On 16th December 2015, the AmCham Supply Chain and Logistics Committee organized a presentation and interactive discussion on industrial and logistics services, SCM competencies at the E.I. DuPont India Pvt. Ltd office, Mumbai. The event, which was well attended by members of the committee and SCL leaders of member companies, aimed to be an informative and interactive session.

Mr. Nikhil Kush, Chairperson – Supply Chain & Logistics Committee, Amcham and South Asia Supply Chain Leader- E.I. DuPont India Pvt. Ltd. opened the event by welcoming the participants present. Mr. Kush aptly shared a brief note on the efforts of the SCL committee to be a platform that brings together supply chain professionals to address issues and challenges in the field.

The event’s first speaker, Mr. Soumyakant Dwivedi, Head Supply Chain-Becton Dickinson India Pvt. Ltd., shared a presentation on the core competencies in supply chain management. The presentation was based on practices at Becton Dickinson, which is a leading global medical technology company. Mr Dwivedi stressed on the importance of creating a system that is simple, effective, efficient and safe while keeping in mind the customer’s needs in today’s rapidly changing environment. The need to build a core competency model to nurture future growth and skill development was the focus of the presentation. This core competency model through its assessment, review, training and sustainability when implemented will create self awareness, promote continuous improvement, learning agility, a cross functional mindset among a highly motivated and capable workforce.

Mr. Dennis Yeo, Managing Director, Asia – Industrial and Logistics Services – CBRE Pvt. Ltd. took the afternoon forward with his presentation on the market outlook 2016 in the logistics sector with a focus of real estate. Mr. Yeo began by sharing the APAC economic overview, a 2016 forecast of real GDP growth, the Nielson Consumer Confidence Survey of Q3 2015 and a consumer price index. He stated that the key trends in logistics 2016 and the coming years are:

E-Commerce – the key demand driver for modern logistics facilities
Consolidation and cost-savings amid supply choices
Conversion – redevelopment of old factories/warehouses

Mr. Yeo discussed revitalization and rezoning of old industrial properties. The discussion also touched upon the GST reform which is expected to spur large scale consolidation, warehouse network re-engineering and demand for regional logistics facilities.

The event concluded with Mr. Kush giving the vote of thanks to the speakers who through their presentations engaged the room in an interactive sharing of ideas and insights. Mr. Kush expressed his gratitude to the committee members and participants from the various AmCham member companies for attending in good number and contributing once again to help build the momentum for future supply chain events.