hero honda mis

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TERM PAPER

OF

INFORMATION

MANAGEMENT

IN BUSINESS

ON

HERO

HERO HONDA MOT

HONDA MOTOR

OR

LIMITED’S INFORMATION

MANAGEMENT

DEP

DEPARTMENT OF

ARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMI

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

NISTRATION

UNIVERSITY OF LUCKNOW

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I express my profound sense of gratitude to my faculty

guide

guide Mr

Mr Sa

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, fa

facu

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of

Business Administration, University of Lucknow, and my teacher

of

of ‘I

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nt in

in Bu

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guidance throughout this term paper. I would also like to

guidance throughout this term paper. I would also like to thank him

thank him

for giving such a topic for term paper which helped me to develop

a practical insight of whatever I had learnt in the class.

I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to my

family members and my friends, who extended all kinds of

co-operation to me throughout the course of this work.

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Introduction---4

2.

Pre SAP Scenario---5

3.

The IT Infrastructure---6

4. 4. Enter

Enterprise Applicat

prise Application---

ion---

---

---7

5.

Supplier & Customer Relationship Managem

Supplier & Customer Relationship Management---

ent---9

---9

6. 6. eHR

eHR Impl

Implement

ementation

ation---

---

---1

---11

1

7. 7. Inform

Informatio

ation & IT

n & IT securi

security manag

ty management

ement---

---

---1

---12

2

8.

Benefits to HHML---20

9.

Bottlenecks---22

10.

Snapshots of IT setupat HHML---23

11. 11.

Summary---24

12. 12.

Bibliography---25

INTRODUCTION

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One of the biggest success stories in the Indian two wheeler segment, Hero Honda is a One of the biggest success stories in the Indian two wheeler segment, Hero Honda is a household name today. What’

household name today. What’s not so well ks not so well known is the fact that the nown is the fact that the company hascompany has successfully used IT to help it reach the top.

successfully used IT to help it reach the top.

What started out as a Joint Venture between Hero Group and the Honda What started out as a Joint Venture between Hero Group and the Honda Mot

Motor or ComCompanpany y of of JaJapanpan, , has has todtoday ay becbecome ome the the worworld’ld’s s sisinglngle e lalargrgest est two two--whe

wheeleeler r ComCompanpanyy. . ComComing ing intinto o exiexistestence nce on on JanJanuaruary y 19, 19, 1981984, 4, HerHero o HonHondada Motors Limited (HHML) gave India nothing less than a

Motors Limited (HHML) gave India nothing less than a revolution on two-wheels,revolution on two-wheels, made even more famous by the ‘Fill it - Shut it - Forget it ‘campaign. Driven by made even more famous by the ‘Fill it - Shut it - Forget it ‘campaign. Driven by the

the trutrust st of of oveover r 5 5 milmilliolion n cuscustomtomersers, , the Hero the Hero HonHonda da proproducduct t ranrange ge todtodayay commands a market share of 48% making it a veritable giant in the industry. Add commands a market share of 48% making it a veritable giant in the industry. Add technological excellence, an expansive dealer network, and reliable after sales technological excellence, an expansive dealer network, and reliable after sales ser

servicvice e to to thathat t and we and we havhave e one of one of ththe e mosmost t cuscustomtomer- friener- friendly compadly companienies.s. Customer satisfaction, a high quality product, coupled with the strength of Honda Customer satisfaction, a high quality product, coupled with the strength of Honda technology and the Hero

technology and the Hero group’group’s dynamism has helped s dynamism has helped HHML scaHHML scale new frontiersle new frontiers and exceeds limits.

and exceeds limits.

For New Delhi–based Hero Honda, success has brought significant For New Delhi–based Hero Honda, success has brought significant rewards – and some daunting challenges. The company, established in 1985 as a rewards – and some daunting challenges. The company, established in 1985 as a joint venture between Hero Group of India and Honda of Japan, holds a 50% joint venture between Hero Group of India and Honda of Japan, holds a 50% market share in India and has grown to become the world’s largest two-wheeler market share in India and has grown to become the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer. In the last six years Hero Honda’s sales volume grew by 400%, and manufacturer. In the last six years Hero Honda’s sales volume grew by 400%, and thi

this s yeyear ar ththe e comcompanpany y expexpectects s to to mamanufnufactacture ure and sell and sell mormore e thathan n 3 3 milmilliolionn motorcycles. It’s no wonder that Hero Honda has won accolades in the New Delhi motorcycles. It’s no wonder that Hero Honda has won accolades in the New Delhi business press. In fact, in 2001 Hero Honda’s chairman Brijmohan Lall Munjal business press. In fact, in 2001 Hero Honda’s chairman Brijmohan Lall Munjal received the “Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year” award for India, and in received the “Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year” award for India, and in 2005 he was presented with the “Padma Bhushan,” a prestigious award from the 2005 he was presented with the “Padma Bhushan,” a prestigious award from the Indian government. But growth has brought unique challenges, too. Hero Honda Indian government. But growth has brought unique challenges, too. Hero Honda now supplies motorcycles through more than 500 dealers and 700 service points, now supplies motorcycles through more than 500 dealers and 700 service points, institutions, and overseas customers. In addition, the company calls on more than institutions, and overseas customers. In addition, the company calls on more than 240 suppliers for its parts and subassemblies. The challenge for Hero Honda: cut 240 suppliers for its parts and subassemblies. The challenge for Hero Honda: cut time and waste out of its supply chain and

time and waste out of its supply chain and add more flexibility in meeting the fast-add more flexibility in meeting the fast-changing dynamics of the modern market in India

changing dynamics of the modern market in India Hero Honda is a leader in the two

Hero Honda is a leader in the two wheeler segment in the countrywheeler segment in the country, and even claims, and even claims to be the world’s largest two wheeler company in its advertising. To reach the

to be the world’s largest two wheeler company in its advertising. To reach the heights that it has,

heights that it has, Hero Honda has successfully leveraged the IT advantage,Hero Honda has successfully leveraged the IT advantage, especially in recent times

especially in recent times..

PRE SAP SCENARIO

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The company has a highly efficient and reliable network today. But till 1998 Hero The company has a highly efficient and reliable network today. But till 1998 Hero Honda depended on legacy systems, which had a high failure rate. The set up was Honda depended on legacy systems, which had a high failure rate. The set up was not in a position to cater to the expansion that Hero Honda went through and was not in a position to cater to the expansion that Hero Honda went through and was not suitably updated. Because it was obsolete, the management decided to revamp not suitably updated. Because it was obsolete, the management decided to revamp the entire IT set up according

the entire IT set up according to S R to S R BalasubramaniBalasubramanian, vice president, Informationan, vice president, Information Systems, Hero Honda Motors. HHML had legacy systems working on different Systems, Hero Honda Motors. HHML had legacy systems working on different platforms, which were developed in-house and tailor-made to their method of platforms, which were developed in-house and tailor-made to their method of

wor

workinking. g. SinSince ce the the leglegacacy y sysystestems ms tootook k carcare e of of datdata a proprocecessissing, ng, onlonly y somsomee operational reports got generated by the system. Real MIS resided on Excel sheets operational reports got generated by the system. Real MIS resided on Excel sheets along with different kinds of analysis. Information, therefore, was fragmented and along with different kinds of analysis. Information, therefore, was fragmented and the authenticity was questionable. Over a period of time, the systems underwent the authenticity was questionable. Over a period of time, the systems underwent changes and represented a

changes and represented a patchwork of several additions and patchwork of several additions and modifications. Theymodifications. They wer

were e looloosesely ly intintegregrateated d acracross oss funfunctictionaonal l areareas. as. TheThere re wawas s dupdupliclicatiation on andand inf

informormatiation on incinconsonsisistentency cy as as haphappenpens s witwith h mosmost t leglegacacy y appappliclicatiationsons. . It It wawass therefore important to migrate from this platform to something more stable and therefore important to migrate from this platform to something more stable and futuristic.

futuristic.

MOTIVATION FOR CHANGE

At that point of time the management perception about IT was also changing and At that point of time the management perception about IT was also changing and th

they ey dedecicideded d IT IT wowoululd d be be papart rt anand d paparcrcel el of of HeHero ro HoHondnda. a. ThThis is hehelplped ed inin modernising the information systems at

modernising the information systems at the companythe company. Apart from this, competition. Apart from this, competition in business and deployment of bandwidth hungry applications forced the company in business and deployment of bandwidth hungry applications forced the company to migrate from a slower legacy network to the new faster and more reliable to migrate from a slower legacy network to the new faster and more reliable network. The management’s vision was to align IT with business. IT was to be network. The management’s vision was to align IT with business. IT was to be us

used ed as as a a ststraratetegigic c bubusisineness ss totool ol rarathther er ththan an fofor r a a lilimimiteted d pupurprposose e of of dadatata pr

proceocessissing. An ng. An infinformormatiation on sysystestems ms plaplan n was was dradrawn wn up, up, whiwhich ch besbesideides s othother er things, stated that the organisation would go for common systems across the things, stated that the organisation would go for common systems across the organisation. It would also achieve integration between all systems; emphasis organisation. It would also achieve integration between all systems; emphasis would be on improving

would be on improving business processesbusiness processes, to adopt best practices and , to adopt best practices and to cover theto cover the entire supply chain. HHML wanted to consider only state-of-the-art systems and entire supply chain. HHML wanted to consider only state-of-the-art systems and one which had a clear road map for the future including conduct of business over one which had a clear road map for the future including conduct of business over the net. Tired of in-house developed systems, they wanted a standard solution and the net. Tired of in-house developed systems, they wanted a standard solution and in particular, an ERP. Their idea was to partner with a technology vendor capable in particular, an ERP. Their idea was to partner with a technology vendor capable of taking them

of taking them forward as the business expectations increaseforward as the business expectations increase..

THE IT INFRASTRUCTURE

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The IT infrastructure of the company is connected over three major Local Area The IT infrastructure of the company is connected over three major Local Area Networks (LANs). These connect the corporate office in New Delhi with two Networks (LANs). These connect the corporate office in New Delhi with two manufacturing plants (Gurgaon and Dharuhera), and other zonal and marketing manufacturing plants (Gurgaon and Dharuhera), and other zonal and marketing offices. 21

offices. 21 locations are locations are connected through connected through its Wide Areits Wide Area Network a Network (W(WAN) set-up.AN) set-up. Most of these locations are connected with the corporate office through VPNs, Most of these locations are connected with the corporate office through VPNs, leased lines, and at few places through VSAT connectivity. The motorbike major leased lines, and at few places through VSAT connectivity. The motorbike major has a total of seven TDM/TDMA VSATs and two PAMA VSATs. As far as the has a total of seven TDM/TDMA VSATs and two PAMA VSATs. As far as the VPN set-up is concerned, it is still a closed-user group. For connectivity between VPN set-up is concerned, it is still a closed-user group. For connectivity between its Dharuhera and Gurgaon facilities the company uses a very fast radio link. The its Dharuhera and Gurgaon facilities the company uses a very fast radio link. The company has installed the PAMA VSATs from Comsat Max as a backup facility. company has installed the PAMA VSATs from Comsat Max as a backup facility. The Hero Honda network spans 750 nodes across the country

The Hero Honda network spans 750 nodes across the country..

Hero Honda uses 10/100

Hero Honda uses 10/100 Mbps Ethernet switched technology for data transmissionMbps Ethernet switched technology for data transmission and is connected with both optic fibre and Cat 5 cables. Optic fibre is used for the and is connected with both optic fibre and Cat 5 cables. Optic fibre is used for the b

bacackbkbonone, e, whwhicich h wiwill ll alalso so sosolvlve e ththe e fufututure re babandndwiwidtdth h rereququirirememenents ts of of ththee company. The company has three Cisco routers. The company also uses a mix of company. The company has three Cisco routers. The company also uses a mix of switches from three vendors: Cisco, IBM and 3Com. For non-critical applications, switches from three vendors: Cisco, IBM and 3Com. For non-critical applications, the company has opted for 3Com switches. “As IBM switches are cheaper than the company has opted for 3Com switches. “As IBM switches are cheaper than Cisco ones, we will be going in for more and more IBM switches in the future,” Cisco ones, we will be going in for more and more IBM switches in the future,” says Balasubramanian. All the switches and hubs at the company are managed says Balasubramanian. All the switches and hubs at the company are managed devices. Apart from this the company also uses an IBM RS 6000 server for devices. Apart from this the company also uses an IBM RS 6000 server for running SAP applications, and other midrange servers for running Ingres and running SAP applications, and other midrange servers for running Ingres and Oracle. For Lotus Notes applications the company has opted for IBM’s Netfinity Oracle. For Lotus Notes applications the company has opted for IBM’s Netfinity servers. As far as other networking hardware is concerned, the Gurgaon plant has servers. As far as other networking hardware is concerned, the Gurgaon plant has two Cisco routers, which are connected to an IBM LAN Route Switch, and the two Cisco routers, which are connected to an IBM LAN Route Switch, and the storage box is connected to the RS 6000 server. The company is also using a tape storage box is connected to the RS 6000 server. The company is also using a tape library, which works as a backup device.

library, which works as a backup device. On

One e of of ththe e kekey y fefeataturures es of of HeHero ro HoHondnda’a’s s nenetwtwororks ks is is ththat at momost st sisitetes s enenjojoyy exc

excellellent ent babackuckup p facfaciliilitieties. s. For For insinstatancence, , DhDharuaruherhera a is is conconnecnected ted dirdirecectly tly toto Comsat Max’s PAMA VSAT main hub. The IT facilities at Gurgaon are connected Comsat Max’s PAMA VSAT main hub. The IT facilities at Gurgaon are connected with two electrical sources, two MCBs, and two UPSes. The company has also with two electrical sources, two MCBs, and two UPSes. The company has also installed an extra server as a backup. It possesses a Network Attached Storage installed an extra server as a backup. It possesses a Network Attached Storage system, with plans to shift to a Storage Area Network. For this Hero Honda has system, with plans to shift to a Storage Area Network. For this Hero Honda has gone in for an IBM Trivoli solution. The whole idea was that information systems gone in for an IBM Trivoli solution. The whole idea was that information systems should be able to cater to 99 percent of availability. Even if a LAN or a switch should be able to cater to 99 percent of availability. Even if a LAN or a switch fails it should just take 10 minutes to switch to another

fails it should just take 10 minutes to switch to another LAN or switch.LAN or switch.

ENTERPRI

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A good and reliable messaging system was a long-standing need at Hero Honda. A good and reliable messaging system was a long-standing need at Hero Honda. When they first introduced messaging, it took off very well. To ensure its success When they first introduced messaging, it took off very well. To ensure its success the management arranged training programmes at all the three major areas and the management arranged training programmes at all the three major areas and also invited the regional offices to join in. The success of the messaging system also invited the regional offices to join in. The success of the messaging system was so good that people started overlooking the VSAT network. The company was so good that people started overlooking the VSAT network. The company messaging set up evolved around Lotus Notes. They evaluated both Microsoft messaging set up evolved around Lotus Notes. They evaluated both Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Notes, and finally decided to go in for Lotus Notes. The Exchange and Lotus Notes, and finally decided to go in for Lotus Notes. The Lotus Notes application at Hero Honda evolved around those applications that Lotus Notes application at Hero Honda evolved around those applications that users are familiar with. This is done as a part of the information systems plan users are familiar with. This is done as a part of the information systems plan along with the business plan to integrate information systems in the organisation, along with the business plan to integrate information systems in the organisation, in

intetegrgratate e alall l ththe e dedepapartrtmementntss. . AAs s tthhe e mmaannaaggeemmeennt t kknneew w tthhaat t tthhee implementation of ERP would take some time, they wanted to use that time to implementation of ERP would take some time, they wanted to use that time to introduce an IT culture in

introduce an IT culture in the company.the company.

After the successful implementation of this system, the IT set-up faced some After the successful implementation of this system, the IT set-up faced some problems during the first Diwali after the introduction of the messaging system. problems during the first Diwali after the introduction of the messaging system.

Th

This is hahappppenened ed bebecacaususe e of of huhuge ge nunumbmber er of of grgreeeetiting ng memessssagages es anand d cacardrd attachments. This prompted the company to introduce a new greetings system on attachments. This prompted the company to introduce a new greetings system on the lines of Bluemountain.com. They opened up a car4.809 cmd’s library system the lines of Bluemountain.com. They opened up a car4.809 cmd’s library system and asked the users to go to the card library and select a card and send it across. and asked the users to go to the card library and select a card and send it across. By this, no attachment would go, but only the link. After this they were able to By this, no attachment would go, but only the link. After this they were able to avoid a considerable amount of traffic. And users were quite excited about having avoid a considerable amount of traffic. And users were quite excited about having a

a cacard rd apapplplicicatatioion. n. PePeopople le ststararteted d enenjojoyiying ng ththe e ususe e of of IT IT apapplplicicatatioionsns.. Subsequently

Subsequently, the company put , the company put up an intranet and up an intranet and workflow applications.workflow applications.

ERP IMPLEMENTATION

The next move was to implement ERP in order to integrate various functions and The next move was to implement ERP in order to integrate various functions and control its operations. The company went live with SAP R3 on February 1, 2001. control its operations. The company went live with SAP R3 on February 1, 2001. It uses modules like

It uses modules like production, materials, finance, marketing, assets, quality salesproduction, materials, finance, marketing, assets, quality sales and distribution. Siemens Information Systems was the implementation partner for and distribution. Siemens Information Systems was the implementation partner for this rollout. The ERP implementation presented a high level of data integration. this rollout. The ERP implementation presented a high level of data integration. “E

“ERP RP hahas s hehelplped ed ththe e cocompmpanany y imimmemensnselelyy. . TTododay ay nonobobody dy asasks ks anany y ototheher r department for information. One can log in and see reports online,” says Mukesh department for information. One can log in and see reports online,” says Mukesh Mal

Malhothotra, ra, depdeputy uty gengeneraeral l manmanageagerr, , HerHero o HonHonda da MotMotorsors. . TheThey y wewere re ablable e toto implement better cost control measures. This had helped them in calculating the implement better cost control measures. This had helped them in calculating the co

cost st of of coconsnsumumabableles, s, totool ol ininveventntorory y cocostst, , popowewer r anand d fufuel el cocoststs, s, anand d plplanantt overheads. Because of this they also became ready for future SCM and CRM overheads. Because of this they also became ready for future SCM and CRM implementations

implementations..

SAP’S ROLE

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HHML evaluated BAaN and Oracle. The overwhelming presence of SAP in the HHML evaluated BAaN and Oracle. The overwhelming presence of SAP in the automotive sector was one of the important reasons for selection. The customer automotive sector was one of the important reasons for selection. The customer references spoke strongly about SAPs ability to address the needs. The project references spoke strongly about SAPs ability to address the needs. The project took off with a great start. It imparted one-day awareness training sessions to took off with a great start. It imparted one-day awareness training sessions to around 135 managers and key users explaining the project and roles of core team around 135 managers and key users explaining the project and roles of core team members and users.

members and users.

There were hiccups in between because of staff turnover at the implementation There were hiccups in between because of staff turnover at the implementation pa

partnrtnersers’ end ’ end becbecausause e of of whiwhich ch the projethe project ct had to had to be be extextendended ed by by a a monmonth.th. However, they kept various activities on schedule. They were one week behind at However, they kept various activities on schedule. They were one week behind at the last stage of Go-Live preparation but made that up in the last month. The the last stage of Go-Live preparation but made that up in the last month. The Steering Committee played a useful role and wherever some policy issues could Steering Committee played a useful role and wherever some policy issues could not be decided, the CEO intervened to resolve. End users were involved at various not be decided, the CEO intervened to resolve. End users were involved at various stages and hence they adapted to the new systems well. The first few days saw stages and hence they adapted to the new systems well. The first few days saw several problems but the help desk (available 24 hrs) attended to them promptly. several problems but the help desk (available 24 hrs) attended to them promptly. Every day thereafter saw lesser problems and the operations got streamlined in 15 Every day thereafter saw lesser problems and the operations got streamlined in 15 days. The yearly closing ended on the 31

days. The yearly closing ended on the 31stst _{March 2001, (2 months from Go Live)}_{March 2001, (2 months from Go Live)}

and was completed in 24 days. Year closing for the following and was completed in 24 days. Year closing for the following

year was achieved in 11 days and HHML was the second company in India to year was achieved in 11 days and HHML was the second company in India to dec

declarlare e resresultults. s. ThiThis s indindicaicated ted the the stastabilbility ity of of sysystestems ms and and the the efefficficieniencieciess achieved.

achieved.

IMPLEMENTATION PARTNERS

Siemens Information Systems Ltd (SISL) were the implementation partners. They Siemens Information Systems Ltd (SISL) were the implementation partners. They imparted initial training to the users and core team members. They also helped in imparted initial training to the users and core team members. They also helped in red

redefiefininning g varvariouious s proprocescesses ses basbased ed on on thetheir ir expexperieriencence. e. TheThey y gavgave e valvaluabuablele sug

suggesgestiotions ns for for impimprovrovemeement nt at at varvariouious s stastagesges. . In In the the SteSteeriering ng ComCommitmitteetee meetings they clarified various issues and helped in convincing the management to meetings they clarified various issues and helped in convincing the management to make various changes.

make various changes.

RECORD-BREAKING IMPLEMENTATION TIME

Hero Honda also profited from

Hero Honda also profited from services delivered remotely by SAP consultants inservices delivered remotely by SAP consultants in Singapore and software developers in Walldorf, Germany. This international

Singapore and software developers in Walldorf, Germany. This international approach ensured that any issues were dealt with rapidly and effectively. The approach ensured that any issues were dealt with rapidly and effectively. The speed with which technical issues were resolved was impressing. In

speed with which technical issues were resolved was impressing. In some cases,some cases, SAP’

SAP’s German s German developers found answers overnight. Thanks developers found answers overnight. Thanks to close collaborationto close collaboration between SAP and Hero Honda, the project was

between SAP and Hero Honda, the project was completed in a record completed in a record threethree months. Implementing the latest mySAP SRM and mySAP CRM capabilities in months. Implementing the latest mySAP SRM and mySAP CRM capabilities in such a tight time frame was an ambitious goal

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SUPPLIER & CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP

MANAGEMENT

Automotive – Motorcycles Automotive – Motorcycles

Processing Orders Manually

Th

They ey hahave ve a a lalargrge e susupppply ly chchaiain n anand d ththey ey neneededed ed acaccucuraracy cy anand d spspeeeed d in in ththee deliveries of raw material and components. Their suppliers were given a plan for deliveries of raw material and components. Their suppliers were given a plan for the month but changes are often necessitated by market conditions – like changes the month but changes are often necessitated by market conditions – like changes in the mix of models and colors. And there could also be increase or decrease in in the mix of models and colors. And there could also be increase or decrease in demand. They wanted the ability to respond to these changes by aligning the demand. They wanted the ability to respond to these changes by aligning the production plan, supply schedule of components, and other resources to handle production plan, supply schedule of components, and other resources to handle this efficiently. Hero Honda had already been using the mySAP™ ERP solution this efficiently. Hero Honda had already been using the mySAP™ ERP solution for its core applications but until January of 2004, the company continued to enter for its core applications but until January of 2004, the company continued to enter its customer orders manually – using

its customer orders manually – using a portal to communicate with suppliers. Theya portal to communicate with suppliers. They used to receive orders from dealers in the form of spreadsheets, e-mail, and phone used to receive orders from dealers in the form of spreadsheets, e-mail, and phone calls. It took a few days to bring in the customer orders and consolidate them. calls. It took a few days to bring in the customer orders and consolidate them. Then they would get our material requirements plan from the ERP [enterprise Then they would get our material requirements plan from the ERP [enterprise resource planning] system and post the information on their portal. This was done resource planning] system and post the information on their portal. This was done through periodic updates – twice a day – and hence did not consistently give the through periodic updates – twice a day – and hence did not consistently give the latest information to their partners. They had no visibility of materials in transit latest information to their partners. They had no visibility of materials in transit and a lot of time was wasted on follow-ups. They also had to deal with incorrect and a lot of time was wasted on follow-ups. They also had to deal with incorrect deliveries from vendors when they sent either less or more than the scheduled deliveries from vendors when they sent either less or more than the scheduled qu

quanantitityty. . FoFor r exexamamplple, e, ththey ey mimighght t hahave ve orordederered d 10100 0 ununitits s bubut t ththe e susupppplilier er delivered 110. This kind of error would slow down the receiving station while delivered 110. This kind of error would slow down the receiving station while th

theieir r pepeopople le wowoululd d seseek ek apapprprovoval al fofor r rerececeivivining g ththe e exextrtra a ququanantitityty. . AlAlsoso,, mismatches like this meant that either they carried more inventory than needed or mismatches like this meant that either they carried more inventory than needed or caused production holdups if

caused production holdups if the quantity supplied was less than ordered.the quantity supplied was less than ordered.

Automating

Automating Supplier T

Supplier Transactions

ransactions

In February 2004, Hero Honda began a pilot test, bringing in mySAP Supplier In February 2004, Hero Honda began a pilot test, bringing in mySAP Supplier Re

Relalatitiononshship ip MMananagagememenent t (m(mySySAP AP SRSRM) M) as as wewell ll as as mymySASAP P CuCuststomomer er Relationship Management (mySAP CRM), both solutions in the mySAP Business Relationship Management (mySAP CRM), both solutions in the mySAP Business Suite family of business solutions. For the rollout of its supplier portal, Hero Suite family of business solutions. For the rollout of its supplier portal, Hero Ho

Hondnda a chchosose e itits s totop p 12125 5 susupppplilierers s – – totogegeththerer, , ththey ey acaccocoununt t fofor r 9595% % of of ththee company’s supplies. Most of these suppliers now perform their transactions with company’s supplies. Most of these suppliers now perform their transactions with Hero Honda through the Web-based self-service portal, in real time. Suppliers can Hero Honda through the Web-based self-service portal, in real time. Suppliers can now see the status of their orders, shipments, and invoices, and they can see new now see the status of their orders, shipments, and invoices, and they can see new delivery schedules as soon as they’re processed by the Hero Honda production delivery schedules as soon as they’re processed by the Hero Honda production plan. They can also use the portal to make confirmations along the way – for plan. They can also use the portal to make confirmations along the way – for

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example, to confirm that they can handle a certain variation and to confirm that example, to confirm that they can handle a certain variation and to confirm that they’ll meet the delivery schedule

they’ll meet the delivery schedule..

SAP® Consulting

It took three months to complete the rollout. Helping Hero Honda speed up the It took three months to complete the rollout. Helping Hero Honda speed up the process – and helping implement some of the newest features in mySAP SRM – process – and helping implement some of the newest features in mySAP SRM – was SAP® Consulting. mySAP SRM experts, from both the Asia-Pacific region was SAP® Consulting. mySAP SRM experts, from both the Asia-Pacific region and SAP headquarters in Walldorf, Germany, worked on the project and helped and SAP headquarters in Walldorf, Germany, worked on the project and helped Hero Honda develop some of its most complicated direct materials processes. Hero Honda develop some of its most complicated direct materials processes. The

They y asassissisted ted thethem m durduring ing the the ententire ire impimplemlemententatiation on proprocecess ss and and tratransfnsferrerreded knowledge to them. Also, they unlocked some software features that were not knowledge to them. Also, they unlocked some software features that were not known even to be existing by people at HHML. For instance, they helped them known even to be existing by people at HHML. For instance, they helped them imp

implemlement ent insinstantant t mesmessasaginging, g, whiwhich ch wawas s hehelpflpful ul in in concontactactinting g the the supsupplipliersers quickly in the event

quickly in the event of a production scheduling of a production scheduling change – saychange – say, one , one that might occur that might occur because of an upcoming holiday. SAP Consulting and the Asia-Pacific solutions because of an upcoming holiday. SAP Consulting and the Asia-Pacific solutions team also helped Hero Honda integrate a bar code– reading function into the team also helped Hero Honda integrate a bar code– reading function into the system, according to Balasubramanian. The bar code feature is used

system, according to Balasubramanian. The bar code feature is used by those localby those local suppliers who make just-in-time deliveries several times each day. For them, it’s suppliers who make just-in-time deliveries several times each day. For them, it’s faster and easier to process their deliveries via a bar code reader on the delivery faster and easier to process their deliveries via a bar code reader on the delivery dock than it is to

dock than it is to make constant updates to the self-service portal.make constant updates to the self-service portal.

End-to-End Process Integration

Hero Honda also implemented a

Hero Honda also implemented a customer portal, as a feature customer portal, as a feature of mySAP CRM.of mySAP CRM. With the two portals now in

With the two portals now in place, the company benefits from end-to-end place, the company benefits from end-to-end processprocess integration. “Our dealers place their orders once a month,” he says. “Typically, a integration. “Our dealers place their orders once a month,” he says. “Typically, a dealer might order several hundred motorcycles, as well as spare parts. So every dealer might order several hundred motorcycles, as well as spare parts. So every Friday we get our

Friday we get our orders in, we consolidate them orders in, we consolidate them on Saturdayon Saturday, and on , and on MondayMonday morning our suppliers are all receiving our delivery schedules, directly from our morning our suppliers are all receiving our delivery schedules, directly from our production planning system.”

production planning system.” Because the ordering process is

Because the ordering process is now fully automated, Hero Honda savesnow fully automated, Hero Honda saves

approximately three days over the time it used to take to complete this process. approximately three days over the time it used to take to complete this process. That translates into an inventory savings of about 10%, which in turn translates That translates into an inventory savings of about 10%, which in turn translates into a substantial cost savings. The automation also

into a substantial cost savings. The automation also increases Hero Honda’increases Hero Honda’s owns own ability to be responsive to

ability to be responsive to its dealers. Even though its dealers. Even though dealers normally place their dealers normally place their orders on a monthly basis, there are many times when they want to revise an

orders on a monthly basis, there are many times when they want to revise an order order that’

that’s already in process. They might do s already in process. They might do this to account for this to account for a sudden change ina sudden change in customer demand – for instance, their customers might start asking for a new color customer demand – for instance, their customers might start asking for a new color or a different model. “For these revisions, we can get the change in

or a different model. “For these revisions, we can get the change in on Friday andon Friday and be pretty sure that the entire shipment will go out, as

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week,” says Balasubramanian. The customers appreciate this kind of week,” says Balasubramanian. The customers appreciate this kind of

responsiveness and it’s just what they, and they, need in order to continue to take responsiveness and it’s just what they, and they, need in order to continue to take advantage of this fast growing

advantage of this fast growing market.” The system’market.” The system’s end-to-end integration payss end-to-end integration pays dividends in maximizing

dividends in maximizing order accuracyorder accuracy, as , as well. They’ve greatly reduced thewell. They’ve greatly reduced the chances of mismatched orders too. For

chances of mismatched orders too. For one thing, it’s easier for suppliers to check one thing, it’s easier for suppliers to check their orders on the portal and they

their orders on the portal and they know that the portal’s informknow that the portal’s information is bothation is both accurate and up to the minute. Since the advance shipping notification created by accurate and up to the minute. Since the advance shipping notification created by the supplier is derived

the supplier is derived from the purchase order, the chance of from the purchase order, the chance of a delivery mismatcha delivery mismatch with the order is almost zero.

with the order is almost zero.””

eHR

eHR IMPLEM

IMPLEMENT

ENTA

ATION

TION

With technology touching all aspects of today’s business, there is increasing usage With technology touching all aspects of today’s business, there is increasing usage of IT and Internet technologies in a company’s HR department. Suddenly HR of IT and Internet technologies in a company’s HR department. Suddenly HR managers are finding themselves in a whirlwind of technological changes, with managers are finding themselves in a whirlwind of technological changes, with adoption of IT (both as process and tool) becoming a necessity for them. The past adoption of IT (both as process and tool) becoming a necessity for them. The past one year has seen IT playing a key role

one year has seen IT playing a key role in the Personnel/ People Development/ HR in the Personnel/ People Development/ HR departments of companies, which are trying to make the best use of their systems departments of companies, which are trying to make the best use of their systems for storing, organising or disseminating information to their employees. All this for storing, organising or disseminating information to their employees. All this has resulted in HR professionals doing away with costly, time-consuming and has resulted in HR professionals doing away with costly, time-consuming and redundant processes and opting for IT-enabled HR systems, which according to redundant processes and opting for IT-enabled HR systems, which according to industry experts, marks the beginning of a new era in the functioning of HR industry experts, marks the beginning of a new era in the functioning of HR professionals

professionals He

Hero ro HoHondnda a hahas s opopteted d fofor r a a SASAP P HR HR momodudulele. . S S K K BaBalalasusubrbramamananiaiam, m, vivicece president-information systems, Hero Honda, informs that the company is in the president-information systems, Hero Honda, informs that the company is in the process of starting an ESS system which will enable employees to assess all process of starting an ESS system which will enable employees to assess all information about their salary, tax, leave loan, etc. For its knowledge management information about their salary, tax, leave loan, etc. For its knowledge management requirements, the company is planning to set up a portal where employees can requirements, the company is planning to set up a portal where employees can access information, exchange ideas freely and read articles compiled by the HR access information, exchange ideas freely and read articles compiled by the HR department and all employees. Later, they also plan to use the intranet for external department and all employees. Later, they also plan to use the intranet for external and internal recruitment, assessment and appraisal purposes

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Information and IT Security

Management

Enterprise security may not be as critical in a manufacturing organisation as in Enterprise security may not be as critical in a manufacturing organisation as in the banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sector. Nonetheless, it is the banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sector. Nonetheless, it is imp

importortantant, , espespecieciallally y whewhen n it it comcomes es to to a a manmanufaufactucturinring g comcompanpany y liklike e HerHeroo Honda, which is extremely dependent on its computer systems

Honda, which is extremely dependent on its computer systems and networks for itsand networks for its operations. A disruption in IT infrastructure could spell disruption in business operations. A disruption in IT infrastructure could spell disruption in business operations. Taking all this into consideration, the company has been constantly operations. Taking all this into consideration, the company has been constantly evo

evolvilving ng its its infinformaormatiotion n secsecuriurity ty setset-up -up to to kekeep ep pacpace e witwith h its its expexpandanding ing IT IT infrastructure. Today enterprise security at Hero Honda has reached one of the infrastructure. Today enterprise security at Hero Honda has reached one of the most critical junctures as the bike major has recently created a comprehensive most critical junctures as the bike major has recently created a comprehensive information security

information security policypolicy.. E

Entntererprprisise e sesecucuririty ty at at HeHero ro HoHondnda a gogoes es bebeyoyond nd IT IT sesecucuririty ty to to enencocompmpasasss compl

complete ete inforinformatiomation n secursecurityity. . The The compacompany ny idenidentifitified ed the the need for need for complcompleteete information security with IT security as one of the aspects within this whole information security with IT security as one of the aspects within this whole co

concncepept. t. IT IT sesecucuririty ty wiwill ll tatake ke cacarre e of of ononly ly sosome me inintrtrususioionsns. . BuBut t fofor r ananyy or

organganisaisatiotion n thethere re is is a a neneed ed to to havhave e a a cleclear ar ideidentintificficatiation on of of autauthorhorisaisatiotionsns th

thrrouough gh ininfoformarmatition on clclasassisifificacatitionon. . ThThe e neneed ed wawas s to to fifind nd ouout t whwhat at tytype pe of of information was there, who should access it and who should not in order to ensure information was there, who should access it and who should not in order to ensure complete data integrity

complete data integrity

Along with business growth, Hero Honda has also grown on all fronts. It has set Along with business growth, Hero Honda has also grown on all fronts. It has set up two manufacturing facilities at Dharuhera and Gurgaon in Haryana. These up two manufacturing facilities at Dharuhera and Gurgaon in Haryana. These facilities now churn out over 3.5 million motorbikes per year. This growth is also facilities now churn out over 3.5 million motorbikes per year. This growth is also applicable to the company’s employees and their business needs. As is the case applicable to the company’s employees and their business needs. As is the case with any other large organization, Hero Honda has nearly 1,600 desktop users. with any other large organization, Hero Honda has nearly 1,600 desktop users. E-mail is a

mail is a backbone of today’s businesbackbone of today’s business and justifying that the s and justifying that the company has createdcompany has created approximately 2,000 email ids for

approximately 2,000 email ids for its users.its users.

Security set-up so far

The year 1999 was the inflection point for the entire IT set-up at Hero Honda, The year 1999 was the inflection point for the entire IT set-up at Hero Honda, including information security. The company undertook a complete revamp of its including information security. The company undertook a complete revamp of its IT infrastructure with a new architecture, expansion of its network, IT assets and IT infrastructure with a new architecture, expansion of its network, IT assets and appli

applicatications. The ons. The secusecurity approach has rity approach has been evolutiobeen evolutionarynary, , in in line with line with thesthesee gro

growinwing g reqrequiruiremeementsnts. . ConConnecnectinting g the the ententire ire ororganganisaisatiotion n durduring ing 1991999, 9, thethe company put its mailing system into place. This, however also led to the import of company put its mailing system into place. This, however also led to the import of viruses into the system, thereby warranting the need for a complete anti-virus viruses into the system, thereby warranting the need for a complete anti-virus sol

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desktops. The company chose McAfee for its comprehensive features and good desktops. The company chose McAfee for its comprehensive features and good installed base. Hero Honda has now implemented the complete suite, covering the installed base. Hero Honda has now implemented the complete suite, covering the desktop, servers and mail gateway.

desktop, servers and mail gateway.

The company first deployed the Total Virus Defence (TVD) system, which was The company first deployed the Total Virus Defence (TVD) system, which was later upgraded to the Active Virus Defence (AVD) system around two years ago. later upgraded to the Active Virus Defence (AVD) system around two years ago. Under AVD, Hero Honda is using Group Shield for Lotus Notes mailing system, Under AVD, Hero Honda is using Group Shield for Lotus Notes mailing system, Netshield for NT and

Netshield for NT and Window 2000 servers and Virus Scan for Window 2000 servers and Virus Scan for end-user desktops.end-user desktops. The AVD works under the ePolicy Orchestrator agent, which is an agent installed The AVD works under the ePolicy Orchestrator agent, which is an agent installed on

on eaeach ch and and eveevery ry desdesktoktop p and delivand delivers ers the means to the means to concontrotrol l the the antanti-vi-viruiruss app

appliclicatiationsons. . AcAccorcordinding g to to BalBalasuasubrabramanmanianian, , it it givgives es the the comcompanpany y powpower er toto enforce its anti-virus policy, to update the policy on end-user desktops and to enforce its anti-virus policy, to update the policy on end-user desktops and to monitor update progress through graphical reports. ePolicy has made it easier to monitor update progress through graphical reports. ePolicy has made it easier to enforce any anti-virus policy in the company in just two hours in all

enforce any anti-virus policy in the company in just two hours in all the offices.the offices. As part of the AVD architecture, Hero Honda has three AVD servers at the head As part of the AVD architecture, Hero Honda has three AVD servers at the head office in Delhi, and the Gurgaon and Dharuhera plant. The AVD server at Delhi office in Delhi, and the Gurgaon and Dharuhera plant. The AVD server at Delhi takes care of all head office-based servers, desktops and all zonal and area office takes care of all head office-based servers, desktops and all zonal and area office desktops. Likewise, with the Gurgaon and the Dharuhera AVD servers. All the desktops. Likewise, with the Gurgaon and the Dharuhera AVD servers. All the three servers are connected to the McAfee Internet site through the Net. As a three servers are connected to the McAfee Internet site through the Net. As a result, whenever McAfee releases any new anti-virus DAT files, all three AVD result, whenever McAfee releases any new anti-virus DAT files, all three AVD se

servrverers s geget t sysyncnchrhrononisised ed wiwith th McMcAfAfee ee seservrver er anand d dodownwnloload ad ththe e DADAT T fifilele (in

(increcremementented) d) immimmediediateatelyly, , whiwhich ch are are thethen n disdistritributbuted ed to to all all ththe e seserververs rs andand desktops. In case of a virus attack on any of the servers and desktops, the ePolicy desktops. In case of a virus attack on any of the servers and desktops, the ePolicy agent updates the AVD server about this new virus.

agent updates the AVD server about this new virus.

CORE CRISIS

Messaging systems form the frontline for any organization. The external mail Messaging systems form the frontline for any organization. The external mail server forwards corporate mail to the internal mail server that is deployed on our server forwards corporate mail to the internal mail server that is deployed on our LAN over SMTP. The internal mail server is a central mail repository from where LAN over SMTP. The internal mail server is a central mail repository from where all the employees pop their individual mails. All the employees based in New all the employees pop their individual mails. All the employees based in New Delhi, Dharuhera and Gurgaon plant, POP their mails from the local mail server. Delhi, Dharuhera and Gurgaon plant, POP their mails from the local mail server. They have ISP level security which consists of a firewall, spam filter and They have ISP level security which consists of a firewall, spam filter and anti-virus. However, they soon realized that ISP level security was inadequate for the virus. However, they soon realized that ISP level security was inadequate for the task at hand.

task at hand.

The company was facing difficulties vis-à-vis messaging and there were Internet The company was facing difficulties vis-à-vis messaging and there were Internet acc

access ess and and sesecurcurity ity isissuesues s relrelateated d to to spaspam, m, onlonlinine e and and spspam-am-relrelatated ed malmalwarwaree att

attackacks s and and chchokeoked d banbandwidwidthdth. . MorMoreoveoverer, , ththe e comcompanpany y wawantented d to to filfilter ter WWebeb access.

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The company receives an average of 26,000 e-mail messages per day, which The company receives an average of 26,000 e-mail messages per day, which translates to almost 1 GB of

translates to almost 1 GB of storage space. Of these at least 70 percent were spam.storage space. Of these at least 70 percent were spam. That used to work out to around 18,500 pieces of spam per day. The ISP was able That used to work out to around 18,500 pieces of spam per day. The ISP was able to filter out about 50 percent of this. Still, almost 9,000 messages hit our internal to filter out about 50 percent of this. Still, almost 9,000 messages hit our internal mail server everyday

mail server everyday. They tried out . They tried out a few standalone, software-based spam filtersa few standalone, software-based spam filters with little success.

with little success.

Apart from a vast number of employees, HHML also has a vast chain of dealers Apart from a vast number of employees, HHML also has a vast chain of dealers and service stations spread across the country. So mails exchanged between these and service stations spread across the country. So mails exchanged between these off

officeices s oftoften en got lost got lost in in the maze the maze of of spaspam m and the and the busbusineiness ss sufsufferfered. Oftened. Often bu

businsiness ess corcorresresponpondendence ce was was incincorrorrectectly ly claclassssifiified ed as as spaspam, m, a a cascase e of of falfalsese positives, and deleted while spam continued to pour in. Mailboxes were clogged positives, and deleted while spam continued to pour in. Mailboxes were clogged

with spam. Having close to 9,000

with spam. Having close to 9,000 spam messages hitting the local mail server on aspam messages hitting the local mail server on a daily basis was something that was

daily basis was something that was not acceptable as, downloading legitimate mailnot acceptable as, downloading legitimate mail along with the torrent of spam that dodged the ISP’s filters from the external mail along with the torrent of spam that dodged the ISP’s filters from the external mail server to the local one was a

server to the local one was a painfully slow and, quite often, frustrating process.painfully slow and, quite often, frustrating process. Emp

Emphashasiziizing ng anoanothether r siside de of of thithis s cricrisisis, s, BanBandwidwidth dth conconsumsumptiption on did did not not jusjustt increase, it shot through the roof and to keep adding bandwidth was not a viable increase, it shot through the roof and to keep adding bandwidth was not a viable solution. Once the messages reached an individual’s mailboxes, they had to be solution. Once the messages reached an individual’s mailboxes, they had to be checked and deleted manually. Many a times the recipients were tempted to read checked and deleted manually. Many a times the recipients were tempted to read the spam and the mail processing time kept increasing at the cost of productivity. the spam and the mail processing time kept increasing at the cost of productivity. Legitimate e-mail messages were often lost in the

Legitimate e-mail messages were often lost in the maze of spam.maze of spam.

The management began questioning the IT department regarding the extent of The management began questioning the IT department regarding the extent of spa

spam, m, whiwhich ch wawas s mosmostly tly unaunanswnsweraerableble, , desdespitpite e the the IT IT teateam’m’s s besbest t efefforfortsts.. Employees stationed at remote locations such as Gurgaon and Dharuhera were Employees stationed at remote locations such as Gurgaon and Dharuhera were worst hit. For them, the mail was first downloaded to the local mail server and worst hit. For them, the mail was first downloaded to the local mail server and then had to be POPped to their remote individual mail boxes. The download time then had to be POPped to their remote individual mail boxes. The download time of an individual message was very high and this was particularly frustrating since of an individual message was very high and this was particularly frustrating since at least 50 percent of the mail was spam.

at least 50 percent of the mail was spam.

Need for firewall

The need for further beefing up

The need for further beefing up the security set-up beyond an anti-virus solutionthe security set-up beyond an anti-virus solution was felt as the

was felt as the company further opened up company further opened up its systems to external access. Around aits systems to external access. Around a year-and-a-ha

year-and-a-half ago, apart lf ago, apart from providing Internet access through from providing Internet access through the proxy server,the proxy server, the company also decided to provide connectivity with dealers and vendors for the company also decided to provide connectivity with dealers and vendors for information sharing, i.e. they could directly log in to the Web server. This required information sharing, i.e. they could directly log in to the Web server. This required the deployment of a firewall to guard the systems from possible hackers and virus the deployment of a firewall to guard the systems from possible hackers and virus attacks. This was the first time that

attacks. This was the first time that they were really connected to their they were really connected to their partners.partners. Earlier they only had a mail gateway through which they exchanged mail. So, Earlier they only had a mail gateway through which they exchanged mail. So, there really wasn’t a need for a firewall at that time. But now, since they are there really wasn’t a need for a firewall at that time. But now, since they are

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allowing people to log in and with

allowing people to log in and with people accessing the Internet there is the needpeople accessing the Internet there is the need for a firewall.

for a firewall.

Firewalls deployed at Comsat Max: Hero Honda has

Firewalls deployed at Comsat Max: Hero Honda has a perimeter firewall thata perimeter firewall that serves as the Internet gateway for both the plants and head office. It has chosen serves as the Internet gateway for both the plants and head office. It has chosen Checkpoint as its firewall, which runs on a Nokia box

Checkpoint as its firewall, which runs on a Nokia box and is managed andand is managed and monitored by the service provider, Comsat Max. The company’s IT security monitored by the service provider, Comsat Max. The company’s IT security architecture divides the network into zones, based on the function of the architecture divides the network into zones, based on the function of the infrastructure contained therein. The zones created are:

infrastructure contained therein. The zones created are:

•

• DMZ zoneDMZ zone •

• Third-party zoneThird-party zone •

• Application servers zoneApplication servers zone •

• Critical servers zoneCritical servers zone •

• Security management zoneSecurity management zone •

• Network and system management zone Network and system management zone •

• LAN & WAN zoneLAN & WAN zone

Unauthorised Internet access

Restriction of access to unauthorised sites is taken care through the proxy server, Restriction of access to unauthorised sites is taken care through the proxy server, which was deployed around two years ago for Internet access to internal users. which was deployed around two years ago for Internet access to internal users. The rules for access control have been defined in the

The rules for access control have been defined in the server itself. It defines factorsserver itself. It defines factors like which PCs have access to the Internet, the sites that can be accessed, time like which PCs have access to the Internet, the sites that can be accessed, time period during which only certain users can access the Internet, etc.

period during which only certain users can access the Internet, etc.

The company has taken various measures to ensure data integrity during internal The company has taken various measures to ensure data integrity during internal ac

accecess ss as as wewellll. . It It hahas s dedeplployoyed ed PGPGP P sosoftftwaware re on on ththe e crcrititicical al dedesksktotops ps anandd notebooks within the organisation for encrypting data. While the software was notebooks within the organisation for encrypting data. While the software was deployed around two-and-a-half years ago, it keeps on identifying and adding deployed around two-and-a-half years ago, it keeps on identifying and adding critical notebooks and desktops. The information on

critical notebooks and desktops. The information on the desktops and notebooks isthe desktops and notebooks is kept in a folder and is encrypted, which requires a user name and password to kept in a folder and is encrypted, which requires a user name and password to access it.

access it.

Furthermore, Hero Honda has built in integrity in the application itself, which is Furthermore, Hero Honda has built in integrity in the application itself, which is well documented with profiles for

well documented with profiles for each usereach user. Depending on . Depending on his/her profile, the user his/her profile, the user ge

gets ts ththe e ririghghts ts fofor r acaccecessssining g ththe e dadatata. . ThThe e auauththenentiticacatition on is is dodone ne ththrorougughh passwords.

passwords.

And the answer was

…

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The spam included a good smidgen of Phishing which slipped through the primary The spam included a good smidgen of Phishing which slipped through the primary sec

securiurity ty lalayer yer at at the the ISPISP’’s s endend. . MaMalwalware re ententeriering ng thrthrougough h the the memessassages ges andand Internet browsing was also a major source of

Internet browsing was also a major source of concern. Several messages containedconcern. Several messages contained a

a malmaliciicious ous paypayloaload d of of virviruseuses, s, spyspywarware e and and TTrojrojansans. . OncOnce e thethese se ententereered d thethe network, they promptly began consuming bandwidth and causing system crashes. network, they promptly began consuming bandwidth and causing system crashes. Unprotected and unrestricted Internet browsing also left

Unprotected and unrestricted Internet browsing also left gaping security holes. Thegaping security holes. The lack of filters on browsing left

lack of filters on browsing left the organization wide open to attack from the organization wide open to attack from malware,malware, tracking cookies, spyware and

tracking cookies, spyware and keyloggers.keyloggers.

Digvijaysinh Chudasama, Vice President, Sales, Cyberoam said that Enterprises Digvijaysinh Chudasama, Vice President, Sales, Cyberoam said that Enterprises are

are repreplalacincing g besbest-ot-of-brf-breed eed sesecurcurity ity solsolutiutions ons in in thetheir ir netnetworworks ks witwith h UniUnifiefiedd Threat Management solutions. Cyberoam’s all-in-one security platform aids the Threat Management solutions. Cyberoam’s all-in-one security platform aids the transition without compromising the feature granularity of standalone solutions. transition without compromising the feature granularity of standalone solutions. Cyb

Cyberoeroam’am’s s ideidentintityty-ba-based sed sesecurcurity ity emempowpowers ers admadminiinistrstratoators rs to to proproactactiveivelyly defend the enterprise network against both

defend the enterprise network against both internal and external threats.”internal and external threats.”

While considering the core problem and sensitivity of the issue for Hero Honda, While considering the core problem and sensitivity of the issue for Hero Honda, Tarak Technologies, business partner of Cyberoam, suggested a plan to secure the Tarak Technologies, business partner of Cyberoam, suggested a plan to secure the company’s e-mail. Jose Kurian, COO of Tarak Technologies said after examining company’s e-mail. Jose Kurian, COO of Tarak Technologies said after examining the

the proprobleblem m thethey y undunderserstootood d thathat t resresponponse se timtime e was was crucruciacial. l. The The mesmessagsaginging application cannot go down for a long period of time at a company such as Hero application cannot go down for a long period of time at a company such as Hero Honda. They offered them Cyberoam’s anti-spam software. Rather than going out Honda. They offered them Cyberoam’s anti-spam software. Rather than going out for point-to-point solutions we suggested that the company go in for Unified for point-to-point solutions we suggested that the company go in for Unified Threat Management (UTM).”

Threat Management (UTM).”

Kurian added that the Cyberoam UTM solution sits at the gateway level. It is an Kurian added that the Cyberoam UTM solution sits at the gateway level. It is an appliance through which mail gets routed, filtered and forwarded to the local mail appliance through which mail gets routed, filtered and forwarded to the local mail ser

serverver. . In In the the absabsencence e of of WWeb eb filfiltertering ing and and accaccess ess accaccounountabtabiliilityty, , ththe e litlittletle bandwidth that was left was consumed through unrestricted surfing. This proved bandwidth that was left was consumed through unrestricted surfing. This proved detrimental to organizational productivity. Lack of Internet usage accountability detrimental to organizational productivity. Lack of Internet usage accountability led to malicious sites being surfed, which in turn infected the network with a host led to malicious sites being surfed, which in turn infected the network with a host of spyware.

of spyware.

As a remedy to slow browsing and other bandwidth problems, the company was As a remedy to slow browsing and other bandwidth problems, the company was forced to upgrade

forced to upgrade its initial 64 Kbps Internet connection its initial 64 Kbps Internet connection to a 4 to a 4 Mbps pipe. YMbps pipe. Yet, theet, the complaints persisted even after this quantum leap in bandwidth availability. They complaints persisted even after this quantum leap in bandwidth availability. They p

pururchchasased ed fofour ur CyCybeberoroam am apapplpliaiancnceses, , ththreree e 25250i0is s anand d onone e 10100i0i. . OnOne e 25250i0i appliance is deployed at our corporate office in New Delhi, and one each at appliance is deployed at our corporate office in New Delhi, and one each at production plants in Dharuhera and

production plants in Dharuhera and Gurgaon. Gurgaon. A 100i appliance is deployed at their A 100i appliance is deployed at their upcoming facility at Haridwar. All Cyberoam appliances have been deployed in upcoming facility at Haridwar. All Cyberoam appliances have been deployed in bridge mode. The

bridge mode. The entire mail and Web traffic passes through Cyberoam.entire mail and Web traffic passes through Cyberoam.