Choosing an Automation Partner in India: An Honest Comparison
Not all automation partners are equal. Here's how to evaluate your options — including us.
| Criteria | Freelancers | Boutique Firms (like MNB Research) | Large IT Companies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Size Sweet Spot | Single modules, small scope | ₹75K–₹30L projects, SME to mid-market | ₹50L+ enterprise projects |
| Cost | Lowest (but hidden risks) | Mid-market — transparent pricing | Highest — enterprise overhead |
| Accountability | Low — single person, no backup | Team-based, formal contracts | Formal SLAs, but slow escalation |
| India-Specific Expertise | Variable — depends on individual | Deep — GST, payroll, local compliance | Variable — often generic global implementations |
| Response Time | Variable — depends on workload | Fast — dedicated account management | Slow — ticketing systems and SLA queues |
| Customisation | High — but no documentation | High — documented and maintainable | Bureaucratic — change requests take weeks |
| Post-Implementation Support | Unreliable | Structured monthly retainer or on-demand | Expensive enterprise support contracts |
| Best For | Simple, well-defined one-time tasks | Growing businesses wanting a long-term partner | Large enterprises with dedicated IT teams |
Why Businesses Choose MNB Research
- Deep specialisation in Indian business automation
- In-house development team (no outsourcing)
- Transparent fixed-price project contracts
- References from similar businesses available
- Long-term partnership focus, not project mentality
- Industry-specific templates accelerate delivery
Red Flags in Any Automation Partner
- Can't provide references from similar businesses
- Quotes seem too low (underestimate → scope creep)
- No fixed-price option — only time-and-material
- Promises to go live in "2 weeks" for complex projects
- Can't explain their post-implementation support model
- Only one person who "knows your project"
Questions to Ask Every Vendor
- Who will be my day-to-day contact?
- What happens if that person leaves your company?
- Can I speak with 3 references in my industry?
- What's included in post-launch support?
- How do you handle scope changes?
- What does the contract say about data ownership?