GEC NEWS WIRETell us about Arabia Holdings and your role in it.
Arabia holdings is a group established in UAE which encompasses diverse business activities including but not limited to Taxi Transportation, Limousine Service, Logistics, Automobile Garages, Auto Trade, Auto Spare Parts Trading, Minerals Trade, Agro Trade, General Trade, Landscape and Irrigation, Foods & Beverages, Advertisement and IT Solutions etc.
As an IT Head, I lead my team which is responsible for centrally managing the IT needs across various locations. It involves planning infrastructure for data centers, development and deployment of business applications, IP Telephony for call centers, Disaster Recovery Management and so on.
How is technology reshaping the transportation and logistics sector?
Technology has always made people’s life easier. We could even say that it has revolutionised the sector. We use technology to enhance customer satisfaction and thereby the business. For instance, we provide mobile applications for our taxi booking and free wifi for our taxi and bus riders.
What are the new technologies that you have introduced in the company?
- Introduced digitalization of document approvals.
- Taxi Booking Mobile Application for Ras Al Khaimah, Arabia and Hamra Taxis.
- Enhanced our in-house ERP Application to support our Logistics sector and other divisions.
Are you looking into any new project implementations? If yes, what do you expect from the vendors?
Yes I am looking into couple of new projects in warehouse and stores management and in hospitality sector using ANPR and BEACON technology
I always look for a long term strategic partnership with my vendor. My other expectations would be aftersale support and pricing along with suitable solutions with value.
What are the biggest challenges faced by a CIO?
As a CIO, IT security is always a challenge. Added to that Budgets and controlling cost, Resource management with respect to staffing and skills and bridging the gap between IT and business are the biggest challenges.
As a CIO, what are your top 3 priorities for this year?
My top priorities for this year would be
- Turning IT as a Profit center rather than a cost center
- Diving into new technologies in the hospitality sector and Public Transportation.
- Implementing electronic approval system with complex matrix structure for all our group division.
