Conquering Logistics Space with Technology: The CONCOR Story

AK_Poddar
A K Poddar
Chief Vigilance Officer
CONCOR

CONCOR is committed to provide responsive, cost-effective, efficient and reliable logistics solution to its customers. It strives to be the first choice for container and logistics solution for its customers, says A K Poddar, Chief Vigilance Officer of CONCOR, in an exclusive interview with Souvik Goswami, Elets News Network (ENN). Excerpts:

How Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) is playing a significant role in the national growth?

AK_Poddar
A K Poddar
Chief Vigilance Officer
CONCOR

CONCOR is a Navratna PSU in logistics sector under the Ministry of Railways. Incorporated in March 1988 under the Companies Act, it commenced operations from November 1989. CONCOR is a customer focused, performance-driven, result-oriented organisation which strives to provide value for money to its customers.

 

Being an undisputed market leader in India, CONCOR has the largest network of 66 Inland Containers Depots / Containers Freight Stations in the country. In addition to inland transportation by rail of containers, it has expanded to cover management of ports, air cargo complexes and establishment of cold-chain facilities. Though rail is the main stay of our transportation plan, road services are also provided to cater to the need of door-to-door services.

Committed to provide responsive, costeffective, efficient and reliable logistics solution to its customers, CONCOR strives to be the first choice for container and logistics solution for its customers. Its belief in achieving excellence has resulted in transforming it into a more than Rs. 5,700 crore company with an astonishing level of per employee contribution.

PSUs are playing an important role for driving country’s economic growth, what is your perception about it?

For an emerging economy of India, PSUs are playing a stellar role in its sustainable growth. It is helping in the creation of employment opportunities, development of infrastructure and capital-intensive sector, export promotion, import substitution, positive check on monopoly control, social welfare, thereby substantially contributing to the central exchequer.

Indian economy could lose its vitality without PSUs, considering the country’s existing socioeconomic structure. But there is also an urgent requirement to address inefficiencies and limitations pertaining to the sector. There is a need to have a fresh look on the role of public sector enterprises in the Indian economy and need to realign them in accordance with the need of the times.

How technology is being implemented to bring accountability and transparency in your organisation?

CONCOR StoryThe Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has been encouraging the government and PSUs to leverage technology to promote integrity, transparency and accountability. The CVC especially emphasised upon transparency and accountability in all functions performed by the PSUs. There is a need to undertake systemic improvements through technology adoption and upgradation. Increased usage of technology leads to efficient and responsive environment at workplace.

In CONCOR, 66 terminals are connected through VSAT/ Leased line. Systems are automated like ETMS/DTMS/CCLS for operation and commercial activities of terminals, Oracle Financials for Financial Management, Ramco marshal for HR and payroll, Document management System for payment to employees (reimbursements), contractors, etc. Online Vigilance Clearance System for Vigilance clearance has been implemented. CCTV is installed at all major terminals (47) /regional offices which has resulted in efficient management of Radio Data Terminals (RDTs) are used for capturing the rail and gate movements then and there. E-filing is being extensively used by shipping lines for booking and further movement of their containers with CONCOR.

RTGS/NEFT is used for fund transfer by customers which gets updated in their PDAs (Pre Deposit Account) immediately. Customers get their booking status, PDA balances, etc daily through auto-email. SMS feature is enabled so that the customers can track and trace their containers at any moment. E-tendering is being used for almost all tenders. Contact details of all officers in CONCOR, facility to lodge complaints / feedbacks etc. are given on CONCOR website. Online payment to railways for RR-generation by interfacing of CONCOR Commercial systems and Railway TMS has been implemented. Interfacing of Customs system and CONCOR system has enabled seamless operation/ data transfer between CONCOR/customs.

CONCOR’s IT set up is ISO 27001 security certified. The IT system is 24X7 with 99.95% uptime. All applications are through two level authentication (Citrix and then application level). Digital token is used for sensitive applications like vigilance clearance, etc.

“In CONCOR, 66 terminals are connected through VSAT/ Leased line. Systems are automated like ETMS/DTMS/CCLS for operation and commercial activities of terminals, Oracle Financials for Financial Management, Ramco marshal for HR and payroll, Document management System for payment to employees (reimbursements), contractors, etc.”

What are your future plans in terms of using technology in organisation?

In terms of technology adoption, our future plans include:

1) Development of single interface for a customer to address all his needs.

2) Implementation of a robust Enterprise Resource Planning covering all operations/ management like domestic/ exim business, financial management, employee module, asset/equipment management, stores/spare parts maintenance/ management, contract management, vendor management, etc.

3) Swift decision making and empowerment through business intelligence, data warehousing, etc.

What kind of challenges you face in terms of implementing technology?

Some of the challenges faced in terms of technology implementation are — digital technology (system and network) integration, Data driven policy making and Business process redesign and optimisation.

What is your vision of CONCOR?

My vision is that CONCOR should be the first choice for container and logistics solution. It can be achieved through focus on leveraging the technology to result in remarkable delivery model processes, to maximise current systems while integrating new, cost-effective solutions implemented on time and within the determined limits.

 

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