The Driving Force

 



On building strategic capabilities



M&M is using IT to reach its business partners. Dealer

and supplier portals have helped in faster and economical business transactions

with partners. The management perceived that the online activity with suppliers

had to move from information sharing to transactions. Hence SAP—SRM (supplier

relationship management) was implemented. M&M is, globally, the first to

implement this solution for facilitating collaborative business with suppliers.

The proposed implementation of Dealer Management System and CRM is expected to

optimize the sales and marketing process and would help in strengthening

relationship with our dealers and customers.

On IT's impact on operations



ERP system has provided a systematic and structured process framework and has
increased the operational efficiencies. Implementation of Supply Chain

Management (SAP-APO) solution has contributed towards optimization of the supply

chain. The collaboration and communication capabilities that IT has brought in

today are significant. M&M's all 7 plants, 33 area offices and corporate

offices are connected through a single network. They share the same process

systems and access the same information base. The implementation of technologies

such as MPLS (Multi Protocol Labels Switching) for connecting M&M plant

locations, Voice over IP and video conferencing has a positive impact on cost

and efficiency.

On Information security



Information security is considered as an organization-wide

movement, which requires continuous monitoring and up gradation, to cope with

changing technology and new challenges. Therefore, a process-oriented approach

has been adopted and we are working towards security certification as per

British Standard-BS: 7799.

On managing IT



At M&M, IT is an integral part of business. Hence IT

infrastructure needs are based on long-term business plans and needs. All the

components of IT infrastructure are considered in totality, not in isolation.

Complete IT infrastructure catering to business needs is planned and deployed.

The technology itself is evolving so fast that balancing the technology

obsolescence and exploiting newer opportunities has become a key challenge.

On wireless mobility



We are creating the base for wireless mobility. We consider

wireless technology as an extension of our present infrastructure and

applications with new channel capability. Our immediate focus is on productivity

enhancement applications such as use of bar codes for vehicle tracking,

inventory management. Wireless mobility is an important component of our IT

strategy.