Digital Transformation For FMCG

Rockwell Automation India recently held a web conference on digital transformation in the new normal for the FMCG industry. Here is an overview

Pradeep Chakraborty

The event on digital transformation held by Rockwell Automation commenced with a fireside chat on managing business continuity during the Black Swan crisis. The participants were Dilip Sawhney, MD, Rockwell Automation India, Sriram P, Executive VP Operations, Pernod Ricard India and Yoginder S. Grewal, CTO, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages.

The discussion veered towards the lessons learned, possible solutions, and the prospects in the future. Automation seems to have emerged as a possible solution as a protection against a crisis like the Corona spread, as it reduces human contact in an industrial environment.

Lessons Learned

What are the lessons learned so far, from the crisis? Grewal said that they have simplified everything to the maximum. Once you have simplicity, everything will work. Sridhar agreed that they are now making the enterprise more resilient. Employee health is very important. We are looking at the budgets. We also need to change our own mindsets. Cash is very important. For FMCG companies, collaboration is very important. We need to look at the micro supply chain. As you take this ahead, life becomes simpler.

Next, how are the supply chains evolving? According to Sridhar, e-commerce will grow in 2-3 years. Indian household incomes will also increase. We need to deliver supplies across India, urban and rural e.g., Nestle has successfully brought back Maggie. We now need to create innovation and re-invent the business.

Dilip Sawhney also touched upon the dynamic playout. Grewal agreed that e-commerce is gaining in strength. We need to depend less on traditional modes. Digital has become a buzzword. You also need to bring the previous solutions to their sunset. Digital is due to simplicity. We are still designing digital solutions based on our earlier experience. We need to get out of that mold and think afresh.

WE ARE LIVING THROUGH THE MOST CHALLENGING PHASE OF OUR CAREERS. WE NEED TO OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGES. WE NEED TO COME OUT OF THE DISRUPTION. WE ARE PART OF AN INDUSTRY WITH MATURE SUPPLY CHAINS. HOW ARE YOU HANDLING DISRUPTION?

— Dilip Sawhney, MD, Rockwell Automation India