SAP Innovation Awards 2021 finalist Tech Mahindra Limited leveraged SAP Integration Suite in developing a cloud-based solution needed to create a network of ports that would allow for transparent and efficient port operations.
Tech Mahindra, headquartered in Pune, Maharashtra, India, is a provider of information technology (IT) and business process outsourcing (BPO) services to organisations across a wide range of industries. Starting as a joint venture in 1986, the company has grown through a series of strategic mergers and acquisitions over the years. The Indian tech firm, also known as the Changemakers, offers cutting-edge solutions for a diverse set of sectors, including banking, healthcare and life sciences, manufacturing, media and entertainment, oil and gas, and public sector and government.
In December 2020, Tech Mahindra expanded its partnership with SAP as a global strategic service partner, becoming one of a small number of consultancies that work with the German enterprise software giant. Earlier last year, Tech Mahindra also received the SAP Expertise on Google Cloud, demonstrating its specialisation and expert knowledge in SAP, including but not limited to SAP data migration.
Furthermore, the multinational IT company was also a finalist in the Travel and Transportation category of the SAP Innovation Awards 2021. The annual event is a comprehensive program that honours forward-thinking individuals and organisations driving innovation with SAP technologies in their journey towards becoming intelligent enterprises.
Recognising the importance of port logistics to global trade, Tech Mahindra created a cloud-based solution, built on SAP Integration Suite, for managing port logistics operations. In collaboration with SAP Co-Innovation Lab UAE, its solution called “Smart Port Logistics” aims to provide a unified and integrated platform for secure and efficient clearance operations in ports.
Leveraging SAP Integration Suite
SAP Integration Suite is an integration platform as a service (iPaaS) that intends to enable customers in incorporating on-premise and cloud-based processes and applications with prebuilt content and tools provided by the German tech giant. In 2021, the platform earned a Top Rated award from business technology review site TrustRadius based on customer feedback that emphasised its flexibility, prebuilt integration flows, and integration with third-party software solutions
Leveraging SAP’s iPaaS solution, Tech Mahindra was able to develop a system that uses blockchain, machine learning (ML), and robotic process automation (RPA) to provide a collaborative platform for all parties involved in cargo handling, clearance, and port operations. Additionally, the solution aims to minimise paper-based processes, as well as cut transaction time and costs in the port business.
Moreover, Tech Mahindra has been building the next generation of smart ports in anticipation of an increase in cargo traffic and shipping volume in the future. In partnership with SAP, its innovation project was able to achieve the following benefits and outcomes:
- Created a network of ports for information sharing that allows for quick access for port operations
- Saved time by cross-checking all data for each clearance phase.
- Provided convenience for blue-collar workers during registrations.
- Digitised manual processes and enhanced customer experience.
- Brought internal and external departments to operate in a unified platform.
- Streamlined information flow across all supply chain entities.
“Digital technologies will impact the way we conduct trade and logistics both now and in the future. We gather as much data in 48 hours as humans have gathered over centuries and it comes in many forms — high speed, high volume, high variety. Our opportunity is to use information to produce knowledge to produce action,” stated Chairman and CEO of DP World Group in Tech Mahindra’s Entry Pitch Deck for the SAP Innovation Awards 2021.
