Meet discusses various emerging trends in SCM
By R.Natarajan, Managing Editor & Publisher
In the current scenario of fast changing technology in manufacturing or the service sector, the supply chain management (SCM) plays a very crucial role for the timely delivery of products and services. From establishing a huge warehouse for the storage of any material, the trend has moved into just-in-time (JIT) delivery, posing a big challenge for suppliers.
Against this backdrop the Indian Institute of Material Management (IIMM), the only recognised pan-India institute with professional managers from the supply chain management, organised the 10th edition of Spectrum in Chennai on February 22 and 23. Since digitilization is revolutionising the world economy, IIMM chose a perfect theme for Spectrum 2018, namely, “Customer Value Enhancement Through Digital Supply Chain”. With record number of participants, the conference has surpassed all the previous editions of Spectrum.
In his inaugural address, Mr. Harish Lakshman, Vice Chairman, Rane Group, and Managing Director, Rane TRW Steering Pvt. Ltd., said the Digital Technology today disrupts many business models, blurring the lines across industries and ensuring customers are delivered a significant value. Today the old business models still co-exist with the new ones, but countless hours and huge money are spent for trying to figure them out and how to stay relevant as customers shift to digitally-powered businesses.
Dr. Vaidyanathan Jayaraman, Distinguished Professor of Supply Chain Analytics & Operations, Associate Dean – Faculty Affairs & Graduate Programs, Great Lakes Institute of Management, made a detailed presentation on ‘Using Supply Chain Analytics to Transform Business Operations’.
Mr. G.K. Singh, National President, IIMM, in his presidential address, complimented IIMM Chennai for its excellent job in conducting Spectrum event in a highly professional manner.
Mr. P.Y. Venkateswaran, Chairman, Spectrum 2018, outlined the conference theme and its gaining popularity among the professionals of supply chain management.
Mr. T.A.B. Barathi, Vice President (SCM), Wheels India Ltd., in his brief address, appealed to all the delegates to make use of the IIMM’s various courses, including MBA in Logistics & Supply Chain Management (2 years) as well as spread the message across the globe.
Earlier, welcoming the gathering, Mr. N. Swayambhu, Branch Chairman, IIMM, said year after year, there has been growing enthusiasiam among the members and industry professionals about the Spectrum annual conference, which has been well articulated with the selection of speakers from across various industries segments. He also thanked the members of IIMM Chennai for extending their full support to make Spectrum 2018 a grand success.
Mr. J. Ravishankar, Vice Chairman, IIMM Chennai, and DGM Purchase, Wheels India Ltd., in his concluding remarks at the inaugural session, thanked one and all for making Spectrum 2018 a memorable one.
The conference also witnessed IIMM’s Corporate Award presentation to Krishnapatnam Port Container Terminal Ltd. (KPCT) for its “Significant Contribution to the SCM Field”. The Award was received by Mr. Vivek Nair, General Manager – Marketing, KPCT.
T.A.B. Barathi – The driving force behind IIMM
For the successful organisation of any grand event, the dedicated team work of its members is very vital. This is one of the major success criteria for the Indian Institute of Material Management (IIMM) which has been organising several programs, including diploma courses as well as conferences such as Spectrum, etc. Here is the person who has been putting his heart and soul for the growth and betterment of IIMM’s various activities and initiatives. Popularly known as TAB, Mr. Barathi is a highly professional leader in the field of supply chain management contributing a lot to the growth of various institutions, including IIMM.
Currently holding the position of Vice President (Supply Chain) in Wheels India Ltd., a TVS Group company, he initiated the concept of Aggregate Buying by heading the group’s consolidated buying practices.
Mr. Barathi is a graduate in Mechanical Engineering and Post Graduate Diploma in Management, having completed Bachelor of General Law. He is also an International Diploma Holder in SCMP from the International Trade Centre, Geneva.
Having been in various industries for more than 30 years and held different positions handling multiple functions and continuing a long tenure in Supply Chain Management, Mr. Barathi is a Certified Purchasing & Supply Manager (CPSM) from ISM, Arizona, USA, and Certified Supply Manager from IIMM. He is a Coordinator at the International Trade Centre, Geneva, and past Chairman of the Chennai branch of IIMM.
Trained as a trainer for Management Topics under “Crestcom International”, USA, and continuing as Trainer / Faculty for various management institutions and industries, and Faculty for MBA in different institutes, Mr. Barathi is a global certified trainer of MLS_SCM, ITC-WTO, Geneva.
He has also served different associations like ACMA and the CII Institute of Logistics. He is a member of the Madras Management Association and a past General Council member of Madras Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI), as also of the Academic Council and Board of Studies in various educational institutions.
MOTORINDIA, which is closely associated with TAB, considers him a multi-faceted personality with expert knowledge of different aspects of human life, and also an authority on the Vedas.