Haraprasad Panda
With a strong record of contributions in streamlining operations, stimulating businesses, heightening productivity and improving systems and procedures in FM and general administration, Panda’s range of experiences include P&L responsibility across functions and geographies, turnaround and rapid change environments. He also serves as an honorary board member on the board of iNFHRA, and has displayed his core skillset that includes driving operations, channel management, client focus, strategic planning, business development, acquisition and integration.
The amalgamation of the company in 2014 led to the demand for increased seat requirements at multiple facilities across Hyderabad. Accordingly, it was decided to scale up the capacity and new office was made operational on January 26 of the following year, a record time. “My role was to identify a new office site, shortlist the best option nearest to the present facility and at a competitive cost. I managed to keep check on budgets, further involved in planning and execution of interior design. We created a workspace that would integrate the brand identity and serve as a benchmark for other offices across India. Additionally, we implemented the transportation software solution, after which the overall operation efficiency increased as desired. Considering its efficiency in tracking vehicles, it also offers employees convenience and safety. Plus, the newly introduced Integrated BMS solution added to operation efficiency. Real-time monitoring of building operation and performance, integration with other building services and greater load-based control strategies resulted in energy optimisation and reduced operational costs.”
With the many challenges that plague the FM industry, Panda emphasises on the few that mainly curtailing its growth today. He says that: “While there are knowledge sharing platforms being created as a stop gap arrangement, there is a shortage of talent in this segment, due to lack of proper knowledge centres or universities that provide FM courses. Secondly, cost optimisation without impacting customer experience holds tremendous potential and, sometimes, we cannot see the obvious items that will allow us to be more efficient and effective. Finally, making changes without having enough reliable data is a concern. It is vital to capture reliable data, developing or purchasing a system that can track this kind of data.”
