The success of our company often mirrors its commitment to technology and innovation. We can proudly say that HMEL has always been a technology-driven organisation and has embarked on a transformative path, one that exemplifies our dedication to staying at the forefront of technological advancements. This transformation not only underscores our quest for operational excellence but also our crucial role in driving efficiency and progress within the broader context of India's industrial landscape. Here is how our digital transformation had a profound impact on the realm of supply chain management.
The Essence of Supply Chain Management
Supply chain management is the linchpin of any successful organisation. It encompasses the end-to-end process of planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient flow of goods, services, and information from the point of origin to the point of consumption. Our primary objectives in supply chain management are to reduce costs, enhance efficiency, and provide customers with timely and reliable products and services.
In the petroleum industry, efficient supply chain management is especially critical. It involves coordinating a vast network of suppliers, refineries, distributors, and retailers, all while meeting strict regulatory and safety standards. Any disruption in the supply chain can have far-reaching consequences, from delayed deliveries to cost overruns and dissatisfied customers.
HMEL's Digital Transformation in Supply Chain Management
As a leading player in the Indian petroleum sector, we recognized the paramount importance of digitization in streamlining our supply chain. Our impetus for using digital technology has been particularly evident in our focus on meeting customer needs effectively. Customers today expect real-time updates on the status of their consignments, immediate alerts in case of any issues or delays, and a seamless and hassle-free experience. We have risen to this challenge by offering a sophisticated tracking solution. This system is equipped with GPS-based, Bluetooth-enabled, and SIM-enabled real-time tracking, ensuring that consignments are always traceable.
Real-time Visibility
One of the key customer expectations met by our tracking solution is real-time visibility. By leveraging technology, we provide customers with real-time data on their consignments. This means that at any given moment, customers can access information about the whereabouts of their shipments, reducing uncertainties and enhancing operational efficiency.
Monitoring and Alerts
The tracking solution from HMEL also includes a sophisticated alert mechanism. The system promptly notifies all relevant parties if a vehicle is held up due to unforeseen circumstances, such as a traffic jam or roadblock. This feature is invaluable, especially in the case of time-sensitive deliveries.
Plant Logistics Management System (PLMS)
Beyond tracking, we have gone a step further in digital transformation efforts with the implementation of the Plant Logistics Management System (PLMS). This system employs RFID and biometric-based access control to initiate transactions. It also includes biometrics-based self-service kiosks for document generation through SAP integration and a man-less weighbridge automation feature for product evacuation.
The implementation of the Plant Logistics Management System (PLMS) within our operations has ushered in a host of remarkable benefits. Safety, as an absolute priority within the petroleum industry, has been fortified by PLMS across multiple dimensions, encompassing environmental considerations and sustainability efforts. Furthermore, PLMS has yielded a substantial reduction in vehicle turnaround time, slashing it by approximately 15%. This substantial efficiency gain is a catalyst for elevated operational performance and heightened customer satisfaction. Moreover, the system minimises the necessity for manual intervention by automating various processes, thus diminishing the likelihood of human errors. Lastly, PLMS shines through its seamless integration with key systems, including SAP, TAS, and weighbridge systems, rendering a cohesive and highly synchronized operational environment.
Seamless Integration of Technology into Supply Chain
Our digital transformation is a comprehensive journey, seamlessly integrating a diverse array of technological tools to optimize supply chain management encapsulating the entire customer journey from order placement, invoicing, evacuation, shipment, delivery, order tracking etc. Portals and applications, such as the Dealer Portal for real-time dealer empowerment, Transport Portal for streamlined transportation management, and the Indent Management System Portal for simplified indent processes, serve specific functions within the supply chain. The Polypropylene (PP) App enhances order efficiency, Lorry Receipt Digitization revolutionizes loading, and the e-POD system ensures digital proof of delivery for transparency.
The integration of SAP-ECC merges the sales process with document management, while digital signatures and LPG Automation enhance operational efficiency. The Document Management System efficiently handles digital documents. We've seamlessly integrated with ASRS and TAS for automation, implemented bank integration for financial processes, and integrated eWay Bill/IRN with the GSTN Portal for streamlined document generation.
To achieve customer excellence, it is imperative to embrace sustainability, leverage digital technology, and foster teamwork. These efforts are essential to the supply chain's stability and efficacy over the next few years, as well as to a future that is customer-focused and sustainable.
