What are the communications technologies you use for your workforce to smoothen the business processes?
For data and video services we access Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), IPLC, Internet and for voice solutions we have been accessing Integrated Services Digital Network Primary Rate Interface (ISDN PRI) and mobile phones. These communication tools have been facilitating business process, work flow and business reporting applications alongside facilitating quicker and better business decisions.
How important is ICT for an automobile company like yours and how have you utilized ICT for bettering the company's efficiency and productivity?
ICT has evolved from data processing, and from being a business enabler to a business transformer. It has become critical for the entire business. Most of the processes have been ICT enabled to facilitate online and accurate information. It also drives the business performance metrics and also the business strategies.
What have been the hurdles in aligning IT with the business goals of TVS Motor Company?
The major challenges in aligning with business goals have been to provide simple and appropriate solutions at the speed expected by the user. The other challenge is adapting to new technologies which are evolving rapidly, and also quicker obsolescence of products and technologies.
What are the ICT technologies that are facilitating the utilization of manufacturing plants to the optimum level?
ERP has facilitated the integration and automation of all business transactions across our offices-3 domestic and 1 overseas plants, nearly 40 additonal offices and branch locations through MPLS, VSAT and IPLC connections. Certain mobile users have been provided with VPN connections.
We have adapted various applications such as Distribution Management Service (DMS) which is an ERP solution for TVS dealers and enables their business through IT encompassing the entire dealership community, digitized NPI (new product introduction) process through PLM. This process also aims to compress the time to market and control product and project cost. CRM (customer relationship management) helps in bringing business closer to the customer by understanding their requirements. We avail PMS (performance management system) for evaluating performance of employees and career planning, shop floor automation for tracking the performance and trends and yield of various equipment, production statistics of progress and proactive identification of line stoppers.
What are some of the innovative IT implementations you have made, both in process as well as technology, that has had major impact on the company's bottom line?
Business Analytics is the initiative we are taking up in a big way. The information from multiple sources are presented to the users, which would help them take corrective action and strategize new initiatives. These are delivered through internet and mobile technologies.
The fleet tracking application using GPS and mobile technologies locates consignments, Wi-Fi facilitates billing using mobile devices and this helps in reducing effort and logistic time, and the integrated technology trolleys ensure accurate picking and packing application.
What are your mid- and long-term ICT growth plans?
We have adapted a proactive approach such as shelf engineering to evaluate new technologies, identify possible solutions using them and adapt them to appropriate points in time when the business requires it. Some of the strategies are :
- Virtualization for better utilization and also as a green initiative
- Business on Mobile to promote information at fingertips for decision makers, ie, extending relevant mobile applications for each user.
- Collaboration with employees and business partners
- HD video conference-online meetings to reduce the travel expenses.
Which are the technologies that you will take a closer look at in the future?
3G for convergence solutions, RFID, social networking, and virtualization are the technologies that are currently interesting to us and will be explored in the near future.
Which are the information and communications risks that bother you the most and how do you handle them while being in touch with customers and vendors?
Information security related risks with emerging technologies such as cloud computing, wireless technologies, online applications, mobile devices, physical end user security, obsolescence of technology, proprietary standards in product are some of the botherations. However, we are carrying out adequate risk assessment and risk mitigation strategies while adopting them.
Malini N
malinin@cybermedia.co.in