Saravanan Appaya Manoharan

22+ Years of experience in Software Testing, Quality Assurance & Project Execution across various products and applications. Specialization in Software Testing & QA with a diverse background in industries such as Energy, Healthcare, Finance, and E-learning multimedia. Specialized Product & Application Areas: Energy (Smart Metering & Grid Management solutions), Healthcare & Finance at Vanguard, Multimedia.

Command Center Migration to GCP using Kubernetes and Container-based Services

In the Command Center Migration to GCP using Kubernetes and Container-based Services, the migration process focused on leveraging Kubernetesfor orchestrating containerized applications and pods to enhance scalability, resilience, and operational efficiency.

· Kubernetes for Orchestration

· Containerization

· Scalability with Pods

· High Availability and Load Balancing

· Resource Optimization

· CI/CD Pipeline for Continuous Deployment

IoT Integration & Device Management – G480 Gas, Leshan, LWM2M Adapter

The IoT Integration & Device Management projectfocused on integrating G480 Ultrasonic Gas meters, Leshan devices, and LWM2M (Lightweight Machine-to-Machine) Adapter for efficient remote management and data exchange in IoT ecosystems.

· Managed integration of G480 Gas meters with Leshan LWM2M (Lightweight M2M) server and LWM2M adapters for secure and efficient device management and data communication.

· Led the setup and configuration of LWM2M adapters to facilitate seamless communication between the G480 Gas meters and the Leshan LWM2M server.

· Conducted end-to-end testing of G480 Gas devices, ensuring that data from smart gas meters was correctly transferred to the server using the LWM2M protocol for remote monitoring and control.

· Verified device provisioning, secure data transmission, and device lifecycle management (including firmware updates and status monitoring) using LWM2M.

· Worked on ensuring the interoperability between Leshan LWM2M server and multi-vendor devices, focusing on scalability and secure communications across a distributed IoT network.

· Performed troubleshooting of data transmission failures, network instability, and protocol compliance between the G480 Gas meters and LWM2M server.

· Ensured data security and integrity by implementing encryption and certificate management strategies within the LWM2M adapter

PKI-Based Security:

The G480 gas devices use PKI certificates for secure communication, ensuring that data transmitted between the devices and the network is authenticated, encrypted, and tamper-proof.

Each device is issued with a unique certificate that is part of the broader PKI ecosystem, ensuring trusted identity validation. This allows the system to verify the authenticity of each device.

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) & Security

Keyfactor EJBCA in Wi-SUN Device Certificate Management

· Hands-on experience with Key factor EJBCA 8.2.0 Enterprise, an enterprise-grade Certificate Authority (CA) and PKI management solution.

· Involved in certificate lifecycle management, IIS integration, TLS/SSL configurations, and device identity issuancewithin enterprise environments.

· Contributed to secure communications for smart grid, healthcare, and financial applications through standards-based cryptographyand X.509 certificate policies.

· Performed certificate provisioning, revocation testing, OCSP/CRL validation, and intermediate/root CA hierarchy configuration.

Smart Grid Network Management – Cisco FND

Cisco FND Integration with Landis+Gyr Devices

· Extensive experience with Cisco Field Network Director (FND) for managing large-scale AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure)and IoT smart grid networks.

· Performed device registration, firmware upgrades (FOTA), and configuration management of FAN routers, smart meters, and DA devices.

· Integrated FND with MDMS systems, ensuring seamless command and event processing.

· Validated real-time telemetry, alarm management, network health monitoring, and event correlation through FND.

· Worked on ACLs, IPv4/IPv6 tunnel configurations, and WiSUN 1.0 network validation via Cisco FND.

· Involved in FND version upgrades, sanity testing, and joint defect validations with Cisco engineering teams (e.g., FND 5.0 GA & 5.1).

· Ensured test coverage for key functionalities like remote connect/disconnect, outage/restoration workflows, demand data reporting, and firmware provisioning

Interoperability & Wi-SUN Network Integration

The IR8140 Cisco Router integrates with Landis+Gyr Wi-SUN devices to provide secure, scalable, and reliable communication in smart grid networks. It facilitates data aggregation, multi-hop mesh networking, and secure backhaul communication between field devices and central systems. The router supports Wi-SUN protocol, ensuring seamless connectivity with Landis+Gyr devices such as smart meters. It enables real-time data transmission, firmware updates, and remote diagnostics, while ensuring interoperability with multi-vendor devices. With built-in security features like PKI and QoS, it enhances network reliability, supports outage management, and allows for efficient management of large-scale smart grid deployments.

· Worked extensively with Cisco IR8140 Hardened Routersin Wi-SUN 1.0 FAN environments for Field Area Network (FAN)routing and device registration.

· Enabled multi-vendor interoperability by validating Wi-SUN registration, routing, and communication for a mix of Cisco and third-party devices (e.g., Revelo, Itron, Landis+Gyr).

· Performed registration flows, certificate-based authentication, and FAN interface debugging using tools like Wireshark and router logs.

· Conducted interoperability testing across multiple Wi-SUN stacks, ensuring successful join, routing table creation, and communication with IR8140 as the Border Router.

· Worked on troubleshooting issues related to key negotiation, neighbor table management, and routing failuresacross vendors.

Device Compatibility and Regression Testing for Command Center Upgrades

Worked on integrating and managing various devices within the Landis+Gyr Command Center, including RFMesh, SBS-based devices, and third-party electric, gas, and water meters. Ensured seamless interoperability, secure communications, and reliable data collection across multiple device types. Focused on device configuration, firmware updates, lifecycle management, and compliance with industry standards, contributing to the efficient operation of the smart grid and IoT ecosystem.

· For each release of the Landis+Gyr Command Center, the following tasks must be performed to ensure that customer upgrades do not affect the existing registered devices and that they continue to operate as expected:

Device Compatibility Testing: Verify that RFMesh, SBS-based devices, and third-party electric, gas, and water meters remain compatible with the new version. Test all device communications, data collection, and system functionality post-upgrade.

Firmware Validation: Ensure that firmware versions for all devices are compatible with the upgraded Command Center. Perform regression testing to confirm that existing devices receive updates properly without issues.

Interoperability Testing: Conduct tests across various devices to ensure seamless integration with the updated Command Center. This includes checking data exchange and device configuration for all supported devices and protocols.

Security Validation: Test all security features, including device authentication, encryption, and secure communications (e.g., PKI for G480 devices), to ensure the upgrade does not compromise device or network security.

User Experience Validation: Check that the user interface, device management features, and historical data for all registered devices continue to function as expected without disruption.

Backward Compatibility: Ensure that previously registered devices continue to perform correctly, and no device data is lost or corrupted during the upgrade process.

Performance Monitoring: Test the system’s overall performance with the upgraded Command Center, ensuring that device registration, communication, and data reporting remain stable and efficient.

Work with Itron Meters and Applications at UST Global for San Diego Gas & Electric

San Diego, United States

01/2009 - 07/2012

Worked extensively on testing and integration for Itron smart meters and related applications. Led testing efforts for smart meter firmware, configuration migrations, and system integration. Conducted RFLAN migration testing, ensuring smooth transitions from 1G to 2G networks, and managed key management processes like meter key rollovers and updates. Collaborated with clients to define test strategies, implemented automation frameworks, and ensured seamless integration of Itron devices within energy systems.

· Key Deliverables:

Managed multiple testing teams and successfully delivered projects across various domains, ensuring quality and efficiency.

Designed and implemented automation frameworks to enhance testing processes.

Collaborated with clients to define testing strategies, estimate project costs, and create tailored solutions.

Conducted firmware download testing and configuration migration for smart metering scenarios.

· Key Accomplishments:

Led RFLAN migration testing from 1G to 2G, ensuring seamless network functionality during the transition.

Conducted key management testing for meter key rollovers and system key updates.

Led integration testing for smart meters and Home Area Networks (HAN), ensuring compatibility with energy systems.

EPDS through UST Global

01/2006 - 07/2008

The Enterprise Provider Data System (EPDS) from Anthem is a centralized platform designed to manage and streamline provider data across the healthcare system. It serves as a comprehensive system that consolidates, updates, and ensures the accuracy of provider information, enabling more efficient data access and sharing. EPDS is particularly valuable for healthcare organizations, as it supports seamless integration between different healthcare providers, insurers, and systems.

· Key Features:

Centralized Data Management: EPDS acts as a central repository for provider data, allowing for easy updates and management.

Data Accuracy: The system ensures that provider information is consistently accurate and up-to-date, which is crucial for the delivery of healthcare services and for maintaining compliance with regulations.

Real-Time Access: It facilitates real-time data sharing, making it easier for providers, insurers, and administrators to access the information they need promptly.

Integration with External Systems: EPDS supports integration with other Anthem systems, as well as third-party healthcare applications and databases.

Reporting and Analytics: The system offers robust reporting features that help organizations analyze provider data and make informed decisions.

Role in Healthcare:

Improved Efficiency: By consolidating provider data into one system, EPDS minimizes errors and reduces administrative overhead.

Enhanced Communication: It improves communication between insurers and healthcare providers by ensuring they have access to the same accurate, real-time data.

Compliance: Helps in maintaining compliance with healthcare regulations, ensuring that provider data is continuously updated and accurate.