Delivering Seamless Digital Solutions Led By Strong Principles
Virender Singh
Chief Executive Officer
Digital Live Services
I n the competitive world of Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM), where success is often dictated by scale and speed, very few companies manage to stay rooted in strong values while pushing the boundaries of innovation. Digital Live Services, a young yet powerful force in India’s OEM landscape, has quickly emerged as a true leader by doing just that. Founded only three years ago, the company has grown into a leading player known for delivering high-quality digital panels while driving meaningful change in the education sector. Under the leadership of CEO Virender Singh, Digital Live Services is not just a manufacturer; it is a visionary brand committed to redefining what it means to be an OEM company in India today. At the core of its strategy is a focus on integrating world-class technology with the needs of the Indian market, all while staying aligned with the “Make in India” initiative. The company’s rapid rise can be attributed to its innovative manufacturing processes, strategic supply chain management, and a keen eye for detail in every component it assembles. But what truly sets Digital Live Services apart is its dual mission—excelling in OEM while also bridging educational disparities across the country through affordable digital education solutions. With over 200,000 digital classrooms deployed and an expanding footprint that includes a new state-of-the-art facility in Punjab, the company strives hard to leave a lasting impact both as a business and as a driver of social progress. This edition of Best OEM Companies in India 2024 explores how Digital Live Services sets new benchmarks in manufacturing excellence while staying true to its mission of empowering communities. Through an in-depth conversation with Virender Singh, Chief Executive Officer of Digital Live Services, we dive into the strategies, challenges, and forward-looking vision that have propelled them to the forefront of the OEM industry.
What drives Digital Live Services' rapid growth, and how do you maintain quality while scaling?
“In an industry driven by rapid growth, it’s essential to remember that scaling quickly can lead to compromises. At Digital Live Services, we’ve made it our mission to grow without breaking the core values of quality and customer trust."
The growth of Digital Live Services can be attributed to our dual focus on innovation and quality. From the very beginning, our aim was to build a company that didn’t just chase profits but also contributed positively to society. When you grow fast, you risk compromising quality, but we’ve made it our priority to avoid that pitfall. Our manufacturing facilities in Model Town and Wazirpur are designed with rigorous quality checks at every stage. Additionally, our new plant in Punjab, which is currently under construction, will further strengthen our commitment to delivering premium products. This facility is expected to produce over 5,000 panels a month, allowing us to meet growing demand without compromising our high standards.
How is your supply chain structured, and what improvements will the Punjab facility bring?
Currently, our supply chain is focused on sourcing at the component level to maintain flexibility and adaptability. Panels are complex products involving multiple parts like chipsets, OPS, and power boxes, which we either source from abroad or are now beginning to produce locally. The new manufacturing unit in Punjab will be a game-changer. It will feature two advanced assembly lines capable of producing 150 pieces per day, scaling up to 5,000 to 6,000 panels monthly. This expansion is critical as it will allow us to manufacture more components in-house, reducing costs and improving quality. Moreover, the new facility will have a robust R&D wing that focuses on innovative designs and solutions tailored to the Indian market. “With a 5 Cr investment already laid down and advanced assembly lines capable of producing even iPhone PCBs, we’re not just constructing a factory; we’re building a robust foundation for our OEM partners. This facility, ready in 5-6 months, will be a cornerstone of our ‘Make in India’ commitment, ensuring we’re future-ready to meet the demands of our OEM clients. By supporting 300-400 skilled professionals in R&D, manufacturing, and service, we’re set to enhance our OEM partnerships and deliver unparalleled value.”
Can you elaborate on your focus on education, particularly with Mannat software?
Education has always been at the heart of what we do. We believe that quality education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of socio-economic status. Mannat is our flagship software aimed at transforming the educational landscape. It offers interactive digital content tailored for all levels of education, making learning more engaging and effective. We’ve focused on affordability, providing schools with advanced panels and digital content at a fraction of the cost charged by other players. Our vision is to connect students with the best teachers through technology, especially in rural areas with limited access to quality education. We’re also addressing teachers’ digital literacy to create a ripple effect that will uplift educational standards across India.
What can be done further to reduce imports and make it 100% made in India?
The Make in India initiative has always been central to our vision, yet a big question is how we can make it 100%. Although there are still challenges, such as sourcing certain key components like panel frames from countries like China and Korea, we’re making significant strides toward reducing import dependencies. Our goal is to manufacture critical components like EDLE boards and power boards domestically. With our new facility in Punjab, we plan to produce these components locally, which will not only reduce costs by up to 40% but also contribute significantly to India’s self-reliance in the technology sector. It’s a gradual process, but every step brings us closer to our vision.
What are some key strategies that have helped you succeed in the competitive OEM industry?
In the OEM industry, cost competitiveness is crucial, but it should never come at the expense of quality. Our approach has been to grow steadily without compromising the integrity of our products. We’ve established strong relationships with over 500 vendors in India, ensuring that our products meet the highest standards even as we scale. Additionally, our post-sales support is unmatched in the industry, which has helped us build long-term partnerships and trust. We also realized early on that innovation is not just about hardware. The real differentiator lies in software and support, which is why we’re heavily investing in solutions like our Mannat software that make digital education more engaging and accessible.
As you expand globally, what markets are you targeting, and what challenges do you foresee?
Our expansion strategy is focused primarily on the SAARC countries and the Gulf region. We already have a strong presence in Dubai, and we’re looking to expand further into neighbouring countries. The challenge is to adapt our offerings to meet the specific needs of these markets, particularly in terms of cultural and educational nuances. However, we’re confident that our blend of high-quality products and localised solutions will resonate well. Additionally, the scalability of our software solutions makes it easier for us to enter these new markets. We plan to position ourselves not just as hardware providers but as comprehensive solutions partners offering both hardware and software for educational transformation. Our vision isn’t just about expanding market share; it’s about creating an ecosystem where digital education is accessible, affordable, and transformative for every student in India, no matter where they are.”
What legacy do you hope Digital Live Services will leave behind?
Our goal is to be remembered as a company that not only excelled in business but also made a tangible difference in society. We want to leave behind a legacy of making digital education accessible to everyone, regardless of their background. As we continue to grow, our focus remains on giving back to society, whether through our educational initiatives or by creating more opportunities through our manufacturing and R&D efforts. Ultimately, we want to be seen as a company that didn’t just chase profits but also stood for something greater.
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