What I Learned at the Indictrans Cross Functional Open Meet?

Author: Jovien Alexis

Hey, as a first time blog writer I am trying to put my thoughts on last Cross Functional Open Meet I had experienced with my fellow team mates from Indictrans in this blog. Before Joining I had been in erp industry for more than 3 years. I had attended some training in earlier organizations as well as part of Indictrans, I have been part of some basic trainings as well.

Few months back in one of the social media post I have read a beautiful quote of Benjamin Franklin “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” According to me this may be the quote is best suitable for this 4 days Cross Functional Open Meet.

Over the past week, our team came together for a 4-day Cross Functional Open Meet. I met with new faces I have never met before. As a part of client calls, I may have few words with guys but not a continues conversation or a one to one meet. For me the 4 days were more than a series of sessions, it was a shared experience of learning, growth, and connection. From interactive discussions to hands-on exercises, each day offered us a fresh perspective on my role both individually and collectively and I think others may be thinking the same. Here’s a look back at the highlights, insights, and takeaways that made this Cross Functional Open Meet a memorable milestone for me and surely for us all.

Setting the Foundation for Growth

Our journey began with a warm welcome from our HR Manager, Apurva, who set the tone for the days ahead. She introduced each facilitator, setting the stage for an engaging and insightful experience.

In the morning, Mr. Gupteshwar inspired us to think beyond our current skills, urging us to move from “Good to Great.” He reminded us that personal growth fuels team success and that each of us has a role in building a transparent and communicative environment. We explored how accountability isn’t just a task but a mindset, one that enables us to lead by example.

The afternoon brought practical wisdom from Mr. Kanhaiya, who shared the essential skills Functional teams need to handle projects effectively. From understanding management’s expectations to navigating the nuances of enterprise-level clients, we got a solid grasp of our roles within the broader project cycle.

Operational Procedures and Real-World Application

Day 2 was all about diving into the nitty-gritty of our processes. Karandeep took us through the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Functional Consultants, clarifying the handover process from Sales and detailing essential project documentation, from “As-Is” to “To-Be” states. This session not only strengthened our understanding but also gave us a clear framework for navigating each project phase, ensuring that every step is documented and accounted for.

In the afternoon, we explored a real-world client scenario with insights from Karandeep, Manoj, and Mr. Gupteshwar. Together, they illustrated the complexities of handling multi-location manufacturing clients. The practical exercise that followed, where we split into teams and tackled the challenge, which prepared us to think on our feet and creatively address real client needs. By the end of the day, we were excited to showcase our solutions, ready to present them on Day 4.

Building Client Connections and Team Companionship

Day 3 highlighted the clients perspective of our roles. Mr. Dipen from frappe team had session on “Good to Great” which included client management strategies and Frappe’s expectations from us as a Golde Partner gave us invaluable insights into maintaining strong client relationships. By reinforcing a “Vanilla ERP Setup” approach, keeping things simple and straightforward, he demonstrated how consistency can often be the key to exceeding client expectations.

The afternoon brought us together in a different way, with team-building activities led by Apurva and Anamika. These activities weren’t just fun; they deepened our sense of companionship, and the day closing with the Monthly Appreciation Award to the project teams.

Showcasing Skills and Celebrating Growth

The final day was all about showcasing what we’d learned. In the morning, Karandeep gave us a comprehensive ERPNext demo, focusing on standard modules for our new joiners. It was a practical session, helping everyone, new and seasoned alike, brush up on configurations and workflows in ERPNext, ensuring we’re all aligned with our foundational tools.

The afternoon was dedicated to our team presentations. Each group brought their unique solution to the manufacturing client scenario introduced earlier. As we presented and received feedback from facilitators, it was rewarding to see how our combined efforts translated into real-world solutions. Unfortunately, we were lacked in some areas, but the feedback we received was a powerful reminder of the potential we hold and the areas we can continue to develop.

To close out the Cross Functional Open Meet, we gathered for a small Diwali celebration, complete with sweets and shared smiles. It was a fitting end, a celebration of both the festival and the collective efforts of everyone involved.