AI, robotics, information exchange and telecommunications are playing a considerable role in logistic sector.
Vikas Choudaha Senior Vice President and Business Head, Godrej Storage Solutions In this present uncertain situation, where do you see maximum opportunity within the larger logistic space? The logistics industry is currently undergoing immense
– Vikas Choudaha
Senior Vice President and Business Head, Godrej Storage Solutions
In this present uncertain situation, where do you see maximum opportunity within the larger logistic space?
The logistics industry is currently undergoing immense change owing to the current situation, which has given room to both risk and opportunity. For the logistics industry, some of the key disrupting factors during these times are the changing customer expectations, technological breakthroughs, new entrants to the industry, and new ways to co-create and collaborate.
While the e-commerce and modern retail sectors have been fundamental growth drivers, there is also untapped opportunity in the other sectors. They have been accelerating the development of third party logistics as well as warehousing industry. Though the industry has a long way to catch up with developed economies in terms of sophistication and technology, we are on the right track. The various industry participants are willing to invest in emerging opportunities.
What do you think are the right skill sets for warehousing / logistic professionals of the future to evolve alongside technology interventions?
The logistics sector is focusing on the adoption of mechanisation which would eventually lead to automation albeit in a phased and selective manner. The supply chains supporting the essential services saw an immense spike in the first few months of the lockdown. However, they also faced severe challenges due to the lack of labour at hand. Therefore, the sector is looking to adopt new mechanisations to reduce their dependency on labour intensive processes.
As digitisation is rapidly disrupting the industry, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, in terms of material handling, information exchange, and telecommunications, has been playing a considerable role in contributing to the growth as well. Therefore, it is imperative to equip the new generation of workforce with digital manuals, digital training programs and communication platforms to provide cost effective customised solutions that customers are looking for. At Godrej Storage Solutions, we have designed modules for the industry around operations, safety and have specialised service offerings around audit and building capabilities. In large cases with complex operation, our handing over process includes training to the user group for better and improved, usage and operations of the system
Do you think the ongoing logistics projects would be further propelled by the pandemic disaster?
It is unfortunate that we are grappling with the second wave of Covid-19 and hope to recover from the same quickly with an all-round effort. We at Godrej Storage Solutions are working very closely with our customers and warehouse infrastructure companies to emerge stronger together. We believe that this entire focus on creating the infrastructure is getting thrust from all direction. The creation of the MMLP (Multi Modal LogisticsPark) as envisaged by government, and various economic and defence corridors would only aide in the growth of logistics activity.
How do you ensure speedy, resilient and efficient supply-chain operations? Have we moved to an era where it has become imperative for warehousing / logistic firms to show deftness in offering out-of-the-box solutions?
The need for speed and responsiveness cannot be over emphasised. The spurt in consumer demand, either organic or lead by promotions, calls for huge responsiveness in the supply chain. This creates demand for the entire player to continuously innovate and provide solutions which are out of box but fit for the context. I remember, couple of years ago, one of the E-commerce players came to us for picking solutions, but based on our experience we proposed that they allow us a few days to study their operations. The result was a very different hybrid solution. This spirit of co creation has been at core of our support to many customers. Another key challenge we work on is technology adoption. Despite the rapid progress on the deployment of automation there are many cases where there is a need to reduce the degree of automation. A mix and hybrid is something which would be preferred for some more time before the new age technologies find wide scale acceptance.
Given the country’s distinct set of challenges, what do you believe are the areas where investments should be targeted in order to strengthen the country’s warehousing / logistic chain?
In order to create a favourable digital ecosystem for empowering large-scale tech adoption, it is highly crucial to draw and sustain the right global VC funds by nurturing a private sector investment climate, rather than solely depending on government-managed funds. It is also vital for younger personnel entering the logistics and supply chain domain to cultivate the essential technological competencies and knowledge to handle global supply chain complexities. Therefore, a key focus area to invest should be in training workforces in the logistics arena with the right technological skillsets and know-how to tackle crucial infrastructural and operational challenges.
As India rapidly transitions to a digital economy, it is vital for younger personnel entering the logistics and supply chain domain to develop the requisite technological competencies and knowledge to handle global supply chain complexities.
At Godrej Storage Solutions, we have a good mix of offerings which includes highly sophisticated automated solutions, conventional handling equipment and simple to complex storage systems. Our Corporate value of ‘To Serve’ has been the guiding force and comes in good stead to build a leadership position the industry.
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