VENKATESH BALAKRISHNAN

• Global Template Governance: Spearheaded the governance of SAP S/4HANA global templates, ensuring that all warehouse transformation processes adhered to standardized procedures across various regions. Led the initiative to establish best practices, which were instrumental in reducing inconsistencies and errors in system deployment. As part of COE.
• Business Requirements Gathering: Collaborated with business units to identify critical requirements for warehouse management transformations. Conducted detailed analysis sessions to map business needs to technical solutions, ensuring alignment with the company's strategic objectives.
• Solution Design and Validation: Partnered with key stakeholders to design and validate Integrated Management (IM), Warehouse Management (WM), and Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) solutions within the SAP S/4HANA framework. Developed prototyping strategies to facilitate user acceptance testing, resulting in a 25% reduction in deployment time.
• Implementation and Enhancement: Led the implementation of new enhancements across global operations, focusing on streamlining processes and increasing system efficiency. Worked closely with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth transitions, minimizing operational disruptions.
• Stakeholder Communication: Maintained regular communication with stakeholders, providing updates on project progress and addressing any issues or concerns. Facilitated workshops and training sessions to ensure end-users were well-prepared for system changes.
• Performance Monitoring: Established key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor the effectiveness of implemented solutions. Regularly analyzed system performance data, identifying areas for further improvement and optimization.
• Project Cost & Vendor Management: Oversee project cost estimation, vendor coordination, and delivery from proposal to completion, ensuring alignment with business needs and stakeholder communication. Negotiate costs, finalize estimates, and manage governance to ensure successful project outcomes.

Nikai is evolved into diversified Business Group that has business interests across Globe in: Electronics & Appliances, General Trading, FMCG, 3PL, Consulting & Outsourcing Division.

• SAP S/4HANA Implementation: Played a pivotal role in implementation of SAP S/4HANA 2020, focusing on Materials Management (MM) and Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) modules. Led core team responsible for project management, system support, and continuous enhancement. Successfully reduced system downtime by 30% through proactive monitoring and issue resolution.
• IT Applications Support: Provided comprehensive support for a range of IT applications, including SAP S/4HANA, ORION ERP, Aware Warehouse Management System, and Mobile Salesforce Application. Implemented a robust support structure that improved response times and increased user satisfaction by 40%.
• Vendor Management: Managed relationships with key IT vendors, negotiating contracts for software, hardware, and support services. Achieved a 15% cost reduction by renegotiating service agreements and consolidating vendor portfolios.
• Project Management: Directed numerous IT projects from initiation through to completion, ensuring projects were delivered on time and within budget. Introduced Agile methodologies to team, improving project delivery speed and adaptability to changing requirements.
• Process Improvement: Led initiatives to optimize business processes, identifying opportunities to streamline operations and reduce manual workloads. Implemented automation solutions that resulted in 20% increase in operational efficiency.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Worked closely with business heads and functional users to identify system enhancements and align IT solutions with business goals. Conducted regular reviews with stakeholders to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Budget Management: Oversaw IT budget, ensuring cost-effective allocation of resources. Implemented financial controls that reduced unnecessary expenditures by 10% without compromising service quality.
• Security & Compliance: Strengthened IT security measures, including the implementation of disaster recovery plans and backup management protocols. Ensured compliance with industry standards and best practices across all IT operations.
• Training and Mentorship: Provided training and support to end-users, enhancing their proficiency in new systems and processes. Mentored junior IT staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.

Achievements:

• Awarded Best Employee multiple times (2010, 2012, 2015, 2018) for outstanding contributions to IT operations and project success.
• Recognized for successful implementation and support of Sales Force Automation, SAP S/4HANA, and other key IT and infrastructure projects.

• User Support & System Maintenance: Provided comprehensive IT support across three sites, ensuring high system uptime and reliable LAN/WAN operations.
• Infrastructure Management: Managed IT infrastructure, minimizing downtime through effective maintenance and disaster recovery strategies.
• IT Budgeting: Conducted budget analysis to optimize resource allocation and reduce IT expenditures.
• Client Interaction: Enhanced client satisfaction by implementing tailored IT solutions based on feedback.
• Staff Training: Developed and executed training programs, ensuring team competency and readiness.

• Training & Service Management: Managed corporate and individual training programs, ensuring consistent service delivery.
• Proposal & Tender Management: Led RFQ and tender processes, securing key contracts and improving efficiency.
• Operational Oversight: Improved resource allocation and stakeholder communication through strategic planning.
• Client & Vendor Relations: Negotiated favorable terms with vendors and managed inventory for operational continuity.