Introducing Ms. Hema Hattangady of Energizes Conzerv (an Energy Management Services Company)

Measure - Detect - Control - are three words that sum up Conzerv Systems Pvt. Ltd. Conzerv applies its array of digital meters and energy management systems for commercial and industrial applications, to assist its clients to reduce their energy outlay and improve the quality of power. It effectively does this through a three-step process of measuring energy consumption, detecting wastage and applying controls to remedy the situation.

From family business to Indian MNC

Today an Indian MNC with offices in five countries, sales in 29 countries spanning USA, the Middle East, Africa, CIS, south-east Asia and an extensive dealer network numbering 179, Conzerv has come a long way since its inception as a family-business in 1989.

Managing director and CEO Hema Hattangady joined Conzerv - a business founded by her father-in-law and husband - as a salaried employee in 1989. Hema worked in various positions in all its departments prior to taking over as managing director in 1996. At the time, Conzerv had several years of losses behind it, its net worth was wiped out and even though Indus Venture supported its need for funding, Hema was given the mandate of turning around the company's fortunes.

In the last ten years, Conzerv's annual sales have risen from Rs. 1 crore to Rs. 80 crores - the credit for this effective makeover of the family business goes to none other than Hema.

Coping with do or die situations

Hema identifies herself with the new generation of Indian women - entrepreneurs, accomplished businesswomen, influential opinion leaders - who combine their education, professionalism and zeal to succeed to strive ahead. She has applied her education - a Bachelor in Commerce and post-graduate diploma in French from Karnataka University in Dharwad, and a post-graduate degree in management from the Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata - to make waves in a sector which has very few woman executives, thus representing a marked change from established conventions.

No wonder then that she was selected by the US Government to be a part of the South Asia Energy Management Mission, a 3-member team that visited the USA to explore the development of the American energy sector and share their Indian experiences. In fact, on the special occasion of the tenth anniversary of Power Line (a magazine), they selected 10 women who have contributed meaningfully to the power sector and left an indelible mark on it - Hema's name figured in this list.

Conzerv'ing what?

In many ways, Conzerv represents the blooming of a bright idea at an opportune time. In 1989 when Conzerv was established, the state of the energy market in terms of awareness and therefore the demand for metering and energy management services was completely dormant. As Hema points out, the reason for this was possibly the fact that even as late as the early 1990's, industries were being lured by state government incentives including subsidized power!

Perhaps as a corollary, analog or electromechanical meters were in vogue - these were cheaper than the relatively few digital meter brands available. Voltage and current meters were also more in use than meters for power or energy.

Conzerv (then Enercon Systems) chose to fulfill the emerging demand for digital power meters and energy management services. Conzerv took on the task of explaining the importance of connecting meters in real-time with powerful software to control energy consumption as it happens.

The benefits of being a Pioneer

Conzerv has made much of its head start in the design, development, manufacture and marketing of meters and software. The first to offer services like energy audit and harmonic audit backed by product capability, it has built a sound reputation for its pre-sales, sales and after-sales services among its global clientele which includes the likes of ABB, Ashok Leyland, Hilton, Honeywell, Infosys, Siemens, Tata Steel and Unilever.

Hema explains that inspite of the possibility of growing five times faster, Conzerv has all along focused on ethical practices, and has hence shunned the more lucrative market of state electricity boards where unethical practices abound. In recognition of this commitment to ethics, the company won a "Most Ethical SME of the Year" award in 2006 from the Jamnalal Bajaj Council for Fair Business Practices.

Its ISO 9001 Version 2000 certification, and the certification of its products in overseas markets - Europe (CE), USA (UL), Australia (C-Tick) and Singapore (PSB) - by their respective certifying bodies have ensured Conzerv caters to a truly global market.

Applying values at the workplace

Conzerv's core values - PACT - stands for professionalism, active listening, caring and teamwork. As Hema says, "The vision, mission and PACT values anchor the company and align everyone from top to bottom" - essential if the company is to achieve its vision - to be among the global leaders in the conservation of energy and the environment. In fact, the company's Savera suggestion scheme was launched to encourage employees to suggest ways to reduce costs or improve productivity or uphold PACT values.

Conzerv recently underwent an Intellectual Capital rating by a Swedish firm, to ascertain the current effectiveness, future renewal and development and risk profile of its intangible assets such as quality of people, processes, relationships, intellectual property, organization structure, brand and networks. The underlying concept of Intellectual Capital rating is that 20% of a company's market cap is reflected in the financials, while 80% comes from its intangible assets. The outcome of this rating exercise was an ‘A' for current effectiveness and ‘AA' for renewal and development. Conzerv is among the top 25% companies worldwide who have received an ‘A' rating for Intellectual Capital.

Is this rating also a reflection of the values of the person at the helm of affairs - Hema Hattangady? Has having a woman CEO helped Conzerv in any way? According to Hema, being a woman has never been an issue. Success is a function of the basic qualities of a manager entrepreneur, not gender. However, she gives women managers the thumbs up as she adds, "Having said that, I do believe women have some innate advantages. Women can keep egos in check, are practical and resourceful, are not political and are quicker in decision-making, and hence make better managers."

There's not much we can add to that! 

Charu Bahri is a freelance writer and author of two books. She also writes funding grants and software for a charity working in the health sector.

Issue BG71 Feb07

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Comments (1)

	1. 01-06-2007 18:39
	Partner An inspiring article for the younger generation and the young ones at heart.    More articles of this nature would serve as case studies and working models for others to study, learn and apply.    Rgds,    nvk Registered Report

Vijay Kumar

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