PHASE
2

Months 2–4 · FORGE Phase 2 of 7

STRUCTURE

Lay the digital bedrock that every AI layer stands on.

Why this phase exists

You can't put AI on top of paper. SPARK and SCALE only work if the data underneath is clean, connected, and trusted. This is the phase most factories try to skip, and regret.

Objective

Consolidate fragmented data, deploy or upgrade core systems, and create the master data standards every subsequent phase depends on.

What happens

Activities

  • Deploy or upgrade ERP: ERPNext (free) or Zoho One (affordable per-user)
  • Digitise paper records into structured formats
  • Implement master data standards: GSTIN as customer key, HSN codes for products, Aadhaar-linked employee records
  • Activate WhatsApp Business API for customer and vendor communication
  • Run a basic data quality audit and cleanse

What you get

Deliverables

  • Functioning ERP with GST compliance
  • Master data dictionary
  • Data governance policy: DPDP-aligned from day one
  • WhatsApp Business channel live
  • Data quality baseline report

How we measure success

KPIs

80%+ of current-month transactions flowing through ERP
<5% data entry error rate
70%+ ERP adoption among staff

Investment

Budget

₹3–10 lakhs

Government schemes (CLCSS, IndiaAI, ZED) can reduce effective cost by 20–40%. We navigate those for you as part of the engagement.

Who does what

Roles in this phase

Owner / Promoter
Reviews weekly progress; enforces staff compliance with new systems.
Operations Head (Project Lead)
Drives data migration and process mapping.
Accounts Team
Tally-to-ERP migration and validation.
IT Vendor / FORGE Tech Team
ERP configuration, API setup, WhatsApp integration.
Department Heads
Provide process documentation for their functions.

Phase complete when

Checklist

  • ERP selected and licensed
  • Tally data exported and mapped to new structure
  • Master data standards document approved
  • WhatsApp Business API active with welcome flow
  • Data governance policy signed by owner
  • Backup and disaster recovery procedures tested
  • 80% of current-month transactions in the ERP
  • Data quality baseline documented

Your move

Tell us what you're trying to do. We'll tell you if we can help.

First conversation is thirty minutes. No pitch deck. You leave with either a clear next step — or an honest "we're not the right team for this". Both are useful.

  • Response within one business day
  • Mutual NDA available on request
  • We'll say no if we're not a fit

19 years · 10M+ lines of code · 240+ mobile apps · IKEA · ABC News · DaVita · SBM Industries