TCS integrates inventory control and logistics management for IAF

Our Corporate Bureau
10 October 2006

Mumbai: Tata Consultancy Services Ltd (TCS) has activated IMMOLS (Integrated Materials Management Online Services), a nation-wide systems integration project addressing the computerisation needs of inventory control and logistics management of the Indian Air Force. Union minister for defence Pranab Mukherjee unveiled the project at a press conference in New Delhi.

"I am proud to dedicate this project to the nation today, which holds the potential of setting new benchmarks on how computerisation can re-define the efficiencies for various defense applications — making us more equipped, agile and robust to effectively handle any contingencies, as well as benefiting from better cost management. I congratulate the teams from IAF and TCS for successfully taking on this mammoth challenge and emerging victorious," the minister said.

"TCS is excited about this project, which is set to revolutionise the way the Indian Air Force manages their logistics and materials. This project exemplifies synergy between public and private partnership in a true sense and results from IAF's vision to adopt technologies to bring in greater administrative efficiencies," said S Ramadorai, CEO and managing director of TCS.

TCS IMMOLS was launched in 2003, wherein TCS carried out pilot implementation for around 22 sites of the Indian Air Force. After extensive testing of the application, which included software development, acceptance testing, training, analysis and several other initiatives, the project has now been successfully rolled out across all 108 sites of Indian Air Force nationally, said Tanmoy Chakrabarty, vice president and head, global government industry group of TCS.

TCS IMMOLS is custom designed to cater to all facets of materials management of the Indian Air Force and includes IT infrastructure, which covers nationwide installation of computing platforms, campus LANs and other hardware equipment.

TCS IMMOLS, which replaces the earlier paper-based processes, will not only obviate all problems earlier faced by IAF, including stock outs, delays, dependencies on individuals and inaccurate communications, but will also bring a host of benefits such as efficient materials management, assets visibility for better utilisation of resources, information triggers for mid-course correction, speedier demand process cycle, speedier procurement and repair cycles, reduction in inventory levels, improved fleet serviceability, efficient spares accounting and a Rs 55 crore savings to the exchequer in investment outlays.