To the Members,
The Directors hereby present the Thirty-Third Annual Report of your
Company along with the Audited Financial Statements for the Financial Year ended March 31,
2024. The Consolidated performance of the Company and its Subsidiaries has been referred
to wherever required.
1. FINANCIAL RESULTS
(in Rs. Million, unless otherwise stated)
|
Standalone |
Consolidated |
Particulars |
Year ended March 31, 2024 |
Year ended March 31, 2023 |
Year ended March 31, 2024 |
Year ended March 31, 2023 |
Revenue from operations |
1,396.9 |
1,295.1 |
3,855.3 |
3,367.3 |
Other income |
42.8 |
32.9 |
64.6 |
44.3 |
Employee benefits expense |
975.6 |
919.6 |
2,349.7 |
2,112.9 |
Cost of technical sub-contractors |
35.6 |
38.9 |
884.6 |
729.5 |
Other expenses |
167.1 |
125.3 |
296.7 |
254.0 |
Profit before finance cost, depreciation,
taxes, amortisation |
261.4 |
244.2 |
388.9 |
315.2 |
Finance cost |
4.5 |
6.0 |
8.9 |
10.1 |
Depreciation and Amortisation expense |
43.2 |
42.7 |
44.7 |
45.3 |
Exceptional Item |
22.9 |
- |
- |
- |
Profit Before Tax |
236.6 |
195.5 |
335.3 |
259.8 |
Tax expense |
53.9 |
46.8 |
62.2 |
52.1 |
Profit After Tax |
182.7 |
148.7 |
273.1 |
207.7 |
Paid-up Equity Share Capital |
253.5 |
252.7 |
251.2 |
248.6 |
Basic Earnings Per Share (EPS) (in Rs.) |
7.22 |
5.82 |
10.97 |
8.26 |
2. COMPANY AFFAIRS Standalone
On a Standalone basis, your Company recorded revenue of Rs. 1,396.9
million, as against Rs. 1,295.1 million in the previous financial year. Mindteck's profit
after tax stood at Rs. 182.7 million, as against Rs. 148.7 million in the previous
financial year. At an operating margin level, Mindteck recorded EBITDA (including other
income and excluding exceptional items) of Rs. 261.4 million (18.7%) during this financial
year as against Rs. 244.2 million (18.9%) last year.
Consolidated
During the financial year under review, your Company recorded
Consolidated revenue of Rs. 3,855.3 million as against Rs. 3,367.3 million in the previous
financial year. Of the Consolidated revenue that was recorded, 44.8 % is attributed to the
US and the balance pertains to the rest of the world.
Mindteck's Consolidated profit after tax for the financial year stood
at a profit of Rs. 273.1 million, as against Rs. 207.7 million in the corresponding
previous financial year. At an operating margin level, Mindteck recorded EBITDA (including
other income and excluding exceptional items) of Rs. 388.8 million (10.08%) during this
financial year as against Rs. 315.2 million (9.4%) last year.
There were no material changes and commitments affecting the financial
position of the Company which occurred between the end of the financial year of the
Company to which the financial statements relate and the date of this report.
3. DIVIDEND
The Board has recommended a dividend of 10% (Re. 1 per Equity Share of
Rs. 10 each) for the year ended March 31, 2024. This
shall be paid to those shareholders of the Company as on August 02,
2024, being the cut-off date for the dividend, subject to Shareholders' approval in the
ensuing Annual General Meeting.
4. BUSINESS FOCUS AND HIGHLIGHTS
Mindteck is a distinguished provider of engineering value and
technological expertise, serving a prestigious clientele that includes Fortune 1000
companies, startups, leading universities, and government entities globally. Since its
establishment in 1991, the company's specialized knowledge and skills have led to
collaborations with industry leaders in data storage, medical devices, semiconductors, and
analytical instruments.
Mindteck offers a wide range of capabilities in embedded systems,
enterprise applications, testing, and engineering services, which perfectly complement its
expanded focus on digital engineering. The company's process capability and maturity are
validated by a CMMI Level 5 appraisal, distinguishing it from its competitors.
With a proven track record, Mindteck delivers valuable support to
clients, maximizing their R&D and technology investments, gaining a competitive edge,
and preparing for the future. The company meets diverse needs, including product design
and reengineering, compliance fulfillment, test framework conceptualization and
development, system automation and modernization, control and monitoring software
development, cloud migration and enablement, data visualization and analytics, AI and
ML-based solutions, wireless communications, and top-notch IT talent sourcing and
retention.
Mindteck ensures efficient service delivery through a flexible
'best-shore delivery model,' offering a mix of onsite, offshore, near-shore, and hybrid
options across different geographies.
The company has established strategic partnerships and alliances with
renowned entities such as Intel Partner Alliance, Microsoft Gold Application Development
Partner, SNIA, CMMI Institute, and the IoT Global Network. It is also a founding member of
The Atlas of Economic Complexity, a data visualization tool developed by Harvard
University's Center for International Development.
In recent years, Mindteck has consistently improved its industry
ranking, benchmarking its capabilities as a service provider across various domains. The
company has made significant advancements in ER&D services and continues to excel in
its digital engineering efforts.
PRODUCT ENGINEERING
In today's rapidly evolving business environment, organizations face
constant change and heightened consumer expectations. With products becoming increasingly
intelligent and product life cycles becoming shorter, companies must navigate emerging
technology trends and dynamic market conditions to remain competitive. Success hinges on
achieving faster time to market and time to profit.
To tackle these challenges effectively, organizations need a dependable
partner who can help them leverage unique innovation opportunities and streamline their
product development life cycle operations, thereby establishing a robust core. Mindteck is
that partner, offering extensive engineering expertise to drive innovation, design, build,
test, upgrade, and scale sophisticated next-generation products and systems.
Embedded Design Systems
Mindteck has extensive experience in developing sophisticated embedded
computing solutions across various domains and industries. The company offers a
comprehensive suite of services, from product conceptualization to design and field
testing, addressing complex embedded systems challenges in advanced medical devices and
cutting-edge semiconductor systems. Mindteck provides tailored solutions to meet clients'
specific requirements and employs a collaborative approach to ensure high performance,
reliability, and efficiency.
Mindteck helps customers overcome hurdles in embedded systems
development with an end-to-end approach, offering services that include product vision and
architecture, hardware and firmware design, integration, testing, and validation.
Utilizing best practices and the latest technologies, Mindteck optimizes clients' embedded
systems.
Mindteck delivers exceptional embedded system solutions that drive
innovation and enhance clients' competitive edge. By understanding the unique challenges
and requirements of each industry, Mindteck develops customized solutions accordingly.
Partnering with Mindteck enables clients to navigate the complexities of embedded systems
development, accelerate their time to market, and achieve their objectives.
Internet of Things (IoT)
Mindteck's IoT services offer a comprehensive suite of solutions that
empower businesses to leverage data-driven insights and analytics. With expertise in IoT
device management and a broad range of industry use cases, Mindteck is a trusted partner
in driving operational excellence, enhancing customer experiences, and optimizing business
performance through seamless IoT technology integration.
Mindteck distinguishes itself as a leader in IoT device management,
delivering high-quality services to clients across various sectors, including
manufacturing, energy and utilities, consumer electronics, and security. The company has
implemented numerous use cases, such as edge computing, preventive maintenance in smart
manufacturing, asset monitoring and tracking, connected vehicles,
commerciai/industriai/agricuiturai equipment maintenance and optimization, smart buildings
and homes, smart energy management, wearables for patient monitoring, and remote
diagnostics for medical equipment.
Digital technologies have become integral to the operational aspects of
various industries, encompassing industrial control systems, asset monitoring, video
surveillance, predictive maintenance, intelligent transport infrastructure, freight and
passenger information systems, safety systems, and cybersecurity. These technologies,
combined with IoT sensor technologies and analytics, enable the collection of diverse
operational data and the prediction of safety, performance, and other critical parameters.
Mindteck's IoT services and solutions are designed to be efficient,
cost-effective, secure, and customizable. They transform reai-time data collected from
connected devices and products into valuable insights and anaiysis, faciiitating informed
decision-making and enhanced business productivity.
Highiights for EDS and IoT in 2023-24 are as foiiows-
Legacy Product Redesign: Redesigned and developed a legacy
product for a Malaysian client by porting a Windows CE-based appiication to Linux OS on a
duai-core ARM MPU, inciuding the existing FPGA code.
Firmware Development Partnership: Partnered with a
Singapore-based ciient to deveiop firmware for their products.
Digital Diagnost Lifecycle Management: Managed the lifecycle of
the Digitai Diagnost product for an existing ciient.
Asset Tracking Solutions: Deveioped asset tracking soiutions for
operators and maintenance teams of an existing ciient.
BSP Customization and Browser Optimization: Collaborated with a
new ciient to customize BSPs, anaiyze a browser-based appiication, and optimize its RAM
usage.
Medical Device Firmware Development: Deveioped firmware for new
products of a medicai device manufacturer speciaiizing in diagnostics, therapy,
reprocessing, and system integration.
Wireless Sensor Devices: Developed wireless sensor devices for
an existing ciient.
Android BSP Development: Engaged with a US-based company for
Android BSP development for their products.
Voltage/Temperature Data Acquisition Unit: Designed and
deveioped a 10-channei voitage/temperature data acquisition unit for an existing ciient.
Mobile Application Upgrade: Upgraded an existing mobiie
appiication to support TLS over BLE communication for an existing ciient.
Site Reliability Engineering for Telecom OEM: Executed a Site
Reliability Engineering project for a Tier 1 Telecom OEM, managing uptime, real-time
monitoring, automated depioyments, and infrastructure optimization over a five-year
period. This included core network services, telco OSS/BSS services,
device firmware management, IoT services, and AI- based analytical services.
Digital Transformation for Renewable Energy Provider:
Delivered a digital transformation project for a Tier 1 renewable
energy service provider in the UK, migrating applications, services, and data storage to
Azure cloud. The project handles real-time energy consumption data from around 80K smart
meters, generates rated records, sends invoices, handles payments, and provides near
real-time energy analytics, now supported as a managed operations project.
Centralized Chiller Plant Monitoring Modernization: Completed
the modernization of a centralized chiller plant monitoring and control system for a Tier
1 building automation OEM. This ongoing project includes telemetry processing, API
optimization, analytical dashboards, and performance optimizations, with UX redesign, data
storage cost optimizations, and new telemetry streaming architecture.
Medical Devices and Healthcare
In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the medical devices and
healthcare industry is undergoing a significant shift driven by the increased adoption of
digital technologies. Mindteck recognizes the necessity for healthcare organizations to
adapt to this transformative era to effectively manage the consumer experience.
Healthcare companies face numerous challenges, including rising costs
of care, industry consolidation, and regulatory compliance. To address these challenges,
Mindteck empowers organizations to leverage next-generation technologies such as
automation, AI, analytics, and digital experience. By integrating these advanced
technologies into their business strategies, healthcare organizations can achieve
accelerated growth across the entire value chain.
Mindteck's expertise allows for the provision of tailored solutions
that drive operational efficiency, enhance patient care, and improve overall outcomes. The
company is committed to helping medical companies navigate the digital era and harness the
power of technology to meet the evolving needs of consumers and the rapidly changing
healthcare landscape.
Highlights of 2023-24 include:
Emergency Care Informatics Platform: Mindteck is part of a team
working on a futuristic cloud-based emergency care informatics platform, contributing to a
connected care digital platform that provides insights into vital parameters generated
from multiple remote patient monitoring systems.
Post-operative Heart Health Monitoring Solution: Played a
critical role in developing a digital care platform aimed at addressing the key
requirements of value-based healthcare for the US market.
Cybersecurity Assessment and Penetration Testing:
Successfully conducted a cybersecurity assessment and penetration
testing for a 'Software as a Medical Device' product for a US healthcare customer, meeting
FDA regulations on cybersecurity.
Oncology Informatics Workflow: Contributed significantly to the
development program for oncology informatics, enhancing cancer treatment management,
optimizing appointment scheduling, and creating datasets for national cancer registries
for public health surveillance.
Analytical Instruments
Mindteck has established itself as a prominent figure in the Analytical
Instruments sector, providing comprehensive and tailored solutions to its diverse
clientele. These specialized services are designed to address the unique requirements of
the industry, with a particular focus on custom application development for analytical
instruments, guaranteeing seamless integration and peak performance. Their embedded
solutions facilitate efficient and precise control of instruments, empowering clients to
achieve outstanding outcomes.
In navigating the complexities of the analytical instrumentation
landscape, Mindteck faces challenges related to usability and enhancing user experience,
alongside considerations such as data integration, interoperability, technological
advancements, regulatory compliance, and cybersecurity threats. Leveraging their deep
domain expertise and embracing cutting-edge technologies, Mindteck assists customers in
overcoming these obstacles.
Moreover, Mindteck customizes LIMS, data acquisition, and analysis
software according to individual customer specifications, enabling the generation of
valuable insights and actionable intelligence.
Quality remains a top priority for Mindteck's services. The company
implements rigorous independent verification and validation (IV&V) processes, with a
robust emphasis on software quality assurance to ensure that solutions adhere to the
highest standards of reliability and accuracy. Furthermore, Mindteck offers application
enhancement and re-engineering services, optimizing functionality and extending the
lifespan of applications.
Highlights of 2023-24 include:
Business Intelligence: Through an innovative collaboration,
Mindteck spearheaded the development of a cutting-edge web-based Business Intelligence
(BI) tool for a prominent scientific instrument firm. This tool provided a unified
platform facilitating instrument planning, robust data capture, insightful analysis, and
streamlined sample management, fundamentally transforming data-driven decision-making for
scientists.
Control and Analysis Software: Mindteck expanded the software
functionalities for a leading Atomic Force Microscopes (AFM) manufacturer based in the
United States. This enhancement facilitated high-throughput data capture, introduced
sophisticated WPF controls to enhance user interaction, incorporated high-resolution live
4K 3D rendering capabilities, enabled multi-channel probe settings, and automated image
processing and analysis, among other features.
Offshore Development Center (ODC) Establishment: Mindteck
collaborated with a prominent test and instrument enterprise to establish an Offshore
Development Center (ODC), assuming full responsibility for software development for their
crucial chromatography applications. Leveraging Mindteck's iterative methodology,
featuring rapid demo-feedback-development cycles, a successful Minimum Viable Product
(MVP) rollout was achieved within a span of merely four months.
Spectrometer Software Development: Mindteck forged a partnership
with a leading analytical instrument company in the United States to create
next-generation spectrometer software. Additionally, Mindteck provided comprehensive
support in technical writing, product maintenance, and software validation, ensuring a
holistic approach to the project's success.
Management of Business-Critical Laboratory Operations:
Mindteck played a pivotal role in managing the business- critical
laboratory operations for a diverse clientele across multiple locations. This involved the
meticulous management of complex instruments, execution of calibrations, preparation for
tests, and assistance with sample runs, ensuring seamless operational efficiency and
client satisfaction.
Data Storage:
Mindteck excels in serving top-tier providers of Storage Data
Management Software, Hyperconverged Storage Infrastructure (HCI), Composabie
Infrastructure, and Enterprise/Datacenter Storage Equipment. They possess a unique
combination of domain expertise, developed knowledge, and the capability to function as an
extended engineering team for Data Storage and Cloud clients.
Mindteck's system development proficiency encompasses a broad spectrum
of functionalities, including the implementation of speed negotiation in NIC drivers and
IPV6 integration for various RAID levels. Development-oriented qualification and white box
testing are conducted meticulously to guarantee optimal performance. Additionally, their
expertise extends to crafting drivers and Platform Diagnostics, including Baseboard
Management Controller (BMC) software supporting IPMI and Redfish, facilitating efficient
remote server management.
The company specializes in crafting invaluable tools for the industry,
providing solutions for testing high-risk platform configurations to enhance the
reliability and performance of storage solutions. The company also specializes in
developing custom tools for test management, along with Hardware Acceptance Test Framework
(HATS) Tools, ensuring thorough hardware testing for seamless integration. Leveraging
expertise in frameworks like EXT-JS, Angular JS, and React JS, Mindteck creates robust and
user- friendiy web applications. Furthermore, they specialize in Flash to HTML5 porting,
enabling the modernization of web applications and ensuring cross-platform compatibility.
Highlights of 2023-24 include:
New Platform Automation: Mindteck actively participated in
automating new platform features through script development in areas such as BIOS, loader,
platform software, service processors, and health monitoring (PHM, CSHM). The automation
scripts fell into three categories: new features, hardening, and regression fixes. These
scripts were designed to be compatible with previous platforms and releases as well.
Software Defined Storage: Mindteck engaged in the development,
testing, and maintenance of software-defined storage features. This involved understanding
and reviewing the architecture, design, and functionai specifications of the
software-defined storage system. Additionally, they configured, instaiied, troubieshooted,
and maintained hardware support for VMware (ESXi) and KVM (RHEL) virtuaiization and
provisioning.
Data Migration Tool Development: Mindteck developed a document
migration tool to consolidate and migrate content between tools. This process included
validating that migrated content was fuiiy functional, including child pages and external
links, and reorganizing documents within the destination tool for improved clarity and
understanding.
Full Stack Development: The focus was on designing and
developing scalable, high-performance applications while ensuring code quality and
adherence to best practices. This involved collaborating with cross-functional teams to
integrate diverse services and optimize system performance. Knowledge of Docker enhanced
the team's ability to work with containerized appiications. Responsibiiities inciuded
planning, developing, testing, deploying, and maintaining web applications, with a strong
understanding of RESTfui API design and familiarity with database design and management.
Quality Assurance (QA): Mindteck made significant contributions
to QA across key storage modules, including file systems, RAID, storage protocols (NFS,
SMB, iSCSI, NVMe), high availability, MetroCiuster, interconnects, switches, NIC cards,
data protection, data backup, and disaster recovery.
Cloud Environment QA and Validation: Mindteck contributed to the
QA and validation of cloud environment setups for users, inciuding creating and deieting
voiumes/sub-voiumes, snapshots, cross-region replication, data backup, permissions,
protocols, allocation limits, and reserved capacity. Key technoiogies used inciuded Linux,
Jenkins, Kubernetes, Python, Bitbucket, Jira, Robot/Pytest frameworks, Postman, GCP, and
Azure NetApp files.
Cloud Storage Development and Testing: Mindteck was actively
involved in developing and testing a petabyte-scale cloud storage solution for a global
leader in traditional storage. Challenges included building scalable S3 object storage and
developing and testing various software subsystems in a scaled agile mode. This cloud
solution offered end customers a truly scalable object-oriented storage solution with no
vendor lock-in, transparent and predictable pricing, and no egress or API charges. Key
technologies involved in the project included Go Lang and MinIO for object storage.
Semiconductor
The semiconductor industry is continuously evolving, demanding both
software and hardware solutions that address its unique needs and challenges. Mindteck,
with decades of experience, stands as a leading provider of these solutions, serving
equipment manufacturers, subsystem vendors, and FABS. Mindteck enhances the software
features, performance, and productivity of its clients by offering a comprehensive range
of services in equipment software, factory automation, specialized controls, and solution
accelerators.
Seamiess integration with existing systems is achieved using standard
protocols and SEMI FA Standards (200mm and 300mm), along with factory automation to ensure
efficient data exchange and synchronization across the manufacturing process. This is
facilitated through the implementation of SECS/GEM drivers, FA testing, AMHS integration,
FA simulation, recipe server development, and MES interface integration.
Specialized controls are essential for optimizing operations and
productivity. Mindteck delivers these through R2R control systems, predictive analytics,
and machine vision technologies for quality inspection and control. Additionally, Mindteck
provides accelerators designed to promote rapid solution development and enhance overall
efficiency. These include device simulators, factory hosts, the EDA Freeze II Framework,
automated testing frameworks, FA test harnesses, E95 UI widgets, and USB CAN- based
DeviceNet Masters.
Highlights for 2023-24 include:
Mindteck is designing and developing a common Cluster Tool
Controller (CTC) Framework software from scratch for a capital equipment manufacturer.
This framework will support both their existing and future equipment, with tool-specific
features and functionalities implemented on top of the CTC framework.
Developing a comprehensive data strategy for an Enterprise Data
Management Platform, covering components such as data integration, data storage and
management, data distribution, analytics, applications, reporting, and business operations
support. This involves designing, integrating, building pipelines, data preparation, ETL
processes, maintaining, and troubleshooting new and existing systems used for data storage
and processing, along with creating dashboards and reports.
Providing cloud-based solutions for document sharing,
versioning, creating subscriptions, and streamlining approval processes. These solutions
interface with various data sources like SharePoint, RDBMS, SAP, and raw files, enhancing
data control and ensuring compliance with legal and normative requirements.
Testing
Mindteck excels in comprehensive end-to-end testing, including manual
black box testing, test automation, security/penetration testing, regression testing,
performance testing, prototype testing, unit testing, multilingual testing, and
business/user acceptance testing. The extensive experience covers a wide range of areas,
including web, mobile, and embedded device applications, networks, hardware and firmware,
databases, web services, cloud, connectivity, and interoperability. Additionally, our
specialised expertise in domain-specific testing, particularly in data storage, sets us
apart in delivering exceptional testing services to our clients.
Highlights for the 2023-24 include:
Involved in Automated test design and framework development for
a mobile application solution of a leading medical device and patient care application. In
a different thread, added 8 new members for handling additional testing needs, to support
both manual and automated test solutions.
IT INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES
The Company established a dedicated IT Infrastructure team focused on
the following portfolio of services:
Remote Infrastructure Support
Remote Infrastructure Management (RIM) - including the management of
computer hardware and software, such as workstations, servers, network devices, storage
devices, and IT security devices. Sub-services include:
Data Centre Management: Monitoring and management of servers,
database, middle tier application, messaging and storage
Network Management: Monitoring and management of routers,
switches, VOIP devices and network links
Security Management: Monitoring and management of firewall, IPS,
IDS, VPN, PKI, etc.
Desktop Management: Remote maintenance of desktop/ laptops, file
and print servers, printer and scanners.
ITIL-Compliance, Processes, SLA:
Proactive monitoring and incident management
Problem change and configuration management
Asset management and patch management
Availability management
Process consulting, audits and reviews
24/7 support
Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VA/PT):
VA/PT helps to protect against network and application breaches by
providing visibility of security weaknesses and the guidance to address them. It is
increasingly important for enterprises that want to achieve compliance with standards,
including the GDPR, ISO 27001 and PCI DSS.
Vulnerability Assessment - carried out through vulnerability scans, is
designed to help identify, classify and address security risks. This exercise does not
include exploiting the vulnerabilities observed during the scanning process.
Penetration Testing - a multi-layered security assessment that uses a
combination of machine and human-led techniques to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in
the infrastructure, systems and applications.
Service areas include:
Network VA/ PT - involving a rigorous testing of the network to
obtain information of backdoor entries into a network. It establishes the possibility of
penetrating the network to obtain access to the internal IT infrastructure, application
software and data.
Infrastructure VA - involves the scanning of the IT
infrastructure to ensure that IT assets are configured as per business and security
requirements, and that the internal environment is safe and secure.
Application Software VA/PT - vulnerabilities within web- based
application software (internet and mobile) are easily exploited to obtain sensitive data
or compromise customer information. Automated and manual tests are carried out to identify
such vulnerabilities and ensure the robustness of the application.
Change in Nature of Business
There were no changes in the Nature of Business of the Company during
the year.
5. QUALITY
During FY 2023-24, our quality management system (QMS), which was
primarily focused on hardware and software design, development, and testing, was
significantly enhanced to include services based on the CMMI version 2.0 Services Model.
This expansion now encompasses crucial processes such as strategic service management and
service delivery, thereby improving our capability to manage various types of IT-related
services.
We have also implemented several key improvements, including the
introduction of Process Failure Mode & Effect Analysis (PFMEA), which aids in
assessing the impact of process changes on the safety of medical devices. Additionally,
our medical devices management system was further strengthened by incorporating
installation, operation, and performance qualification guidelines. Thanks to these
continual improvements, we successfully retained our ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016
certifications.
A major highlight of the year was achieving CMMI version 2.0 Maturity
Level 5, covering both Development and Services models. This milestone was reached
following an integrated muiti-modei high maturity appraisal conducted in September 2023.
Our quality journey continues with a focus on transitioning to CMMI
version 3.0, enhancing quaiity-reiated training through our internal training platform,
leveraging emerging technologies and tools to improve delivery capabilities, and
increasing customer satisfaction.
In terms of our Information Security Management System (ISMS), many
processes were enhanced, and several new guidelines, such as Memory Safe Programming, were
added to bolster information security practices. As a result, we successfully retained our
ISO 27001:2013 certification.
6. INFRASTRUCTURE
Mindteck has local offices in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, Singapore,
Malaysia, Bahrain and India. In addition to space for workstations, conference rooms,
meeting rooms, and a worldclass communications system, the Company's infrastructure
includes two development centres equipped with R&D laboratories (Bengaluru and
Kolkata, India).
At the start of the pandemic, the Company made the requisite
adjustments in its IT infrastructure to ensure productive and safe in-office and remote
workplace environments for both essential and other employees, while contending with peaks
in the spread of the virus. Specifically, access to conferencing platforms was expanded,
and critical support for new joinees and existing employees was provided continuously on a
rotational basis by the IT team, security officers, an electrical team and courier
services. Additionally, the Company initiated plans for investment in hybrid workforce
management capabilities such as productivity, security and asset management tools.
7. SUBSIDIARIES
On March 31, 2024, Mindteck had six wholly owned subsidiaries:
Mindteck, Inc. (United States), Mindteck Middle East Limited WLL (Bahrain), Mindteck
Software Malaysia SDN. BHD. (Malaysia), Mindteck Singapore Pte. Ltd. (Singapore), Mindteck
(UK) Limited (United Kingdom), and Chendle Holdings Limited (British Virgin Islands).
Mindteck (UK) Limited has one subsidiary: Mindteck Germany GmbH (Germany), and Mindteck,
Inc. has one subsidiary: Mindteck Canada, Inc. (Canada). Mindteck Solutions Philippines,
Inc. is under closure.
The Consolidated Financials have been audited and form part of this
Annual Report. The financials of the subsidiaries have also been audited by the respective
Auditors except Chendle Holdings Limited. The Consolidated Financials have been prepared
and audited in strict compiiance with the appiicabie Accounting Standards and SEBI
(Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. Aii information,
including (a) capital (b) reserves (c) total assets (d) total liabilities (e) details of
investment (except in case of investment in the subsidiaries) (f) turnover (g) profit
before taxation (h) provision for taxation (i) profit after taxation and (j) proposed
dividend as directed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, has been disciosed in the
Consoiidated
Financial Statement. Financial Highlights with the Indian rupee
equivalent of the figures given in the foreign currency, along with exchange rate as on
closing day of the financial year, and the statement pursuant to Section 129 (3) of the
Companies Act, 2013 in Form AOC-1, forms part of this Board's Report as Annexure-1.
Further, the Company undertakes that the annual accounts of the
Subsidiary Companies and the related detailed information will be made available to any
investor seeking such information at any point of time. The annuai accounts of the
Subsidiary Companies and related information will also be kept for inspection by any
investor at Mindteck's registered office. The soft copy of accounts is available on the
Investors section of the Company's website (www.mindteck.com). The Holding, as well as
Subsidiary Companies, regularly file the applicable data to various regulators and
government authorities, as and when required.
None of the Subsidiaries, Joint Ventures or Associate Companies ceased
during the year.
8. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
All Related Party Transactions entered during the financial year were
on an arm's length basis and in the ordinary course of business. There were no material
Related Party Transactions made by the Company with Promoters, Directors, Key Managerial
Personnel, or other designated persons and their relatives except with its whoiiy owned
subsidiaries. The particuiars of such contracts or arrangements with related party are
attached as Annexure-2.
During the financial year, your Company had contributed towards
Corporate Social responsibility to Keyed Foundation in which one of the Directors is an
Independent Director of the Company.
9. LITIGATION
There was no material litigation outstanding as on March 31, 2024.
10. CHANGES TO SHARE CAPITAL
The Board of Directors of the Company allotted 81,683 equity shares
against employees' stock options during the financial year. The issued, subscribed and
paid-up Equity Share Capital was Rs. 25,34,67,760 as on March 31, 2024.
11. FIXED DEPOSITS
The Company has not accepted any fixed deposits and, as such, no amount
of principal or interest was outstanding as on the Balance Sheet date.
12. PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES OR INVESTMENTS
Loans, Guarantees or Investments covered under Section 186 of the
Companies Act, 2013, forms part of the notes to the Financiai Statements provided in the
Annual Report.
13. TRANSFER TO RESERVES
During the financial year, the Company did not transfer to its
reserves.
14. DIRECTORS
As per Section 152 of the Companies Act, 2013, Mr. Yusuf Lanewala (DIN:
01770426) retires by rotation as a Director in the ensuing Annual General Meeting, and
being eligible, offers himself for re-appointment. A brief resume of Mr. Yusuf Lanewala is
included in the Annexure to the Notice of the Annual General Meeting.
Declarations by Independent Directors
AIL Independent Directors have given declarations to the effect that
they meet the criteria of independence as laid down under Regulation 16(1)(b) & 25 of
the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 and
Sub-Section 6 & 7 of Section 149 of the Companies Act, 2013.
Board Evaluation
Pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI (Listing
Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, the Company has carried out an
annual performance evaluation of the Board, Individual Directors, as well as Committees
and Chairperson.
Board Diversity
The Company places great emphasis on the principle of diversity,
including gender diversity. Diversity throughout the organisation makes great business
sense. The Company maintains that appointments to the Board should be based on merit, as
well as complement and expand the skills, knowledge and experience of the Board as a
whole.
Policy on Directors' Appointment and Remuneration
Mindteck has an appropriate mix of Executive, Non-Executive and
Independent Directors to maintain the independence of the Board and separate its functions
of governance and management. As on date, the Board consists of eight Directors, one of
whom is Managing Director and CEO; three are Non-Executive including one-woman Director
and four are Independent Directors. The Board periodically evaluates the need for change
in its composition and size. The policy of the Company on Directors' appointment and
remuneration, including criteria for determining qualifications, positive attributes,
independence of a Director and other matters as provided under Sub-section (3) of Section
178 of the Companies Act, 2013, is adopted by the Board, and uploaded on the Company's
website (www.mindteck.com). We affirm that the remuneration paid to the Directors is as
per the requirements of the Companies Act, 2013.
Number of Meetings of the Board
The Board met four times during the Financial Year, the details of
which are given in the Corporate Governance report that forms part of this Annual Report.
The intervening gap between two meetings was within the limit prescribed by the Companies
Act, 2013 and SEBI (Listing ObLigations and DiscLosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
Vigil Mechanism/Whistleblower Policy
The Company has established a Whistleblower Policy for Directors,
Employees and other Stakeholders to report their genuine concern, and the said policy is
attached as Annexure-3.
Constitution of Internal Complaints Committee
The Company has complied with the provisions relating to the
constitution of InternaL CompLaints Committee under the sexual harassment of women at
workplace (prevention, prohibition and redressal) act, 2013.
15. Auditors
Statutory auditor
At the 31st annual general meeting held on August 12, 2022,
Members of the Company appointed Statutory Auditor, Suresh Surana & Associates LLP,
Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration No. 121750W/W-100010), Bengaluru for a period of
five (5) years, who shall hold the office up to the conclusion of the 36th
Annual
General Meeting. During the year, the Statutory Auditor confirmed its
eligibility and independence criteria to hold office.
Secretarial Auditor
CS S Kannan, a Practicing Company Secretary, was appointed to conduct
the Secretarial Audit of the Company for the FY 2023-24, as required under Section 204 of
the Companies Act, 2013 and Rules thereunder. The Secretarial Audit Report for the FY
2023-24 forms part of this Board's Report as Annexure-4.
Cost Auditor
The maintenance of cost records as specified by the Central Government
under Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013, is not applicable to the Company, and
accordingly such accounts and records are not maintained.
The Board noted the reports provided by the Statutory Auditor and
Secretarial Auditor, and confirmed that there are no qualifications, reservations or
adverse remarks.
16. ANNUAL RETURN
In accordance with Section 92(3) and 134(3)(a) of the Companies Act,
2013, the annual return in the prescribed format is displayed on the website of the
Company (Weblink: https://www.mindteck. com/annual-return).
17. SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS
There were no significant and material orders passed by the Regulators,
the Courts, or Tribunals impacting the going concern status and the Company's operation in
the future. The details of Tax Matters are disclosed in the Standalone Financial
Statements.
18. INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROL
The Board has adopted the policies and procedures for ensuring the
orderLy and efficient conduct of its business, incLuding adherence to the Company's
policies, safeguarding its assets, prevention and detection of frauds and errors, accuracy
and completeness of the accounting records, and timely preparation of the reliable
financial disclosures.
19. INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS FAMILIARISATION PROGRAMME
Mindteck has an established familiarisation programme for its
Independent Directors. The business heads, Managing Director and CEo, delivery head, chief
financial officer and the company secretary make presentations on business models, nature
of industry and its dynamism, the roles, responsibilities and liabilities of independent
directors. Further, updates on business, statutory law and industry are made available to
independent directors especially to the Audit Committee members on an ongoing basis by
internal teams, and Statutory & Internal Auditors on a quarterly basis.
20. PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES
The table containing the names and other particulars of employees in
accordance with the provisions of Section 197(12) of the Companies Act, 2013, read with
Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules,
2014, is attached as Annexure-5 to the Board's report.
The list of employees who were employed throughout the financial year
and in receipt of remuneration of Rs. 102 lakhs or more, or employed for part of the year
and in receipt of Rs. 8.50 lakhs or more per month, and the List of Top 10 employees under
Rule 5(2) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules,
2014, are in the following page:
Top 10 employees of the Company based upon the remuneration drawn
during the FY 2023-24
Employee Name |
Designation |
Remuneration Received (in Rs.) |
Nature of Employment |
Qualification |
Experience (in years) |
Date of Commencement of Employment |
Age |
Last Employment |
Percentage of Equity Shares held by the
employee in the Company |
Any such employee is a relative of any
Director or Manager of the Company and if so, name of such Director or Manager |
Anand Balakrishnan |
Managing Director and CEO |
2,00,74,673 |
Contractual |
CA and CPA |
31 |
30-Jan-2019 |
51 |
Wipro GE Healthcare Private Limited |
0.00 |
NO |
Ramachandra M S |
Chief Financial Officer |
1,45,17,876 |
Employee |
CA and DipIFR |
18 |
01-Jul-2019 |
44 |
Spera Management Group |
0.00 |
NO |
Harish A Nair |
Chief Sales Officer |
71,18,206 |
Employee |
MBA |
27 |
15-Oct-2020 |
50 |
UST Global International Private Limited |
0.01 |
NO |
Jigar Prabhudas Vasani |
Vice President - Sales |
58,72,723 |
Employee |
Masters in Marketing |
21 |
04-Aug-2020 |
43 |
Johnson Controls (India) Pvt. Ltd. |
0.00 |
NO |
Pradeep Kizhakkethil |
Vice President - Human Resources |
53,37,106 |
Employee |
MHRM, PGDHRM |
27 |
02-Aug-2012 |
51 |
IDExcel Technologies Private Limited |
0.01 |
NO |
Sudhir Kumar Singh |
Group Head - Storage |
49,32,848 |
Employee |
M.E. |
32 |
14-Jun-2022 |
57 |
ITC Infotech India Limited |
0.00 |
NO |
S Shivarama Adiga* |
Vice President - Legal and Company Secretary |
45,99,966 |
Employee |
C.S, M.Com and LLB |
47 |
18-Mar-2013 |
65 |
Diligent Media Corporation Limited |
0.01 |
NO |
Satish Kumar V S |
Practice Head - Medical & Health Care |
45,33,624 |
Employee |
B.E. and PGDBA |
23 |
11-Oct-2021 |
55 |
L & T Technology Services Ltd |
0.00 |
NO |
V Manju Reddy |
Associate Vice President - (EDS) |
42,43,311 |
Employee |
B.E. |
29 |
01-Oct-2020 |
51 |
Digital Systems |
0.00 |
NO |
Rohit Kumar Goel |
Practice Head - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Analytical Instru- mentation |
40,92,287 |
Employee |
B.E. |
20 |
04-Nov-2022 |
42 |
PerkinElmer India Pvt Ltd |
0.00 |
NO |
* Ceased to be an employee w.e.f March 31, 2024
List of employees who were employed throughout the financial year and
in receipt of remuneration of Rs.102 lakhs or more, or employed for part of the year and
in receipt of Rs. 8.50 lakhs or more per month
Employee Name |
Designation |
Remuneration Received (in Rs.) |
Nature of Employment |
Qualification |
Experience (in years) |
Date of Commencement of Employment |
Age |
Last Employment |
Percentage of Equity shares held by the
employee in the Company |
Any such employee is a relative of any
Director or Manager of the Company and if so, name of such Director or Manager |
Anand Balakrishnan |
Managing Director and CEO |
2,00,74,673 |
Contractual |
CA and CPA |
31 |
30-Jan-2019 |
51 |
Wipro GE Healthcare Private Limited |
0.00 |
NO |
Ramachandra M S |
Chief Financial Officer |
1,45,17,876 |
Employee |
CA and DipIFR |
18 |
01-Jul-2019 |
44 |
Spera Management Group |
0.00 |
NO |
21. COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
Currently, the Board has four Committees: Audit Committee, Nomination
and Remuneration Committee, Corporate Social Responsibility Committee, and Stakeholders
Relationship Committee.
A detailed note on the Board and its Committees is provided under the
Corporate Governance report in this Annual Report. The composition of the Committees and
compliances, as per the applicable provisions of the Act and Rules, are as follows:
Name of the Committee |
Composition of the Committee |
Highlights of duties, responsibilities and activities |
Audit Committee |
Mr. Jagdish Maikani - Chairperson Mr. Satish
Menon- Member Mr. Yusuf Lanewaia- Member Ms. Keyuri Singh-Member Mr. Guhan
Subramaniam-Member Mr. Subhash Bhushan Dhar-Member |
- The Committee oversees the Company's financiai reporting
process and disciosures of its financiai information to ensure accuracy and reiiabiiity. |
|
|
- The Company has adopted the Whistleblower Policy for
Directors, Empioyees and other Stakehoiders to report concerns about unethicai behavior,
actuai or suspected fraud, or vioiation of the Company's Code of Business Conduct and
Ethics. The Whistleblower Policy is attached as Annexure-3 to the Board's Report. |
|
|
- In accordance with the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI
(Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, the Company has
formulated policies on related party transactions and material subsidiaries. The policies,
including the Whistleblower Policy, are avaiiabie on the Company's website. |
Nomination and Remuneration Committee |
Mr. Guhan Subramaniam- Chairperson Mr. Yusuf
Lanewaia - Member Mr. Subhash Bhushan Dhar -Member Ms. Keyuri Singh -Member Mr. Jagdish
Maikani -Member Mr. Satish Menon-Member |
- The Committee oversees and administers executive
compensation operating under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors., |
|
|
- The Committee has designed and continuously reviews the
compensation program for the Managing Director, Key Managerial Personnel and Senior
Management to align both short and long-term compensation with business objectives, and to
iink compensation with the achievement of measurable performance goals. |
|
|
- The Committee structures compensation to ensure that it is
competitive in the giobai markets in which it operates in order to attract and retain the
best taient. The Committee intends to have a combination of stock options and
performance-based stocks to aiign Senior Management compensation. |
|
|
- The Nomination and Remuneration Committee has framed the
Nomination and Remuneration poiicy. A copy of the poiicy is upioaded on the Company's
website. (Weblink: https://www.mindteck.com/assets/
investor_pdf/Nomination_Remuneration_Policy.pdf). |
Corporate Social Responsibility Committee |
Mr. Yusuf Lanewaia - Chairperson Mr. Anand
Baiakrishnan- Member Mr. Jagdish Maikani - Member Mr. Subhash Bhushan Dhar-Member |
- The Board has iaid out the Company's poiicy on Corporate
Sociai |
|
|
Responsibility (CSR), and the CSR activities of the Company
are carried out as per the instructions of the Committee. |
|
|
- The Company allocates 2% of its average net profits of
three years immediately preceding the financial year for CSR activities to various
beneficiaries. |
|
|
- The Annual Report on CSR Activities is attached as per the
prescribed format in Annexure-6 to the Board's Report. |
|
|
- The contents of the CSR policy are available on the
Company's website (Weblink: https://www.mindteck.com/assets/investor_pdf/CSR_Policy.pdf) |
Stakeholders Relationship Committee |
Mr. Satish Menon- Chairperson |
- The Committee reviews and ensures redressal of investor
grievances. |
|
Mr. Yusuf Lanewaia-Member |
- The Committee notes all the grievances of the investors and
takes suitable action accordingly. |
|
Mr. Guhan Subramaniam- Member |
|
|
Mr. Meenaz Dhanani-Member |
|
22. RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company has a robust Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework to
identify and evaluate business risk opportunities. This framework seeks to create
transparency, minimise adverse impact on business objectives, and enhance the Company's
competitive advantage. The business risk policy defines the risk management approach
across the enterprise at various levels, including documentation and reporting. The model
has different modes that help in identifying risk trends, exposure and potential impact
analysis at a Company level and also separately for different business segments. The
Company has identified various risks and also has mitigation plans for each risk
identified.
23. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
Mindteck recognises good Corporate Governance and is committed to sound
corporate practices based on conscience, openness, fairness, professionalism and
accountability, for the benefit of its stakeholders and for long-term success. Mindteck
adheres to the standards set by SEBI for Corporate Governance practices as per SEBI
(Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 and a report on
Corporate Governance pursuant to Regulation 34 read with Schedule V of SEBI (Listing
Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 forms part of this Annual
Report. The details of the remuneration to all the Directors for the FY 2023-24 are
reflected in the Corporate Governance Report. A Compliance Certificate on Corporate
Governance forms part of this report as Annexure-7.
24. MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
The Management Discussion and Analysis is part of this Annual Report.
25. DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
To the best of their knowledge and belief, and according to the
information and explanations obtained by the Company, the Directors made the following
statements in terms of Section 134 (3) (c) of the Companies Act, 2013:
a. that in the preparation of the annual financial statements for the
year ended March 31, 2024, the applicable accounting standards have been followed along
with proper explanation relating to material departures, if any;
b. that such accounting policy as mentioned in Note 2 of the Notes to
the Financial Statements have been selected and applied consistently. Judgment and
estimates have been made that are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair
view of the state of affairs of the Company as on March 31, 2024 and of the profit of the
Company for the year ended on that date;
c. that proper and sufficient care has been taken for the maintenance
of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act,
2013 for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and
other irregularities;
d. that the annual financial statements have been prepared on a going
concern basis;
e. that proper internal financial controls were in place and that the
financial controls were adequate and were operating effectively;
f. that systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all
applicable laws were in place and were adequate and operating effectively.
26. CSR INITIATIVES
During FY 2023-24, more than 2% of Mindteck's previous three years'
average net profits were allocated towards the following initiatives:
Gandhi Old Age Home: Mindteck contributed towards procurement of
solar water heater, water filter, Kitchen racks, food serving trolly and hospitalization
railings cots for elderly people.
Keyed Foundation: As in the past, Mindteck contributed towards
the 'School Readiness Program' in Government Schools.
Apprentice Training: Mindteck contributed by providing training
to the Apprentices hired in the Company more than 2.5%, which is over and above the
statutory requirement.
27. MINDTECK EMPLOYEES STOCK OPTION SCHEMES
Mindteck believes in the policy of enabling Mindteckers to participate
in the ownership of the Company and share in its wealth creation as they are responsible
for the Management growth and success of the Company. The Company has three Employees
Stock Option Schemes: Mindteck Employees Stock Option Scheme 2005, Mindteck Employees
Stock Option Scheme 2008 and Mindteck Employees Stock Option Scheme 2014. During the year,
the Company had wound-up Mindteck Employees Stock Option Scheme 2020.
a. Mindteck Employees Stock Option Scheme 2005
During the year ended March 31, 2024, under this Scheme, the Company
did not grant any options but allotted 33,350 shares to the eligible employee. There has
been no variation in the terms of ESOP Scheme during the year.
b. Mindteck Employees Stock Option Scheme 2008
During the year ended March 31, 2024, under this Scheme, the Company
granted 1,50,000 options on February 07, 2024, at an exercise price of Rs. 238.75/- and
allotted 33,333 shares to the eligible employee. There has been no variation in the terms
of ESOP Scheme during the year.
c. Mindteck Employees Stock Option Scheme 2014
During the year ended March 31, 2024, under this Scheme, the Company
did not grant any options but allotted 15,000 shares to the eligible employee. There has
been no variation in the terms of ESOP Scheme during the year.
d. Mindteck Employees Stock Option Scheme 2020
During the year ended March 31, 2024, under this Scheme, the Company
did not grant any options and did not allot any shares. There has been no variation in the
terms of ESOP Scheme during the year. The Board of Directors of the Company has approved
the winding-up of the Scheme on March 06, 2024. As on March 31, 2024, the Mindteck
Employees Stock Option Scheme 2020 was not in existence.
The Details of the Employees Stock Option Schemes, as required under
Regulation 14 of SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021
are displayed on the website of the Company.
(Weblink:https://www.mindteck.com/assets/investor_pdf/Disclosures-pursuant-to-SEBI-SBEB-SE-Regulations-2021.pdf)
28. MINDTECK EMPLOYEES WELFARE TRUST
The Mindteck Employees Welfare Trust (MEWT) was set up in the year
2000. The Company has implemented a Scheme named as Mindteck Employees Stock Option Scheme
2020 in lieu of earlier Company's Share Incentive Scheme which was wound- up on March 06,
2024, by the Board of Directors. MEWT has sold 1,91,551 shares in the secondary market as
permitted under Securities and Exchange Board of India (Share Based Employee Benefits and
Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021. As on March 31, 2024, the said Trust holds 2,24,449
shares of the Company and has not transferred any shares to the employees of the Company
under the said scheme.
29. CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, TECHNOLOGY
ABSORPTION, FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND OUTGO
Particulars that are required to be disclosed under Sub-Section (3)(m)
of Section 134 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014,
are set out in Annexure-8 included in this Report.
30. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Directors place on record their appreciation of co-operation and
continued support extended by customers, shareholders, investors, partners, vendors,
bankers, the Government, and statutory authorities for the Company's growth. We thank
employees at all levels across the Group for their valuable contribution in our progress
and look forward to their continued support.
Yusuf Lanewala |
Anand Balakrishnan |
Chairman |
Managing Director and CEO |
(DIN: 01770426) |
(DIN: 05311032) |
Bengaluru, India |
|
May 17, 2024 |
|
|