Dynamics of warehousing
CARGOTALK brought together industry experts to discuss issues like present outlook, importance of technology and impact of GST on warehousing. The discussion brought an opportunity to determine the next step forward.
Warehousing forms a crucial link in the overall logistics value chain. From a godown to modern setups, warehousing in India has evolved rapidly. The warehousing industry is dominated by unorganised players. There was a time when people were not ready to invest in technology but, nowadays a clear shift can be depicted with the usage of Warehouse Management System, RFID, insulation, etc. Despite its strategic importance in the Indian economy, scale of opportunities offered and its immense potential for growth, the Indian warehousing sector is faced with several challenges including the lack of sufficient physical infrastructure. To discuss the need of innovative warehousing in the country,
CARGOTALK hosted a discussion at India Cargo Awards (North & East) in the capital. We brought together Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers, Ajay Rao, CEO & Founder, Emiza Supply Chain Services, KU Thankachen, Managing Director, Central Railside Warehouse Company, Sukanto Aich, Senior Director, Philips Lightening India, Sudhir Kumar Jaini, Director, Divine Thermal Wrap, Vikas Yadav, Director, Future Warehousing Solutions, Vaibhav Rathi, Executive Director, Satvik Logistics and Vipan Jain, COO, Delhi Cargo Service Center for an insightful discussion on the contribution required from the government and the private sector to leverage efficiency suitably.
KU Thankachen
Warehousing in India is a large segment. There are lots of facilities in the country that are created but not being utilised. Also, there are facilities which are over loaded. There is a clear capacity constraint. Proper assessment at a national level is crucial.
We have glitches now because of GST regime but hopefully these glitches will be cleared and will drive up the warehousing segment over a period of time. Coming to the technology part, in a bulk segment, companies like Food Corporation of India (FCI) are developing silos which is an example of modern technology. One can witness the positive trends with CWC entering in silos. Today, lot of work is being done manually which causes wastage and spillage which would be eliminated through the introduction of silos. An Integrated approach is essential. This should be availed for smooth functioning of the segment.