Hans Infomatic has been providing advanced and user-friendly technology solutions to air cargo and logistics industry globally. Parvinder Singh, MD, in an interview with CARGOTALK, says ‘digital fitness’ is a prerequisite for success and winners will be those who will embrace technology.
CT Bureau
What new possibilities do you anticipate in 2022, and how do you intend to make use of them?
We are planning to expand our footprint outside India, and focusing on large infra products such as warehouse management at airports, container freight stations and inland container depots. We are working on providing better data analytics to clients. We assist organisations wherein data can be accessed. Many logistics players are using our resources to improve their systems and supply chain networks to reduce costs, and generate revenue.
What do you believe is a key takeaway from the pandemic?
We have launched new cloud-based digital solutions that could be used by any device with an internet connection. We enabled paperless transactions. Few mobile apps were launched such as HR App with Geotagging to facilitate work from home, remote workforce management and operations. We have tied-up with PHDCCI for online application and generation of electronic certificate of origin (e-coo). We facilitated the air community in handling cargo operations right from going paperless, contactless to taking delivery of cargo by generating gate pass management remotely. Our cargo community system brought together all stakeholders thereby facilitating the seamless movement of goods and data across the logistics ecosystem.
What is the one thing that is required to change for the industry to advance?
There is a need to change the mindset towards technology. Still many industry players handle a lot of paper documents. Electronic documents such as e-AWB, would have eased the workflow. ‘Digital fitness’ is a prerequisite for success: the winners will be those who understand how to exploit a range of new technologies, from data analytics to automation and platform solutions and those who don’t risk obsolescence. The small and medium segment logistics service providers are slow in adopting technology and cut corners fast as they see this as a cost rather than an asset.
Which sectors, according to you, will develop rapidly in the future and why?
There is no doubt that digitisation is set to revolutionize the logistics industry. Trade associations are pushing for end-to-end paperless transportation for the cargo industry through a regulatory framework. Currently, India is on a fast track to development, powered by innovation and disruption across key sectors, and encouraging government policies. In India, the sector is undergoing a transformation fully led by innovations in IT and digitisation.
