Altair Retro: Driving Business Growth with Cutting-Edge Automation

Altair Retro: Driving Business Growth with Cutting-Edge Automation
The ICT Company is solving local challenges with innovative technology to make a global impact;

By-Aiden K;

Enter Altair Retro, an innovative Kenyan ICT company founded in 2019 by Managing Director Albert Muinde. Recognizing the urgent need for accessible, tailored technology solutions, Altair is dedicated to empowering SMEs by providing them with the tools they need to thrive in today’s digital landscape. Muinde envisioned a company that could bridge the gap between global technological advancements and the specific needs of local businesses.

Kenya’s ICT sector is teeming with potential, fuelled by rapid digitization and a burgeoning tech-savvy population.According to a 2023 GSMA report on The Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa, 4G adoption in the region is expected to more than double to 45% over the next five years.

As part of the dynamically evolving Sub-Saharan African landscape, Kenya stands to gain significantly from the anticipated growth in 4G and 5G technologies.

GSMA predicts that 5G alone will contribute $11 billion to the Sub-Saharan African economy by 2030, underscoring the immense potential of these transformative technologies.

This presents a unique opportunity for Kenyan businesses to leverage advanced digital solutions to enhance their operations and competitiveness.

However, many businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), often struggle to harness the full power of technology due to the complex nature and high costs associated with existing solutions.

Altair’s mission is to empower Kenyan organizations with innovative, tailored software solutions that streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and unlock their true potential.

One of Altair Retro’s key differentiators is its commitment to customization. Recognizing that off-the-shelf software often fails to address the unique nuances of individual businesses, Altair Retro partners closely with clients to understand their specific challenges.

This collaborative approach allows them to develop bespoke solutions that precisely fit the client’s requirements, whether they are a burgeoning startup or a well-established enterprise.

“The reason is the cost of software development and sometimes the rigid nature of existing systems,” Muinde explains.

“A unique need cannot always be met by a generic product. We saw this gap in the market and decided to build a company that could provide truly tailored solutions.”

This commitment to customization is particularly evident in their flagship offering: a localized and enhanced version of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (formerly known as Dynamics NAV).

Rather than simply reselling the standard product, Altair Retro has secured the rights to customize the ERP system for the Kenyan market. This allows them to incorporate features and functionalities specifically relevant to local businesses, addressing regulatory requirements, industry-specific needs, and even cultural nuances.

“We acquired the rights to customize it to the local market,” Muinde states. “This way, we are now able to achieve the minute customer need for automation.”

Security as a Priority

In an era of increasing cyber threats, especially within the rapidly evolving FinTech landscape, security is paramount.

Altair Retro understands this and has partnered with Sophos, a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions, to integrate robust protection into their offerings.

This partnership ensures that clients benefit not only from streamlined automation but also from comprehensive security measures, including firewalls and endpoint protection, safeguarding their valuable data and financial assets. “People were automating and forgetting security,” Muinde observes.

“We partnered with Sophos so that as much as we are giving you the automation, we are also giving you the ability to protect yourself from attacks.”

Investing in Research and Development

Altair Retro recognizes that true innovation stems from understanding local challenges. To this end, they have invested heavily in research and development, forging strategic partnerships with local universities.

This collaborative approach allows them to tap into the brightest minds and address specific gaps in automation technology. Client challenges are transformed into research projects for master’s students, ensuring that the solutions developed are not only innovative but also grounded in practical, real-world needs.

“Local problems cannot be solved globally,” Muinde emphasizes. “We solve them locally, then export that solution to the global space.” This commitment to locally driven research and development further sets Altair Retro apart in the competitive ICT landscape.

Embracing the Future of ERP with AI and Voice Technology

Altair Retro isn’t just focused on current automation needs; they are looking towards the future. The company has already integrated Microsoft’s Co-Pilot, an AI-powered tool, into their ERP system.

This integration enhances efficiency in tasks like bank reconciliation, automating complex processes and reducing manual effort. But Muinde and his team are aiming even higher. They are exploring the integration of voice and chat technologies into their ERP system, envisioning a future where users can interact with the system through natural language commands.

“Imagine a finance manager asking their computer for a trial balance and having it displayed instantly,” Muinde illustrates. “That’s the kind of efficiency we’re striving for.”

This forward-thinking approach positions Altair Retro at the forefront of innovation, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in ERP technology.

While ERP customization is their core strength, Altair Retro offers a diverse portfolio of services, catering to a wide range of clients. From bulk SMS solutions for smaller businesses to website development and specialized solutions for NGOs and government agencies, they strive to meet the diverse technological needs of the Kenyan market. “Our niche is medium and established organizations,” Muinde clarifies.

“But we offer a range of services to cater to businesses of all sizes.” This diversified approach ensures their resilience and allows them to address a broader spectrum of challenges.

Looking ahead, Altair Retro’s growth strategy includes expanding into cloud solutions and enhanced analytics capabilities. They also have their sights set on new industries, such as health tech and agritech, further diversifying their portfolio and solidifying their position as a key player in Kenya’s dynamic ICT sector.

Muinde acknowledges the challenges that hinder wider adoption of automation technologies, primarily the perceived high costs and lack of in-house expertise. He believes that through education and strategic partnerships, these barriers can be overcome.

Altair Retro’s commitment to client training and support plays a crucial role in empowering businesses to effectively utilize their solutions. “If you don’t know whether you’re losing, you can’t invest into it,” Muinde points out, referring to the hidden costs of inefficient manual processes.

Altair Retro aims to demystify technology and make it accessible to a wider audience by demonstrating the tangible benefits of automation and providing ongoing support.

Albert Muinde’s vision for Altair Retro is clear: to become a recognized leader in the Kenyan ICT sector, empowering businesses to thrive in the digital economy.

Through continuous innovation, a commitment to localized solutions, and a dedication to client success, Altair Retro is strategically positioned to shaping the future of technology in Kenya.

Their journey demonstrates the power of identifying local needs and developing tailored solutions that truly make a difference.

As Muinde advises aspiring tech innovators, “Stay curious and embrace challenges.The tech landscape is ever-evolving, and being adaptable and willing to learn will set you apart.”

This ethos is at the heart of Altair Retro’s success, driving their continued growth and solidifying their position as a innovator in Kenya’s vibrant ICT landscape.