Ajay Sinha,Managing Director, Access Computech

The card payments industry continues to hold despite the unparalleled success of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), carving out a parallel trajectory of exponential growth. Even though there was an initial skepticism regarding its sustainability in the face of UPI’s dominance, the rise of India’s middle class, coupled with increasing aspirational spending, has fueled the resilience and growth of card payments. There is an increase in demand for POS devices to cater to both card and UPI payments, however, the cost-sensitive nature of the Indian market poses a significant challenge. Everybody wants a device which is practically free of cost and this attitude poses hurdles for device manufacturers in customer acquisition. To counter this, Access Computech Pvt Ltd. (ACPL) has devised a range of cost-effective models, addressing the nuanced requirements of India’s merchants, especially micro and small-scale businesses, which represent a vast yet underpenetrated market segment.

Democratizing Advanced Payment Technologies

Founded in 1994, ACPL is an electronic device manufacturer focused on cutting-edge payment devices, biometric systems, smart cards, and access control solutions, leveraging advanced technology to deliver seamless and secure experiences across diverse applications. The company is set out to change India’s reliance on imported payment devices by leveraging their decades-long experience in electronic manufacturing. “We are bringing made in India devices that will reduce the import dependency and provide better support and technical features”, says Ajay Sinha, Founder & Managing Director, ACPL. It is committed to extending the reach of card payment devices beyond large retail chains and branded outlets to small neighborhood shops.

Among its product offerings, the A20 series and the F360 stand out. The A20 FP, a biometric-enabled payment solution, is tailored for global markets and India’s rural sectors, seamlessly integrating with the Aadhaar payment ecosystem to support biometric-based transactions. Meanwhile, the F360, unveiled at the GFF convention, was co-developed by Feitian Technologies, Hitachi Payments and ACPL for SBI Payments. This compact, palm-sized device incorporates NFC payment capabilities, QR code functionality, a sound box, and an advanced card and chip scanner, all in one. Garnering global recognition, the F360 secured the prestigious Red Dot Award, underscoring its excellence in design and technological innovation.

Adaptive Payment Devices

Another NFC-enabled payment solution is the F310 All-in-One Terminal, a versatile device designed to adapt seamlessly to various business environments. Featuring a modular design, it offers advanced customization options such as thermal printers, capacitive and optical fingerprint scanners, and barcode readers, alongside robust connectivity through 4G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The multi-dock setup, complete with an integrated screen for QR code display, makes the F310 an ideal choice for industries ranging from retail to mobile payment systems. Its flexibility ensures smooth integration into existing operations, enhancing transaction efficiency and user convenience.

Complementing the F310, ACPL offers compact, high-performance POS solutions like the F210, epay­POS 600, and F300. These space-saving devices are equipped with user-friendly touchscreens and sup­port a range of payment options, including mag­netic stripe, chip, contactless payments, NFC, and QR code scanning. Their advanced connectivity en­sures uninterrupted transactions, even in high-traffic environments. In addition, automated solutions like the M200 Android POS and M300/M500 ECR em­power businesses with secure, unattended payment capabilities, streamlining operations and reducing wait times. The compact M10 and M20 sound solu­tions enhance user experience with clear audio alerts and long battery life, making them indispensable for businesses focused on efficiency and customer sat­isfaction.

Forging Trust Through Services

Ajay dismisses the notion of disruption in the traditional sense, emphasizing instead a focus on designing products aligned with evolving market demands. “The industry will always try to prepare or manufacture or design a product based on the market requirement”, he adds. By continuously upgrading its offerings, the company ensures they stay ahead in a competitive landscape. Furthermore, he proudly reflects on the loyalty and expertise of his workforce, many of whom have been with the organization since its inception. This continuity, coupled with the infusion of new talent, enables the company to manage multiple verticals effectively and sustain long-term growth. The team’s dedication is evident in the company’s strong client relationships, with industry giants like Tata Steel, Reliance, Adani and ABB remaining loyal partners for over two decades. Ajay attributes this enduring trust to their superior service and support, which he describes as a ‘major forte’.

The company’s journey, marked by innovation and resilience, is underpinned by a clear vision, which is to design and develop products tailored to market needs while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction. This approach has not only earned it a reputation for reliability but also positioned it as a pioneer in the ‘Made in India’ movement within the payments industry. By emphasizing localized manufacturing, the company aligns with national objectives of self-reliance and economic empowerment.

Beyond payment terminals, they are venturing into sound box manufacturing, a complementary product for the payment ecosystem. This diversification reflects its adaptability and commitment to meeting emerging market trends. it remains optimistic about the future, envisioning a landscape where locally manufactured products dominate, offering both technological superiority and cost efficiency. In an industry marked by rapid change and intense competition, ACPL exemplifies the power of adaptability and innovation. By addressing challenges head-on and prioritizing customer needs, it not only secure its place in the market but also contribute to the broader goal of financial inclusion in India.