Class ON: How It’s Revolutionising School Management with Innovative ERP Software Solution

Muskaan Kapoor

Aug 28, 2024 — 17 min read

Class ON: Transforming School Management with Innovative ERP Solutions

India's education technology (EdTech) sector is booming, with a current valuation of $7.5 billion in 2024 and projected to grow at a 25.8% annual rate, reaching $29 billion by 2030. Class ON App is making a significant mark in the expanding EdTech field with its innovative School ERP software solution. Designed to streamline and improve school management across India, the user-friendly platform is transforming school operations and driving growth in the sector.

In this article, learn more about Class ON, its founder, its business and revenue model, challenges, growth, and more.

Class ON - Company Highlights

Company Name	Class ON
Headquarters	Ludhiana, Punjab, India
Sector	EdTech
Founder	Milan Singh Hans
Founded	2016
Website	classonapp.com

Class ON - About
Class ON - Industry
Class ON - Founder and Team
Class ON - Startup Story
Class ON - Vision and Mission
Class ON - Name, Tagline, and Logo
Class ON - Products/Services
Class ON - Business and Revenue Model
Class ON - Launching Company Strategies
Class ON - Customer Growth and Retention Strategies
Class ON - Marketing Strategy
Class ON - Challenges Faced
Class ON - Growth
Class ON - Funding
Class ON - Key Tools and Software
Class ON - Awards and Achievements
Class ON - Competitors
Class ON - Future Plans

Class ON - About

Class ON App is the fastest-growing leading School ERP software solution specially designed for Indian schools to streamline school management. Developed by Smartway Media Pvt. Ltd., an ISO Certified company established in 2009, Class ON was launched in 2016 to address the growing need for efficient, digital solutions in education.

The software is used by over 600 schools across India, offering over 90 modules, 4 mobile apps, and 30+ specialized services. These services cover everything from attendance tracking and fee management to online admissions and e-learning content, making it a one-stop solution for schools to manage all their operations. The software is cloud-based, ensuring data security and easy access from anywhere. It is designed to be user-friendly, allowing even non-technical staff to use it effectively.

Class ON Evolution

Class ON is a part of Smartway Media Pvt. Ltd., which initially focused on IT services like websites, logo designing, app development, and software development before pivoting to EdTech with the launch of Class ON.

Class ON - Industry

Class ON operates in the EdTech (Education Technology) industry, a rapidly growing sector that focuses on the use of technology to enhance educational practices and management.

In India, there are over 1.5 million schools, and a significant portion of them are yet to adopt digital management solutions. This presents a massive opportunity for Class ON to grow its market share.

As of August 2024, Class ON serves over 600 schools, positioning itself as one of the leading school ERP providers in India. While the exact market share is difficult to quantify, the company’s growth trajectory suggests a strong presence in the EdTech space.

The EdTech industry in India is expected to continue its rapid growth over the next five years, driven by increasing demand for digital solutions, government initiatives, and the need for schools to adapt to new educational paradigms, especially post-pandemic. Class ON aims to be at the forefront of this growth, expanding its services and introducing new features to meet evolving needs.

In the next 5-10 years, Class ON envisions itself not just as a national leader but as a global player in the school ERP market. The company plans to expand its footprint internationally, starting with neighboring countries and eventually targeting schools worldwide.

Class ON - Founder and Team

Milan Singh Hans is the founder of Class ON.

Milan Singh Hans

Milan Hans is the Founder and CEO of Class ON. Milan has over 20 years of experience in IT and EdTech. He started his career in website design and software development before transitioning into the education sector. His deep understanding of the challenges faced by schools, combined with his technical expertise, has been the driving force behind Class ON.

Kanwalpreet Singh (Technical & Finance Head)

Kanwalpreet is the co-founder and CTO at Class ON. He brings a wealth of technical expertise to the team, with a background in IT and software development. He is responsible for overseeing the development and maintenance of the Class ON platform and also manages the financial operations of the company, ensuring that Class ON remains financially healthy and can continue to invest in new features and services.

Jashan Hans (Research & Technical Head)

Jashan Hans is the co-founder and COO at Class ON. He brings a robust IT background to Class ON, with extensive experience in both technology and research. His role as the Research & Technical Head involves a multifaceted approach to module development and system enhancements.

Harmanjot Sidhu (Marketing & Service Head)

Harmanjot is the Marketing Head and CCO at Class ON. He is responsible for the company's service, support, marketing, and branding efforts. He has successfully built the Class ON brand through strategic campaigns, partnerships, and customer engagement.

Jashan Sidhu (SEO & SMM Strategist Head)

Jashan leads the Graphics & Videos team and also heads the SEO team. He is well-versed in all aspects of digital marketing and is highly skilled in his field.

Aman Hans (Data Analyst Head)

Aman is responsible for monitoring team progress, work status, and overseeing all activities. She manages tasks and ensures smooth operation among the staff.

The company has grown to over 100 employees, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and customer-centricity. The team is encouraged to take ownership of their projects, and there is a strong emphasis on continuous learning and development.

Hiring Philosophy: Class ON looks for individuals who are not only technically proficient but also passionate about making a difference in the education sector. The company values creativity, problem-solving, and a strong work ethic.

Class ON Advisors and Mentors

Mr. Gobind S. Hans, Milan Hans's father, is the Mentor and Advisor for Class ON. From the very beginning, Mr. Gobind S. Hans provided crucial financial and moral support to help start the company. Whenever any advice is needed or challenges arise, Milan always turns to his father first for guidance. Additionally, the Class ON team has benefited from the insights of industry experts and peers in the EdTech and IT sectors. These informal mentorships have played a vital role in shaping the company’s strategic decisions and have been key to overcoming the challenges of growing a tech-driven business in the education industry.

Class ON - Startup Story

In 2016, Milan Hans and Co-Founder Kawalpreet Singh were deep in discussion about a new project, well into the night, around 2 AM. They had previously worked on an e-commerce project called Zokasa, which didn’t achieve the success they hoped for. As they brainstormed, they recognized a significant gap in the market: there was no comprehensive, user-friendly solution for school-parent communication available across India. While larger schools had some solutions, these were often not user-friendly or affordable. Milan and Kawal were intrigued by the idea of creating an accessible, budget-friendly platform for all schools. After discussing the concept with Milan’s father, Mr. Gobind S. Hans, who endorsed the idea, they assembled their core team—Jashan Hans and Harman Sidhu—and began working on bringing their vision to life.

Milan Hans undertook extensive research, including surveys and meetings with school leaders, principals, and directors, to understand their pain points. The research revealed that while schools had software for fee management, it lacked advanced features and often relied on outdated, offline solutions. A major challenge identified was the lack of reliable customer support; many software providers did not offer consistent updates or assistance after the initial installation. This feedback highlighted the need for a solution that not only addressed these gaps but also provided dependable, ongoing support.

The initial response to the idea was positive, but the path forward was fraught with challenges. Despite 3-4 months of intensive marketing efforts, including on-site demos, the team faced numerous hurdles. Many schools were reluctant to adopt the new platform due to concerns about smartphone accessibility for parents and perceived high costs compared to offline software. However, after months of perseverance and addressing these objections, Class ON finally secured its first school client. This milestone marked the beginning of Class ON's journey and set the stage for its expansion across India.

Class ON - Vision and Mission

Vision: Class ON aims to be a global leader in school ERP solutions by making every school 100% smart and digital. The long-term vision is to transform the way educational institutions operate, enabling them to become more efficient, transparent, and innovative. By focusing on continuous innovation, the company seeks to stay ahead of technological trends and provide schools with cutting-edge tools that simplify their operations.

Mission: The core mission of Class ON is to digitalize and simplify the management processes in schools, thereby saving them time, money, and resources. The company is committed to providing schools with a comprehensive, user-friendly, and affordable ERP solution that can be easily adopted and scaled according to the institution’s needs.

Core Belief: The company believes that education should be future-ready, accessible, and efficient. This belief drives their commitment to developing a solution that not only meets the current needs of schools but also anticipates future challenges.

Motto: "Go Digital-Go Smart" encapsulates the company’s commitment to providing tools that help schools operate more effectively, thereby contributing to the overall improvement of educational standards.

Class ON - Name, Tagline, and Logo

Class ON Logo and Tagline

The name "Class ON" was meticulously chosen to represent the digital activation of education—essentially turning classrooms "on" to the vast possibilities offered by technology. This name embodies the company’s mission to empower schools by making them smarter and more efficient. The search for the perfect name took nearly a year, during which over 500 potential names were considered and evaluated. The goal was to find a name that was simple, easy to spell, and pronounce. Ultimately, "Class ON" emerged as the ideal choice, perfectly reflecting the essence of the School ERP project and aligning with its vision.

The tagline "Go Digital - Go Smart" captures Class ON’s dedication to transforming school management through cutting-edge digital solutions. It highlights the shift from traditional, paper-based systems to a modern, efficient digital approach. This tagline underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and enabling schools to focus on delivering high-quality education. "Go Digital - Go Smart" also serves as a call to action, encouraging schools to fully embrace digitalization and become 100% smart and digital.

The Class ON logo features a contemporary and clean design that integrates elements of both technology and education. The design process aimed to create a symbol that reflects the dual focus of the business: advancing digital solutions while supporting educational excellence. The logo’s modern aesthetics are intended to resonate with the tech-savvy and educational aspects of the company, reinforcing its brand identity.

Class ON - Products/Services

Class ON offers a complete School ERP software solution specifically designed for Indian schools to automate and simplify various school operations. The product includes over 90 modules covering everything from attendance, timetable management, live classes, device-less van tracking, gate pass, report card, ID card generator, certificate builder, and fee collection to more advanced features like online admissions, e-learning content, and real-time analytics.

The software is cloud-based, allowing access from anywhere with an internet connection. Schools can select from a range of modules based on their specific needs, allowing for a customized solution. The platform is designed to be user-friendly, with an intuitive interface that even non-technical staff can navigate easily. It integrates seamlessly with other tools such as SMS, WhatsApp, GPS, RFID, QR scanners, and biometrics, making it a versatile and comprehensive solution.

Class ON addresses several key challenges faced by schools, including:

Inefficient Administrative Processes: Automates manual tasks, reducing the workload on administrative staff.
Poor Communication: Enhances communication between the school, parents, and students through integrated messaging systems.
Lack of Data Security: Provides a secure cloud-based system to protect sensitive student and school data.
Scalability Issues: The modular design allows schools to scale the solution as they grow.

USP and Innovation

Class ON’s unique selling points include its extensive range of modules, guaranteed monthly updates, and user-friendly interface. The software is also known for its robust customer support and continuous innovation, introducing new features regularly based on user feedback.

Technology

Class ON is built on a scalable cloud infrastructure, ensuring high availability and data security. The company employs the latest technologies in web development, database management, and cybersecurity to maintain the platform's reliability and performance.

Product Evolution

The product has evolved significantly since its initial launch. Originally focused on basic administrative functions, Class ON expanded its offerings to include advanced features like live classes, online tests, and comprehensive analytics. This pivot was driven by user demand and the need to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.

Class ON - Business and Revenue Model

Class ON operates on a per-student subscription-based business model. Schools pay based on the number of students enrolled, which aligns the cost with the institution's size and needs. The company offers a comprehensive package featuring over 90 modules to streamline various school operations. For institutions requiring a full suite of services, Class ON has introduced Class ON Prime, a premium package that includes additional features such as website development, ID card creation, and biometric systems. These packages cater to a wide range of schools, from small institutions to large educational organizations.

Revenue is generated primarily through subscription fees, which are calculated on a per-student, per-month basis. Schools can choose from various billing cycles, including monthly, quarterly, bi-annual, or annual payments. This flexible payment structure allows schools to select an option that best suits their financial planning and operational needs.

Class ON - Launching Company Strategies

At its inception, Class ON was introduced to the market through a targeted approach, leveraging the extensive network of Milan Hans in the education sector. This involved direct outreach to schools, where Milan’s established relationships and reputation helped in gaining initial traction.

To secure its first 100 customers, Class ON employed a combination of direct marketing and personalized outreach. The company conducted webinars to showcase the software’s capabilities and benefits. Personalized demonstrations were arranged for interested schools, allowing them to experience the product firsthand. This approach helped in building relationships and trust, which were crucial for onboarding the initial schools.

Class ON - Customer Growth and Retention Strategies

Class ON focuses on continuous innovation to remain at the forefront of the School ERP market. The company ensures that it regularly updates its software with new features and improvements every month. Exceptional customer support is also a key component of the growth strategy, as it helps in retaining clients and resolving any issues promptly. This proactive approach to service and innovation keeps schools engaged and satisfied.

Class ON - Marketing Strategy

The company’s marketing efforts have included successful digital campaigns and content marketing, with a notable focus on webinars conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. These webinars educated schools on the importance of digital tools in enhancing educational management and adapting to remote learning. Content marketing strategies, including blog posts and social media engagement, have also played a role in reaching a broader audience.

Most Successful Marketing Campaign

The most successful marketing campaign for Class ON was the series of webinars conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. These webinars highlighted the urgent need for digital solutions in education, showing how Class ON could help schools manage remote learning and maintain administrative efficiency. Milan Hans played a key role by sharing practical, proven strategies through videos on how to increase school admissions without traditional advertising. His guidance on boosting school admissions resonated strongly with schools, leading many to adopt Class ON's digital and smart solutions.

This campaign not only increased Class ON's visibility but also attracted a significant number of new clients. The focus on providing valuable, relevant information during a critical time helped Class ON build trust and significantly expand its customer base.

Class ON - Challenges Faced

One of the significant challenges faced by Class ON was convincing traditional schools to transition from paper-based systems to digital solutions. Many schools were resistant to change due to a lack of familiarity with technology and concerns about the complexity of digital tools.

To address this challenge, Class ON offered free trials of their software, allowing schools to experience the benefits without any initial commitment. Personalized demonstrations were conducted to show how the software could be tailored to meet specific needs. The company also provided robust support during the initial implementation phase, which helped in building trust and easing the transition. By highlighting the tangible benefits and offering hands-on assistance, Class ON was able to overcome resistance and build confidence among its clients.

Class ON - Growth

As of August 2024, Class ON is a trusted partner for over 600 schools across India. The company's user base continues to grow steadily, driven by positive feedback and word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients. Class ON is recognized for its comprehensive School ERP solutions, which simplify administrative tasks and enhance the learning experience. The company is also expanding its service offerings, introducing new features and updates monthly to meet the evolving needs of schools. The platform's reliability and user-friendly interface have made it a preferred choice for educational institutions looking to go digital.

Class ON serves a diverse range of schools, including some of the most prestigious institutions across various states in India. These schools rely on Class ON for efficient management of their operations, demonstrating the trust and credibility the platform has built within the education sector.

Class ON - Funding

Class ON has been primarily self-funded since its inception, with Milan Hans reinvesting profits back into the business to fuel growth and innovation. This approach has allowed the company to maintain control over its direction and priorities without external pressures.

To date, Class ON has not actively sought external funding. However, the company remains open to exploring strategic partnerships that align with its mission and values. Such partnerships could potentially accelerate growth and bring additional resources to enhance the platform’s offerings.

Class ON - Key Tools and Software

Class ON leverages a range of cutting-edge tools to manage its operations efficiently. The platform is built on cloud-based technologies that ensure scalability and reliability. For software development, Class ON uses modern development frameworks and cloud hosting services to deliver a seamless user experience. Customer support is managed through dedicated platforms that allow for real-time communication and issue resolution. Additionally, the company utilizes CRM systems to track client interactions, manage sales pipelines, and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction. These tools collectively enable Class ON to deliver a robust and responsive service to its clients.

Class ON - Awards and Achievements

Class ON Honored with the FAP National Award

Class ON's commitment to innovation and excellence has been widely recognized. The company was honored with the FAP National Award 2022 for its transformative impact on school operations through digital solutions. This prestigious accolade highlights Class ON's role in enhancing educational administration with its cutting-edge technology.

Additional Honors:

Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Mr. Milan Hans, Founder and CEO of Class ON, received the Entrepreneur of the Year award from CIO Look India Online & Offline Magazine. This recognition celebrates his pivotal role in advancing educational technology and his vision that led to the creation and expansion of Class ON.
Innovation in Education Technology Award: At the Heritage Festival organized by the City Awareness Society in Malout in 2019, Mr. Milan Hans was awarded the Innovation in Education Technology Award by the Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. This award acknowledged his relentless efforts to revolutionize education through digital solutions with Class ON.
Digital Marketing Certification from Google (2020): Mr. Milan Hans earned a Digital Marketing Certification from Google, underscoring his expertise in digital strategies and further validating his contributions to the field.
Recognition at RKDx Talks: During an online conference organized by RKDx Talks amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Milan Hans was invited to share his insights on digital education promotion and improving institutional rankings. His well-received YouTube videos on school promotion strategies have also contributed significantly to his recognition.
Youth Icon Award (2015): At the 3rd Heritage Festival, Mr. Milan Hans was honored as a Youth Icon by the City Awareness Society. This award celebrated his efforts to uplift his hometown, Malout, through technology and social initiatives.
Excellent Work Award (2012): At the International Conference held at RIMT-IET, Mandi Gobindgarh, Mr. Milan Hans received the Excellent Work Award 2012 from the Economic Growth and Research Association. This award recognized his outstanding contributions to the field of Information Technology.

Class ON's most significant achievement has been its rapid expansion from serving just a few schools to over 600 schools across India within a few years. This growth reflects the effectiveness of the platform and the trust schools place in Class ON for their educational and administrative needs. The company's ability to scale efficiently while maintaining high service standards underscores its solid operational foundation and customer-focused approach.

Class ON - Competitors

Some of the top competitors of Class ON are:

Fedena: Fedena is a well-established name in the school ERP market, known for its comprehensive features and strong presence in both domestic and international markets. It offers a wide range of modules catering to various aspects of school management, including attendance, examinations, and communication.
Entab: Entab is a prominent competitor that provides a robust ERP solution with modules focused on school administration, student management, and parent communication. It is known for its user-friendly interface and extensive support services.
Edunext: Edunext is another key player in the school ERP space, offering a diverse range of functionalities to streamline school operations. Its focus on integrating technology to improve educational outcomes and administrative efficiency makes it a strong competitor.

Class ON - Future Plans

Class ON's plans for the next 1-2 years include:

International Expansion: Class ON aims to broaden its global footprint by entering new international markets. This expansion will involve adapting the software to meet various regional educational standards and languages, making it accessible to a wider range of schools globally.
Advanced Features Development: The company plans to enhance its platform with advanced features such as AI-driven analytics. This will provide schools with deeper insights into student performance, operational efficiencies, and predictive trends, helping them make more informed decisions.
Multilingual Support: To cater to a diverse audience, Class ON will introduce multilingual support. This will make the platform more accessible to schools in different linguistic regions, particularly targeting non-English-speaking areas.
Market Penetration in India: Class ON is focused on increasing its market share within India by reaching out to more rural and semi-urban schools. The company aims to address the specific needs of these schools with tailored solutions that improve educational management and operational efficiency.
Product Innovations: Continuous development of new features and modules will be a priority. This includes enhancing existing functionalities, integrating emerging technologies, and ensuring the platform remains at the cutting edge of educational technology.

FAQs

What is Class ON?

Class ON is the fastest-growing leading School ERP software solution specially designed for Indian schools to streamline school management.

Who is the founder of Class ON?