Know from Akash Bansal, Country Head, Om Logistics their plans for expansion and the ways to optimise operations and costs.
Q. Please elaborate on Om Logistics’ plans and expansions in 2022-23.
As a service provider, our growth is linked to our customers. We are witnessing steady progress after missing the last 2 years’ targets given the pandemic. Along with this organic growth in logistics, we are also looking towards expansion, and customer acquisition for our recently acquired Transafe Service Limited, which focuses on manufacturing Standard and Customised ISO containers. Also, with our entry into River Barging to Bangladesh, we are planning to expand this business exponentially to meet the demand and enhance operational efficiency for exports to Bangladesh.
Q. What are the prominent changes in the operations in the post covid era?
Though when it comes to operations on the ground, I don’t see many changes, but yes, I could definitely witness substantial shifts in technological implementation and evolution that have pushed the industry to new heights. Reduced paperwork / Transparent and visible supply chain/ Ease of documentation, and, above all, acceptance of such technological solutions by clients have definitely reduced the cycle time for the complete value chain.
The operations team, in turn, have greater visibility and can plan improvements and route optimisation, which is the essence of Supply chain business. Post-covid, we are trying our best to optimise and absorb costs without passing them to customers.
Q. Is last mile connectivity the new mantra to success?
As integrated D2D service providers, we have always been in last mile connectivity. We focussed on it as our model was door delivery. For us, approximately 100% of our business has been on the D2D model, but now with E-commerce, the last mile has to be more efficient and cost-effective. The “Concept of small” has also picked up the pace, and customers are focussing on smaller shipments rather than bulk loads to optimise their inventory carrying cost. Our focus needs to be on inventory reduction in the total supply chain as with the GST/ infrastructure development, the uncertainties of transit delays have been reduced significantly, and the industry is trying to reduce losses on such grounds.
