Interview With Mr. Harikumar P – CEO Travancore Analytics Inc

1)    Tell Us in Brief About Your Company and The Leadership.

We are a leading custom software development company specializing in niche technologies, including Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Embedded Systems, Internet of Things, Test Automation, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, E-commerce, GIS, Cloud, Mobility, Accessibility, and more. 

Our expertise caters to diverse industries such as Sports and Entertainment, Education and Training, Healthcare, and beyond, serving clients worldwide.

As a one-stop shop for end-to-end IT solutions, we offer comprehensive services ranging from design and development to ongoing support, empowering organizations of all sizes in their digital transformation journey.

Since 2007, I have been honored to serve as the CEO of Travancore Analytics (TA). My role involves spearheading TA’s initiatives to identify and implement functional solutions harnessing the transformative power of digitalization, Extended Reality, the Internet of Things, Cloud, Data Analytics, AI, and other cutting-edge technologies. 

Elevating the organization into an innovative and technological powerhouse, prioritizing top-notch solutions, and excellent customer orientation, remain a core focus of my work. Overseeing a talented team of over 300 employees, I take pride in ensuring a conducive and fulfilling work environment. 

Believing in the importance of a positive atmosphere to drive optimal performance, we foster creativity and support to inspire our teams’ best efforts.

2)    Please Tell us About Your Journey in The Corporate World So Far.

Fifteen years ago, the remarkable journey of Travancore Analytics began as a passion project, driven by the shared belief of three visionary engineers in the transformative power of technology and innovation. 

With unwavering determination, we laid the foundation for a company that would revolutionize the technology and services landscape, redefining the digital world with innovative approaches and exceptional services. 

Starting humbly with a team of six, we have flourished into a workforce of over 300 talented individuals. Our growth knows no bounds, extending our reach to serve more than 40 customers across nine countries.

We have evolved into a thriving technology hub from our roots in Industrial Automation, offering cutting-edge services and solutions in AR/VR, IoT, Embedded Systems, Test Automation, AI/ML, and beyond.

3)    Please Describe The Operational Structure of Your Company- From The Moment a Client Walks In, To The Product Deployment.

The operational structure of our company is designed to seamlessly guide clients from the moment they inquire about our products or services until the successful deployment of their desired solutions.

 Our dedicated sales and customer service team initially meets clients and conducts thorough needs assessments to understand their specific requirements. Based on their needs, our project team crafts detailed proposals, finalizes agreements, and collaborates on comprehensive project plans.

 During the execution phase, we prioritize quality assurance and client feedback, incorporating their valuable input to deliver a high-quality product or service. 

Following deployment, we offer post-deployment support and maintenance to ensure ongoing client satisfaction. Throughout this journey, we emphasize effective client relationship management, fostering lasting partnerships, and exceeding expectations.

4)  What Engagement Models Do You Offer? How Should a Client Choose?

We offer a range of engagement models tailored to meet diverse client needs. Our engagement models include fixed-price, time and materials, dedicated teams, and outcome-based approaches. 

The choice of the most suitable model depends on various factors, such as project complexity, scope, budget, and timeline. For well-defined projects with clear requirements, the fixed-price model provides cost predictability. 

The time and materials model suits projects with evolving needs, offering flexibility and transparency. The dedicated team model allows clients to assemble a specialized team for long-term projects.

 Outcome-based models are ideal for projects with specific goals and desired results. Our expert team collaborates closely with clients to assess their unique project requirements and recommends the most fitting engagement model, ensuring seamless execution and successful project outcomes.

5) Knowing What You Know Now, If You Had To Start Your Career AllOver Again, What Would You Do Differently?

I would attempt a career in academics placing particular emphasis on identifying and addressing the evolving needs of both the industry and society to foster progress. 

I believe in fostering a dynamic learning environment where students can actively engage in real-world industry experiences while simultaneously pursuing their academic courses. 

As education continues to evolve, the traditional concept of closed academic campuses might give way to more open and collaborative learning spaces that bridge the gap between academia and industry, preparing students to excel in the ever-changing professional landscape.

6) What is Your Outlook for 2023?

As a software service company, our outlook for 2023 is brimming with positivity and growth. We anticipate leveraging cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions to meet the evolving demands of the IT industry and our valued clients.

 Emphasizing sustainability and customer-centricity, we aim to forge lasting partnerships, delivering top-notch software services that drive mutual success.

 Our dedicated team remains committed to agility and adaptability, staying ahead of the curve and embracing opportunities for innovation.

 Driven by a profound dedication to innovation, an unwavering focus on delivering top-notch quality, and an unyielding commitment to customer satisfaction, we can achieve significant milestones and fortify our position as a trusted partner in the industry.

With a focus on excellence, customer satisfaction, and environmental responsibility, we are excited to seize the potential of the future and achieve significant milestones in the upcoming year.

7) Any Particular Technology or Industry You Would Be Targeting? How Do You Plan To Prepare Your Workforce For The Upcoming Technology Upgrade?

As a service company, we pride ourselves on delivering solutions tailored to our client’s unique requirements, encompassing a diverse range of technology offerings. However, given the prevailing technology trends, we are emphasizing specific areas more. Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) solutions, along with Embedded and IoT, and Low Code solutions, have become our focal points.

Our expertise in AR/VR is particularly geared towards training purposes, while in Embedded and IoT, we concentrate on firmware development and cloud-based solutions to address evolving industry demands. Rest assured, our commitment to delivering high-quality, client-centric solutions remains steadfast as we adapt to the dynamic technological landscape.

We emphasize continuous learning and training, providing regular workshops and courses to keep our employees updated on the latest technologies and industry trends. Conducting skill assessments and gap analysis, we identify areas for improvement and encourage cross-training to diversify skill sets.

Collaboration and knowledge sharing are fostered within the organization, while mentorship programs offer guidance from experienced professionals. Pilot projects and proof of concepts allow hands-on experience with emerging technologies, and external partnerships provide access to specialized knowledge.

Recognizing the importance of soft skills, we also prioritize adaptability, problem-solving, and effective communication. 

Engaging our workforce in decision-making and offering incentives ensures a smooth and successful transition, empowering our team to excel in a dynamic technological landscape.  

8) In Your Working Career So Far, Please Share With Us What Have Been Top 2 or 3 Accomplishments/Work Experience/Your Contributions To This Field.

With a rich experience of 15 years in the prestigious Indian Space Research Organization, I have gained invaluable insights into the importance of technical expertise and a relentless focus on quality in every endeavor. It fills me with pride that even after transitioning to TA, I have been able to continue contributing to the success of ISRO, which is a remarkable achievement for our team.

At TA, we have always been pioneers in mobility solutions, and our dedication paid off when our team’s board game app soared to the No. 1 position in the Appstore globally for three consecutive months in 2010, solidifying our position as trailblazers in the industry.

A significant milestone in our journey was when TA became a trusted technology partner to the broadcasting team of the Winter Olympics 2018, a testament to our company’s growth and capabilities.

However, beyond the tangible technological progress we made, what truly sets us apart is the formation of a passionate team of engineers, bound together by shared values in both work and life. This camaraderie has been the driving force behind our success and continues to inspire us as we embrace new challenges on the horizon. Together, we are poised to achieve even greater heights in our pursuit of excellence.

9) What Are Some Books, Websites, And Publications You Recommend for Upcoming Professionals In Your Industry?

My recommendation for upcoming professionals in our industry is to read books like “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries and “Clean Code” by Robert C. Martin

Visit websites like Stack Overflow and GitHub for knowledge-sharing and collaboration, and follow publications such as IEEE Spectrum and InfoQ to stay updated on industry trends and best practices.

These resources will help them develop valuable skills, gain insights, and keep abreast of the latest advancements, fostering their professional growth and success in the dynamic world of software development.