Gain expert insights from Sandip Satapathy on how modern supply chain disruptions are shaping the definition of an innovative warehouse and the crucial factors for its success.
Innovative warehousing is redefining India’s role in global supply chain
The supply chain game has changed, and Sandip Satapathy, Head – Supply Chain, Tata Steel, offers compelling insights into this transformation. From “off the shelf” to “customised and personalised”, the race for customer delight is on, and the “innovative warehouse” is leading the charge. Satapathy notes a fundamental shift in industrial strategy towards automated, digital, and resilient storehouses. By 2030, over 80% of Indian warehouses are projected to embrace this journey. Leveraging AI and ML for demand forecasting, inventory management, and predictive modelling is becoming the norm. Operational flexibilities like cross-docking and Just-In-Time are also evolving. With “Make in India” gaining traction, “innovative warehousing” is essential for India to become a cornerstone in the global supply chain.
Smart challenges
Many smart warehouse projects fail to deliver results despite big investments. The main reason is a gap in four key areas: strategy, operations, technology, and people. Missing any of these can lead to wasted money. Success needs careful planning—clear timelines, budgets, resource use, and team involvement. Strong and flexible tech systems are also vital. High costs, slow returns, lack of skills, and company culture often make smart warehouse adoption difficult.
Hub influence
Logistics parks and industrial hubs are changing how goods move across India by making the supply chain more efficient. They are built near highways, railways, ports, and airports, helping products travel faster and at lower costs. Warehouses in these parks use smart tools like automation, IoT, and data to work better. These parks also focus on green practices like saving energy and managing waste. Businesses can customise warehouses as needed. Government plans like PM Gati Shakti and the National Logistics Policy are helping these parks grow and support India’s global trade goals
Digital security
As warehouses become more interconnected, ensuring cybersecurity and data integrity is crucial. Strong firewalls and intrusion detection systems protect against cyber threats, while data encryption secures sensitive information during transmission and storage. Secure communication channels with end-to-end encryption and multi-factor authentication provide added protection. Regular security audits and timely patch updates help fix vulnerabilities. Training staff in cybersecurity best practices and setting access controls are essential. Adhering to regulations like GDPR, India’s DPDP Act 2023, and ISO 27001 certification ensures global data protection standards are followed.
MMLP redefinition
Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) are revolutionising warehouses in India by integrating automation, scalability, and multimodal transport. MMLPs utilise advanced technologies like robotic sorting systems and automated storage and retrieval systems, streamlining operations. These parks are designed to handle large freight volumes, spanning over 100 acres, consolidating various logistics activities for increased efficiency. MMLPs connect different transportation modes, ensuring seamless goods transfer and reducing transit times and costs. Shifting freight from road to rail can reduce transportation costs by up to 45% and significantly lower CO₂ emissions. MMLPs also offer value-added services like customs clearance and cold storage, enhancing India’s logistics sector.
