Q: Could you share some insights into the journey of Sana Commerce over the past decade?

A: In 2013, we embarked on a transformative journey when Sana Commerce’s parent company recognised the need to establish a second development centre to diversify and mitigate risks. After thorough research, Sri Lanka emerged as the optimal location. The Dutch company laid the foundation that led to the birth of a visionary partnership.

We commenced operations in April 2014 with 14 members, focussing primarily on supporting the headquarters, and we gradually expanded services and the workforce. What began as a support centre evolved into a comprehensive development hub, offering end-to-end solutions in product development.

Over a three year period, Sana Commerce ascended to become one of Sri Lanka’s premier IT enterprises. And in four years, we clinched several awards related to Great Places to Work in several categories, highlighting accolades for our commitment to diversity, particularly in empowering millennials and women.

Central to our success is the cultivation of a unique organisational culture, tailored to meet global standards. This culture fostered innovation and facilitated the realisation of ambitious goals.

Beyond our commercial endeavours, we demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility. Despite challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, Sana Commerce persevered, adapting its CSR efforts to address evolving needs.

Today, our expertise goes beyond technology to include IT hosting, security, finance and corporate services. We have emerged as a technology leader and centre of excellence in various domains.

Q: How has the e-commerce landscape evolved since Sana Commerce was founded – and how has the company adapted?

A: Amid the e-commerce revolution, we specialised in B2B commerce, excelling in seamless ERP integration for efficient web shop establishment. Embracing cutting-edge technologies and transitioning to the cloud set us apart in a competitive landscape, fostering rapid expansion.

Our robust digital infrastructure enabled seamless remote work during the pandemic, maintaining uninterrupted service delivery and reinforcing our industry leadership, even amid external challenges like the Easter attacks and economic crisis.

Sana Commerce’s commitment to operational excellence persisted, enabling us to implement remote work protocols without compromising service quality or client satisfaction.

Q: What challenges has Sana Commerce faced and how were they overcome?

A: From the inception, we faced cultural challenges stemming from differences in working environments. However, with mutual understanding and collaboration, we established a middle ground that fostered effective communication and cooperation.

Our commitment to nurturing a ‘Sana culture’ played a pivotal role in our success. Emphasising an easygoing, friendly and principle-based approach, we prioritised employee empowerment, and encouraged a high degree of freedom and responsibility.

Technological know-how posed another challenge, particularly in sourcing specialised talent. To address this, we pioneered special trainee programmes, investing in developing local talent and bridging knowledge gaps.

Employee retention and satisfaction were also paramount, with initiatives such as work from home policies, family focussed benefits and a supportive work environment contributing to a committed workforce.

Our commitment to open communication, equality and responsiveness to employee feedback is instrumental in fostering a strong sense of community.

Q: What are the core values that have guided Sana Commerce throughout the years?

A: To us, core values serve as more than merely words on paper – they are the guiding principles that shape every aspect of the organisation. From recruitment to daily operations, these values form the bedrock of the company’s culture and success.

Recruitment processes are rigorous with a focus not only on talent but also on aligning candidates with the company’s core values. This ensures that every team member shares the same ethos and contributes positively to the company’s culture.

We consistently uphold our core values of entrepreneurship, teamwork, customer-centricity and a results driven, learning mindset – which are deeply ingrained in our DNA.

These core values are dynamic, evolving to meet the challenges and opportunities of the ever-changing business landscape. They also empower employees to take ownership of their work, innovate fearlessly and collaborate effectively towards shared goals.

Sana Commerce remains constant, providing a framework for decision making and behaviour at all levels of the organisation. Importantly, the company fosters a growth mindset, encouraging every individual to embrace his or her leadership potential and contribute meaningfully to the organisation’s success.

Q: How has Sana Commerce contributed to the growth and success of its clients over the past decade?

A: Customer satisfaction is ingrained in our culture – founded on trust, reliability and proactive service. We prioritise being there for customers during challenging times, ensuring minimal disruption to operations. Every employee embodies a customer success mindset, empowered to go above and beyond, even bypassing traditional processes for urgent issues.

Our core values of ownership and a customer focus drive us to take the initiative and make decisions in the best interest of customers. Recognising the importance of our global operations, we’re responsive across different time zones.

To stay ahead in the evolving e-commerce landscape, we align development with strategy, leveraging expertise in B2B e-commerce and embracing innovations like generative AI and automation.

Adaptability and agility are also key as we navigate constant change and evolving customer demands, focussing on delivering solutions quickly and customising them to meet individual needs.

– Compiled by Tamara Rebeira
COMPANY DETAILS

Telephone: 5115588 | Email: info@sana-commerce.lk | Website: www.sana-commerce.com