BANGALORE, INDIA: Gujarat Heavy chemicals Limited (GHCL), a leading global chemical and textile company has implemented gas based power generation and also wind based power generation plants thus driving the green revolutions in India. In an interview with Manu Sharma of CIOL Bureau, Chandan Sinha, CIO of GHCL revealed the green IT implementations drive and also the challenges ahead.

CIOL: What are the major challenges faced by a CIO?
Chandan Sinha: The foremost major challenge is retaining trained resources. It is very difficult and time consuming to fill up a vacancy for a position handling multitasks. The second challenge is to keep all the implemented Systems and Infrastructure running continuously and with optimum speed. The third is Information consolidation especially in our scenario where there is continuous organic and inorganic growth in the business. 

CIOL:  Does your organization link IT budget with the company's performance/growth? If yes please elaborate?
CS: Well, if there is growth in terms of initiating new business or adding new locations, then budgets are enhanced. However there is no direct link with reference to performance within an existing business. 

CIOL:  Can you cite any specific areas where IT has come up as an accomplishment in your stint as a CIO?
CS: Information Technology is now being looked at a business enhancer rather than just an enabler. With successful implementation of ERP's, B2B and B2C IT has assisted in increasing the revenues, in terms of reducing requirement of Working capital, decreasing the cycle time for sales realization and contributing to direct sales through B2C. 

CIOL: Going forward, what are the challenges that you foresee?
CS: We are enhancing our business by getting into new areas. Our challenges are rolling over systems to these new areas in shorter time spans and also consolidation of information incase of acquisitions. 

CIOL: How far have you come as regards adopting 'Green IT technologies'?
CS: At our plants, we have implemented gas-based power generation and also wind-based power generation. This does not only contribute to the environment but we are able to generate and utilize energy cost effectively. 

CIOL: What will be the IT budget for the new fiscal year/ What is the growth rate over last year?
CS: This is still being decided. 

CIOL: Name the top 5 items that you expect to spent on this fiscal year?
CS:  The top 5 items that the company will invest in the coming fiscal includes:
a) ERP rollover to other units
b) IT Infrastructure for new business locations which includes Networking and Security
c) Enhancing the scope of existing implemented systems

CIOL: Do you feel the amount allocated for IT is sufficient if yes why? If not why not? How much should you be spending?
CS: There is no constraint on this aspect in our organization. Every expense in IT is looked at on case-to-case basis and amounts are allocated based on its guenuieity and correlation with our business. 

CIOL: Has the prices of the IT products (hardware/software) been on the decline due to the current stronger rupee against the US dollar?
CS: Not really. 

CIOL: Since the rupee is growing stronger against the dollar, don't you thing it is the right time to purchase IT products both hardware/software?
CS: No. Purchase are made based on requirement and with IT products changing every moment its not prudent to stock with a perspective to price. 

CIOL: How big is the IT staff in your organization?
CS: Our team consists of 24 persons in total with a mix of on roll and outsourced.