StartupTalky

Tag: #news

  • Trescon ABC: Embracing the Future of Innovation and Digital Transformation

    Wednesday, August 8, 2023: The World AI Show, World Blockchain Summit, and World CX Summit (#TresconABC) concluded on August 3, 2023, with thought-provoking discussions, futuristic innovations, and actionable insights at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore.

    With over 1500+ C-level attendees, 100+ speakers, 200+ investors, and 75 exhibitors spread across three dedicated expo zones, the event provided a spectrum of innovations that are pushing Singapore and the APAC region toward a decentralized digital future.

    Naveen Bharadwaj, CEO of Trescon expressed delight on how Trescon ABC is becoming a key platform for innovators and tech titans to accelerate the adoption of net-gen emerging tech solutions. He said, “As the dynamic world of technology continues to evolve, it is our responsibility to empower businesses to navigate the waves of transformation with confidence.”

    With agendas centered around exploring key topics, including the future of AI-powered technologies, blockchain-backed solutions, and CX technologies, to create a seamless digital transformation journey in the present dynamic digital landscape.

    Mithun Shetty, Vice Chairman, Trescon, said,” Trescon ABC serves as a key catalyst that fosters a spirit of collaboration and innovation while driving the world closer to a decentralized and digital future.”

    Day 2 of Trescon ABC events were packed with engaging keynote presentations and captivating panel discussions with the purpose of pushing the conversation further toward the adoption of these new-age emerging tech solutions.

    One such session was the fireside chat from the World AI Show on ‘Building Trustworthy and Ethical AI: Addressing Privacy and Security Challenges’. The chat, moderated by Dr. James Ong, Founder and Managing Director, Artificial Intelligence International Institute (AIII), explored the role of AI in detecting and mitigating cyber threats and data breaches. The panelists, Jeffrey Lim, Director, Joyce A. Tan & Partners LLC, Mark G. KOH, Secretary General, Central and Eastern European Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, and Jenny Tan, President, ISACA SG Chapter, shared some key insights on how to strengthen trust and transparency among all stakeholders and customers.

    Another noteworthy session was the fireside chat on ‘Women in Blockchain: Pioneering the Future of Decentralized Technologies’. The engaging conversation between Fiona Murry, Head of APAC Sales, Ripple and Sonny Mohanty, VP APAC, Nordek, explored the growing contribution by women in the blockchain industry and the future opportunities for women in the industry.

    At the World CX Summit, it was great to witness an engaging session on ‘Embracing the Future of CX: Designing a New Era of Innovation’. The panel, moderated by Babul Balakrishnan, Global Head of Customer Care, Thunes, elaborated on how a customer-first strategy can be utilized to drive loyalty, retention, and advocacy. The panelists, Sachin Sharma, Chief Product & Commercial Officer, Standard Chartered Bank Nexus; Gabriel Lazaro, Head of Digital, Overseas General Insurance, Chubb; Adil Antia, Vice President, Technology & Solutions, FPT Asia Pacific; Joey Tan, Head of Customer Experience (CX), GXS; Sushil Katdare, CX Director, Greater China & Intercontinental Region, GSK, presented their invaluable insights on leveraging customer data insights for personalization.

    Expressing his experience of being a part of the World AI Show, Andy Ta Wee An, Chief Data Officer & Director, Data Analytics & AI (DNA), Synapxe, said, “It was a privilege to be part as a panelist and share my experience at #WorldAIShow. During the session, I shared my views on how AIOPS can be applied to systems, business as well as individual tasks.” He further added,” It is important to understand the considerations for each setting and experiment with tools, data, and practices to make them “quiet norms” to improve workflow processes for better patient outcomes.”

    Sharing his experience of being a part of the World Blockchain Summit, Chin Tah Ang, General Manager, Singapore, Crypto.com, said, ” The experience at the summit was wonderful. I had the opportunity to meet great people, and the panel discussion was very interesting.”

    Attending the World CX Summit, Thiam Kee (Scott) Tan, Product Owner, Core Experience, ShopBack, spoke at length on the impact of the platform that Trescon ABC provides. He said, “It is an interesting combination of events, adding diversity to the topics It was wonderful to learn and interact with industry practitioners and solution provider, to understand how they work, and insights on how they address the challenges.”

    As Day 2 came to a close, the World AI Show, World Blockchain Summit, and World CX Summit (TresconABC), preparations are underway to bring another exciting edition that will empower businesses with next-gen tech solutions and give them a sneak peek of the future. 

    Building on the successes of bringing cross-industry technology leaders together, Trescon is excited to announce the inaugural edition of the Digital Acceleration and Transformation Expo (DATE) in Delhi in November this year. The event underscores India’s innovative temper while establishing a platform that will foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and key insights that will have a key impact on India’s innovation ecosystem. The event will feature a diverse range of sessions, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, covering topics such as AI, ML, blockchain, cybersecurity, cloud, fintech, greentech, and more.

    The Trescon ABC events were supported by: 

    • Supporting Partner: EDBI and She Loves Data
    • Community Partner: Cyberverse Foundation, APAC DAO, Binance Viet Nam, She Loves Data
    • Innovation Partner: Karnataka Digital Economy Mission
    • Platinum Sponsor: Dataiku, Tech Mahindra | Altair, Medallia
    • Gold Sponsor: Singlestore, PHOENIX, TELESIGN, Contentsquare, Braze, Locobuzz, Kore.ai
    • Silver Sponsor: Aidetic, HUMBL, MILLIONERO, GPTCoin, FUTURECX,  Metapark, Servicenow, Acquia, Sitecore | FPT, Survey2Connect
    • Bronze Sponsor: WNS – Vuram,  Squirro, neo4j, MIMO, ZOKSH, Zegocloud, InMoment
    • Lead Sponsor: FIRDAOS
    • Presenting Partner: NORDEK
    • After Party Sponsor: U2U FOUNDATION 
    • Pitch Partner: U2U FOUNDATION, FLOIN
    • Exhibitors: SINGAPORE BLOCKCHAIN INNOVATION PROGRAMME, MRMINT, ESPSOFTTECH, KoinBX, Collectors, Corsight AI
    • Official Content Distribution Partner: Zex PR Wire
    • Official Event App Partner: Crowdcomms
    • Association Partner: WOMEN IN BLOCKCHAIN ASIA
    • Executive Roundtable Sponsor: Insider

    About Trescon

    Trescon is a pioneering force in the global business events and services sector, driving the adoption of emerging technologies while promoting sustainability and inclusive leadership.

    Their summits, expos, and conferences create real economic impact by connecting and empowering the key ecosystem of government organizations, regulators, enterprises, corporations, and more. With the help of their 250+ employees across offices in 6 countries, several of their clients have quadrupled their leads, shortened sales cycles by half or less, entered markets three times faster, closed deals within unimaginable timelines, and ultimately grown their businesses.

  • Elevating Customer Experience to New Heights at the World CX Summit

    The much-anticipated 9th edition of the World CX Summit draws to a close at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore. Held on August 2–3, the event successfully brought together tech trendsetters, innovators, and CX professionals as they discussed the trends and innovations that can transform the global CX space.

    Wednesday, August 8, 2023: The 9th global edition of the World CX Summit, organized by Trescon, in Singapore, was a resounding success. The event saw an illuminating confluence of leading tech titans, CX business experts, and innovators exploring the new-age tech solutions that are redefining the global CX space.

    Co-located with the World AI Show and World Blockchain Summit as a part of Trescon ABC events, it was held at the prestigious Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre on August 2–3, 2023. Trescon ABC events further cement Singapore’s position as a global innovation hub and an early adopter of emerging tech solutions.

    The event exceeded expectations with an exceptional turnout and received praise from attendees. The World CX Summit played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the CX space, featuring a successful showcase of cutting-edge solutions, insightful panel discussions, successful use cases, and valuable knowledge exchange the summit facilitated networking, collaboration, and partnership opportunities.

    The two-day event explored a wide array of topics ranging from the future of CX, transforming CX in the digital era, data-driven creativity, redefining CX for taxpayers, and more.

    Top industry leaders explored innovative strategies, trending technologies, and best practices to enhance the customer experience and further drive customer loyalty and satisfaction.

    One such session was the tech talk on ‘The Art of Selecting the Right CX Automation Solution’ by Vishal Agarwal, Co-founder, and CEO, Locobuzz. The talk drove the focus on how businesses can find the perfect balance between functionality and usability.

    Another notable session was the panel discussion on ‘CX Innovation through Martech: Developing A Customer-Centric Ecosystem’. The panel moderated by, Jana Marle-Zizkova Co-founder and CEO, She Loves Data, delved into how businesses can improve customer involvement, brand devotion, and retention by embracing the latest digital advancements. The panelists, Agnisha Ghosh, Regional Director, Digital Media & Advertising Strategy, MetLife; Jeffrey Lin, Director, Solutions Engineering, APJ, Acquia; Jay Bose, Group Head of Martech, AIA Group; Jaspreet Kaur Head of Marketing & Strategic Planning, Sodexo, provided key insights on employing AI/ML for predicting behaviors and extracting data can make marketing more autonomous.

    Speaking about his experience at the World CX Summit, Vineet Sharma, Chief Operations Officer, Pizza Hut South Asia – Yum! Brands, said,“ An impressive line-up of industry-leading solutions and subject matter experts on delivering a seamless CX.”

    Raymond Ran, Assistant Commissioner, Taxpayer eXperience Division, Quality Service Manager, Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), said,“ Never underestimate an event that brings together like-minded and energy-charged professionals. It is fulfilling to be here and a great experience to be invited to share about IRAS’ service mantra and experience with a group of lively audience.”

    The praise for the World CX Summit didn’t just end here, Pamela Choong, Head of Customer Experience, JTC Corporation, said, “I am truly honored to be part of this event. Delighted that we could connect with the audience and received an abundance of thought-provoking questions”.

    “The 9th global edition of the World CX Summit underscores the unwavering commitment Singapore shares in igniting the spirit of innovation and fostering progress in Asia’s technological landscape,” said Shrikanth Prabhu, BU Director, Trescon.

    As the curtain draws on this edition, plans are underway for an even more exceptional edition. Sharing the unyielding commitment to foster innovation and drive global emerging tech adoption, Trescon is delighted to announce the inaugural edition of the Digital Acceleration and Transformation Expo in Delhi this November. The event aims to connect industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders from various regions to play a central role in the global digital transformation journey.

    The 9th global edition of the World CX Summit is officially supported by:

    • Community Partners – Cyberverse Foundation, She loves data
    • Platinum Sponsor – Medallia
    • Gold Sponsors – Contentsquare, Braze, Locobuzz, Kore.ai
    • Silver Sponsors – Servicenow, Acquia, Sitecore | FPT, Survey2Connect
    • Bronze Sponsors – Zegocloud, InMoment
    • Executive Roundtable Sponsor – Insider
    • Innovation Partner – Karnataka Digital Economy Mission

    About Trescon

    Trescon is a pioneering force in the global business events and services sector, driving the adoption of emerging technologies while promoting sustainability and inclusive leadership.

    Their summits, expos, and conferences create real economic impact by connecting and empowering the key ecosystem of government organizations, regulators, enterprises, corporations, and more. With the help of their 250+ employees across offices in 6 countries, several of their clients have quadrupled their leads, shortened sales cycles by half or less, entered markets three times faster, closed deals within unimaginable timelines, and ultimately grown their businesses.

  • Aura Hearing Care Raises Capital for Expansion, Now Valued at Rs 100 Crore: A Fast-Growing Hearing Aid Retail Chain

    Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 1: Aura Hearing Care Pvt. Ltd., a leading hearing aid retail chain in India, has successfully raised funding from three prominent private investors, signaling a significant milestone in its growth trajectory as one of the fastest-growing companies in the sector.

    Founded by Naitik Shah, Aura Hearing Care has rapidly gained popularity in the Indian market thanks to its extensive range of hearing aid products and services tailored to meet clients’ diverse needs. The company’s commitment to delivering top-notch products and exceptional customer service has led to a loyal customer base, contributing significantly to its strong revenue growth.

    The investors who have backed Aura’s vision include Mohit Dubhe, Founder of CarWale and Chalo. Jitendra Bhandari, Partner at prominent venture capital firm MGB; and Vikas Khemani, Former CEO of Edelweiss Securities and founder of asset management firm Carnelian Advisors.

    “We are thrilled to welcome these distinguished investors to the Aura family. We are thankful to them for placing their trust in our vision. Their support and strategic guidance will undoubtedly accelerate our growth and further enhance our ability to transform lives through innovative hearing care solutions,” said Naitik Shah, Founder, and Managing Director of Aura Hearing Care.

    Aura Hearing Care currently operates over 20 clinics across India and has ambitious plans to expand its presence in the coming years, aiming to become a truly pan-India hearing aid retail chain.

    “With the strong backing of our existing and new investors, we are well-positioned to continue our expansion plans. The funds raised in the latest funding rounds will be used for opening more clinics in different cities,” Mr. Shah said.

    Aura Hearing Care’s extraordinary revenue growth rate, doubling every year, is a key indicator of its rapid expansion and success. The company’s impressive financial performance and high EBITDA margins reflect its operational efficiency and sound financial management, which have attracted the attention of investors looking to be part of the revolution in the hearing aid industry.

    Aura Hearing Care remains committed to providing high-quality hearing aids and exceptional customer service to empower the lives of people with hearing impairments. With the latest round of funding and the continued support of its investors, Aura is well-poised to positively impact the lives of more individuals and revolutionize the hearing care industry in India.

  • World CX Summit: A New Era in CX Driving Business Growth

    Tuesday, August 1, 2023: The World CX Summit, organized by Trescon, is set to be hosted in Singapore on August 2–3, 2023, at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre. The Summit will bring together leading technology mavens, CX specialists, and innovators to share their actionable insights and talk about successful use cases that are redefining the CX space.

    Over the past few years, businesses have pivoted their attention towards providing their customers with an immersive experience. Customer experience has played a critical role in changing the way businesses operate. Today, they consider customer feedback an integral part of their revenue model.

    As per a recent Grand View Research study, the customer experience management market segment is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 18.1% from 2022 to 2030. With increasing competition, brands today are digitizing their operations and integrating them with artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

    The Asia-Pacific market continues to expand with growing awareness regarding conversational AI. According to a Research Dive report, the conversational AI market is forecasted to generate a revenue of US$ 3.022.4 million by 2028. This is attributed to favorable government regulations and advanced ICT infrastructure in countries such as Singapore, India, and Japan.

    The summit will help accelerate the digital transformation of the economy by driving topics such as conversational AI and chatbots, enabling omnichannel customer communication, digital experience platforms, and much more.

    Naveen Bharadwaj, CEO of Trescon, highlighted the importance of the event, stating, “Majority customers today are either digital natives or tech-savvy and expect services to be delivered via omni-channels, available at their fingers tips anywhere, anytime and their overall experience has to be seamless. Our World CX Summit in Singapore will help businesses create unique CX strategies powered by emerging technologies to enhance customer satisfaction, attract more customers and become dominant customer-centric brands.”

    The World CX Summit is co-located alongside the 42nd global edition of the World AI Show and the 25th global edition of the World Blockchain Summit in Singapore.

    The summit offers a wide spectrum of expert speakers and panelists, such as:

    • Guillermo Arbeiza, Chief customer officer, Singlife with Aviva.  
    • Achint Setia, Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer, Zalora.  
    • Anna Znamenskaya, Chief Marketing Officer, foodpanda.
    • Nikki Taylor, Marketing Growth Strategy Director AMEA, UPS.
    • Denise Miura, Geo Vice President, APAC, Medallia
    • Raymond Tan, Assistant Commissioner, Taxpayer eXperience Division; Quality Service Manager, Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS)
    • Vineet Sharma, Chief Operations Officer, Pizza Hut South Asia – Yum! Brands
    • Jana Marle-Zizkova, Co-founder & CEO, She Loves Data
    • Pavel Bulowski, Co-founder, She Loves Data
    • Sachin Sharma, Chief Product & Commercial Officer, Standard Charted nexus
    • Lino Ahlering, Group Chief Customer Officer, Daraz (Alibaba Group)
    • Natalia Goh, Chief Operating Officer, Trust Bank
    • Pamela Choong, Head of Customer Experience, JTC Corporation
    • Vikrama Dhiman, Head of Mobility Products, Gojek 
    • Katja Forbes, Head of Client Experience CCIB, Standard Chartered Bank
    • Soo Huat Chew, Head, Biz Initiative and Enablement, DBS MidCap/SME
    • Natalia Goh, Chief Operating Officer, Trust Bank.

    The 9th global edition of the World CX Summit is supported by:

    • Community Partners – Cyberverse Foundation, She loves data
    • Innovation Partner – Karnataka Digital Economy Mission
    • Platinum Sponsor – Medallia
    • Gold Sponsors – Contentsquare, Braze, Locobuzz, Kore.ai
    • Silver Sponsors – Servicenow, Acquia, Sitecore | FPT, Survey2Connect
    • Bronze Sponsors – Zegocloud, InMoment 
    • Executive Roundtable Sponsor – Insider

    About the World CX Summit

    World CX Summit is a thought-leadership-driven, business-focused, global series of events that takes place in strategic locations across the world.

    As a part of the world tour, this Singapore edition is gathering pre-qualified CX leaders, marketers, and tech experts under one roof to discuss how the latest technologies and customer insights can be combined to change CX as we know it.

    The summit is hosting a combination of insightful sessions, keynotes, case studies, and panel discussions sure to deliver actionable insights that attendees can apply to their Customer Experience strategies.

    About Trescon

    Trescon is a pioneering force in the global business events and services sector, driving the adoption of emerging technologies while promoting sustainability and inclusive leadership.

    Their summits, expos, and conferences create real economic impact by connecting and empowering the key ecosystem of government organizations, regulators, enterprises, corporations, and more. With the help of their 250+ employees across offices in 6 countries, several of their clients have quadrupled their leads, shortened sales cycles by half or less, entered markets three times faster, closed deals within unimaginable timelines, and ultimately grown their businesses.

  • Optimizing Multithreaded Applications and Database Performance with Advanced Thread Synchronization Techniques: Expert Insights from Omkar Wagle

    The modern digital age demands ever-more efficient and powerful software solutions, especially as businesses increasingly rely on connected systems and IoT (Internet of Things) devices. In this context, ensuring smooth multithreaded application performance and database efficiency has become a critical priority. Omkar Wagle, an accomplished Senior Software Engineer with years of expertise in embedded systems and IoT, has offered insights into how advanced thread synchronization techniques can revolutionize performance in these domains.

    Omkar has consistently proven himself as an innovator in solving complex technical challenges. His expertise in identifying bottlenecks and improving code efficiency has led to dramatic results. One of his most significant achievements includes improving processing times for IoT commands by a staggering 72%. By reducing the processing time for a single IoT command from 156 milliseconds to 43 milliseconds, Omkar Wagle enhanced not only system performance but also the overall user experience. This accomplishment highlights the pivotal role that technical excellence plays in elevating product usability.

    During his tenure as one of the first employees at a startup focused on smart home solutions, Omkar’s contributions were transformative. Initially responsible for creating an entire application that integrated Zigbee-enabled smart devices, he designed and implemented a comprehensive device exploration flow. This process involved the addition of smart devices to a private network, gathering device data, and storing it in an organized format in an SQLite database. Through his meticulous design, he laid the foundation for seamless communication and interaction between smart devices and users.

    Omkar Wagle’s knack for addressing performance issues was put to the test when his company’s CEO observed delays in sending commands to smart devices. He took on the challenge with a structured debugging approach, leveraging his intimate knowledge of the codebase. He traced the problem to a single library and pinpointed a function with an inefficient O(n²) time complexity. By re-engineering the function to achieve O(n) complexity, he resolved the issue and reduced the delay to a negligible level. This meticulous approach not only optimized the application but also demonstrated the power of thread synchronization and algorithmic efficiency in reducing latencies.

    Optimising database performance was another obstacle Omkar surmounted. Initially, his team used an on-disk database, which slowed down operations due to the sequential processing demands of single-core embedded devices. Recognizing the potential for improvement, Omkar Wagle spearheaded the transition to an in-memory database. This shift yielded an astonishing 93% improvement in database write operations, reducing processing time from 56 milliseconds to just 4 milliseconds. These improvements were pivotal in ensuring real-time responsiveness in IoT systems, a critical requirement for modern smart home solutions.

    Reflecting on the broader implications of his work, Omkar emphasizes the growing significance of IoT in enhancing everyday life. He notes that IoT devices, in conjunction with AI, are not only improving security but also transforming personalized experiences, from targeted advertisements to intelligent home automation. The seamless integration of multithreaded systems with optimized database operations forms the backbone of these advancements.

    Thread synchronization techniques and database performance optimizations are cornerstones of developing scalable, responsive applications in today’s digital landscape. These methods not only address current challenges but also pave the way for future advancements in IoT, AI, and interconnected systems. As the demand for smarter, faster, and more reliable technology grows, the strategic application of these techniques will remain essential to achieving breakthroughs in performance and innovation.

    How Startups Are Using IoT technology to Execute Their Social Mission
    Where it used to be that businesses and industry were some of the worst offenders when it came to pollution and overuse of resources, today many of these same industries are leading the way in what looks to be much more environmentally sound practices. Some have taken the goal of
    StartupTalkyShubham Kumar

  • Sujatra, an Apparel Startup, Raises Undisclosed Debt Funding for Growth

    Sujatra, an apparel startup, raised an undisclosed amount of debt funding round from India’s largest revenue-based financier and Peter Thiel-backed Velocity as well. The funds will be used for research & development and for geographical expansion. The brand has recently announced its expansion into Canada, making its designer ethnic wear more accessible to customers worldwide. Additionally, the company aims to spread the idea of designer Indian ethnic wear inspired by traditional art forms in the North American market.

    Specializing in designer ethnic wear, Sujatra offers a modern aesthetic in the women’s wear market. It was founded in 2016 by 69-year-old entrepreneur Chitralekha Das. Initially, the brand combined Indian art forms, paintings, and fabrics to create unique saree designs. Over time, the brand entered modern aesthetics in the women’s wear market. Now they have a wide product range comprising sarees, kurtis, dresses, tops, and blouses. The brand’s USP is its contemporary take on traditional Indian art forms, they believe innovation is the key to establishing India in the world apparel market.

    The launch of international operations will assist in cutting down the excessive international shipping costs from India, and the order servicing time will also reduce drastically. This will increase the brand’s foothold in the Canadian market, where quality, delivery time, and flexibility are of prime importance.

    Mr. Bedprakash Das, Chief Executive Officer, Shares, “This funding will help us with expansion and focus more on research and development. We are strengthening the quality checks and with the infusion of these funds, we will also implement new technologies. During our research, we found shopping for ethnic wear abroad can often turn into a disappointing experience due to limited design options, extended delivery time, exorbitant shipping costs, no provision for returns, and most importantly – no facility for size customization or proper fittings. We intend to change all this and offer a closer-to-home experience of shopping. We will offer a 7-day return window, size exchange facility & will also offer custom stitching options through our international operations hub located in Greater Toronto Area, Canada. “

  • Achieving Seamless Data Migration for the Financial Sector: Best Practices from Salesforce Experts

    The financial sector stands at the forefront of technological evolution, dealing with an immense volume of sensitive data, ranging from transactional records to regulatory reports. With the increasing need to modernize legacy systems, data migration has become a pivotal process, thus ensuring that financial institutions remain agile and competitive in a rapidly shifting environment. The complexity arises from the nature of financial data, which often includes intricate hierarchies and interdependent datasets. In such high-stakes environments, ensuring smooth transitions without compromising data integrity is crucial.

    Kalpana Puli, with her extensive experience in Salesforce and financial data migration, has played a significant role in addressing these challenges across the trading, insurance, and tax sectors. One of her major contributions has been ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks such as GDPR, FATCA, and Solvency II during complex data migrations. “The financial industry operates under strict oversight, so any data migration project must prioritize security and regulatory adherence,” she explains. Her ability to design secure migration strategies, including encryption and audit trails, resulted in 100% compliance for critical migration projects, helping clients mitigate legal risks while maintaining operational readiness.

    Legacy systems in financial institutions often pose another significant hurdle. Many organizations have been operating on outdated platforms that are incompatible with modern CRM solutions like Salesforce. Addressing this issue involved extensive data cleansing and transformation before migration can begin. “Legacy data is rarely clean or complete, which makes pre-migration planning and validation essential to prevent errors post-migration,” emphasizes Kalpana. In one project, tackling incomplete policyholder records and ensuring adherence to Solvency II regulations led to a 40% reduction in data errors, improving overall reporting accuracy.

    Another challenge encountered during data migration was minimizing downtime for critical operations, such as real-time trade processing or tax filing. Downtime can disrupt business continuity, affecting the organization’s credibility and financial performance. “By adopting an incremental migration approach and conducting parallel-run testing, it’s possible to achieve near-zero downtime, ensuring operations remain uninterrupted,” she recalls. This approach proved highly effective during the migration of a trading platform, where the use of automated ETL pipelines helped maintain 99.9% data accuracy and reduced the project timeline by 30%.

    Kalpana’s expertise in stakeholder collaboration has been instrumental in the success of high-impact projects. Migration efforts involve multiple teams, including IT, compliance, and business units, each with distinct goals and timelines. Regular progress reviews and clear communication channels are essential to ensure alignment. “A successful migration is not just a technical exercise; it is a coordinated effort where every stakeholder’s role is clearly defined,” she remarks. This approach led to faster decision-making and smoother execution in a cross-sector data consolidation project, providing a unified client view across trading, insurance, and tax platforms.

    Improved data accuracy, reduced timelines, and enhanced operational efficiency are some of the key outcomes that organizations have reported. The automation of compliance and tax reporting processes resulted in a 50% reduction in manual efforts and a 35% improvement in report generation timelines. Her achievements underline the critical role of planning, testing, and execution in data migration initiatives.

    As Kalpana reflects, “Ultimately, a successful data migration is not just about moving data; it is about empowering organizations to operate with greater efficiency, accuracy, and confidence in their systems.”

    To a great extent, the success in handling the major challenges that stem from the process of financial data migration consists of the combination of efficient professional competence, system and conceptual planning, as well as the enhancement of attention to detail, all of which the projects of Kalpana Puli demonstrate.

  • COVID-19 Logistics Breakthrough: Cross-Border Cargo Transfer Strategies

    The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped global supply chains, bringing unprecedented challenges in logistics and trade. Cross-border transportation was one of the hardest-hit areas, with lockdowns, border closures, and strict health protocols causing widespread disruptions. Amid these challenges, innovative solutions emerged to keep goods moving.

    Haroon Rashid, a Logistics & Warehouse Manager at a leading beverage packaging manufacturer in the UAE, with his strategic initiatives not only ensured business continuity during the crisis but also set new standards for cross-border cargo transfer, offering a blueprint for the future of the logistics industry.

    At the height of the pandemic, cross-border trade faced a perfect storm of challenges. Border closures and travel restrictions meant that major land routes were either shut down or had limited operational hours, leading to significant delays. Quarantine and health protocols added another layer of complexity, as shipments required extensive checks, increasing both time and cost. Driver shortages further compounded the problem, as mobility restrictions left many transport operators unable to cross borders. On top of it all, fluctuating demand and limited capacity caused freight costs to skyrocket.

    To prevent unnecessary exposure and refine logistics during the pandemic, the government introduced a stringent driver swap mechanism at border points. While effective in theory, its execution faced significant challenges due to strict compliance measures and logistical complexities. Recognizing the need for a structured solution, he led a partnership with a strategically positioned transport company, using their cross-border expertise and infrastructure to develop an efficient cargo transfer model that aligned with government protocols.

    Under this breakthrough process, UAE-based drivers transported beverage packaging cargo to designated border transfer zones, where pre-approved, health-certified drivers from the partner company seamlessly took over the same trailer, eliminating delays. Strict sanitization and contactless exchange protocols ensured compliance with international safety standards. This innovative approach not only met regulatory requirements but also set a new industry benchmark, influencing future cross-border logistics strategies and showcasing how strategic partnerships can drive supply chain efficiency.

    When land routes became increasingly unpredictable, Haroon helped the development of an integrated sea-land hybrid solution, an approach that combined maritime and overland transport to avoid congested borders. Collaborating with a partner that controlled every aspect of the logistics chain, from ports to trucking fleets and customs brokerage, he was able to achieve an unprecedented level of operational efficiency.

    By shifting critical shipments to sea routes, his team reduced their reliance on overburdened land crossings. This approach allowed for better control over the supply chain, with real-time digital tracking and predictive route optimization minimizing delays. Unlike traditional logistics providers that depend on external partners, this integrated model provided end-to-end visibility and an oiled process, reducing both risk and costs.

    The company achieved a 95% on-time-in-full delivery rate, even with border restrictions in place. Lead times were reduced by 35%, while logistics costs dropped by 20% thanks to optimized routes and strategic partnerships. Most importantly, there were zero disruptions for key customers who relied on continuous beverage packaging supply.

    Haroon’s ability to think beyond conventional logistics solutions has made a lasting mark on the industry. His innovative driver swap model and sea-land hybrid solution not only solved immediate pandemic-related challenges but also laid the groundwork for more resilient supply chains in the future. By fostering strategic partnerships and embracing new ways of working, he demonstrated how creativity and adaptability can turn a crisis into an opportunity for transformation.

    Beyond his hands-on work, Haroon remains committed to sharing his insights with the broader logistics community. He has authored multiple research papers, including works on the long-term impacts of pandemic-driven logistics innovations and the role of custom trailer design in improving cross-border efficiency. His efforts have not gone unnoticed—he received a company award recognizing his exceptional contributions during the COVID-19 crisis.

    As the logistics industry continues to evolve in a world where uncertainty is the only constant, Haroon Rashid’s forward-thinking approach serves as an inspiration. His work has not only reshaped how cross-border logistics can be managed but also highlighted the power of innovation and collaboration in overcoming even the toughest challenges.

     

  • Overcoming Resistance: How Process Optimization Drives Success in Logistics

    Resistance to change is often the biggest challenge in the logistics industry, where speed and efficiency define success. Companies striving to streamline operations with new technology frequently encounter pushback from employees accustomed to traditional methods. Overcoming this resistance is key to driving long-term efficiency and cost savings.

    One of these leaders is Bhavya Vashisht, an Operations Manager with several years of experience in the trucking industry. He has optimised processes which have increased efficiency, reduced cost, and provided better logistics performance. His method, which centers on strategic thinking, data-driven solutions, and employee engagement, has helped the companies to survive the challenges that come with modernization.

    Change in Logistics

    For generations, logistics was more of a do-it-yourself profession. Dispatching, repair activities, and inventory control were depended on instincts and experience. But growing demands such as faster delivery times, higher fuel prices, and more stringent regulations make the case for using technology for a more efficient operation.

    Still, change rarely happens with open arms. Bhavya had also witnessed resistance in altering the status quo and how it slows down progress. Drivers were slow to adopt ELDs; mechanics were also hesitant to digitize inventory tracking, and senior management also found it hard to let go of processes they had followed for years. However, this made Bhavya take resistance as not a challenging but an opportunity to push meaningful change.

    Changing Obstacles into Opportunities

    Bhavya’s approach went beyond just implementation of technology by building an innovative culture. This was exemplified by the initiation of predictive analytics for vehicle maintenance. This he did through utilization of real-time data on health monitoring, a factor that was able to curb breakdowns in vehicles by 30%, translating to an average saving of over $250,000 annually on the maintenance and revenue lost due to breakdowns.

    He also utilized business intelligence to optimize fleet usage, which increased on-time delivery by 15% and cut idle time down by 20%. This simply meant that without increasing the number of fleets available, the firm could process a 25% increase in shipment volume.

    Real-time business intelligence dashboards revolutionized dispatch operations, reducing average delivery times by 10% and fuel consumption by 12%. These gains translated to an estimated $150,000 in annual savings. Bhavya also tackled one of the biggest challenges facing the trucking industry: driver retention. Predictable schedules and optimized routes based on driver feedback led to a decrease in turnover rates of 18%, saving more than $150,000 in recruitment and training costs while also stabilizing the workforce.

    Safety was another priority. Bhavya introduced telematics and data-driven driver behaviour tracking, leading to significant reduction in fleet accidents. This not only improved road safety but also resulted in $120,000 in savings through lower insurance premiums and repair costs.

    Lessons in Leading Change

    It was not just a matter of putting in new systems but how those systems were put in. Bhavya knew that resistance is often based on fear of the unknown, so He focused on clear communication. He made employees at all levels feel involved and invested in decisions.

    It ensured that each employee gains confidence in using the newly implemented systems. Bhavya also came up with a strategic plan of piloting key projects before rolling them out at an organizational level. He also brought change from skeptics to advocates through visible benefits early on.

    Future of Logistics

    Bhavya is looking forward to the future, and he sees logistics at a turning point. Emerging technologies like AI-driven route optimization, blockchain for supply chain transparency, and sustainable logistics initiatives will shape the future of the industry. As concerns around driver shortages and cybersecurity grow, it will be companies that prioritize adaptability that will thrive.

    One of the main insights he has is that technology drives efficiency, but people are at the core of logistics. So, engaging employees, encouraging continuous learning, and balancing automation with human expertise would be key to sustaining long-term success.

    A Call to Action for Industry Leaders

    Bhavya’s journey therefore presents the roadmap for logistics professionals in optimizing operations. Successful change thus requires a strategic approach, so technology adoption solves real challenges rather than solutions for its own sake. Employees must be engaged throughout this whole process because their buy-in would determine the success of the transformation.

    Change is never smooth, but here Bhavya’s story demonstrates that it results in exceptional outputs when the obstacle is crossed,” said Rohan. In logistics, adaptability is the only constant. Those committed to continuous improvement will shape the industry’s future.”

    Top 7 Best and Reliable Logistics for Your D2C Ecommerce Brand
    If you’re a D2C brand you know how important a reliable logistics service provider is. Here are the top 7 logistics for D2C.
    StartupTalkyArbaz Sayed

  • How Zero Trust Architecture is Transforming Cybersecurity in Aerospace and Critical Infrastructure

    As cyber threats continue to grow, Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) has become an important defence mechanism for securing critical infrastructure. Challenging the traditional perimeter-based security model, Zero Trust assumes that no user or device, whether inside or outside the network, can be trusted by default. This approach has gained significance in industries such as aerospace and avionics, where safeguarding sensitive data and operational systems is indispensable.

    One of the professionals making significant progress in this space is Anil Kumar Malipeddi, a recognized expert in Privileged Access Management (PAM) and Cybersecurity. His leadership in designing and implementing PAM systems has changed the way enterprises secure critical infrastructure and privileged accounts. Through these innovations, he has made operations more efficient, ensured regulatory requirements, and strengthened protection against unauthorized access.

    A key achievement is the successful integration of Zero Trust principles with PAM frameworks, which are crucial for continuous identity verification, least privilege enforcement, and real-time session monitoring. This combination has led to a 90% reduction in cases of unauthorized access in data centres and other operational environments. Additionally, by automating credential provisioning and leveraging cloud migration strategies, Mr. Malipeddi has streamlined access workflows, reducing provisioning times by 30% and significantly improving operational efficiency.

    His leadership has extended to the modernization of PAM infrastructure and support other IT applications modernization efforts. By migrating systems to hybrid and cloud environments, including platforms like AWS and Azure, he has not only improved scalability but also delivered significant cost savings—amounting to $1.2 million annually—by replacing expensive legacy systems with more cost-effective solutions. Furthermore, his work in ensuring compliance with various regulatory frameworks, such as PCI-DSS and HIPAA, has helped organizations improve audit readiness by 40%, significantly reducing compliance gaps.

    In addition to improving infrastructure security, his leadership has also made an impact in DevOps environments. By securing CI/CD pipelines with automated secrets management, the risk of credential exposure and human error, enhancing the overall security of the development process. He has also developed and implemented custom authentication modules for middleware applications, delivering secure, scalable solutions for highly complex systems.

    Moreover, the integration of Zero Trust principles in both IT and operational technology (OT) systems is expected to be a critical trend in the coming years. As industries shift to multi-cloud environments, Zero Trust frameworks will be key in securing changing workloads and temporary access credentials.

    Beyond practical implementation, Malipeddi is an active researcher, with published works including, “Numerical Analysis of Effects of Leading-Edge Protuberances on Aircraft Wing Performance”, “Securing the Skies: Implementing Zero-Trust in Aerospace Ecosystem”, “Custom Authentication and Authorization Module for Middleware Applications” among others.

    As organizations increasingly adopt multi-cloud environments, he emphasizes critical need for collaboration between IT, OT, and cybersecurity teams to effectively address the evolving threat landscape. As Zero Trust principles continues to gain momentum, its ability to mitigate insider threats, prevent unauthorized access, and ensure compliance will be critical for industries like aerospace and critical infrastructure. Looking ahead, the implementation of AI and machine learning in Zero Trust systems is poised to further enhanced threat detection and adaptive risk management, making Zero Trust an even more powerful tool in the cybersecurity arsenal.