DevX to Set Up Deakin University India Campus in Gift City

DevX

Ahmedabad, 13th September 2023DevX, Gujarat’s largest Managed Office Space provider, today announced that it will be setting up Deakin University’s India campus in GIFT City. Having partnered with Nila Infrastructure for the construction, DevX will conceptualize, design, build and deliver the state-of-the-art futuristic 25,000 Sq. Ft. University campus. JLL India, facilitated the entire transaction for Deakin University and empowered their decision-making process by providing a detailed and valuable secondary research in addition to their first-hand experience of transacting in GIFT City, in the past.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Umesh Uttamchandani, Co-Founder – DevX, said, “We at DevX are proud to create the Deakin University India campus project in GIFT City. We stand committed to deliver a world-class, state-of-the-art campus that can easily accommodate the aspirations of a global university. Being deemed worthy to plan & execute a designated project of national importance is a testament to DevX’s proven capabilities to seamlessly deliver high-quality projects, services and client-delight.”

Commenting on the India campus, Ms Ravneet Pawha, Vice President (Global Alliances) and Chief Executive Officer (South Asia), Deakin University, says, “Deakin University has a long and proud history in India, in fact, we were the first international university to establish its presence in India in 1994, and since then, we have forged a bond based on commitment, excellence, trust and transparency. Our approach has always been ‘in India, with India, for India’ and as our University prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2024, opening a new Indian campus marks an exciting new chapter. This is an historic opportunity to deepen our engagement with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and open up access to our world-class education and pathways, delivered in India by Deakin alongside our industry partners.”

Putting it in perspective, Mr Deep Vadodaria CEO, Nila Infrastructure, said, “We are excited to announce that Deakin University has signed to start their operations at our premises at GIFT City. Our partnership with DevX has proven to be extremely valuable in providing a complete managed office space solution to the end user”

Karan Sodi, Senior Managing Director – Mumbai Metropolitan Region & Gujarat, JLL, said, “We take pride in witnessing the fruition of our partnership with Deakin University, which marks a significant milestone as they enter GIFT City. This collaboration highlights our expertise, market insights, and practical knowledge, empowering Deakin University to become the inaugural international institution to establish operations within this vibrant ecosystem. We’re excited about the fresh opportunities this venture brings to the real estate market, anticipating a surge in demand across various property offerings. These encompass student housing, retail establishments, commercial spaces, and amenities tailored to the evolving needs of the student community. This collaboration provides an optimal platform for capitalizing on the growing demand, fostering innovative and future-proof solutions that will shape the future of GIFT City. We’re very enthusiastic about the potential that lies ahead and eagerly anticipate participating in this transformative journey.”

As Gujarat’s largest Managed Spaces provider, DevX also provides, round the year, a platform for industry, academia, professionals and companies to hold hackathons, seminars, events etc…to address trends and issues. The company is planning to further expand and thus consolidate it’s pan-India presence by 2023 end.

IndiaRF Announces INR 525 Crores Investment in Ivy Health and Life Sciences Private Limited

Mumbai, India |13th September 2023: India Resurgence Fund (IndiaRF), a leading India-focused investment platform promoted by Piramal Enterprises Limited and Bain Capital, today announced an investment of INR 525 crores in Ivy Health and Life Sciences Private Limited (Ivy). Following the transaction, IndiaRF has become the majority shareholder of Ivy.

The deal marks IndiaRF’s maiden investment in the healthcare sector and the first of its kind in the regional hospitals segment in North India.

As part of the transaction, IndiaRF shall acquire Ivy’s NABH-certified facilities at Mohali, Amritsar, Khanna, Hoshiarpur and Nawanshahr. The transaction also includes a sizeable infusion of growth capital which will help further improve the breadth and quality of patient care services offered by Ivy’s existing facilities as well as expand its footprint to other cities in Punjab and adjoining regions.

Founded by Mr Gurtej Singh and Dr Kanwaldeep Kaur in 2008, Ivy has grown to become the largest corporate chain of NABH-certified hospital facilities in Punjab. These facilities have a combined capacity of nearly 800 beds and offer comprehensive multi-specialty care and procedures for patients, not just from Punjab but also from neighboring areas of Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Jammu. The Ivy network treats over 300,000 patients a year. Ivy has demonstrated resilient growth over the last few years, despite facing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commenting on the investment, Shantanu Nalavadi, Managing Director of IndiaRF, said, “Post Covid, there’s significant emphasis on providing localised healthcare in the form of multi-speciality regional hospital networks. Deepening insurance penetration has further augmented this shift as patients are increasingly looking for high quality healthcare closer to home. Consequently, these networks are also witnessing significant investor interest. Ivy clearly stands out as truly aligned with this theme. Ivy has demonstrated its prowess as a regional healthcare provider catering to all segments by providing quality medical services at affordable prices. We are excited to invest in Ivy and are committed to accelerate its growth with continued focus on delivering quality patient care.”

Gurtej Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of Ivy Hospitals, added, “What started as a vision to make quality healthcare, affordable and accessible in Punjab turned to a reality with Ivy becoming the largest healthcare group in the State of Punjab with 3000+ healthcare professionals tirelessly servicing the patients from Punjab and beyond. We were the initial movers in this space who believed in the vast untapped potential for quality healthcare in the region, and I am excited to embark on this new journey with IndiaRF, with a common shared vision for the future. I believe that the vast experience and resources available with IndiaRF will empower Ivy with cutting edge technologies, thereby bringing huge benefits to the patients of the region. We sincerely believe that this partnership with IndiaRF will create tremendous value creation opportunities for all employees, doctors, and other stakeholders.”

O3 Capital acted as the exclusive financial advisor to IndiaRF and Unaprime Investment Advisors acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Ivy on this transaction.

KLH Hyderabad Campus Students Clinch Gold Medals in the 3rd National Fin Swimming Championship

KLH Hyderabad Campus Students

New Delhi,13th September 2023: KLH Hyderabad Campus of KL Deemed to be University is immensely proud to announce the outstanding achievements of its students in the field of sports. Twin brothers Y Charles Wesley and Y Charles Finney, students at the KLH Aziznagar campus have brought home four gold medals from the 3rd National Fin Swimming Championship held in Pune recently.

Wesley, who is a second-year B. Tech Computer Science student, bagged three gold medals in the 50-meter underwater, 100-meter, and 200-meter surface swimming events. Additionally, he won a bronze medal in the 50-meter surface swimming. His brother Finney, who is also pursuing a B. Tech program, secured a gold medal in the 400-meter bifins style event.

Both students hail from Andhra Pradesh and are recognized as child prodigies in sports. The twins draw their inspiration from their father, Y Nageswara Rao, who is a national champion in taekwondo. The young athletes have expressed their desire to represent India on international platforms and aim for participation in the Olympics. They believe that this accomplishment is just a stepping stone towards greater achievements.

The championship was organized by the Underwater Sports Federation of India, a non-profit charitable sports development organization. The event, held over three days, saw participation from more than 30 states, including union territories. The federation is committed to promoting underwater sports, specifically finswimming, scuba diving, lifesaving sports, among others, across various strata of society.

“Our university has always been a fertile ground for nurturing talents in academics as well as sports. The exceptional performance of Wesley and Finney is a testament to that, said Dr. G. Pardha Saradhi Varma, Vice Chancellor of KL Deemed to be University. Their accomplishments not only add glory to our institution but also set a benchmark for what young minds are capable of achieving when provided with the right environment and support. Our aim is to empower sports students through financial and essential support while producing top-tier athletes from the university who can achieve laurels for the country at the national and international levels.”

The twins extend their gratitude toward the university and also express special thanks for the scholarship support they have received. ‘We are immensely grateful to our university and faculty for helping us find the perfect balance between our studies and sports. The scholarships we’ve received serve as financial support, helping us focus on excelling in both areas. This support and customized approach to our education allow us to do well in class and in the pool. Of course, we also owe a lot to our parents and academy; they are the guiding force that helps us achieve these milestones,’ said Wesley, speaking on behalf of the duo.”

Under the leadership of Management, Principal, Dr. A Ramakrishna along with the dedicated support from the sports coaches and faculty members, this campus ensure that its students receive an unparalleled combination of academic and athletic opportunities.

With these wins, the students have not only brought accolades to the University but also added another feather in the cap of Andhra Pradesh’s sporting achievements. Their triumph serves as an inspiration for other students to pursue excellence in sports along with their academics.

ZEE5 Intelligence Monitor launches new report on Quick Delivery Services (QDS)

ZEE5 Intelligence

13th September 2023: ZEE5, India’s largest home-grown video streaming platform and multilingual storyteller for entertainment seekers, has unveiled the new edition of its intelligence monitor which signifies key trends and insights within the Quick Delivery Services (QDS) segment. This comprehensive research highlights the emergence of Quick Delivery Service (QDS) apps as a revolutionary force in the consumer landscape, reshaping buying trends across both metro and non-metro regions with last-mile access to everyday goods and services. Additionally, it sheds light on the growing preference of today’s women for QDS apps.

ZEE5’s Intelligence Monitor on the Quick Delivery Service segment offers valuable insights for marketers and businesses, paving the way for pioneering initiatives to target potential audiences and navigate this dynamic industry. The report further suggests that the ratio of metro users as compared to non-metro users of QDS apps stand at 53:47, which is drastically evolving in the post-pandemic era. The QDS ecosystem is witnessing a phenomenal rise in demand on the back of the emergence of individual consumers as a user category.

Key highlights of the QDS report:

  • 66% of consumers use QDS apps every week, whereas 54% of women engage with QDS apps every week
  • 1 out of 2 consumers rank convenience as the top reason for using QDS apps
  • 79% of non-metro respondents have tried a QDS app; whereas 61% of non-metro respondents are regular users
  • 38% of users find comfort in shopping from the privacy of their homes
  • 59% of users make personal care purchases on QDS platforms
  • 44% of consumers use QDS apps to pick and drop packages within the city
  • 78% of respondents have tried a QDS app
  • 56% of respondents display high loyalty to QDS apps

On the release of the ZEE5 Intelligence Monitor QDS report, Rajiv Bakshi, Chief Operations Officer – Revenue, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited, said, “The appeal of doorstep delivery is the main draw for QDS apps, but trust and privacy also play a role. Women users benefit uniquely from time-saving, and QDS apps are on the verge of nationwide adoption, especially among non-metro users. ZEE5 Intelligence Monitor – Quick Delivery Services (QDS) is the latest edition undertaken to identify trends, map behaviours and deliver actionable insights into consumer’s attitudes towards products and services across categories. In the digital age, QDS apps empower women and promise future innovations for businesses. This report, with its data depth and creative capabilities, offers QDS players a great opportunity to communicate their value effectively.”

The report suggests that India’s digital evolution is taking a new turn, with next-gen consumers as well as non-metro users embracing Quick Delivery Service (QDS) apps. This trend underscores the importance of customization for regional success such as specialized product categories and localized delivery strategies, which strongly resonate among diverse preferences, offering an edge in this dynamic landscape. Innovations in the QDS ecosystem, empowering small brands and reshaping grocery shopping among smaller-town consumers driven primarily by convenience and time-saving opportunities.

ZEE5 Intelligence Monitor is a pioneering effort to bring industry-specific consumer insights based on research conducted by one of India’s largest entertainment platforms, ZEE5. Aimed at aiding business leaders and marketers in their decision-making, in addition to tracking consumption and buying habits, this research also provides an insider view on factors that influence consumers’ purchase decision process. The report also showcases varied point of view and nuanced perspectives from leading brands and experts from the broader marketing ecosystem.

Sushant Singh dons a new look for the upcoming season of Savdhaan India

Sushant Singh

In the world of Indian television, Sushant Singh is a name that needs no introduction. His charismatic presence and commendable acting skills have earned him a special place in the hearts of millions of viewers. However, it’s not just his acting prowess that has been garnering attention lately; it’s his striking salt and pepper look in the promo of the new season of “Savdhaan India” with the new theme titled Criminal Decoded that has everyone talking.

“Savdhaan India,” known for its gripping narratives and socially relevant stories, has been a staple on Indian television for years. Sushant Singh has been associated with the show as its host for a considerable time, and his contribution to its success cannot be understated. However, in the latest season, Sushant has undergone a transformation that has piqued the curiosity of both his fans and the general audience.

The most noticeable change in Sushant Singh’s look will be his salt and pepper beard and hair. This distinguished look exudes a certain maturity and sophistication that perfectly complements the show’s serious and thought-provoking themes.

Commenting on his new look, the actor says, “”Our show has been a constant presence and a dominant force in Indian television since 2012. The introduction of the salt and pepper look brings an extra dimension of authenticity and gravitas to my role as the host of the show. I am confident that our dedicated viewers, who have stood by us throughout these years, will appreciate not only my new appearance but also the upcoming season.”

Ahead of Hindi Diwas, Idanim unveils Hindi language in its app to make meditation accessible to everyone

New Delhi, 13th September 2023 Idanim, an Indian-origin mental wellness and meditation app has introduced guided meditations in Hindi on the occasion of Hindi Diwas. Launched in 2022, Idanim offered 1000+ meditations across 40+ categories in English. However, one of the most requested features on the app has been meditations in Hindi.

To celebrate the app’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, Idanim has decided to launch new meditations in Hindi across its most popular categories. These guided meditations address a wide variety of challenges faced by individuals like stress, insomnia, lack of focus, anger, and more.

Ahead of Hindi Diwas

“India is known for its spiritual heritage and has long recognized the incredible benefits of mindfulness and meditation. Today, there is a growing demand for meditation content that resonates with the Indian audience. We have seen it ourselves in the user feedback we receive on our app. To cater to these needs and preferences, we’ve tailored our offerings and are thrilled to introduce a new library of Hindi meditations.” said Raman Mittal, Co-founder of Idanim.

Idanim has collaborated with experienced meditation instructors who understand the cultural nuances and spiritual traditions of India, ensuring an authentic meditation experience. Users can access and download these guided meditations to practice anytime & anywhere.

Last month the company also introduced a kids meditation category, designed specifically for children aged 4 to 8 years, Idanim strives to inculcate good values and habits in kids through mindfulness. With the introduction of this exciting new category, Idanim aims to provide young minds with the tools they need to develop a lifelong practice of mindfulness, leading to improved focus, emotional well-being, and overall mental health.

68.5 percent of tenants across India expressed interest in double and triple sharing PGs: Magicbricks

Magicbricks

New Delhi,13th September 2023– The demand for PG accommodations in India is on the rise, driven by a confluence of factors, including the presence of educational institutions, business hubs, and urban job opportunities. According to “Exploring the current landscape of PG accommodation in India”, a flagship report by Magicbricks, in the fiscal year 2022-23, NCR represented 24% of the total demand for accommodation and 25% of the total supply, and Bengaluru closely followed, contributing to 23% of the demand and 17% of the supply. In the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the demand and supply for PG accommodation accounted for 16% each.

The report further observed that 68.5% of tenants across India expressed interest in double and triple sharing PGs while approximately 71% of PG listings on the Magicbricks platform featured double occupancy or larger setups. Monthly rents for triple-sharing accommodation is INR 4,800-7,700, double-sharing accommodations charge INR 6,800-10,000 per month and rents for single occupancy PG rooms are between INR 6,800-15,200 per month. Further, approximately 55% of the demand was for PGs catering to both men and women.

According to Sudhir Pai, CEO, Magicbricks “The demand for PG accommodations in India is intricately tied to the rapid urbanization and the pursuit of better education and career opportunities. Cities with a high concentration of students and working professionals have witnessed a surge in the PG market. At the same time, with 52% of India’s total population being millennials, the demand for affordable and convenient accommodations such as PGs is expected to continue its momentum in the medium to long term. Another key driver of the growing popularity of PG accommodations is their cost-effectiveness. Rising rents in major cities have led tenants to seek alternatives, and PGs offer a more affordable option.”

For real estate investors, PG accommodations are becoming lucrative as the rental yields have far outstripped those in the conventional housing market. While rental returns have remained stagnant at 2-3% within the conventional housing market, paying guest accommodations offer 50% – 75% more yields, accompanied by comparably lower risks.

The report concluded that while demand and supply for PG accommodations generally aligned in most cities, there were deviations in some regions. For instance, Greater Noida faced a shortage of single occupancy PGs by 11.6%, while demand for double occupancy PGs exceeded supply by 10.4%. Cities like Thane and Kolkata experienced a demand for triple sharing PGs that was 7-9% higher than the available supply.

Sterling and Wilson and DataVolt sign an MoU for the development and construction of state-of-the-art data centers

Sterling and Wilson

New Delhi; 13 September 2023: Sterling and Wilson Private Limited (“Sterling and Wilson”), a Shapoorji Pallonji Group Company, and one of India’s leading engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) companies, announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Data Volt Information Technology Company (“DataVolt”) of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a sustainable data center developer and operator with interests in the Worldwide emerging markets. The MOU intends to develop and construct data centers in accordance with the highest international standards in respective countries.

The data centers will leverage DataVolt’s expertise in Project Development along with Sterling and Wilson’s unparalleled experience in designing and building large scale DC’s that are sustainable and future-ready for hyperscalers, colocation players, telcos & enterprise customers. Both companies have a proven track record of integrating advanced technology and sustainable practices seamlessly.

DataVolt is developing and operating future-ready, innovative, and environmentally conscious data centers for a connected world. As part of the Vision Invest group, DataVolt has ample expertise in developing and operating renewable power, computing, networking, cooling, and water treatment and reusage critical infrastructure. DataVolt integrates advanced technologies and sustainable practices in its data centers.

Commenting on this momentous occasion, Mr. Prasanna Sarambale, CEO, Data Centre Business, Sterling and Wilson Private Limited said, “We are honoured to collaborate with DataVolt for deploying data centers in strategic markets. With this important partnership, we look forward to creating additional DC capacity and be part of realising DataVolt’s vision of promoting a knowledge-based economy, job opportunities and strengthening the technology sector. This is an important milestone for our business, and we are excited for this new journey. Data centers are key to support business’ growth trajectory, adopt digital technologies and enable new business models. At Sterling and Wilson, we have a proven track record of delivering complex EPC projects and are confident that we can deliver state-of-the-art data centres that will meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and sustainability”, he further added.

“Through this strategic alliance with Sterling and Wilson, DataVolt is poised to revolutionize the data center industry. We are dedicated to pioneering sustainable solutions that not only drive efficiency but also prioritize environmental stewardship”, said Rajit Nanda, CEO at DataVolt.

Sterling and Wilson commenced Data Centre services in 2015, and in a short span of time, has emerged as one of India’s leading Data Centre EPC players in the sector. It has executed 20+ DC projects with total IT load of over 60 MW in India and international markets, with leading players like Telecom Egypt and MainOne (an Equinix company). The Company is currently executing projects in India, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

India’s First Aerial Action Film ‘FIGHTER’ Gets Its Own Merchandise Line

FIGHTER

13th September 2023: Viacom18 Studios and Marflix’s ‘Fighter’ is one of the most anticipated films of 2024. Directed by Siddharth Anand, ‘Fighter’ marks a milestone as India’s first aerial action franchise. Starring superstars Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, and Anil Kapoor, the film promises to deliver heart-pounding action sequences, captivating visuals, and an unforgettable cinematic experience. An ode to the valor of the Indian Air Force, the film will release on the eve of India’s 75th Republic Day on 25th January 2024.

A blue pillow with drawings on it

Description automatically generatedBlack White Orange, a leading licensing and brand solutions agency in India, has been appointed as the Licensing Partner by Viacom18 Studios for ‘Fighter.’ Known for its expertise in designing, curating and developing merchandise and licensing programs for entertainment properties, it will collaborate closely with the ‘Fighter’ Movie to bring a wide range of exclusive merchandise to fans and enthusiasts. From apparel and accessories to collectibles and memorabilia, this partnership aims to provide fans with an immersive experience beyond the big screen. The range will also be available on the D2C brand www.a47.in, a label that celebrates India & its achievements through official merch like ISRO, Indian Infantry, and our indigenous IAF aircraft LCA Tejas.

Commenting on the partnership, Ajit Andhare, COO Viacom18 Studios, said, “Fighter is a highly anticipated film that pushes boundaries as India’s first aerial action franchise, and we are excited to bring its captivating world to life beyond the screen. Viacom18 Studios is happy to partner with Black White Orange as the exclusive Licensing Partner for ‘Fighter’s’ merchandise line. Through a meticulously crafted collection of apparel and accessories, fans will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the thrilling universe of ‘Fighter’ and own exclusive items that pay homage to the valor of the Indian Air Force and the iconic characters of the film. We urge everyone to get ready to embark on this extraordinary journey with ‘Fighter’ and indulge in the excitement it brings!”

Expressing his thoughts on extending the “Fighter” experience beyond the big screen, Director Siddharth Anand shares, “We want to leave no stone unturned to make this experience a memorable one for our audience. Thus, Mamta Anand, the producer on ‘Fighter,’ was very keen on coming up with a merchandise line for our film ‘Fighter.’ She then planned with Viacom 18 to engage in an exciting collaboration with Black White Orange, who will now help us bring our envisioned ‘Fighter’ experience to life. With our unique merchandise line, fans will get a one-of-a-kind opportunity to truly immerse themselves in the world of ‘Fighter,’ celebrating the unwavering valor of the Indian Air Force.”

Adds Bhavik Vora, Founder & CEO, Black White Orange Brands Pvt. Ltd, “Fighter is not just a film; it’s an experience that celebrates the Indian Air Force, and we are thrilled to have been entrusted by Viacom18 Studios to bring their vision to life on merchandise. Through our partnerships, BWO will create a high-quality and aspirational merchandise program that will allow fans to connect with the film on a deeper level. We are also excited to launch the ‘Fighter’ range on our own D2C platform, www.a47.in, a brand that celebrates the rich pop culture of India, and it will be great to see the ‘Fighter’ collection alongside our official merch for ISRO and units of the Indian Armed forces. With our expertise and commitment, we aim to deliver an exceptional experience for fans and further elevate the captivating world of ‘Fighter.’”

The goal of this collaboration with Black White Orange is to create an engaging and immersive brand experience for the fan base of all ages by exploring several licensing and retail partnerships across India.

Parle Products collaborates with IBM to drive digital transformation using cloud and AI

INDIA, Bengaluru, 13th September 2023-– IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced the expansion of its collaboration with Parle Products, the largest-selling biscuit brand in India, to further the company’s digital transformation journey. By deploying cloud and AI for business solutions through the course of the engagement, Parle was able to reduce sourcing cost, enhance sales forecast accuracy, and lower cost to serve and optimize overall IT infrastructure.

Prior to embarking on the transformation journey, Parle was dealing with complexities in their intricate supply and distribution network because of non-differentiated strategies across products as well as channel and fulfilment approaches. This resulted in service level constraints and higher cost to serve. Since its association with IBM in 2014, Parle has been able to bring operational efficiencies by leveraging the cloud and AI capabilities of IBM Consulting.

In the latest phase of the engagement, IBM Consulting is also collaborating with Microsoft to implement the Azure Databricks Lakehouse, AI engine for Auto Replenishment and SAP Ariba solutions at Parle. By helping Parle better leverage Azure platform for data insights, IBM Consulting is helping the company realise even greater operational resilience, agility, and scalability.

Sanjay Joshi, CIO, Parle Products said, “Parle’s nearly decade-long collaboration with IBM, leveraging both its technology expertise and consulting capabilities, has been paved with multiple milestones, all of which has helped us achieve our digital transformation vision. Our joint efforts to not only implement newer SAP solutions but migrate the entirety of existing SAP and non-SAP workloads to the cloud has driven many crucial KPI’s and enhanced overall efficiency. The similar collaboration on deploying Microsoft Azure Databricks Lakehouse platform will definitely provide our business functions with data driven insights and help them take critical decisions. With IBM Consulting, we are poised to unlock newer avenues of growth and remain at the forefront of industry evolution.”

Kamal Singhani, Country Managing Partner, IBM Consulting – India/South Asia said, “Today, leveraging exponential technologies like cloud and AI are fundamental to every company’s competitiveness by transforming the way that they meet customer demands and operate their businesses. Our long-standing collaboration with Parle has reached another milestone where a fundamental shift is being brought to the core strategic units of the organization. Collectively, this is resulting in improved operations and increased revenue, helping them better serve customers.”

Across the various phases of the engagement, Parle also leveraged IBM’s leading security and industry expertise to drive growth. The enterprise-wide transformation is revamping the operations at Parle to encompass a spectrum of business functions including:

Procurement Transformation: IBM’s “Full Cycle Procurement” solution helped Parle understand the current state of the procurement function and identity value drivers. Each phase of procurement – sourcing, purchasing, category management and payment – were closely observed to develop the procurement transformation strategy and optimise KPIs. This resulted in significant operational improvements such as increased revenue growth and cost optimisation, like 80% reduction in time to quote to compare, 80% automation in operational procurement and 2-5% savings across key categories.

Supply Chain Evolution: Collaborating with Parle’s teams, IBM implemented a robust SAP-based backbone – SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO) – to harmonise processes. This helped reduce overall stockout instances while optimising the logistics cost to serve. This resulted in improvement of forecast accuracy by 10% and reduction in weighted average distance by 10%, making availability of products to customers much faster.

HR Transformation: The key focus for Parle was to design and drive employee performance KPIs. The implementation of SAP SuccessFactors Performance & Goal management along with Employee Central helped effectively map the end-to-end performance management process. These efforts helped align employee performance KPIs with company objectives, leading to faster appraisal cycles and transparent performance assessment.