Page 13 - ITLN January - February 2025

Manager-India, Newland AIDC, argues
that technology simplifies complex
workflows, making it easier for the
workforce to adapt. “User-friendly
devices with intuitive interfaces, like
Newland’s mobile computers, reduce
training time significantly,” he said.
By automating repetitive tasks,
technology allows workers to focus
on value-added activities, boosting
productivity, Mishra pointed out.
“Moreover,” he added, “real-time
feedback through data capture tools
ensures workers can correct errors
Real-time tracking immediately, leading to better
and automation are overall performance.”
Meanwhile, Kumar of Jumbotail,
game-changers for argues that companies take
Indian warehouses and workforce issues seriously and are
distribution centres. They adopting flexible staffing models,
ensure better visibility into including part-time workers and
gig-based resources, to balance
inventory and streamline
Photo: Bastian Solutions operations, minimising commutes due to high living costs
workforce needs.
“Urban workers face long
human error.
JP Mishra
near facilities, exacerbating attrition
Newland AIDC
and operational inefficiencies. Some
While there are opportunities in the workforce capabilities. Workforce companies provide affordable housing
near the micro fulfilment centres
market, Vashisht of Bastian Solutions adaptation is one of the primary (MFCs) or transport allowances to
also points out the challenges concerns, along with initial investment retain workers,” he said. Kumar also
and risks involved in the Indian costs, according to Mevawala of noted that companies also build
intralogistics ecosystem. Godrej & Boyce. workforce housing closer
Vashisht opines that implementing He pointed out that the traditional to MFCs in partnership with real
advanced automation systems can reliance on manual processes and estate developers.
be cost-intensive, posing a challenge imported technologies has created As the demand for faster, more
for SMEs. Thus he recommends hesitancy among businesses to reliable deliveries intensifies, the role
gradually integrating AI, IoT, and transition to automated systems. of intralogistics has never been more
robotics to improve efficiency “This challenge is particularly evident crucial. From automation and AI to
and stay competitive. “Start with in the material handling segment, decentralised fulfilment strategies, the
scalable, modular solutions that offer where nearly 40 percent of accidents Indian logistics sector is at a pivotal
flexibility,” he suggests. are attributed to unsafe practices, moment, with businesses adopting
In fact, Indian companies are with 80 percent resulting from human innovative technologies to stay ahead.
prioritising cost-effective automation error,” Mevawala said. But the journey doesn’t stop here
solutions and partnering with In October 2024, Godrej & Boyce — though challenges remain, the
global technology providers to stay launched training programmes in continued evolution of intralogistics
competitive. “They are also adopting collaboration with NGOs and training will shape the future of supply
hybrid systems that combine schools for forklift operators. The chains, ensuring that businesses can
automation with manual processes business has trained over 3500 meet the ever-growing expectations
to balance investment costs and operators and aims to train a further of the modern consumer. The
operational needs,” Vashisht added. 300 operators by FY25. question isn’t whether intralogistics
The integration of automation, AI While a significant challenge will transform India’s supply chains,
and IoT not only requires financial lies in training workers who are not but how soon businesses will
investment but also a fundamental tech-savvy to use these advanced embrace the change to thrive in this
shift in operational mindset and tools effectively, JP Mishra, Country competitive landscape. 
11
www.itln.in January - February 2025