The turmoil that exists in the logistics sector is upsetting the supply chain automation efforts by CIOs in the manufacturing business. India's logistics cost is among the highest in the world - estimated to be almost 13 per cent of its GDP, even as the sector has been demanding the setting up of a regulatory body on the lines of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority.  

Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles (VECV) is a story of growth. This growth wouldn't have been there without IT. It is a story of lot of automation to enable faster turnaround of products and to enhance manufacturing productivity and capacity. The entire chain from the market down to the product development stage is streamlined through IT systems.  

With the use of proper IT systems, the company has saved both cost and inventory. It has resulted into inventory reduction worth Rs 10-12 Crore. The good thing about IT is that it brings in a lot of transparency on data. Smarter supply chain has also translated into happier employees and lower attrition.  

What surprises me about Amazon is its strategy. It never competed, it conquered. Two best things about Amazon are its logistics and information management. No wonder, its founder Jeff Bezos is compared with Jack Welch and Amazon with GE.  

No IT department is immune to crisis and it is a test for every CIO to deal with more than one at the same time. There could be those with red flags that need instant troubleshooting while there are others more chronic in nature that require a long-drawn strategic handling. No matter what shape and size the trouble, here are a few quick points to ponder. 

Liquor business is one of the most complex businesses to be in. As the CIO of a liquor manufacturing company, I face some unique challenges. These are partly by virtue of the complexities of government procedures, rules and regulations that are linked to purchase of raw material and movement of finished goods from one state to another.