Amidst the challenges of stringent environmental regulations, rising operational costs, and supply chain disruptions, the air conditioning and commercial refrigeration industry is witnessing a unique transformation. The transition to low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants, mandated by the Kigali Amendment and the AIM Act, is being addressed through innovative digital solutions. Suresh Iyer, CIO of Blue Star Limited, has been instrumental in this transformation. His implementation of IoT technology has connected over 600 remote customer sites across India, enabling real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance of installed units, thereby significantly reducing downtime and operational costs.
This initiative has reduced downtime and operational costs and significantly improved customer satisfaction. Furthermore, Iyer has leveraged advanced analytics and machine learning to optimise demand forecasting and lead management, enhancing Blue Star’s operational efficiency and resilience in a rapidly evolving market. His strategic approach has positioned Blue Star as a leader in the industry, showcasing the transformative power of digital innovation and inspiring others to follow suit.
Suresh Iyer, the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of Blue Star Limited, has been a key figure in the company’s digital transformation journey. With over 25 years of experience in the IT sector, Iyer has brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Blue Star, driving innovation and efficiency across the organisation.
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A Perfect Stage of Higher Endevours
Suresh’s journey in the IT sector began with his education at Mumbai University, where he earned a degree in Physics and a BSc in Computer Technology. His career took off at Mastek, where he sharpened his skills and gained valuable experience in various IT roles. This foundation set the stage for his future endeavours at Blue Star Limited, where he has been instrumental in leading the company’s IT initiatives, instilling confidence and reassurance about the company’s future.
Steering Blue Star Through Complexities
The air conditioning and commercial refrigeration industry, where Blue Star operates, faces several challenges, including the need for efficient customer service, reducing operational costs, and improving service delivery. One of the significant challenges Iyer addressed was the inefficiency in servicing remote customer sites. Traditionally, service engineers had to travel to these sites to diagnose and fix issues, which was time-consuming and costly. Suresh leveraged the Internet of Things (IoT) technology to connect over 600 customer sites across India to tackle this. This initiative allowed Blue Star to collect and monitor data from installed units remotely, enabling proactive maintenance and reducing downtime. This not only improved customer satisfaction but also significantly cut down on operational costs.
Leading Blue Star’s Remarkable Digital Transformation
Under Suresh’s leadership, Blue Star has undergone a remarkable digital transformation. He has spearheaded several initiatives to enhance the company’s digital capabilities, including implementing Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, cloud computing, mobility solutions, bots, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), machine learning, and analytics. These technologies have helped Blue Star streamline its operations, improve customer service, and stay ahead of the competition.
One of the standout projects led by Iyer was the development of a remote monitoring system for Blue Star’s chillers. This system not only improved the efficiency of service delivery but also provided valuable insights into the performance of the units, allowing for predictive maintenance. This proactive approach has been a game-changer for Blue Star, setting a new standard in the industry.
Milestones in the Journey
Throughout his career, Suresh has achieved numerous milestones that have impacted Blue Star and the broader IT industry. He has been instrumental in rebuilding Blue Star’s digital core, developing robust digital capabilities encompassing the entire ecosystem of products, customers, dealers, and suppliers. This comprehensive approach has enabled Blue Star to stay agile and responsive to market demands. His other milestone is the successful deployment of IoT solutions to connect remote customer sites, which has revolutionised Blue Star’s service delivery model. This initiative has improved customer satisfaction and set a benchmark for the industry.
Suresh has championed using design thinking and agile methodologies to realign Blue Star’s operations with rapidly changing requirements, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This approach has ensured business continuity and adaptability in the face of unprecedented challenges. Under Suresh’s leadership, Blue Star has also rolled out several innovative solutions, such as mobile-enabled remote control for VRF systems, sales force automation, and analytics-driven sales forecasting. These solutions have enhanced operational efficiency and provided a competitive edge.
The Power of Innovation & Leadership
Suresh’s contributions to Blue Star Limited have improved the company’s operational efficiency and set new industry standards. With a focus on leveraging cutting-edge technologies and a commitment to excellence, Iyer continues to inspire and lead by example. His achievements and accolades reflect his dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the IT sector.
