Digitization of Logistic Sector will help bring efficiency and realize the vision of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat

No.PR-154 July 4, 2020 New Delhi Digitization of Logistic Sector will help bring efficiency and realize the vision of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted a virtual conference on ‘Streamlining the Logistics and Warehousing Sectors Post Lockdown’ with an august gathering of delegates including Mr. Pawan Kumar Agarwal, IAS, Special Secretary, (Logistics), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India; Capt. T. S. Ramanujam, CEO, Logistics Sector Skill Council (LSC), Govt. of India. Mr. Pawan Kumar Agarwal, highlighted that logistics has been a sector that needs to realize the vision of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). In these indispensable times, we realized the importance of essential services with their regular supply chains. During the times of COVID-19, there has been a disruption in the supply chain, movement of truck drives, and other forms of transformation that have been resolved in the best possible way. Mr. Pawan Kumar Agarwal mentioned that for the long term improvement and modernization of logistics, we need to understand that this sector is highly fragmented and, there is a need to understand the logistics sector for better clarity. It’s time that we consider regulation the logistics further more. Mr. Aggarwal said that like the formulating a National Logistics Law Efficiency and Advance Predictability Act in the sector, which will intend to streamline the logistics sector eco-system. We need to formulate logistics services that will help to reduce the cost and integrate the other aspects of the logistics industry. Digitization of logistics is something that is the need of the hour that will help to increase the working capacity and transportation efficiency. The government is working on creating digital platforms and mobiles apps for logistics like Warehouse Information Tracking and Trading Yard (WITTY) and other such innovative and development platforms that will help mapping of warehousing and logistics, said Mr. Pawan Kumar Agarwal. Capt. T. S. Ramanujam, while deliberating about present industry scenario and future perspective, mentioned that logistics has become an integral part of the manufacturing. Warehousing was considered essential for transportation but, now it is considered a major value addition for manufacturing. He highlighted that manufacturing has become more automation with less intervention of manpower; there is a need for integration of product schedule with material management. As the world is driving towards e-commerce, there is a need for fulfilment centre and inventory is critically important for data management and optimization of assets. Capt. T. S. Ramanujam talked that the strength of the chain is the weakest link. Process efficiency is critical for the smooth working of the supply chain by measuring performance efficiency. We need to ensure the safety of transportation and other processes as well. We can manage all these future needs with the help of skill training that can help to boost the knowledge of the product, process, and people management. He also deliberated about the initiatives undertaken by Logistics Sector Skill Council (LSC) during the times of COVID-19 and is trying its best to resolve issues through these initiatives. The other esteemed delegates who showed their presence in the virtual conference were Mr. Julian Michael Bevis, Senior Director, Group Relations, South Asia, A.P.Moller-Maersk Group, and Mr. Mukund Halwaisya, Co-Chair, Logistics Development Committee, PHD Chamber. Dr. D K Aggarwal, President, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry in his presidential address mentioned the importance and smooth functioning of the logistics sector despite the lockdown and disruption. He lauded the initiatives and implementations made by government and ministries and discussed the challenges faced by the logistic sector in a significant manner in terms of the supply chain, disruption in essential and non-essential commodities, huddles of transportation and many more and the way these challenges were resolved with the intervention of government and ministries. While giving the current industry perspective, he discussed the issues and challenges faced by the industry while included disruption in a shipment coming from China; hike in fuel prices; lack of health cover for transportation labor, drivers and effort to bring back the migrant labours for the warehouses and many more. Mr. Ramesh Agarwal, Chair, Logistics Development Committee, PHD Chamber while giving an industry perspective deliberated about the present situation of logistics and warehouses in the present times. He mentioned that there is a need to reduce the logistics cost and streamline this industry for boosting the development of the country. Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, Principal Director, PHD Chamber while moderating the virtual conference, delivered a formal vote of thanks to the august delegates and participants. The Virtual Conference was in support of Halwaisya and Sons and Agarwal Packers and Movers. It received extensive participation of more than 140 industry stalwarts’ pan-India. Ends Media Division PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry