CIO50 2023 26-50 Karmun Chan, Real Pet Food Company

Name: Karmun Chan
Title: Head of IT, Real Pet Food Company
Commencement of current role: April 2021
Reporting line: CFO
Member of the executive team? No
Number of staff in the IT function and direct reports: 11 staff, 3 direct reports.

Real Pet Food Company’s Head of IT, Karmun Chan, has implemented significant changes to streamline operations by leveraging Microsoft Power Automate. Chan’s leadership and adoption of this automation platform have brought notable improvements to the company.

Recognising the need for swift solutions and reduced IT expenditure, Chan introduced Microsoft Power Automate as the company’s automation platform. By integrating Power Automate with existing Microsoft tools like SharePoint, Power BI, Teams, and Dynamics 365, Real Pet Food maximises its resources while minimising reliance on external applications and supporting infrastructure.

The decision to migrate to Microsoft Power Automate, says Chan, was driven by its ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and the ability for citizen developers within the organisation to automate processes independently. This investment in developing in-house capabilities has resulted in several benefits for Real Pet Food Company.

One significant advantage according to Chan, is the upskilling of team members, leading to higher engagement and faster value delivery. By acquiring automation skills, team members can contribute their business expertise to deliver value promptly, reducing the need for external vendors and consultants. Additionally, by providing training and resources, Chan’s team stays updated with the latest technology trends, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.

Improving efficiency

The user-friendly nature of the Microsoft Power Automate platform has accelerated value delivery as well. The intuitive interface and seamless integration with existing Microsoft tools enable non-technical users to automate processes, improving efficiency across departments and reducing the strain on IT resources.

Moreover, the migration to Microsoft Power Automate has significantly reduced IT spending. By streamlining the IT infrastructure and cutting maintenance and licensing costs, Real Pet Food Company has gained more value from its other technology investments. This initiative has also supported the organisation’s transition from private cloud to public cloud, simplifying the process and enhancing overall efficiency.

An example of the effectiveness of Power Automate was seen in the automation of invoicing processes with a new third-party logistics provider. Despite challenges with the incumbent provider’s administration, Chan and her team swiftly automated the invoicing process using Power Automate, ensuring a smooth transition. This proactive response minimised disruptions, maintained business continuity, and showcased the value of in-house capabilities and the efficiency of the Power Automate platform.

Leading by example

Beyond driving innovation, Karmun Chan has a strong influence on other executives and promotes cross-functional partnerships through the establishment of the IT Steering Committee and Security Council. Regular progress reviews, feedback solicitation, and sharing the IT roadmap with department heads further strengthen the collaborative approach to technology decision-making and alignment with strategic goals.

Chan leads by example, integrating technology into her personal workflows and processes. By introducing new meeting methods and encouraging the adoption of technological advancements, she demonstrates the benefits firsthand and drives their integration into daily operations.

Reflecting on her career, Chan emphasises the importance of transparent communication, even when solutions are not yet finalised, and the value of listening to different perspectives.

“I truly value the diverse perspectives and insights that people bring to the table. It has helped me make better decisions and achieve successful outcomes,” says Chan. “Being transparent about our efforts and challenges builds trust and keeps them engaged in the process. I have also realised that it is important to trust my own judgement. Sometimes, I need to balance all the input with my own expertise and instincts. It is about finding that sweet spot between considering different viewpoints and having confidence in my own abilities.”

These lessons have guided her decision-making and contributed to successful outcomes. Moving forward, Chan says she is committed to improving communication and transparency, ensuring customers are informed of progress and maintaining their trust.