CARGOCONNECT-APRIL2026 - Flipbook - Page 40
SPECIAL FEATURE : FMCG SUPPLY CHAIN
expedite feedback loops, and simultaneously, better control over
availability and executions.”
Equally important is the role of intelligent routing in safeguarding cold chain integrity across high-velocity FMCG operations.
Agarwal emphasises, “Route optimisation has quietly become one
of the biggest enablers of cold chain integrity. Dynamic routing
minimises exposure time, 昀氀eet optimisation matches the right
load to the right vehicle.”
Technology-enabled routing engines are also strengthening
the reliability of perishable distribution networks at scale. As Doshi
highlights, “Real-time tracking, AI-powered route optimisation,
and fleet management are crucial for enhancing cold chain
integrity, ensuring perishable goods remain fresh.”
Strengthening these capabilities further, Manivannan explains
that organisations are also working toward predictive SLA breach
alerts and data-driven transporter performance management. “This
enables earlier intervention across high-sensitivity distribution
environments,” he observes.
For companies managing ingredient-sensitive supply chains
across distributed production environments, simplifying intermediate movement layers is already delivering measurable bene昀椀ts.
Nair explains, “Wherever possible, we’ve reduced unnecessary
intermediaries by sourcing key FMCG inputs directly into our
central kitchens and ful昀椀lment hubs. Added to that, real-time
tracking ensures adherence to schedules, while 昀氀eet optimisation
improves load utilisation and reduces unnecessary movement.”
Complementing these execution-layer improvements, Manivannan
points out, “Training methodology ensures teams are equipped to
handle variability and complexity on ground, thus strengthening
consistency across increasingly intelligent and distributed transit
ecosystems.”
Brands are actively shifting from reactive
supply chains to AI-driven forecasting
and planning models, driven by the need
for real-time visibility, smarter inventory
decisions, and proactive responses to
demand and supply variability. Edge
computing is enabling shelf-level
intelligence to evolve from periodic alerts
into continuous monitoring systems.
DURGESH AGARWAL
Co-founder and COO,
BLA BLI BLU
FROM FAST TO FUTURE-READY: THE ESG
ADVANTAGE IN HIGH-VELOCITY SUPPLY
CHAINS
As instant commerce continues to reshape delivery expectations
across India’s FMCG landscape, sustainability is rapidly transitioning
from a supporting function to a de昀椀ning operational capability.
With high-frequency delivery cycles expanding across urban
and emerging consumption clusters alike, logistics networks are
increasingly being redesigned not only for responsiveness but
also for environmental e昀케ciency. Industry estimates suggest that
transportation alone contributes nearly 10–14% of logistics-related
emissions across fast-moving retail supply chains, making ESGaligned execution central to future-ready distribution strategies.
In this context, sustainability is no longer positioned as a
parallel initiative. It is becoming embedded directly into speed
architecture itself. Paramane underscores this transition clearly
when he notes, “Sustainability is no longer a PR move; it’s a
‘Faster’ metric because green cities are becoming ‘Electric-Only’
zones.” He further highlights how organisations are redesigning delivery ecosystems through circular logistics strategies,
explaining that “the delivery rider who drops o昀昀 your groceries
also picks up your recyclable packaging,” while AI-enabled 昀氀eet
optimisation ensures “no vehicle leaves a hub less than 85% full.”
The combined adoption of hydrogen-fuel-cell mid-mile vehicles
and EV-based last-mile mobility, he adds, “has reduced carbon
footprints by 55%.”
Extending Paramane’s line of thought and building on this shift
toward execution-layer sustainability integration, Manivannan
says, “Sustainability is a key priority, and we at ProConnect are
working towards optimising routes and reducing fuel consumption
40 | CARGOCONNECT APRIL 2026
Real-time shelf monitoring is one of the
most promising and awaited use-cases
for deployment in our industry. Edgeenabled systems, when integrated with
WMS, POS, and forecasting platforms, can
simultaneously address both stock-out
and non-moving inventory challenges
while improving availability levels
significantly.
SAURABH KUMAR
CEO– FMCG & Retail,
Kaleesuwari Refinery
