on Warehousing and Logistics
A Confluence of Ideas and Innovations in Warehousing and Logistics
Great Lakes Institute of Management, Gurgaon, in collaboration with the Warehousing Association of India, hosted the 2nd Industry-Academia Interface Conference on Warehousing and Logistics on March 6, 2025.
The conference brought together thought leaders, industry professionals, and academicians to discuss the dynamic landscape of the warehousing and logistics (WnL) sector in India.
Keynote Address
Mr. Manu Raj Bhalla
President, WAI
Mr. Sanjay Kumar Gupta
MD & CEO, National Commodities Management Services Ltd.
Insights from the Industry Leaders
Mr. Bhalla highlighted the transformation of the WnL sector into a ?2 lakh crore industry, driven by post-COVID shifts, GST implementation, and the Gati Shakti initiative, which cut costs and boosted global logistics connectivity. He noted that while India ranks 43rd on the World Bank Logistics Performance Index, the report is perception-based and should rely on data. Emphasizing WnL's vital role in every industry and the supply chain, he pointed to the impact of e-commerce and omnichannel strategies. He also cited BlinkIt’s challenge to Nestlé as a case where industry pressure led to faster delivery performance.
Mr. Gupta addressed the specific challenges in agricultural warehousing. India, producing 350 million metric tonnes of food, lacks adequate storage infrastructure, leading to substantial losses. Gupta highlighted the need to increase the current 145-147 million tons of storage capacity to the recommended 450 million tons. He pointed out that financial inclusivity for farmers, technology adoption, and government policy barriers remain crucial areas for improvement.
Panel Discussions
The conference featured three insightful panel discussions, led by industry leaders and experts, addressing key themes in the warehousing and logistics sector:
- Diversity and Inclusion of Women in Warehousing and Logistics: The panel discussed the evolving role of women in the WnL sector, focusing on leadership, inclusion, and breaking stereotypes within the industry.
- Panelists: Pooja Dogra (Corporate Consultant), Puja Tiwari (Socio-politico activist, IT Consultant), Neha Rustagi (Manager Finance, Freight System India Pvt Ltd.), Priya Bhalla (Chair - Gender Diversity and Inclusion, WAI), Mohit Kapoor (Chair - Projects and Events Committee, WAI)
- Automation and AI in Warehousing and Logistics: This panel explored how automation and AI are reshaping warehouse operations, increasing efficiency, and optimizing logistics through data-driven insights.
- Panelists: Sandeep Bansal (CBO, Falcon Autotech), Piyush Jain (VP, Solutions Design, Addverb), Vasu Ramanujam (Partner - Growth and Strategy, KoiReader Technologies Inc.), Manu Bhalla (President, WAI), Prashant Ganti (VP, Global Strategy and Alliances, Zoho Corporation)
- Skill Development & Workforce Transformation: Discussions focused on workforce upskilling, embracing new technologies, and preparing the logistics workforce for the future.
- Panelists: Sangeeta Kittu (Regional HRBP, Freight System India Pvt Ltd.), Manish Tripathi (SVP, NCML), Jasika Koul (Manager Customer Service, Freight System India Pvt Ltd.), Seshu Kulkarni (Executive Director, WAI)
Key Takeaways
- The WnL sector is increasingly recognized as an industry rather than just a commercial facility.
- Enhanced standards for warehousing infrastructure technology are in development.
- Addressing challenges like talent shortage, technology adoption, and financial inclusivity is imperative.
Networking Prospects
The conference concluded with an engaging networking session where industry leaders, academics, and students exchanged ideas on the future of warehousing and logistics. The event underscored the collective vision of transforming India into a global logistics hub.
Looking Ahead
The Warehousing Association of India remains committed to encouraging collaboration between academia and industry, driving innovation, and setting benchmarks in warehousing and logistics. The 2nd Industry Academia Interface Conference marked yet another step toward shaping the future of the sector.
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