Year 2021 – Year of Hope and Contradiction

Dear Readers,

Year 2021 is ending with fear of Omicron lurking in the background. How this mutant unfolds over next few months shall decide the economic trajectory and its fall out on our individual life.

I shall take this opportunity to reflect on my key learning from year 2021.

• Safety and security of our well-being is in our own hand

Frenetic scenes of shortage of hospital beds, oxygen, and medicines during second wave of COVID are still vivid in memory of most people impacted by this tragic experience. Government tried its best but somehow was also caught unaware like most common folks and did not have counter measures ready before onset of wave two. This was the situation not only in India but also in many developed countries as well. 

Question comes, what we could have done better in our own discretion? Perhaps, strictly following COVID protocols. In a pandemic situation, medical facilities would always be insufficient compared to required magnitude so the most important priority is to SURVIVE so that you can THRIVE later. If you or your loved one is afflicted with COVID then blaming anyone shall not solve the problem. Safety and security of your well-being is in your own hand. 

• China impact on supply chain and industrial manufacturing

China’s aggressive posturing has changed geo-political situation. Major Economic Powers have realized after years of Investment in Chinese manufacturing and transfer of high technology that they have not only created a formidable competitor but also realized how deeply dependent their global supply chains are on China. 

From 1960’s onward, most US companies started moving manufacturing to Low-Cost Countries in Asia. China because of its size was the biggest beneficiary of this move because they were not only the low-cost producer but also the consumer market for western products. The lure of China could be seen from the fact that it is the biggest market (by units’ sales) for General Motors, Volkswagen, KFC, and countless luxury brands.

Tremors of disruption in global supply chain of semiconductor and countless other critical technology products sourced out of China are felt in multiple industries ranging from Automobile, Heath Care Diagnostics Equipment, Electronics Products etc. India has redoubled efforts to bring manufacturing of critical technologies and components to India through “Aatmanirbhar bharat” and “Make in India” initiatives. India has ambitious target of becoming USD 5 Trillion economy by year 2025. 

This would mean Indian GDP growing @ 11% compounded over next five years. Most of the growth is going to come from manufacturing segment, which more than double from current level. ICT & Digital technologies shall be the critical growth driver.  

• Brands need to directly connect with customers

QR Codes have become immensely popular in India. New applications have been found ranging from Payment to Restaurant Menu, Car Parking Sticker, Car Registration Certificate, Driving License, PUC (Pollution Under Control) Certification, Vaccination Test Report and Certificate, Inventory Management, Product Labelling, Customer Promotion Coupons and Loyalty Program, Lat Long Building addresses for uncovered slum areas etc.

QR Codes on product labels can be used much more effectively to not only share product information re. ingredients, sourcing from fair trade countries, production per approved process, expiry dates, usage suggestion etc. but also to connect with trade intermediaries and end customers to know their preferences and satisfaction level. 

• Technology is the key enabler 

Development of ‘Modern Cities’ is no less a marvel of engineering, design, organization and governance. However, over the years with increasing population and dwindling city finances most cities are grappling with crumbling infrastructure, deterioration quality of life, increasing cost of living, unaffordable housing costs, safety, and security issues.

Without modern digital technologies it is virtually impossible for city governments to administer and meet evolving expectations of their residents. Understanding the severity of situation, Government of India launched its ambitious 100 Smart Cities Mission. 

What is a Smart City? Cisco defines smart cities as those who adopt “scalable solutions that take advantage of information and communications technology (ICT) to increase efficiencies, reduce costs, and enhance quality of life.”

While existing mega cities like London, Barcelona are going for smart city concepts in limited areas of applications, on other side new city projects like NEOM in Saudi Arabia are breaking new boundaries in terms of what is possible. Every single activity within city should be generating data which should seamlessly connect with broader set of big data coming from industries, tourism, shipping, air transport, road highways. This data should throw deep insights on resident population, city design to ensure facilities and optimal population density for superior quality of living, required number of schools for children, universities, polytechnics, mass transport, road traffic management tools, surveillance tools for unobstructive policing, contactless government services etc.      

At CPIGS Technologies, we are excited by the infinite possibilities of the future. We endeavour to know our customers better, listen to their feedback to help serve them more efficiently and effectively. We intend to master new set of emerging ICT and other digital technologies to harness them in epochal nation building initiatives of Aatmanirbhar bharat and Smart Cities.

Please feel free to share your comments, suggestion and feedback.

Wish you all the best for a Happy New Year 2022 and connect with you again shortly.

Warm Regards,

Sunil Agarwal

Director – Marketing & Business Development

CPIGS Technologies Private Limited

M: +91 9582809690

E: sunil@cpigs.com

W: https://cpigs.com