Prashant Jha, Chief Ready-Mix Concrete and Modern Building Materials Officer, Nuvoco Vistas, stresses the importance of efficiency and reliability in transportation while discussing other intricacies of RMX logistics management.

Tell us about the transportation model followed by your organisation for RMX despatches.
Our transit mixers transport concrete from our production plants to customer sites, selecting capacities ranging from 6 to 9 cu m depending on factors like city location, site specifics, and market dynamics. These transit mixers are sourced from third-parties as per the business requirement that is determined through our Integrated Business Planning (IBP) process. Given the variability of daily volumes, we can experience sudden spikes in demand, which is addressed through our fleet with short-term ‘taxi resources’ promptly and efficiently. This agile approach allows us to adapt swiftly to fluctuating demands while maintaining high service standards.

How are the logistics of the plant managed?
The plant’s monthly sales volume targets are established through the IBP process, for guiding to the formulation for enabling efficient resource management. Following the determination of monthly volumes, the transit mixer plan is finalised for each facility. The plant teams collaborate with the customer and sales team to ensure strategic delivery schedules adherences. Any issues are addressed in consultation with customers by a collaborative effort between plant manager, customer and the sales team to ensure the daily delivery targets are met effectively. A proactive approach facilitates smooth operations and customer satisfaction.

With new technology and digitalisation introduced in the system, what impact has it created on the efficiency and cost of the plant?
Our implementation of a Vehicle Tracking System (VTS) in our transit mixers, coupled with Drum Rotation Sensors and GPS integration, has revolutionised our operational efficiency. This advanced technology empowers our plant to monitor transit mixers in real-time, facilitating agile planning for subsequent deliveries and enabling us to provide customers with precise updates on delivery status. Moreover, by leveraging GPS data, we ensure fair variable cost payments based on accurate kilometres travelled, optimising cost management. In addition to enhancing financial transparency, the VTS enables our plant teams to track driver behaviour, allowing us to provide timely feedback and targeted training on safe work practices. This hands-on approach not only improves the safety of concrete transportation but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement within our workforce.
Furthermore, by capturing transit mixer performance data, we gain valuable insights into operational efficiency, enabling us to implement strategic enhancements and maximise productivity. Overall, our integrated system of VTS, Drum Rotation Sensors and GPS technology represents a comprehensive solution that not only enhances operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness but also prioritises safety and continuous improvement in our transportation processes.

What are the key steps that can be taken to further improve the logistics of RMX manufacturing and transportation?
Given our extensive operations across major cities, ensuring the continuous supply of Ready-Mix Concrete (RMX) is essential. Road movement and safety remain a critical area. Adherences to lanes, dedicated infrastructure for heavy vehicle movement would enhance safety for both transit mixers and other vehicles on the road. These changes would facilitate faster and more efficient movement of these vehicles and would significantly contribute to improving overall transportation logistics and infrastructure management in urban environments, promoting economic productivity and sustainable development.

Tell us about the challenges in logistical planning for RMX plants…
Effectively addressing spike volume demand involves proactive resource allocation through predictive analytics and close collaboration with vendors. This includes strategic coordination with local authorities and route planning while managing traffic disruptions in mega cities. To mitigate high waiting times at sites and prevent concrete buildup inside transit mixer bowls, optimising delivery schedules, enhancing on-site logistics and investing in technologies like automated batching systems are important.
These measures collectively ensure timely deliveries while minimising operational challenges and disruptions.

• –Kanika Mathur