January 2025, Issue 03
WELCOME
 We’re thrilled to bring you the third edition of the IT newsletter, your go-to source for
 the latest trends, innovations, and insights from the world of IT. As technology
 continues to evolve at a rapid pace, staying ahead of the curve is more important
 than ever. This edition will throw light on how technology is driving positive change in
 the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of Vishwa Samudra.
 We believe that tech should not only drive business success but also contribute to          Mr. Santosh Kapu
 societal well-being. Join us as we explore inspiring stories, latest trends, and ways to    Sr. VP - IT & PMO
 integrate technology for a purpose-driven future.
  Here’s what is inside the issue
      Leader Speak: Message on digital transformation from Vice Chairman Ms. Priyadarshini Chinta
      Tech Transformation Journey - Snapshot on the findings of digital transformation
      Project Updates: Stay informed about critical project updates, timelines, and achievements
      Project in Spotlight: Brief on adoption of Microsoft ecosystem in Nandha Gokulam School
      Tech Buzz: Transformative Power of Blockchain Technology
      Team Events: Know more about the latest team event in VS IT
        LEADER SPEAK
                                     At the heart of the Vishwa Samudra digital transformation lies our people,
                                     processes, and purpose. As we embrace this journey, our focus extends
                                     beyond technology adoption to building smarter administration, stronger
                                     infrastructure, and a sustainable future.
                                     By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, we are enhancing
                                     administrative efficiency, ensuring seamless operations, and creating an
                                     agile work environment. Our investments in next-generation technology
                                     like new HRMS, SAP ERP and VS Tech tools are focused to optimize
     Ms. Priyadarshini Chinta        travel and expense, asset management, finance and improve office
        Vice chairperson
                                     administrative services
Sustainability remains at the heart of our transformation, and we are leveraging technology to minimize our
environmental footprint. Our commitment to responsible business practice and bringing meaningful social
impact through digital inclusion is stronger than ever, as we harness EdTech, healthcare solutions, and smart
connectivity to uplift communities.
As we move forward, our vision is to build an organization that is more efficient, more responsible, and
more sustainable. Together, let’s embrace this transformation and create a lasting impact.
                                                                                                          01/11
      VS TECH TRANSFORMATION JOURNEY
As part of its commitment to long-term growth and operational excellence, Vishwa
Samudra has been systematically advancing its digital transformation journey. The
                                                                                             VS 2.0 Launch
organization is embracing technology-driven solutions to enhance business
efficiency, improve stakeholder experiences, and build a future-ready enterprise.
While ensuring a balanced and risk-mitigated approach, the company is making
                                                                                              Discovery
significant progress in key areas of digital enablement.
In the tech transformation journey column, we provide a comprehensive                      Design & Solutions
update on the progress we’ve made so far. It highlights the initiatives
we’ve launched, the technologies we’ve implemented, and the cultural
shifts we’re fostering to ensure a seamless integration of digital tools and
                                                                                               Planning
practices. Along the way, we’ve navigated challenges, learned valuable
lessons, and celebrated significant milestones.
                                                                                            Implementation
Here are they key highlights of milestone achieved in Jan’25 -                                  We are here
                                                                  SAP Project kick off announced
                                                                  Business Requirement and Data
                                                                  collection initiated
                                                                  Data Lake phase 1 – project finance
                                                                  and inventory data integration
                                                                  completed
                                                                  Established network connectivity
                                                                  between VS HO and MO offices
                                                                  reducing remote VPN license from
                                                                  600 to 400
As the transformation journey progresses, the organization remains focused on leveraging technology to
drive long-term business growth, enhance operational resilience, and create lasting value for its stakeholders.
                                                                                                          02/11
  IT PROJECT SNAPSHOT
   Projects
                                             Progress in brief
(In Progress)
                     Status: SAP kickoff announced, requirement detailing in progress. Data lake
 VS 2.0 Program      integration in progress. Data architecture design in progress
                     Next Steps: Data Architecture design - Feb’25
                     Status: Project Kickoff announced, As-Is business process study completed.
                     Org. structure design and requirement detailing in progress.
    New ERP
                     Next Steps: Finalize Org. structure, Begin data collection and Blue print
                     draft_Feb’25
                     Status:
                         HRMS employee data completed
                         Fuelz App - Live tracking data integration completed
                         Finance dashboard: Project wise finance data integration completed (5
                         files)
   Data Lake
                         Project Dashboard: Project progress and inventory data integration
                         completed ( 5 files)
                     Next Steps: HRMS - Org. master, travel, expense and attendance data
                     integration in progress, Fuelz - historical and exception alarm data
                     integration in progress, Other VS Tech API design_Feb’25 onwards
                     1) Voice: Employee Assist App
                      Status: Live for HO users in IT and Admin users. Apple account enablement
VS Ancillary Tools
                     of iOS users and org. wide implementation in progress.
                      Next step : Rollout for all HO users_Feb’25
                     1) Voice: Employee Assist App
                      Status: Live for HO users in IT and Admin users. Apple account enablement
VS Ancillary Tools
                     of iOS users and org. wide implementation in progress.
                      Next step : Rollout for all HO users_Feb’25
                     Status: BOQ finalized for School external peripheral CCTV installation and
                     conference room setup
      NGLS
                     Next step : Budget approval, Project planning and begin Implementation in
                     Feb’25
                                                                                          03/11
                  Status:
                      Project finance dashboard development completed, rollout plan Feb’25
                      with integration with data lake
  Project BI          Project vendor dashboard design discussion in progress
                  Next Steps:
                      Project level finance dashboard rollout _Feb’25
                      Project level vendor dashboard design_Mar’25
                  Status:
                  IT Assets: Centralized Asset inventory created, Total 3680+ IT Assets ( HO,
                  MO and Sites). Asset labelling completed (3400+) - 94%+
   Asset          Non-IT Assets: Asset inventory preparation in progress
Management        Next Steps:
                  IT Assets: New and existing IT Asset labelling _Feb’25
                  Non-IT Assets: Finalize plan for Asset Inventory management and
                  labeling/Mar’25
  Projects
                                           Progress in brief
   (LIVE)
                  Status:
                  Information security application rolled out -
                  1) Email Security
                  2) Vulnerability Management
  Information
                  3) End point security
    Security      4) Firewall ( HO, MO and Sites)
                  5) Log Analysis Tool ( SIEM)
                  Next Steps: VAPT of Tech Tools, Website Security Audit and
                  Implementation of MDM & DLP
                  Status: Helpdesk tool rolled out, currently managing Avg. 400+ tickets a
  IT Helpdesk     month for IT Infra and application support
                  Next Steps: Train users for IT compliance monitoring
                  Status: Migration of all Tech Tools into a single VSG Azure Cloud Accounts
Cloud Migration
                  (7 Tech Tools) completed
                  Status: Helpdesk tool rolled out, currently managing Avg. 400+ tickets a
  IT Helpdesk     month for IT Infra and application support
                  Next Steps: Train users for IT compliance monitoring
                                                                                       04/11
                    Status:
                    Information security application rolled out -
                    1) Email Security
                    2) Vulnerability Management
  Information
                    3) End point security
    Security        4) Firewall ( HO, MO and Sites)
                    5) Log Analysis Tool ( SIEM)
                    Next Steps: Plan for Implementation of Log Analysis, MDM & plan for DLP
                    app
                    Status: Migration of all Tech Tools into a single VSG Azure Cloud Accounts
Cloud Migration
                    (7 Tech Tools) completed
                    Status: Finance dashboard is live, project dashboard design is ready,
                    data preparation in progress
   Finance BI       Next Steps: Integration of manual finance data file in data lake and
                    automate data upload and validation in Azure container, automate Rollout
                    project dashboard_Q4'24
                    Status: AD Integration completed for end users ( 780+ users completed).
    AD-Azure        Common Id integration completed ( 250+ common ids)
Integration (SSO)   App based multi-factor authentication migration completed for 300+ users
                    Next Steps: Complete App based multi-factor authentication_Feb/Mar’25
                    Status: Network connectivity established between HO and MO using IPSEC
    IT Infra
                    VPN
 Enhancement        Next Steps: Train users for IT compliance monitoring
                    Status:
                    Core Modules - Live for VSH, VSE ( Hyd and Mum), SSSPL, SPCLPL,
                    Ecolastic, KPPSPL , VS Bio, Hampi Foods with total 4,400+ employees
    VS HRMS         Payroll - VSE ( Hyd and Mum), SSSPL, SPCPLPL, Ecolastic, KPPSPL , VS Bio,
                    Ecolastic. Hampi Food - UAT in progress
                    Next Steps: Payroll rollout for Hampi Food, PMS & LMS rollout for all
                    Entities_Feb’25
                                                                                         05/11
                        1) Fuelz: Fuel sensor and GPS based vehicle and equipment fuel
                        consumption & performance tracking
                         Status: Fuel sensor and tool implementation completed for 95% of owned
                         vehicle and equipment
                         Next Steps: Complete installation for owned vehicle, plan installation for
VS Ancillary Tools
                         hired vehicle
                        2) Wheelz: OBD based vehicle tracking and fleet management device
                        Status: Live for HO and Mumbai Office vehicles
                        Next Steps : Implementation for site vehicles_Q4'24
       UPCOMING PROJECTS
      Document Management System: Folder mapping for document storage of contract,
      design and project documents, document templates for MEMO, letters etc, workflow for
      document generation and approval, Integration with ERP
      NG Wellness Centre: IT infra setup for NG Wellness center
      CCTV Installation ( PAN India) : CCTV use case requirement mapping and
      standardization of CCTV Infrastructure across VS office and Sites
      Intelligent Comand Centre: AI based central command centre to integrate CCTV, VS
      Applications and BI and implement centralized monitoring process
      Disaster Recovery Setup to Business Continuity Plan (BCP).
      ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for VSE IT
                                                                                              06/11
        PROJECT IN SPOTLIGHT
                                   “The young minds of today are the leaders of tomorrow. Digital
                                   transformation in education is not just about technology—it’s
                                   about unlocking endless possibilities for learning, creativity and
           Nisha Bhakar            growth. Let’s empower every child with the tools to dream
          CEO - Education          bigger, learn smarter, and shape the future”
          Vishwa Samudra
              Holdings
Embracing Microsoft 365 at Nandha Gokulam Life School
NGLS has taken the Microsoft Academic Licenses,
a secure platform for schools where it acts as a
tool that helps teachers and students collaborate,
organize, and access content. Word, Excel,
PowerPoint, OneNote, Teams & Copilot chats
with additional AI - based tools for learning and
teaching are available on this platform.
Microsoft accelerates learning for teachers and
students. Students can practice and receive
feedback in subjects like Math and Reading. It is a
secure IT platform that prepares students for the
future and improves efficiency.
How Microsoft is empowering schools
Microsoft 365 empowers schools with AI-driven tools like Copilot, Teams, and OneDrive, enhancing teaching
and learning efficiency. Educators can create content, track progress, and collaborate seamlessly, while
students develop digital skills for the future. With free student inclusion, Microsoft 365 is transforming
education!
                   OneDrive                   Teams                 Teams                  OneNote
     PowerPoint               SharePoint                Copilot                  Word
                                                                                                   07/11
Nandha Gokulam Life School (NGLS) has integrated Microsoft
365 to enhance education with AI-driven tools like Copilot,
Teams, and OneDrive. Teachers can create engaging lessons,
manage classrooms, and collaborate seamlessly, while
students benefit from digital learning and real-time feedback.
This initiative prepares students for a tech-driven future!
  Onboarding NGLS on Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 is a very popular platform used by schools as it provides the following
support -
   Collaboration Tools: OneDrive, SharePoint
   AI-powered Features: Copilot: Helps to Create content in all subjects that teachers can use
   Teams: Communication through video conferencing, notes and assignments for online teaching-
   learning mode
   Word: Edits Spelling, grammar, document creation.
   Excel: Analyses and displays data with ease
Teachers can set up classes and track students’ progress, MS Word is used at NGLS to design learning material,
and MS PowerPoint for presentation or conduct classes. Students develop proficiency in apps like Word and
can submit assignments online
The MS Excel is used to compile school data, both students and staff. It also helps compile and share the data
on cloud for ready reference and use.
                                                                                                       08/11
          TECH BUZZ
                                           The Transformative Power of Blockchain Technology
                                     Blockchain technology has emerged as a revolutionary force, reshaping
                                      industries by providing transparency, security, and decentralization. Its
                                     unique structure allows for the creation of immutable records, making it
                                         an ideal solution for various applications beyond cryptocurrency.
  What is Blockchain?
  At its core, blockchain is a type of distributed ledger technology (DLT) that securely records transactions
  across multiple computers. This decentralized approach ensures that no single entity has control over the
  entire database, making it resistant to fraud and tampering. Each transaction is grouped into a block,
  which is then linked to previous blocks, forming a chain—hence the name blockchain
  How Blockchain Works?
Tokenization using blockchain technology
Tokenization using blockchain technology is revolutionizing the way we manage and trade assets by converting
physical and digital assets into digital tokens. This process enhances liquidity, security, and accessibility across
various markets.
Identifying Assets – Physical assets such as real estate, diamonds, and raw materials (copper ore) are selected
for tokenization.
Ownership Certification – A digital certificate of ownership is created to verify that the asset is genuine and
belongs to a specific owner.
                                                                                                           09/11
Blockchain Integration – The ownership certificate is recorded on a blockchain, ensuring transparency, security,
and immutability.
Asset-backed Tokens – The assets are converted into fungible (tradable like currency) or non-fungible
tokens (NFTs) (unique digital assets) on the blockchain.
Trading & Investment – These tokens can now be traded, sold, or used as investments, allowing
fractional ownership and increasing liquidity.
Illustration of Asset Tokenization
               Property
                                                                    Blockchain
               Diamond                    Ownership Certificate                      Asset-backed Fungible and
                                                                                       Non - Fungible Tokens
                                                                  Web/App Platform
              Copper Ore
                                                                                                                 10/11
       Team Event
Round of Applause!
             “Demonstrated excellent teamwork                   Effective Vendor Management ,
             and project coordination skills for                timely vendor cost evaluation for
             SAP project, effectively managed                   various IT operations requirement ,
             logistics requirement of Deloitte                  timely bill submission and
             team at HO in coordination with                    coordination with finance for
  Y Rakesh   Travel and Admin team.                             vendor payments
                                                   Kishore.KV
Celebrating birthdays in January’25
                                Yateesh D
      Quote Unquote
             "Technology, when used with purpose, becomes a powerful force for
                         positive change and limitless possibilities”
                                                                                              11/11