In 
PV Karunakara Rao derives inspiration from his team members. And that’s the motivating factor that propels him to go to work every day--the team gives him the flexibility and space to share his ideas.
He says, “I like the opportunity and liberty given to me in this role--to explore and innovate in my areas of interest. I must say I am very fortunate to work in such an energetic environment.”His IT journey took off right from his graduation days when the IT boom was in its nascent stages in India.
Early Days
He started as a programmer. He could foresee the immense opportunities in IT and his relevance to business. He says, “Initially, while I was designated Programmer, I could visualise the huge potential that IT could have in relation to business. I have always wanted to stay ahead in technology. My gut feel was that no other field could give me the exposure that IT could. I saw a future full of potential and unlimited creativity in this sector.”
Today, his gut feel has certainly paid dividends.At Archeon Group, he plays a critical role in the IT team. His role revolves around resolving core challenges and gradually bringing in technology, but in a phased manner He also plays an important role in implementing a step-by-step approach in setting up policies, data security, standardisation, ERP implementation, etc.
Prior to this role at Archean Group, he worked as Senior Manager--ICT at WinWind Power Energy. Emerging TechnologiesTo keep pace with rapidly changing IT, he ensures he takes care of the business demands and keeps abreast with the latest trends in the industry.
Keeping Abreast Emerging Technology
Rao says, “Emerging Technology is a challenge across companies. The cost is directly associated with the upgradation, migration and skill development within a company; the advantages are spelled out to the management and the management decides on the benefits.”
From the innovation perspective, his focus is on PPT (People, Process and Technology). Karunakara is also keen to provide awareness sessions to the staff, as he believes innovation can come in an all inclusive model. In this role, he has configured failovers and automated monitoring of networks.Initiatives in cost control such as a paperless office, VOIP phones, usage of social networking sites for business development were innovations that he brought in at Archean Group.Challenge
Biggest Challenge
The biggest challenge he faced in his career was change management.He explains, “Implementation of ERP was initiated; the management supported us, but the lack of manpower and lack of knowledge of ERP within the organisation delayed the kick-off for ERP implementation.”Archean follows traditional ways of providing awareness sessions to its staff. Rao brought in an approach where the staff could learn about emerging technologies.
“This simple implementation brought about remarkable awareness. Now, after regular educating on benefits of automation and business process, all departments got into ERP implementation and we succeed GO-Live,” says Rao.
Role Model
He does not look up to any role model in the field of IT, as he considers himself a combination of a thinker and an entrepreneur.
He asserts, “I have been provided with an opportunity to lead as a CIO. I run the business individually, with my present management using my knowledge on best processes, systems and IT automation tools.”Archean Group is growing and stabilising, and he believes this is the right time the IT team put in their efforts to strengthen and support business through the right technology wherever possible.
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