Cxo of the week: Sameer Kulkarni, CIO, Core Integra

Core Integra, established in the Year 2009, is a regulatory technology company transforming Compliance. Its solution Ctrl F helps Corporate India stay on the right side of the law with a real-time environment that is trusted by over 500 entities and 7000 enterprise users in 24 industries. Ctrl F offers an ERP-based software tool to help stakeholders comply with Indian labor laws. The multi-tenant, cloud-based, web-based, and mobile Compliance SAAS solution keeps track of all compliances and has recently added advanced workflows using Robotic Process Automation (RPA) for automating labor Compliance.

Recently we have engaged in an interview with Sameer Kulkarni, CIO, Core Integra. He spoke about his platform Ctrl F's functionality and its role in streamlining compliance procedures for business operations and what are the plans for future expansion and much more.

Introduction.

Sameer is a seasoned technocraft having more than two decades of experience across the industry and domain. He specializes in IT infra management, Product development & delivery, Transformation consulting, Robotic Process Automation, Account Management, and IT strategy.

His exposure to enabling business through technology across Manufacturing, Banking, Aviation, and Professional Services has ensured Companies remain on the technology edge. He has worked across geographies such as Australia, Singapore, the USA, Canada, the UK, Sri Lanka, and India.

Sameer is currently responsible for driving the strategic initiatives of Core Integra in the areas of HR Tech and Reg Tech with its existing product spectrum and diversifying into synergized products over the next few years.

Could you provide information about your platform's (Ctrl F) functionality and its role in streamlining compliance procedures for businesses?

The platform brings technology-based governance, risk, and compliance solutions to organizations, from large corporates to start-ups. The platform services across the industry verticals through disruptive technology solutions. The platform also includes automated statutory compliance management, risk management, regulatory Compliance and audit software that optimizes business performance. In addition, the platform offers a comprehensive library of all Laws and Acts in India with an easy search mechanism.

How does your platform differ from other compliance software solutions currently accessible in the market?

Ctrl F easily tracks the ever–changing environment of labour compliances. Ctrl F brings a centralized Compliance monitoring framework with a complete checklist of all applicable central, state and industry-specific laws. The SaaS-based plug-and-play tool gives free access to 40,000 pages of the Indian labour laws; 1000+ Laws and Acts, 10,000+ compliances, 20000+ legal updates, 1000+ bi-lingual formats and more. Being an integrated governance, risk and Compliance software, it manages contracts, litigation, secretarial risks, controls and audits. The software also tracks policies, procedures, SOPs etc. With automated alerts and triggers supporting the comprehensive dashboards and reports, the intuitive and easy-to-use modern design & interface is designed for an enhanced visual experience. 

How does your system manage sensitive information, ensuring both data privacy and security?

Ctrl F is ISO 27001, ISO 9001, and Cert-in VAPT certified. We use the AES encryption standard with all data stored in Indian geography with restricted login architecture and SSL encryption. Our servers are hosted on data centers with defined security standards and compliance certifications with off-site cold backup, near-site DR, and multi DC server based DR.

What, as per you, are the five important things that Core Integra should be looking at today?

Being continually updated on the ever-changing landscape of compliances in India, educating the industry and its participants on the importance and ease of compliance adherence, aligned with the Government's initiatives in compliance digitalization, automation, and digitalization of Ctrl F with possibilities of integration with Government platforms as and when it permitted, last but not the least, be a one-stop compliance solution provider in the market.

How do you ensure you're well-informed about the most recent industry trends and how do you integrate them into your platform?

We have a strong research and operations team which is well-networked in the industry. This team is responsible for real-time updates of Ctrl F.

What plans do you have for the future development of your platform? Are there any upcoming new features or functionalities?

There is a slew of enhancements and new modules planned in the roadmap till March 2025. Most of the enhancements are towards new features, revamping older modules, and improved UI/UX. We are also introducing embedded tools in Ctrl F using Robotic Process Automation and Artificial Intelligence solutions. The journey over the next 12-18 months is highly exciting for us and am sure the Clients will be overjoyed with the new releases which happen in every quarter.