rishab Chandra’s journey began in the United States, where he pursued his undergraduate and master’s degrees. Immersing himself in the intricacies of the SaaS industry, he gained significant experience in the reinsurance and healthcare sectors. His early involvement with Render, a Salesforce app, began a career deeply rooted in technology and SaaS.
“It was during my early career that I noticed a critical gap in the services industry,” says Chandra. “Businesses were transitioning to digital platforms, but varying levels of digital literacy within organisations posed significant management challenges.”
The Birth of TaskTracker
To address these challenges, Rishab and his team conceptualised TaskTracker Suite. Designed to bridge the digital literacy gap, the product is user-friendly and operable in just three simple steps. Setup takes less than 10 minutes, making it accessible to all levels of users. Additionally, TaskTracker tackles language barriers, providing a vernacular app that allows seamless translation between different languages.
“Our goal was to create a solution that anyone could use, regardless of their technical skills or language proficiency,” explains Chandra. “Task Tracker Suite is designed to be intuitive and straightforward, ensuring everyone in the organisation can benefit.”
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital transformation, and Task Tracker quickly gained popularity. This led to the development of Task Tracker Suite, comprising two apps: TaskTracker for automating operations and Sales Tracker for automating sales processes. This journey, from identifying a gap to developing a comprehensive solution, has been both challenging and rewarding for Rishab and his team.
Impact on ROI and Use Cases
TaskTracker has proven immensely beneficial, particularly in the UAE. For instance, traders have significantly benefited from the platform, which brings them onto a common digital platform regardless of their geographical location. Companies with multiple offices across Dubai, Oman, India, and Europe have found the platform invaluable for seamless coordination and management.
“One of our clients, a trading company with offices across the Middle East and Europe, found it incredibly challenging to coordinate operations,” says Chandra. “TaskTracker provided them with a comprehensive dashboard view of all operations, allowing them to manage tasks efficiently and improve overall productivity.”
The mobile-first approach ensures accessibility on both the app and desktop, making it user-friendly even for those with minimal technical skills. TaskTracker covers various aspects of people management, from online attendance with location tracking to task management and performance evaluation. This comprehensive approach has resulted in a 23 per cent increase in profits and a 20 per cent reduction in operational costs for businesses using TaskTracker.
Evolution of TaskTracker
The initial product was an essential tool—a sheet that sent email reminders for task completion. The inefficiencies highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic led to the development of more advanced features, including precise location tracking for attendance. TaskTracker has evolved significantly and is now enhanced with AI and ML capabilities for predictive analysis and task recommendations based on user profiles.
“We started with a simple idea: helping businesses track tasks more efficiently,” recalls Chandra. “Over time, we integrated AI and machine learning to provide predictive insights and recommendations, making TaskTracker a smarter and more powerful tool.”
Feedback Loop and Technology Stack
TaskTracker’s technology stack is designed to be simple yet scalable, built on a CodeIgniter framework with a MySQL database and hosted on AWS with robust encryption for security. Continuous feedback from users plays a crucial role in the product’s evolution.
Chandra and his team engage with new users through demos and gather feedback to understand what works and what doesn’t, ensuring the platform remains user-friendly and practical.
“Our technology stack is designed to be robust and scalable, allowing us to grow without compromising performance or security,” explains Chandra. “We use TaskTracker ourselves to manage our daily operations, which gives us firsthand insights into areas for improvement.”
Differentiation in a Competitive Market
TaskTracker’s primary differentiation lies in its focus on linear tasking and 360-degree people management. Unlike complex and expensive solutions, TaskTracker is designed to be the first step towards digitisation for many businesses. Its user-friendly interface and affordable pricing make it accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises, effectively catering to a wide range of industries.
“While other HR tech solutions may include task management as a feature, it is the core of our platform for us,” says Chandra. “We offer a comprehensive suite that includes HR functionalities, leave management, task management, and performance evaluation, all integrated into one platform.”
Future Plans and Expansion
Rishab and his team are focused on expanding their presence in the UAE and beyond. With notable clients such as Petrotech, Stag Marine, Prop Hunters, and Yardstick, TaskTracker plans to move into Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Southeast Asia next. Based on client demand, they are also considering adding a Vendor Tracker to their suite.
“Our expansion plan includes entering new markets and forming strategic partnerships to strengthen our foothold,” says Chandra. “We are also looking to add new products to our suite, such as a Vendor Tracker, to meet the evolving needs of our clients.”
Revenue Model and Funding
TaskTracker’s revenue model is based on an annual subscription fee, making it accessible for small and medium-sized businesses. The company has raised over $300,000 in funding and is opening a new round of $500,000 to support its growth. With the right partners, Rishab is confident that TaskTracker can continue to innovate and expand its product offerings.
“We are focused on building long-term relationships with investors who understand our vision and can provide strategic guidance,” says Chandra. “With their support, we are confident in our ability to scale and meet the growing demands of our clients.”
As Rishab Chandra and TaskTracker continue to evolve, their journey stands as a testament to the power of innovation and adaptability in digital transformation.
