IBM announced today that they successfully completed deployment of IBM MobileFirst solution for SKS Microfinance. SKS Microfinance has partnered with IBM to transform operations from paper-based processes to a mobile solution resulting in enhanced customer service and productivity gains.

IBM implemented an end-to-end mobile solution to eliminate time-consuming and paper-based processes and to speed up the acquisition of new customers.

SKS Microfinance distributes microloans to low-income women across India to help them start and expand simple businesses that can empower them while increasing their incomes.

M. R. Rao, managing director & CEO, SKS Microfinance said, "It was clear that IBM could provide deep mobile expertise, strong connections with ecosystem partners and a customized implementation for our specific needs."

With more than 4.5 million members (excluding undivided Andhra Pradesh) and cumulative disbursement of approximately USD 7 billion in loans and current loan outstanding of USD 833 million (excluding undivided Andhra Pradesh), as on September 30, 2015, the organization relies on 5,456 loan officers (or Sangam Managers), (excluding undivided Andhra Pradesh), based out of 1,135 branch offices (excluding undivided Andhra Pradesh), to acquire new members, disburse loans, ensure loans are well utilized and collect repayments.

Until recently, loan officers used manual, paper-based processes to keep track of loans and enter that information into a 'shared' branch computer, which was very time-consuming.