How Startup Leaders Can Leverage Agile Methodology for ERP Project Descriptions

By Spencer Hulse Spencer Hulse has been verified by Muck Rack's editorial team
Published on September 3, 2024

Technology has revolutionized businesses and storied institutions, turning bleeding-edge developments into game-changers over the past few decades. As the internet has become so commonplace that nearly every person in the US is carrying a miniature computer in their pocket, these advancements in technology have been strategically utilized to improve how companies conduct business.

Himanshu Kubba has over 20 years of experience in Oracle ERP development and consulting and has performed many multi-year finance transformations and business modernizations for Fortune 10 and 500 companies with digital technologies like Oracle Cloud, a cloud computing wing of the Oracle Corporation, which provides servers, applications, and services through a global network of data centers (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS).

Roots in ERP Technology

After earning a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science from Visvesvaraya Technological University, one of the largest technological universities in India, in 2003, Himanshu started his IT journey in Oracle ERP Consulting and implementation with one of the largest IT service providers in India. He has worked for many well-known technology providers and also as an independent consultant. He has an MBA in Finance from Columbia Southern University, AL, and a Master in Science in Information Systems Engineering and Management from Harrisburg University, PA. 

Himanshu’s career in ERP began with a pivotal experience that set the course for his future. His first project in ERP consulting was for a prominent networking giant in the US when digital technologies rapidly transformed business landscapes. Himanshu found himself at the heart of this revolution, working on implementing an Oracle ERP system to streamline the company’s complex financial processes. 

As a young professional eager to learn, Himanshu was captivated by the intricate interplay between technology and business operations. The challenge of integrating various financial modules — such as receivables, payables, general ledger, and fixed assets — into a cohesive system fascinated Himanshu. He quickly realized the transformative power of ERP systems in enabling organizations to modernize and optimize their business processes. The project’s success was marked by improved efficiency and financial transparency for the client, reinforcing his passion for ERP solutions. 

This initial experience ignited a deep interest in digital finance transformation. Himanshu was particularly inspired by how ERP systems could improve business operations, risk management, and compliance. The project’s complexity and scale also gave him a platform to hone his system integration and project management skills. 

As Himanshu progressed in his career, he continued to build on this foundation, gaining expertise across various Oracle ERP modules and becoming a cloud-certified functional Subject Matter Expert (SME). His work has consistently focused on leveraging digital technologies like Oracle Cloud to enable finance transformations and business modernizations at Fortune 10 and 500 clients.

Himanshu’s Role in ERP Implementation 

With years of expertise overseeing Oracle Lease Management, Himanshu is a specialist in the field. Compared to other Oracle ERP modules, Oracle Lease Management has fewer widespread implementations, which poses a challenge in finding resources with the requisite expertise. To address this, Himanshu invested a significant amount of time acquiring deep product knowledge through formal training and self-study. He also collaborated closely with Oracle’s product development team to gain further insights and support.

Since then, Himanshu has overseen several companies’ integration of ERP technology, and it serves as a perfect example of just how drastically it can affect, and ultimately improve, businesses from every angle.

Agile Methodology Integration

Himanshu Kubba has also been instrumental in integrating agile methodology into ERP implementations, particularly by developing a hybrid approach that combines traditional ERP practices with agile principles. Agile methodology is a project management approach that emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and customer-centricity. Unlike traditional methods, agile breaks projects into smaller cycles known as sprints, allowing teams to adapt quickly and deliver incremental improvements. This approach provides continuous feedback, enabling more responsive and efficient project execution.

Himanshu’s work in this area has significantly improved project delivery times and outcomes, offering a more dynamic framework for organizations to adopt ERP systems efficiently. His contributions have been recognized for enhancing the adaptability and scalability of ERP solutions, making them more effective in the current market. Additionally, Himanshu has authored a paper on “Hybrid Agile Methodology,” further demonstrating his expertise in combining agile methodologies with traditional approaches to improve ERP implementation and project success.

Multinational Hospitality Company

A prominent American multinational hospitality company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, operates and franchises casual dining restaurants around the world, focusing on full-service restaurant brands. Himanshu was instrumental in implementing solutions to accumulate daily sales data and manage millions of transactions from gift cards. ERP reduced reconciliation efforts by 80%, saving costs equivalent to 5-6 Full Time Employees, and improved financial performance by streamlining data from 1500 restaurants.

Finance Arm of Networking Giant 

The financing arm of a networking leader headquartered in San Jose, California, provides financing solutions to its customers and partners to facilitate the acquisition of their products and services. Himanshu successfully implemented an ERP suite for the company that increased productivity by 20%, leading to improved revenue gains and better resource utilization.

Leading Car Rental Company 

Himanshu designed a global intercompany and netting solution for a leading car rental provider on the Oracle Cloud platform. ​His work automated the intercompany and netting process, reducing manual labor, minimizing errors, and significantly saving costs. This was a key component of their ERP investment. 

Leveraging the Oracle Cloud platform improved accuracy, consistency, and speed in the month-end close process. In addition, it ​led the project across multiple regions, ensuring seamless integration and adoption, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of their financial operations.

ERP Success Across the Board

Himanshu is playing a pivotal role in the successful deployment of the Oracle ERP Cloud platform, making a profound impact on business operations. ERP significantly improves financial performance and operational efficiency by streamlining and automating financial operations. This helps reduce reconciliation efforts, saves costs, and allows financial teams to focus more on strategic tasks. The unified platform enhances data accuracy and security, providing reliable and timely financial information critical for decision-making.

Moreover, Himanshu’s leadership is helping to ensure that the project establishes a solid foundation for future scalability and growth, positioning the organization to better navigate the complexities of the hospitality industry.

“Across these projects, my contributions have centered around leveraging Oracle ERP technologies to deliver innovative, cost-effective, and efficient solutions. By focusing on automation, compliance, and the strategic alignment of IT with business goals, I’ve been able to drive significant advancements in the industry, helping organizations achieve their financial and operational objectives,” explains Himanshu.

Moving forward, Himanshu aims to continue making a significant impact by leading high-profile projects that challenge the conventional boundaries of Oracle ERP systems and exploring new integrations and functionalities that can transform businesses. “These projects will not only advance the capabilities of ERP solutions but also set new standards in the industry for efficiency and effectiveness,” he concludes.

Beyond project work, Himanshu aspires to mentor the next generation of ERP professionals, providing them with the knowledge, tools, and confidence they need to navigate the rapidly evolving technology landscape. 

By implementing technologies like ERP, Himanshu hopes to usher in a new age of convenience and improvement for businesses worldwide.

By Spencer Hulse Spencer Hulse has been verified by Muck Rack's editorial team

Spencer Hulse is the Editorial Director at Grit Daily. He is responsible for overseeing other editors and writers, day-to-day operations, and covering breaking news.

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