Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are the lifeblood of the global economy, but they often face significant hurdles when it comes to scaling and automating their operations. Enter PLATMA, a groundbreaking AI-powered SaaS platform specifically designed to address these challenges. In an exclusive interview with TechBullion, Maksym Prokhorov, CEO of PLATMA, delves into the origins, functionalities, and future prospects of the platform that aims to revolutionize business automation.
PLATMA’s inception stems from Maksym’s personal journey from retail professional to engineer, sparked by a frustrating experience with a failed contractor. This journey inspired him to create a no-code solution that would empower business owners and operators to automate back-end processes without needing technical expertise. With PLATMA, non-technical users can streamline operations and boost growth in a cost-effective manner.
The Transition from Retail to Engineering
Maksym Prokhorov’s transition from a retail professional to a tech entrepreneur was driven by necessity. Faced with an unreliable contractor who failed to deliver a crucial CRM system, Maksym decided to learn coding himself. His hands-on experience exposed him to the challenges of traditional coding and motivated him to create a more accessible solution for businesses.
PLATMA was designed to address the pain points that Maksym experienced firsthand. The platform removes technical barriers, making automation achievable for anyone, regardless of their coding abilities. By offering a no-code solution, PLATMA transforms complex tasks into user-friendly processes, enabling businesses to concentrate on growth rather than routine operations.
This transition wasn’t just about acquiring new skills but also about deeply understanding the needs and challenges faced by SMBs. Maksym’s entrepreneurial journey offers valuable insights into how tech solutions can evolve from personal frustrations into powerful tools that drive broader economic growth. His story exemplifies how necessity often breeds innovation, leading to the creation of tools like PLATMA that address real-world business issues.
Empowering SMBs with No-Code Automation
Despite constituting over 90% of companies and employing more than 60% of the workforce, SMBs often struggle to reach profitability. One major reason is the overwhelming time founders spend on routine tasks instead of focusing on strategic growth. PLATMA targets this issue by providing tools that allow SMBs to automate back-end processes swiftly and efficiently.
Maksym highlights the enormous potential for growth within SMBs once they can offload their routine tasks. With PLATMA, businesses can automate their operations in minutes, providing them with more time and resources to invest in creative and strategic endeavors. This shift in focus is crucial for businesses aiming to scale and achieve long-term success.
By democratizing the automation process, PLATMA empowers non-technical users to implement sophisticated business solutions, breaking down barriers that have traditionally reserved such technologies for larger enterprises. The platform’s intuitive design and ease of use ensure that SMBs can quickly leverage automated workflows, data management, and custom application development without the need for extensive technical support. These capabilities allow SMBs to remain agile and competitive, further solidifying their role as the backbone of the economy.
From Beta Testing to Real-World Impact
During its beta testing phase, PLATMA proved to be an invaluable tool for businesses, saving both time and resources. A notable example is ESP, a climate tech startup that drastically cut its development costs by using PLATMA. Initially quoted $17,000 for an MVP, ESP managed to develop the needed software in just 7 hours at a mere cost of $12.99 using PLATMA.
This dramatic reduction in both time and cost underscores the platform’s potential to accelerate product development and time-to-market. Such efficiency allows businesses to deploy custom solutions rapidly, keeping them competitive and agile in their respective industries. The real-world impact observed during the beta phase highlights PLATMA’s ability to transform business operations, providing significant cost savings while enhancing productivity.
These real-world examples resonate with SMB owners who often face budget constraints and time pressures. For instance, many startups and small companies find themselves unable to afford the high costs of custom software development. PLATMA breaks down these barriers by offering a cost-effective alternative that doesn’t compromise on quality or functionality. This is a game-changer for SMBs looking to innovate and expand their offerings quickly.
Comprehensive Suite of Features
Unlike many competitors, PLATMA offers a comprehensive suite of integrated tools. Users can design intuitive user interfaces with drag-and-drop simplicity, automate workflows for greater operational efficiency, and manage data effortlessly. Ready-made, customizable templates further reduce the time needed to build applications.
PLATMA’s extensive feature set makes it a versatile tool for businesses of all sizes. These features not only streamline operations but also enable companies to innovate without the need for extensive technical support. By providing an all-in-one solution, PLATMA eliminates the need for multiple tools and platforms, thereby simplifying the automation process.
The platform’s holistic approach to business automation means that users don’t have to switch between different software to manage their various needs. Whether it’s project management, customer relationship management, or task automation, PLATMA brings everything under one roof. This integration simplifies not only the user experience but also data management, making it easier for businesses to derive insights and make informed decisions.
Innovations with AI Builder and Natural Language Processing
One of PLATMA’s most groundbreaking features is its AI Builder, leveraging advanced natural language processing (NLP) technology. This feature allows users to create software through natural language commands. By simply typing out their requirements, users can generate ready-to-use software instantly.
This innovative approach revolutionizes the no-code landscape, bringing software creation to those who lack technical skills. The AI Builder’s ability to translate verbal commands into functional products lets businesses quickly develop and deploy tailored solutions, democratizing access to sophisticated technology. This could fundamentally change how SMBs approach software development and innovation.
The AI Builder essentially levels the playing field, allowing businesses to compete more effectively regardless of their technical expertise. For small business owners who may not have the budget to hire developers, this tool offers a way to implement complex business solutions quickly and effectively. Its reliance on natural language commands makes it user-friendly, enabling business owners to focus on their core operations rather than getting bogged down in the intricacies of software development.
Valuable Insights from Early Adopters
Feedback from early customers during the beta phase highlighted the platform’s speed, affordability, and ease of use. Clients appreciated the ability to reduce development costs by over 90%, with solution creation time dropping from weeks to hours. This rapid turnaround is particularly valuable for startups needing to bring products to market quickly.
PLATMA’s initial success during beta testing illustrates its potential as a cost-effective and efficient automation tool. The capacity to develop and launch new products swiftly provides businesses with a competitive edge, enabling them to respond to market demands dynamically. The feedback from early adopters provides invaluable insights into the practical applications and advantages of using PLATMA, reinforcing its value proposition.
This positive reception underscores the real-world benefits that PLATMA offers, making it an indispensable tool for SMBs looking to optimize their operations. The ability to implement sophisticated automation and data management solutions without incurring high costs or lengthy development times means that businesses can maintain a competitive edge while managing their resources effectively. This makes PLATMA not just a tool but a strategic asset for SMBs looking to scale.
Optimizing Budgets and Accelerating Development
PLATMA offers considerable benefits in terms of budget optimization and development speed. By enabling the creation of tailor-made software solutions in minutes, the platform significantly accelerates the software development process. Annual implementation and maintenance costs can be reduced by more than $10,000, maximizing resources. This optimization allows businesses to reallocate finances towards more strategic initiatives, fostering growth and innovation.
The platform’s ability to speed up development cycles means that businesses can quickly test and iterate new ideas, reducing the risk associated with long development times and high costs. This agility is essential in today’s fast-paced market environment, where the ability to respond quickly can make the difference between success and failure.
Moreover, PLATMA’s no-code solution eliminates the need for specialized technical expertise, making business automation accessible to a broader audience. This inclusivity opens up new opportunities for innovation and growth, particularly for small businesses that lack the resources to hire full-fledged development teams. By making software development faster, cheaper, and more accessible, PLATMA empowers SMBs to compete more effectively.
Integration with Popular Platforms
To eliminate silos, all PLATMA-developed solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly with popular business platforms and management services, such as Wix, Shopify, Facebook, and Instagram. Rather than replacing a business’s preferred platform, PLATMA enhances and builds on top of it, ensuring continuity and efficiency in business operations. This level of integration ensures that businesses can continue to use their existing tools while leveraging PLATMA’s advanced automation capabilities.
Seamless integration with popular platforms not only enhances functionality but also improves the user experience by providing a unified interface for managing various business processes. This reduces the complexity associated with juggling multiple tools, enabling business owners to focus on what matters most—growing their businesses. The ability to integrate effortlessly with widely-used platforms makes PLATMA an attractive option for SMBs looking to streamline their operations.
This feature also ensures that businesses can leverage their existing data and workflows, making the transition to using PLATMA smooth and straightforward. By building on the tools and platforms already familiar to business owners, PLATMA ensures that its powerful automation capabilities are accessible without requiring a steep learning curve. This makes it easier for businesses to adopt and benefit from PLATMA’s extensive feature set.
Recognition and Global Expansion
PLATMA’s innovative approach and impact were recognized when the company won the Best AI Startup award at the FutureTech World Cup in Dubai. This recognition marked a significant milestone in PLATMA’s growth journey. Maksym expressed his pride in the achievement and outlined plans to enhance PLATMA’s AI capabilities further. Supported by LEAP and the DIFC, PLATMA aims to strengthen its presence in the Middle East and assist businesses in the region in achieving their automation goals.
This award underscores the global potential of PLATMA and highlights its groundbreaking approach to business automation. The recognition serves as a testament to the platform’s innovative design and effectiveness in addressing the needs of SMBs. It also opens up new opportunities for expansion and collaboration, enabling PLATMA to bring its transformative solutions to a broader audience.
The support from institutions like LEAP and the DIFC provides additional credibility and resources, paving the way for further development and innovation. As PLATMA looks to expand its reach, this recognition will play a crucial role in building partnerships and driving adoption in new markets. The platform’s success story illustrates the impact that innovative technology can have on businesses worldwide, setting the stage for continued growth and advancement.
Future Prospects and Industry Impact
The AI and no-code movement is rapidly transforming various industries. Maksym envisions PLATMA becoming as essential to businesses as Microsoft Office in the next five years. The platform will be at the forefront of this transformation, enabling companies to automate processes and build tools quickly without needing external developers. This shift will allow businesses to focus on strategic goals, foster growth, and simplify tech adoption.
As the no-code movement grows, the demand for platforms like PLATMA will likely increase, driving further innovation in the field. The potential for AI-powered no-code solutions to democratize technology and make it more accessible is vast, with applications across numerous industries. PLATMA’s forward-thinking approach positions it well to capitalize on these trends, offering businesses a powerful tool to drive efficiency and growth.
The vision of making PLATMA an essential tool for businesses underscores its potential to become a staple in the modern business toolkit. By continually introducing new features and capabilities, PLATMA aims to stay ahead of the curve, anticipating the evolving needs of businesses and providing them with the tools they need to succeed. This forward momentum will be critical in maintaining its leadership position in the no-code and AI space.
Long-Term Goals and Evolution
As PLATMA grows, its long-term goals include continually introducing innovative features like the AI Builder to simplify the automation process. The platform aims to provide intuitive tools such as the UI Builder for seamless workflow design and Nodes for enhanced flexibility in creating complex systems. Additionally, PLATMA will empower users to collaborate more efficiently with features like User Invitations and monetize their solutions through an integrated Marketplace. Ultimately, PLATMA aims to evolve into a comprehensive platform that streamlines operations, scales efficiently, and drives growth by reducing technical barriers to innovation.
These long-term goals highlight PLATMA’s commitment to evolving in line with the needs of its users. By focusing on continuous innovation and user empowerment, PLATMA aims to stay relevant and useful in a rapidly changing technological landscape. The introduction of features like User Invitations and an integrated Marketplace further expands the platform’s capabilities, offering businesses new ways to collaborate, innovate, and grow.
The platform’s vision for the future includes not just technological advancements but also fostering a community of users who can share insights, collaborate on projects, and drive mutual growth. This community-focused approach will be instrumental in ensuring that PLATMA remains a valuable tool for its users, adapting to their needs and evolving alongside them. In this way, PLATMA aims to be more than just a software solution—it aims to be a catalyst for innovation and growth in the SMB sector.
Concluding Summary
Maksym Prokhorov’s journey from a retail professional to the CEO of PLATMA exemplifies the innovative spirit driving the AI-powered SaaS platform. Born out of his own frustrations with coding and technical challenges, PLATMA was created to simplify business automation for SMBs. The platform’s comprehensive suite of features, remarkable efficiency in beta testing, and groundbreaking AI Builder positioned PLATMA as a transformative force in the SaaS and AI sectors. By empowering non-technical users to automate processes and quickly develop custom software, PLATMA aimed to revolutionize the no-code landscape and became an essential tool for businesses worldwide. As it continued to grow and innovate, PLATMA was poised to lead the no-code revolution and make complex business automation accessible to companies of all sizes.
