83rd Year | 2021-22 | Integrated Annual Report
We are creating a data and insights driven organisation to enhance customer-centricity, service orientation and manufacturing excellence. Digitalisation is a key enabler to become future-ready and to unlock greater value.
Smart factories are the future and an important tool for building competitive advantage. Our Mithapur factory is becoming one of the few smart factories in India to implement the "connected plant" concept. We have employed world class technologies in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ML) algorithms and real-time decision support systems to connect manufacturing systems, processes, and functions to run plants more efficiently. In FY 2021-22, we extended IIoT and analytics-driven process optimisation across other targeted areas of the plant operations.
We have successfully implemented modern technologies and platforms across multiple business functions to enhance operational efficiency. This includes Transportation Management System (TMS), Human Resource Management System (HRMS), Payroll System, Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), upgraded Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) applications, Contractor Management System and workflow digitisation for commercial and supply chain processes. Additionally, Robotics Process Automation (RPA) is being adopted for process transformations, beginning with the finance function.
We are adopting cloud for newer applications and also migrating older data and application programmes to cloud infrastructure. This will enhance user experience with agility, flexibility and improved cyber-security. Our e-mail and collaboration platforms are being migrated to an integrated platform with modern features.
With increased digitalisation and a corresponding level of cyber-threats, cyber-security and data protection have become important focus areas. We have signed up for managed cyber-security services with a leading third party to ensure optimal security of our systems at industry benchmark levels.
We intend to broaden and democratise the use of analytics across the value chain, with a strong focus on business benefits such as optimising operational performance. We also focus on embracing newer technologies to keep our systems and processes updated with the latest knowhow, including increased adoption of cloud platforms and bots and upgrading process workflows. This has been leading to a steady improvement in operational efficiency, collaboration among business units and experiences for both internal users and external business partners.