How do you see the impact of government initiatives in Logistics?
The cost of Logistics in India is about 13% of the GDP. This sector is probably one of the most under-rated and can be construed as one of the major differentiators between the developed countries and a developing country like India.
The Indian government has initiated development of various infrastructure projects like roads, airports, airlines, ports, CFS, metro rails etc. The Logistics sector is catering to this huge distribution demand as a result of the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, the rise in e-commerce, and opportunities in secondary industries. The sector has also expanded with the introduction of a variety of cargo vehicles, EVs, domestic air connectivity, packaging solutions, and so on.
What are the challenges in making the logistics industry more organized?
There are different types of logistics players in the Indian market. Apart from the traditional organizations that offered courier service, freight forwarders, movement of household goods, document management etc, the new breed offers retail deliveries, cargo vehicles on demand, e-brokerage, grocery, food deliveries, and so on.
The entry barrier for logistics company in our country is extremely low. To start a supply chain or a logistics business, one simply needs to own a truck, or one can take a franchise of a brand, or even become a wholesaler. Unfortunately, this has led to unorganized companies dominating the industry and accounting for approximately 80 percent of the total logistics market.
The logistics industry in India has been sluggish to respond to the challenges and changing requirements of the user industries. While several multi-national logistics companies have set up business in India, bringing in improved processes, IT systems, and a professional approach, they did not make any effort to customize their solutions for the Indian market. As a result, many organizations in various industry verticals developed differentiated solutions – most of them through local logistics players. ‘Mumbai Lunchbox’ (delivering hot lunch from home), and ‘Angadia’ (carrying diamonds in person) are some of the famous examples of local innovation. Most such players come under the unorganized sector, and they do not corporatize their business – resulting in short-lived existence.
How is technology bringing efficiency in operations?
There are three distinct parts of logistics: physical connectivity, digital connectivity, and people network. Creating physical connectivity through own resources across a large country like India is no mean feat. A parallel digital network, providing contemporary solutions for real-time visibility, with automated functions at every touchpoint, involves a huge amount of IT infrastructure.
Thirdly, in a service industry, the passion to excel equipped with an exceptional skill set, and to bring transparency and trust in the processes - these can only be developed through people to people connect.
CriticaLog is probably the only company in India that operates with its own proprietary ERP for automation of all its internal and external functions. This state-of-the art, in-house developed software, allows Criticalog to create innovative solutions and deliver customized offerings to every customer. The Central Control Tower allows the Operations and Customer Service teams to monitor activities across all the hubs in the country through live CCTV feeds. The movement of vehicles is monitored through GPS and movement of all field personnel is governed through Android applications on mobile.
The ERP of customers is interfaced with eCritica for a real-time experience. eCritica is cloud-based and supports real-time data availability and scalability with multi-factor authentication for data security. Geofencing, customized applications, and innovative apps are developed and used to de-stress the logistical cycle and bring efficiency and optimization in the processes.
What services is CriticaLog providing?
We are present in more than 130 locations with Forward Stocking location and hubs in 61 locations, covering 17500+ pin codes. We are capable of handling transportation across the country - from Imphal to Jodhpur and from Srinagar to Tirunelveli, through our own resources and a team with expertise in delivering life-saving products to hospitals, healthcare equipment, spare parts, vital automobile equipment, high-end engineering goods, IT and ITES products, luxury goods, temperature-controlled products, and even hazardous goods such as radioactive material.
The company has established strong processes certified by various accreditations / certifications like IATA, GDP, ISO 9001, ISO 27001, ISO 45001, ISO 14001, TAPA, WCA etc and is also ‘Great Place to Work’ certified. As an environmentally responsible organization, we have introduced EV’s for delivery and pick-up across the country.
Unlike the common belief, logistics is a highly technical subject. CriticaLog’s success thrives on skilled professionals having immense industry experience, coupled with uniquely designed processes and technology. We have recently extended our services to international shores, ensuring deliveries even in difficult regions such as Syria.
Please tell us about Criticalog recently introduced drone delivery project.
CritcaLog has recently signed up for drone deliveries pan-India. Initially, hub-to-hub movements in major cities, both for first and last mile connectivity, will be introduced. The drones will be used to carry small and extremely critical shipments like ‘Next Flight Out’ services while drones with higher carrying capacity will be introduced gradually. As the licencing is strict and time-consuming, drones will be used for intra-city deliveries (within about 30 km range – as the bird flies!)
