Frogtek Uses Cellphones to Bring Tools to Small-Scale Retailers
Tiana Reid — June 29, 2011 — Social Good
References: frogtek.org & tiendatekweb
Frogtek is a for-profit social enterprise that uses mobile phone technology to equip small-scale entrepreneurs in less-industrialized countries with business tools to help them succeed in whatever small business they run. Frogtek’s initial software application is a POS (point-of-sale) system for shop owners, which runs on mobile phones, allowing Frogtek to manage inventory and increase profits. By synchronizing the data collected through the cellular device with Frogtek’s servers, the folks at Frogtek are able to support the shopkeepers with analysis and individualized services that match their needs to a T.
With that being said, Frogtek is specifically designed for those at the base of the pyramid, that is, the world’s poorest markets. Frogtek begins its services with what they call “mom-and-pop” shops that sell a multitude of products but don’t have access to a cash register or other POS devices. With that being said, many of these small-scale retailers are unable to gain information about their business thus limiting their abilities to operate in a complete market, and in turn, limiting their abilities to make profits and grow.
Frogtek is a social enterprise that combines software technology and entrepreneurial skill with an innovation that has already taken off in the less-industrialized world: mobile phones. Since millions of people and micro-entrepreneurs around the world have already adopted cellular phones into their personal activities and business ventures, the possibilities for impacting livelihoods are boundless.
Contact Information:
Frogtek Website
With that being said, Frogtek is specifically designed for those at the base of the pyramid, that is, the world’s poorest markets. Frogtek begins its services with what they call “mom-and-pop” shops that sell a multitude of products but don’t have access to a cash register or other POS devices. With that being said, many of these small-scale retailers are unable to gain information about their business thus limiting their abilities to operate in a complete market, and in turn, limiting their abilities to make profits and grow.
Frogtek is a social enterprise that combines software technology and entrepreneurial skill with an innovation that has already taken off in the less-industrialized world: mobile phones. Since millions of people and micro-entrepreneurs around the world have already adopted cellular phones into their personal activities and business ventures, the possibilities for impacting livelihoods are boundless.
Contact Information:
Frogtek Website
Trend Themes
1. Mobile POS Systems - There is a disruptive innovation opportunity in developing and providing mobile point-of-sale systems to small-scale retailers in less-industrialized countries.
2. Business Software for Micro-entrepreneurs - Creating software applications specifically tailored to meet the needs of micro-entrepreneurs in less-industrialized countries can disrupt the way they manage their businesses.
3. Cellphone-based Data Analysis - Developing tools and services that use cellphone data to analyze and provide support to small-scale retailers can significantly improve their market operations and profitability.
Industry Implications
1. Fintech - The fintech industry has the opportunity to disrupt traditional point-of-sale systems and create innovative mobile solutions for small-scale retailers.
2. Software Development - The software development industry can focus on creating specialized business tools for micro-entrepreneurs, addressing their unique challenges and improving their business operations.
3. Data Analysis and Consulting - The data analysis and consulting industry can leverage cellphone data to provide tailored support and analysis to small-scale retailers, helping them make informed business decisions.
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