Transformation Express ignites digital spirit in manufacturing hub Ludhiana

In its third pitstop, SAP’s Mobile Experience Center - The Transformation Express, received a quintessentially hearty Punjabi welcome in the city of Ludhiana, the country’s textile capital and major sports manufacturing powerhouse. The team was eager to interact with the vibrant MSME community in the state, which embodies the people’s fiery entrepreneurial spirit and penchant for transforming legendary family-owned businesses into thriving, modern export driven enterprises. 

In an event which saw the attendance of partners, customers, industry experts and leaders, Agnishwar Majumdar (Regional Manager at SAP India) delivered the keynote while Pradeep Kumar from SAP gave a demo on ISBN. Mr. Aman Kuntal (VP Sales at Acxiom) gave a corporate presentation on RISE with SAP. The event also featured a panel discussion with Mr. Vijay Bhatia (President Commercial at Stylam Industries), Sumitkumar Banka (Regional Director, Mid Market at SAP), and Mr. Aman Kuntal.

Riding into excellence - a visit to Avon Cycles Ltd.

First on the agenda was a customer visit to long-time SAP user and advocate Avon Cycles Ltd., one of the largest and oldest cycle manufacturers in India. The sense of history was palpable as the SAP emblazoned luxury bus rolled into the Avon Cycle’s expansive, state-of-the-art manufacturing plant on the illustrious GT Road in Ludhiana. 

Established in 1948, Avon Cycles is a pioneer in the mobility sector, an unmistakable symbol of newly independent India’s quest for freedom and thirst of blazing new trails of development with indigenous ingenuity and capital. 

Avon Cycles has also pioneered digital transformation for an industry built on the dealership model, where there is an interplay of complex manufacturing and distribution processes spread across the country. As far back as the early 2000s when India’s rise as a software behemoth was being scripted, Avon Cycles became one of the first major manufacturers to adopt SAP All in One to integrate its myriad business processes. 

The Transformation Express’ arrival at Avon Cycles headquarters in Ludhiana is a testament to the decades-long association of trust between the company and SAP. Mr. Mandeep Pahwa (Executive Director, Avon Cycles) and Mr. C.S. Arora (CFO, Avon Cycles) led the delegation from the company that boarded the Mobile Experience Center. 

Customer speak - SAP is always ahead of its time

In an energetic and candid interaction, the team from Avon Cycles took note of the latest developments in cloud computing and digital transformation and how SAP HANA, the premium digital core technology is at the heart of an intelligent, integrated enterprise.

Executive Director Mandeep Phawa congratulated the SAP team for conceptualising a unique way to communicate the importance of digitalisation through the journey of the Transformation Express across the country. 

Commenting on the digital imperative for business, CFO C.S. Arora, said, “If you look back at our country’s economic history, 1992 was a turning point, when it became clear that if India did not change, we would be left behind. Enterprises too, were faced with such a decision, when there was a mainstreaming of digital technology”.

Speaking of Avon Cycles Ltd.’s foray into digital transformation, Mr. Arora said, “In the case of our company, we decided to become early adopters of digitalisation, as it became an inevitable part of the business landscape. While evaluating various technologies, we chose SAP S/4HANA, becoming the second company in Asia to do so. It is our belief that we can see growth only with our adaptability to change. 

We are at a time when Digital India is a reality. Our industry, customers and vendors are part of this digital story. The SAP products, particularly related to Supply Chain Management that we’ve experienced as part of the Transformation Express are ahead of the time – a hallmark of SAP. I congratulate SAP for their forward thinking approach in presenting the importance of digital transformation."

Forging new bonds - bringing MSMEs into the digital fold at the gala dinner

The gala event at Hyatt Regency, hosted in association with SAP Gold Partner Acxiom Consulting Private Ltd. saw representatives of small and medium businesses and a few large enterprises from diverse industries, including engineering, sports goods, auto parts, pharmaceuticals and food products gather for an immersive tour of SAP’s offerings. 

Agnishwar Majumder (Regional Sales Manager, SAP India) spoke about the boundless potential of intelligent technologies in the Indian market, particularly in the mid-market segment. His views were echoed by Mr. Aman Singh Kuntal (Head of Sales, Acxiom Consulting Pvt. Ltd.), who spoke of how Rise with SAP provides cloud-based enterprise resource planning solutions and enables enterprises to create new business models.

A definitive highlight of the evening was when Chandigarh based Stylam Industries Limited, one of Asia’s leading laminated manufacturing brands commemorated a major milestone in its digital journey with the Go Live of SAP S/4HANA. Mr. Vijay Bhatia (DGM, Finance and Accounts, Stylam Industries Limited) spoke passionately about how the company’s implementation of SAP charted its expansion and growth of its profits. 

The evening rounded off with a lively panel discussion, where leaders from SAP and Acxiom Consulting shared their views on the digital future of midmarket enterprises. 

With this adieu, the Transformation Express is off to the Pink City, Jaipur, for its next exciting chapter. 

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