Written by Joy Ford
Photo credit: Shobhit Agrawal
In today’s global marketplace, efficiency drives business success. Shobhit Agrawal, a seasoned professional in the field, enhances global supply chains through novel processes and strategic thinking. He has consistently demonstrated his ability to improve supply chain operations across different industries. His background in product management and technology consulting has enabled him to lead projects that reduced back orders, optimized delivery routes, automated workflows, and enhanced fleet utilization.
Streamlining UAE Distribution Networks
One of Agrawal’s notable projects was with a UAE-based food and personal care product manufacturer and distributor, where he tackled high back orders and distribution inefficiencies. His approach began with thoroughly analyzing the existing planning logic and processes, focusing on customer orders and distribution patterns to identify inefficiencies. He optimized fleet utilization by consolidating the fleet into seven regions aligned with the seven Emirates, addressing underutilization issues. Additionally, he implemented an ABC classification system for customer order prioritization, which was integrated into the Oracle TMS system.
By streamlining delivery route sequencing using the Here Maps API and implementing a mobile app for real-time delivery tracking, Agrawal optimized delivery routes, reduced back orders from 20% to 2%, increased vehicle utilization by 8%, enhanced overall delivery performance, and achieved considerable annual cost savings. His approach and implementation have highlighted the impact of well-executed supply chain solutions on a company’s performance and customer satisfaction.
Transforming Supply Chain Operations in One of the Largest Cement Manufacturing Companies in Thailand
Another notable project initiated by Agrawal was transforming the supply chain for one of Thailand’s largest cement manufacturing companies. His work improved operations across three manufacturing plants, two supply plants, three warehouses, and over 30,000 customers.
Agrawal spearheaded the digital transformation project to enhance its supply chain network, which included inbound and outbound movements. Under his leadership, they improved fleet utilization for over 1,000 trucks, sped up the freight settlement process, reduced manual orders and planning tasks, and enhanced plan accuracy and carrier contract negotiations.
Refining Logistics Operations Through Oracle TMS Implementation
Agrawal led the implementation of Oracle Transportation Management System (TMS) to optimize this complex supply chain network. He began by conducting detailed sessions with stakeholders to document current processes and identify inefficiencies, focusing on order management, shipment planning, execution, tracking, and freight settlement. By re-engineering the workflows to define new processes in Oracle TMS, he was able to simplify the organizational structure and remove redundant tasks. He developed integrated process maps and technical specifications for over 20 APIs between six systems.
During the configuration and development phase, Agrawal set up Oracle TMS from scratch, establishing domains, user hierarchies, workflows, and complex freight rate contracts. He also conducted Customer Room Pilot sessions to gather feedback. Finally, he performed System Integration Testing (SIT), User Acceptance Testing (UAT), and End User Training (EUT) with over 50 business users to ensure system readiness and user proficiency.
Through his innovations, Agrawal cut down manual tasks by 30%, resulting in a 6% improvement in fleet utilization. This enabled the company to save significant amounts within the first six months of implementation.
Setting the Standard for the Future
As businesses strive for efficiency and adaptability, Agrawal’s work ensures that companies can meet the demands of today’s shifting work environments with agility and precision.
Agrawal’s solutions offer a clear path forward and have set a standard for industries striving to stay competitive in the global market. Through his work, Agrawal has demonstrated the importance of strategic supply chain solutions, demonstrating how progressive thinking and technological expertise can drive positive change.
