Is the operations sector on the cusp of a revolution?

Is the Indian operations sector out with the old and in with the new? How? Why?... Caught in the disabling webs of the Corona, no one knows what lies beyond the fence; it remains unclear when will the complete lockdown would lift up or when things will hark back to normalcy again. Well, that's how the cookie crumbles! But if you have a vested interest in designing and controlling the process of the production of goods or services, or are pursuing an MBA in operations then let’s get down to the brass-tacks of the sector.

Bonus: Stay glued till the end to find some genned up online operations courses 

In a season of layoffs, the logistics and operations sector is among those handfuls of sectors that are still seeing growth and are not completely at a halt. And why not? when India is a consumption-based economy it needs good logistics and operations more than ever now to overcome the repercussions of the Corona crisis. 

The Commerce Ministry is dead on the target of reducing the logistics cost in India from the current 14 percent of GDP to less than 10 percent by 2022, the entire operations sector is about to see a gradual upsurge. Besides, the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) pegs the market size of the logistics sector to hit USD 215 billion by 2020 and USD 500 billion by 2025. Unsurprisingly, the major driving factors behind this growth are the penetration of technology, automation, and the need for simplifying processes. A wave of new logistics trends is set to continue catalyzing innovation and industry expansion while reducing the amount of manual input required to fulfill the requirements of customers and clients. So, with everyone awaiting the implementation of the National Logistics Policy, which is still in the drafts let’s take a closer look at the sector.

The roadblocks 

If you want to get to grips with the operations sector completely, you must be familiar with the other side of the coin as well. Yes, it cannot be gainsaid that the logistics and supply chain sector will be among the firsts on the path to recovery post-lockdown, but the major challenge still lingers. 

Big companies are investing heavily in digital innovations to simplify a range of processes, thereby reducing logistics costs along with greater transparency benefits. But what about the rest of the players? What about the highly fragmented and unorganized part of this sector? And speaking about that, let us tell you that the picture is not rosy. Do you know that just about 10 percent of the total market share belongs to organized players? Yes! It is alarming that the majority of unorganized players hold a lion's share in the market.

Apart from minimal integrated IT infrastructure, other challenges like fragmented warehousing, multiple regulatory & policy-making bodies, underdeveloped material handling infrastructure, lack of seamless movement of goods across modes continue to be some of the major roadblocks. 

Cutting the Gordian knot

Yes, the operations sector is on the cusp of revolution, but hang on, this does not translate to the fact that things will fall into its place overnight. Because the integration of technology is just a drop in the ocean. People in webinars, workshops, or courses say that digitization is the key to India’s logistics industry. Yes, it is, but don’t you think that a picture would be worth 1000 words? What we mean is that the journey to the digitization and improving efficiency is a gradual process. 

When people are restricted to their homes, we are seeing a complete transition in consumer behavior due to rising health concerns. And since consumers have been conditioned to expect that their online purchases will be delivered quickly, this is putting a lot of pressure on logistics and operations. But the way the organized, as well as struggling-to-be organized players, are trying to meet this pressure of a growing audience in the new normal is praiseworthy.

As the logistics and operations sector continues to grow with no signs of tapering off, in the months to come, we can expect to see certain new trends. But when you have got a thing about the operations sector, its key elements, and processes what are you doing to get your fingers on it? While you put on your thinking cap, we have got something for you.

Online Operations courses and MOOCs

Instead of going on a wild goose chase, consider giving these 5 online operations courses a try. It doesn’t matter if you are pursuing an MBA in operations or want to give a kick to your already running business, these online operations courses carry weight.

Six Sigma Foundations

• Provider: LinkedIn
• Duration: Self-paced
• Details: It will start from scratch and will cover all the basic concepts. Learn about CTQ requirements, DPMO, how to identify Six Sigma projects,  five phases of Six Sigma - DMAIC, and much more.
• Link: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/six-sigma-foundations

Operations Management: Digital Strategy

• Provider: Northwestern Kellogg School of Management
• Duration: 6 weeks
• Details: With companies shifting to digitized operations, this course will give you relevant insights into how the sector is revolutionizing and how one can digitally transform one’s business.
• Link:https://getsmarter.kellogg.northwestern.edu/presentations/lp/northwestern-university-operations-management-digital-strategy-online-program

Fundamentals of Operations, with Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women

• Provider: Coursera
• Duration: Approx. 3 hours
• Details: By the end of this course, you will be able to maximize customer satisfaction and support business growth. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, then this is for you!
• Link: https://www.coursera.org/learn/10k-women-7

Operations Management by IIM Bangalore

• Provider: edX
• Duration: 7 weeks
• Details: Get to know about the right tools, techniques, and skills to analyze the key elements of Operations management from the experts.
• Link: https://www.edx.org/course/operations-management

Working Operations Management Problems

• Provider: Udemy
• Duration: 9 hours with a lifetime access
• Details: It is one of the best online operations courses if you are pursuing an MBA in it because it will acquaint you with everything you need to solve course problems in your college.
• Link: https://www.udemy.com/course/working-operations-management-problems/

Yes, the volumes of open positions have reduced to one-third of what is usually seen in a normal year but there is no need to sink your heart. Because the road ahead is bright and sunny for the logistics and operations sector. To read more such content check these out:

• 12 much-needed certification courses for MBA aspirants!
• IIM Udaipur announces 18 online management courses
• Are you aware of the domain of Operations Management?
• This is how Avik acquired the skills for supply chain management | Avik Pramanick - DoMS IIT Roorkee
• Supply chain and logistics, the driving forces of an organisation -By Naveen Ayyalasomayajula from SIMS Pune
• A Filmmaker, A Kickboxer And Now, A Part Of MT Operations Team- Sashil's Journey To ITC!
• My internship at Reliance Industries Ltd gave me an exposure to treasury operations -By Kunal Halbe from JBIMS Mumbai