Besides managing information and knowledge,businesses today also need to work on processes that improve organizational efficiency, functioning and decision-making. The IT vision at Shree goes beyond information to impact business processes, especially in a scenario where the company intends to diversify operations into multiple locations.

Shree earlier worked on in-house solutions on the latest technology platforms to improve interface with distributors at one end and suppliers at the other. But,in recent times, the company is also concentrating on making operations and processes more efficient,viable and replicable at multiple sites.

Towards better logistics

The IT people at Shree have a cross-functional agenda and approach. For instance, working with the logistics team, they implemented a Transport Freight Bidding System, a first of its kind in the cement industry. In this system based on the reverse auction model, transporters make online bids on consignments available on different routes. The lowest bid for a particular route wins that consignment. This lowered average freight rates and saved on total freight payments for the company.

At its Ras location, the company launched an integrated, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) based, vehicular access system for truckers. Right from the time the truck checks in at the entrance, for outbound loading or inbound unloading, its movement till it checks out at the exit is governed by an automated and RFID activated system. This helps cut truck turnarounds and improves truck availability at the plant.

Robust systems

To make the system reliable, the backend has been made robust and failsafe. V-SAT, Leased Lines and Broadband connectivity allow seamless online communication between company locations, Kolkata, Beawar, Ras and more than 120 stock points across the country. To facilitate operations and coordination between the companys plants at Beawar and Ras, redundant and backup connectivity has been established on both leased line and wireless (RF) Radio Frequency technology. To meet the demands of a rapidly expanding company, networks and servers are geared with cutting-edge network management tools that allow centralised management and monitoring of critical equipment, software and databases.