The Product Code : Shoper, Tally And The Making Of An Entrepreneur | Hardcover

The Product Code: Shoper, Tally and the Making of an Entrepreneur by Shoaib Ahmed is an insider account of building a software product company in India, taking it from a two-person venture to a major retail technology business, and later leading Tally Solutions for more than a decade. Beginning in 1987 with Vedha Automations, the story follows the development of Shoper and its role in introducing barcodes and software-based point-of-sale systems to Indian retail.

Ahmed combines his entrepreneurial experience with lessons from product development, sales, business growth and leadership. The book focuses on two principles that shaped his approach: creating software that addresses real human problems and building strong relationships with customers, partners and teams.

About This Book

Vedha Automations began before India's economic liberalisation and before personal computers became widely available in Indian stores. The company developed Shoper as a software product for the retail industry and helped introduce barcode technology to Indian retailers.

As the business expanded, Shoper was adopted by major Indian companies including Arvind Textiles and the Prestige Group, as well as international brands such as Adidas and Puma. In 2005, Vedha was acquired by Tally Solutions, where Ahmed became Vice President of Sales and later served as president until his retirement.

The book combines elements of a startup memoir, sales playbook and product-design philosophy. It examines the practical thinking behind building products that solve real-world problems, developing effective sales approaches and scaling a technology business.

What You'll Discover

• The founding of Vedha Automations in India's early technology industry.
• How Shoper transformed retail operations through software and barcodes.
• The growth of a two-person venture into a major retail technology business.
• Vedha's acquisition by Tally Solutions in 2005.
• Lessons from leading Tally Solutions as its president.
• The importance of solving genuine human problems through software.
• The role of relationships in building and growing a business.
• Perspectives on product building, sales, design and entrepreneurship.

Perfect For

• Entrepreneurs interested in building and scaling technology businesses.
• Startup founders interested in product companies and acquisitions.
• Product builders interested in solving real-world customer problems.
• Readers interested in India's software product and retail technology history.

Why You'll Love This Book

The Product Code: Shoper, Tally and the Making of an Entrepreneur connects Shoaib Ahmed's entrepreneurial journey with practical ideas about products, sales, relationships and business growth. His experience building Vedha Automations, developing Shoper and later leading Tally Solutions provides a grounded perspective on creating software businesses that respond to real customer needs.