Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in association with Indian Institute of Materials Management (IIMM) organised a workshop on Mastering the Supply Chain Game on Friday, 21st June 2024 at the ICC Auditorium. The workshop featured discussions on various topics including e-waste management and the circular economy, innovative approaches in supply chain management, the impact of global events, the role of digitisation, the importance of procurement, and advancements in supply chain education. The session witnessed valuable insights from Mr. Koushik Roy, Chairman Indian Institute of Materials Management, Kolkata ; Mr. Alok Kumar Chattopadhyay, Deputy Director & Advisor , Indian Chamber of Commerce ; Mr. Ashok Dasgupta , Former CEO of Cescon Ltd. Former President of Noida Power Co.Ltd ; Mr. Swarup Brahma, Vice President(CPR, NWD, e-waste Management ) WEBEL; Mr.Sanjay Gupta , Former Head of Supply Chain & Global Procurement- PepsiCo. Hony. Secretary Indian Institute of Materials Management, Kolkata; Mr. Sudipto Basu, Chairman, MDP & Consultancy Services, Indian Institute of Materials Management, Kolkata.
Mr. Swarup Brahma, Vice President (CPR, NWD e-Waste Management), WEBEL, while discussing his perspective on e-waste and the circular economy within the supply chain management system, emphasised, “We need to focus on several key points: reducing waste, recycling, implementing reverse logistics, collaborating with suppliers and educating stakeholders. The main takeaway is the need to reduce our carbon footprint. Regarding waste management, it’s important to note that e-waste is the fastest-growing type of waste and contains hazardous substances that adversely affect human life. However, e-waste also contains valuable resources, offering opportunities for urban mining and job creation. E-waste is increasing at a rate of 20-25% per year. West Bengal, for instance, produces 41,847 tonnes of e-waste annually (as of 2020). The West Bengal Government has mandated the IT department to collect and dispose of e-waste. Currently, 120 tonnes of e-waste are generated daily. We are set to establish our own hardware plant in Sonarpur, which will be an e-waste recycling factory. We are working with the pollution control board and our target is to have the newly established plant ready by this year. Additionally, I would like to highlight some of our other activities: promoting IT industries in the state, infrastructure development and management, running an animation academy, managing e-waste, overseeing supply chain and installation, conducting cyber-security activities, and providing training and skill-building through learning management.”
While emphasising on today’s workshop, Mr. Kaushik Roy, Chairman, Indian Institute of Materials Management, Kolkata, expressed, “It is designed to enhance the knowledge of supply chain management professionals. It will feature several sessions highlighting innovative approaches to supply chain management. While we may not be in a position to invent new technologies, our focus is on mastering AI and supply chain management strategies to drive sustainable growth in the field. In the coming decades, smart warehousing and smart transportation will become crucial for supply chain professionals. We’ve also witnessed the significant impact on supply chain management due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.”
To set the tone for today’s discussion and emphasising on global business, Mr. Alok Kumar Chattopadhyay, Deputy Director & Advisor, Indian Chamber of Commerce, said, “The internet has transformed global business into a single, interconnected family, making it possible to find new customers worldwide. However, securing a stable supply chain has become crucial for this. A well-functioning supply chain ensures seamless production from material acquisition to delivery. It also enables businesses to expand and reach new customers. The supply chain bolsters sales and builds resilience and capability through omni-channel strategies. Recent changes have demonstrated that utilizing ICT can digitise the supply chain ecosystem for future needs. Supply chains are evolving into digitised ecosystems. Future supply chain professionals should focus on advancing and integrating IoT, cyber-physical systems and blockchain. Disruptive technologies have significantly impacted supply chain management. MNCs are adopting digital transformation in their supply chain processes to remain agile and efficient. Supply chain digitisation brings efficiency and transparency. The Indian supply chain market is estimated to be approximately $3,700 million in 2024 and is expected to grow to $6,433 million by 2030. The significance of the supply chain cannot be overstated; every business requires one or more supply chains. India is emerging as a reliable alternative for supply chain destinations due to its large consumer market and labour force. The government is taking measures to improve rail links, road links, and projects like Sagar Mala and Bharatmala to enhance logistics and supply chain management. As a result of these initiatives, logistic costs have declined by 1%. India is becoming a new supply chain leader by leveraging geopolitical factors.”
Mr. Sanjay Gupta, Former Head of Supply Chain & Global Procurement – PepsiCo. And Hony. Secretary, Indian Institute of Materials Management, Kolkata, said, “The fact is that supply chain management is the driving force of the industry. It involves two aspects: goods and services. Supply chain management is crucial because it coordinates and synchronises different departments, ensuring proper delivery of goods and services.”
While discussing how procurement serves as a value-adding tool in the supply chain, Mr. Sudipto Basu, Chairman, MDP & Consultancy Services, Indian Institute of Materials Management, Kolkata, stated, “Procurement enhances the department through several key factors. Firstly, it improves cost efficiency, which benefits the bottom line and emphasises product enhancement. Secondly, supplier relationship management is crucial for quality sourcing. Additionally, process efficiency is significantly improved by AI and technological tools, which automate the P2P cycle and reduce lead time. Market intelligence is another vital aspect of the procurement process. Finally, compliance and sustainability are essential. Sustainability, in particular, is a highly discussed topic, and we must adopt green sourcing practices to enhance brand value and promote a sustainable environment.”
Highlighting on the IIMM Saga, Mr. Ashok Dasgupta, Former CEO, Cescon Ltd. and Former President, Noida Power Co. Ltd., said, “The Indian Institute of Materials Management (IIMM) has grown significantly, now boasting 10,000 members across over 50 branches, organised into eastern, western, southern, northern and central zones. IIMM has launched a Graduate Diploma in Material Management (GDMM) for learners from various institutes and companies. We maintain strong connections with the International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM) and have established the Centre for Research in Materials Management (CRIMM). By partnering with Techno India University through an MOU, IIMM now offers fellowship courses in supply chain management, enabling learners to pursue a PhD in this field. I once believed that there was no future in supply chain management, but now it’s clear that this field offers numerous ways to contribute to a company’s profitability.”
 in association with Indian Institute of Materials Management (IIMM) organised a workshop on Mastering the Supply Chain Game on Friday, 21st June 2024 at the ICC Auditorium.){kind=link}