India's second wave of Covid-19 pandemic and the reaction within the supply chain!
During India's second wave of Covid-19, the logistics strategy and supply chain management were centred on rapid scaling and prioritization of critical medical supplies to mitigate shortages and ensure timely delivery, particularly for oxygen, medicines, and vaccines.
Private logistics companies like Adani Wilmar Limited (AWL India), a major FMCG player, contributed by leveraging their established supply chain infrastructure to support critical delivery channels. Although specific detailed accounts of AWL India's operational role during the second wave are limited in the available data, AWL is noted for its extensive distribution network, including warehousing, transportation, and last-mile delivery capabilities.
Key highlights related to logistics and supply chain management during India’s second wave include:
- Government collaboration with private logistics firms to leverage their networks and expertise in inventory management, transportation, and last-mile delivery to speed up distribution.
- Focus on rural markets and decentralized fulfillment centers to counteract bottlenecks and meet demand spikes in less accessible areas. AWL’s network of stores and logistics hubs possibly served as micro-fulfillment points.
- Use of digital tools and real-time tracking in supply chains to prioritize critical medical supplies such as oxygen cylinders, Remdesivir, and vaccines was important during this phase.
- Post second wave, supply chain pressures eased significantly, indicating that initial massive logistics coordination efforts succeeded in stabilizing supply routes.
AWL India successfully delivered medical supplies to various states across India, including oxygen and raw materials for setting up oxygen plants. The company utilized its IOT enabled systems, innovative temperature-controlled logistics solutions, and analytics driven warehouse management to ensure a stable supply of oxygen and other life-saving medical supplies.
In addition to AWL India, DHL and FEDEX played a major role in inbound logistics and distribution of supplies to India. The Red Cross Society processed the custom clearance of goods as per Indian Government guidelines, and various international organizations such as WHO, UNICEF, the US Chamber of Commerce, and the US India Strategic Partnership Forum offered assistance.
As India navigates potential future waves of Covid-19, improving overall logistic infrastructure and capacity will be crucial to efficiently transport vaccines and other critical supplies. The healthcare system, already stretched during the second wave, will need to be prepared for increased demand and logistical challenges.
For more details about AWL India and their solutions, please visit their website at https://www.awlindia.com/awl-solutions.
[1] Source: Various news reports and government statements during the second wave of Covid-19 in India.
- During India's second wave of Covid-19, the government collaborated with private logistics firms like Adani Wilmar Limited (AWL India) to utilize their resources in inventory management, transportation, and last-mile delivery to speed up distribution of critical medical supplies.
- AWL India's network of stores and logistics hubs possibly served as micro-fulfillment points, focusing on rural markets and decentralized fulfillment centers to counteract bottlenecks and meet demand spikes in less accessible areas.
- AWL India successfully delivered medical supplies, including oxygen and raw materials for setting up oxygen plants, by leveraging their IOT enabled systems, innovative temperature-controlled logistics solutions, and analytics driven warehouse management.
- As India navigates potential future waves of Covid-19, a strong logistics infrastructure and capacity will be essential for efficient transportation of vaccines and other critical supplies, considering the strain on the healthcare system during the second wave.
