New Delhi: Digital transformation in Indian Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) is essential for enhancing efficiency and transparency in government operations. It encompasses automation, data analytics, cloud computing, e-governance initiatives, cybersecurity measures, mobile app development, digital payment adoption, and participation in smart city projects.
During the APAC PSU Tech Conclave, Manish Grover, the Executive Director (Strategic IS & IS) of Indian Oil Corporation Limited, talked about “Ushering New Era of Transformation in PSUs through Technology & Innovation by adopting Cloud Computing & Ensuring Cyber Security.”
Grover said, “Indian Oil, for the last 63 years, has been on the forefront of India, trying to deliver the most important of energies which we all need.” Indian Oil Corporation encompasses about 50 per cent of India’s oil and gas market, with over 10 refineries and 15,000 kilometres of pipeline network, he added.
SAP ERP implementation in IOC
“We started our journey in 2004 with implementing one of the largest ERP implementations in the form of SAP. Today it’s almost 18 years and the entire operation of IOC runs on SAP, completely in-house, including B2C and B2B transactions.”
Implementing SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing) ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) is a multifaceted process involving various critical steps. SAP ERP plays a crucial role in the oil industry by offering a comprehensive solution for managing various aspects of operations.
It aids in supply chain management, financial processes, asset maintenance, production, health, safety, and environmental compliance, as well as human resources and project management. Additionally, it supports commodity trading and risk management, analytics, regulatory compliance, and environmental sustainability efforts.
CRM and secondary dealer management system
“We introduced CRM and secondary dealer management system, and it gave us a 360 degree view of all our customers,” Grover said.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) encompasses a strategic approach and technology-driven practices that facilitate interactions with customers and stakeholders. CRM systems are utilised for marketing, sales management, customer service, contract and account management, data analysis, and reporting, all of which contribute to customer satisfaction and efficient business operations. Additionally, CRM supports compliance with industry-specific regulations, loyalty programs for retail customers, and management of relationships with government agencies and industry stakeholders.
Secondary Dealer Management System (SDMS) is a software platform that streamlines and regulates the operations of secondary dealers, who act as intermediaries between primary oil marketing companies (OMCs) and retailers. SDMS facilitates key functions such as order and inventory management, pricing, billing, compliance, and performance monitoring. It also supports digital transactions, supply chain coordination, and data analytics, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and transparency of petroleum product distribution.
iDrive for digital enablement and IT vision
iDrive is a digital initiative by the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) aimed at optimising operations and enhancing the customer experience at their retail fuel outlets. This comprehensive platform offers digital payment options, inventory management, customer loyalty programs, safety and compliance monitoring, data analytics, and remote equipment monitoring.
It also assists in inventory forecasting, environmental sustainability practices, and targeted marketing efforts. iDrive reflects IOCL’s commitment to digital transformation, aligning with industry trends that leverage technology to improve efficiency and customer engagement in the oil and gas sector.
“The basic concept was to plug all the gaps, bring in digitalisations in refinery operations,” Grover says.
Vishleshan
Cloud computing is playing a pivotal role in Indian PSUs, offering cost savings, scalability, and flexibility in IT operations. PSUs leverage cloud services for remote work, data storage, security enhancement, and e-governance, thereby streamlining operations and facilitating digital transformation initiatives.
Vishleshan by IOCL is an analytical tool run on the cloud for retail computing on all IOCL petrol pumps. “It’s an analytical tool which we run on the cloud for retail computing of all petrol pumps, which uses specialised algorithms that can change the price of petrol every day without using any machines,” Grover said.
Cloud technology optimises resource usage, supports disaster recovery, ensures regulatory compliance, and powers AI and data analytics for data-driven decision-making. Additionally, it aligns with PSUs’ efforts towards environmental sustainability and fosters vendor collaboration for innovation.
IOCL is leveraging digital technologies to streamline their operations, improve service delivery, and align with the government’s e-governance goals, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and citizen-friendly public sector in India.
