Cementing infrastructure with right technologies

Do you call yourself a digital organization? If yes, why?

We consider digital technology an opportunity for growth. We are in the transformation face of becoming digital enterprise. We have taken many initiatives in this regard. Core technology infrastructure is in place for the enterprise to become digital. Setup Primary data center and Disaster Recovery center for availability of IT systems 24×7. We have implemented SAP ERP system which integrates all business processes. Creating a single source of the truth for business data. We have developed Dash Boards and Business intelligence reports for availability of real time visibility into operations of the business for the management to take timely decisions based on real time data and not on assumptions.

Special attention is paid to the network, because as reliance on digital processes grows, the need for a network that can support a wide variety of devices and reliably connect them with the users. State of the art Wide Area Network (WAN) is set up, connecting all business locations. Integrated number of 3rd party devices into SAP ERP system for on line capture of information like weigh bridges, Attendance punching machines, Point of Sale system, Bar code scanners, mobile devices, etc. so that manual inputs are avoided. Number of work flows are developed to make many activities on line and paperless.

What are your top projects for the next 6 months?

1. Review, refresh and up-gradation of IT infrastructure which is coming to end of life  with state of the art and cost effective infrastructure. Infrastructure consists of servers, storage and Networking devices.
2. Migrating current SAP ECC 6.0 system with SAP S4HANA.
3. Setup on premises Mail and Messaging system. Currently it is a hosted model.
4. Review IT securities from Cyber Security point of view and ensure that the systems and data are well protected at multiple levels/sources

What are the key technology challenges faced by your sector?

1. Choosing the right technology according to company’s needs
2. Integrating applications
3. Securing company data
4. Resource/staffing/skills challenges

What kind of vendor/solution provider engagement do you look forward to in 2018?

We have built a strong relationship with Vendors/Solution Providers like IBM, Cisco, SAP, Ooredoo, Microsoft, Trend Micro, and implementation partners. We want to take this relation forward for mutual business benefits. As the technology keeps changing and new technologies are getting evolved, we will evaluate existing vendors and new vendors against their technology, expertise/skills and deliverables. Also bring new vendors with latest technologies. Bring the concept of treating vendors as Business partners for mutual business benefits. As we are initiating new projects, there are good opportunities for Vendors/ Solution providers to work with us. We look for a long-term relationship with Vendors/Solution providers.

To do List for 2018

• Review, refresh and up-gradation of IT infrastructure which is coming to end of life with state of the art and cost-effective infrastructure
• Migrating current SAP ECC 6.0 system with SAP S4HANA
• Setup on premises Mail and Messaging system. Currently it is a hosted model.
• Review IT securities from Cyber Security point of view and ensure that the systems and data are well protected at multiple levels/sources
• Initiate and complete systems audit by external auditors from controls and risk perspective and plug the gaps if any.
• Strengthen and upgrade the skills of in house IT team for support, enhancements and taking the systems forward with new technologies and solutions to support the business 24×7.
• Setup Wireless Network in the corporate office,
• Extend SAP ERP system to customers so that they can place orders on line and get insight of their business information and also to Vendors.
• Develop more workflows and digitization so that it can lead to paperless office.
• Integration of Manufacturing system with SAP system for direct capture of information like power/gas consumption, Machine down time, Machine productivity, etc.