Cementing Growth

In a bid to modernize its business processes, Andhra Cements underwent
massive changes on the technology infrastructure front. The company established
an integrated network infrastructure in order to have a seamless and secured
network connectivity in place. This move enabled Andhra Cements to shift to
broadband from dial-up.

Implementation of broadband connectivity has facilitated the company to
deploy technology to enable and accelerate its processes, and drive business to
new heights. "Modernization of IT infrastructure started happening over the last
two years. This was vital since without embracing new technologies, its
impossible to drive businesses, especially catering to modern needs and growth
patterns," states Shivannarayana Vemula, assistant general manager, systems,
Andhra Cements.

Improve thy Network!

An improved network connectivity allowed Andhra Cements to create its own
website and email system, thus enhancing its communications systemboth for
internal as well as external users. "We now have a unified mail system that has
given us an effective and faster platform for communication. The website will
further help us to leverage on areas like branding, marketing, lead generation
among others," says Vemula.

The VPN MPLS connectivity is also helping the company to connect and
integrate all its branches and manufacturing plants. Andhra Cements is also
working on to implement SAP ERP. "Presently, we are on an offline legacy system
based on COBOL. With this new system we will have a complete online model," adds
Vemula. The online system will help Andhra Cements to make all information
available online, thereby enhancing overall business process efficiency. "It
will also help the management to remain updated and access all kinds of
information by virtue of which critical business decisions can be taken
instantaneously," he says. Therefore, processes would be faster and more
transparent.

Go for IT

The new IT system has been planned keeping in mind the recent business needs
as well as keeping the option open for future up-scaling. As the company is on
an expansion spreeby setting up more manufacturing plantsthe new ERP system
will help the company to get a live and integrated system in place. Till now all
its core processes like supply chain management and inventory management were
running on individual legacy systems. With deployment of SAP, the four key
processesnamely finance, sales and distribution, production planning, and
material managementwill be integrated on a single platform.

In the next phase, the company will integrate its payroll and HRMS with the
new system, thus covering almost all core business functionalities. Further, it
will automate both its weighing and packaging systems and integrate with ERP.
"This will enhance better transparency in material and production management as
well as raw material management," says Vemula. To sum it up, the key benefits
that Andhra Cements will achieve through this reformed IT infrastructure are
cost-effectiveness, business efficiency, transparency, and productivity
enhancement.

Piyali Guha

piyalig@cybermedia.co.in