Feb 2016 – Mar 2021 · 5 yrs 1 mo · India

• We provide full-service Digital Transformation, from Consulting to Implementation. Digital transformation is the process of using digital technologies to fundamentally change how an organization operates and delivers value to its customers.
• It involves adopting new technologies and using them to automate processes, improve efficiency, and enhance the customer experience. Overall, digital transformation is critical for businesses to survive because it enables them to stay competitive, deliver value to customers, and increase profitability.
• Our specialty: Using a combination of cutting-edge Technology + Innovation + Strategy, to initiate digital transformation in the manufacturing industry.
• We functioned as the backend for various Industry 4.0 solution providers in the role of Technical Solution Architect and Systems Integrator:
• o Led end-to-end digital transformation projects, from strategy formulation to commissioning of automated systems, ensuring seamless integration of legacy equipment
• o Architected and implemented interoperable Industry 4.0 solutions, resulting in up to 35% productivity improvements for clients
• o Developed innovative applications integrating the Industry 4.0 tech stack to enhance quality control, remote monitoring, and operational efficiency.
• Typical use cases:
• o Special Purpose Machines for Process Automation & Task Automation
• o Machine Vision applications (such as Quality Inspection, both pre & post-production)
• o IIOT applications (for data acquisition, remote monitoring & control)
• o Data Analytics and Data Visualization (Dashboards)

Oct 2013 – Jan 2016 · 2 yrs 3 mos

• One of the early Fintech entities that applied Digital Transformation to the end-to-end Account Receivable process for Educational Institutions, Universities and Government bodies. This covered automation of the entire cycle, including Invoice generation, reminders, applying penalties, accepting online payments, issuing receipts, management dashboards tracking AR in real-time and so on.
• Of course, as the head, I had to be involved in everything, though the primary accountabilites were Product management + Sales. Increased throughput more than 10x during this tenure.
• o Cloud-based PCI DSS 3.0-certified SaaS solutions facilitating electronic payment processing
• o Providing Payment Gateway services to verticals such as Education & Government
• o Developed strategic relationships with banks, sub-vendors, payment gateways, cloud architects, digital security audit & certification vendors.

Dec 2011 – Jan 2016 · 4 yrs 1 mo

• Top 3 responsibilities here were
• (a) Optimizing the Bottom-line
• (b) Compliance & Legal
• (c) Ensuring we hired the right people (the line of future leaders).
• And like everyone else at the C level, involved whenever required in business generation activities (from proposals to negotiations to closing of deals)
• o BUILDING LEADERS: Close involvement in all talent acquisition. For 2 years managed the HR function, continuously refining the recruitment process. Along with the CEO, prepared for future success by building the right teams and leaders, and we invested significant thought and time into this. And this contributed more than anything else to the Searce success story.
• o IMPLEMENTING COMPLIANCE: Took care of Operations that included Regulatory, Legislative, Banking, Insurance, Legal (finalized contracts / pricing / terms with customers and vendors). Coordinated with US lawyers on immigration issues. Briefly managed and optimized the HR and Admin teams. Oversaw Mergers & Acquisitions (including the acquisition of 3 cloud & AI start-ups). Also accountable for Digital Security: Implemented ISO 27001 & PCI DSS certification.
• o PEOPLE NETWORKS: Forged strategic partnerships & vendor relationships. Promoted customer engagement & proliferation. Nurtured intrepid & audacious Entrepreneurial teams. Took care of negotiations with partners and vendors on product procurement. Handled all matters related to insurance, legal services, digital marketing, recruiting specialists, facilities management, physical security, transport, AMC’s, Graphic Design, Event management, Digital Security audit & certification and so on.

Mar 2007 – Dec 2011 · 4 yrs 9 mos

• Delivered projects relating to Digitalization and Automation of manual processes using mobile and web technologies. This role involved a blend of technological expertise, leadership, and the essence of being a liaison or connector between the overseas clients and Indian vendors.
• o PROGRAM MANAGEMENT: Was the Business Generation + Facilitation layer between the Middle-East clients, and Indian product and IT service providers. I architected and Program managed delivery of the mobile / web solutions using a combination of different Indian vendors.
• o STRATEGIC ALLIANCE MANAGEMENT: Identified the appropriate class of strategic/tactical partners in the Middle-East and India, negotiated the optimal mutually beneficial deal, & structured win-win contracts.
• o DIVERSE PRODUCTS & SERVICES: Hardware devices for Internet over Power line, Campus Management systems, ERP, asset tracking solutions, mobile based solutions for Telecom tower & Resort maintenance, Web projects, regulatory products such as Banking / Anti Money Laundering software, and some hardware products.

Apr 2002 – Feb 2007 · 4 yrs 10 mos

• This was a Professional Services role. I also managed the India Operations for one year, between CEOs.
• Long before the term Digital Transformation came into popular usage, we applied it to Global Trade Management, and transformed a traditional Consulting + Tech implementation cycle, into a SaaS / subscription-based pay-per-use Service delivered over the internet.
• The company was earlier called Amber Road, and has been acquired by E2Open in 2019. The India operations were a captive ODC operation in a fast, change oriented environment, covering millions of records relating to 120 countries, with time-sensitive data and a very low tolerance for errors.
• o REGULATORY COMPLIANCE-AS-A-SERVICE: Services delivered on a subscription-based SaaS model included License determination (Import Controls, Export Controls, Global conventions), Landed Cost calculations, Free Trade Agreements, HTS and ECCN classification, Denied Party screening and Document determination for 100+ countries, covering over 98% of Global Trade
• o PRODUCT INNOVATION: Collaborated on innovative software product development / service solutions to solve business problems of Fortune 500 customers in the US & EU (including Amazon, Proctor & Gamble, Scientific-Atlanta, Fedex, UPS, Dell, TNT, Expeditors and so on).
• o DELIVERY SUPPORT: Directed multiple cross-functional teams to support global implementations, including consulting and solution deliveries to clients, helping them to remain compliant with Global Trade Regulations, while simultaneously shortening cash-to-cash cycles, reducing reverse logistics cost, and minimizing delays & Customs penalties at international borders.