The 9th Annual ISM-INDIA Conference & Awards 2024, held on 28th September 2024 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Mumbai, was a landmark event focused on the theme of Innovative Procurement & Supply Chain. It brought together industry leaders, experts, and professionals to discuss the latest advancements in procurement and supply chain management, particularly in areas like digital transformation and sustainability.

The day kicked off with a keynote address from Mr. Krishan K. Batra, President & CEO of ISM-INDIA, highlighting the importance of innovation in procurement and supply chains. This was followed by a presentation from Mr. Nikhil Gurjar, President & Founder of Consulting Connoisseurs, who provided insights into how digital tools and technologies are revolutionizing procurement processes.

A panel discussion moderated by Mr. Umesh Malik, VP & Head of P&C Academy at RIL, delved into current trends in procurement and supply chain management. This session featured contributions from industry leaders such as Mr. Avinash Shrivastav from Contisoft Technologies LLP, and Mr. Mohit Bothra of Allstate India Pvt Ltd, discussing best practices for maximizing value in procurement.

One of the standout moments of the conference was a case study on the application of AI in e-procurement, presented by Mr. Brish Bhan Vaidya from Uber, showcasing how artificial intelligence is transforming procurement. Mr. Karan Chechi, Founder & CEO of ChemAnalyst, followed with a compelling session on Revolutionizing Procurement with Data Analytics. In his presentation, Mr. Chechi emphasized the critical role data analytics plays in enhancing procurement strategies. By utilizing real-time data and advanced predictive analytics, businesses can manage supplier risk more effectively, improve decision-making processes, and anticipate market trends, all of which lead to significant cost savings and increased efficiency.

 Mr.  Karan Chechi

The afternoon sessions were equally engaging, beginning with Mr. Avinash Shrivastav’s presentation on digital procurement transformation, which focused on how digital strategies are reshaping procurement processes. Mr. Sundaresan M R from Nissan Digital India LLP then shared insights on building resilient and sustainable supply chains, emphasizing the need for future-ready practices.

A second panel discussion on risk management, moderated by Ms. Dipti Mathur from EXL Service Holding Inc., featured industry experts like Mr. Manoj Yermalkar and Mr. Sanjay Kumar discussing effective risk management strategies in procurement. Later, Mr. Suresh Pillai from AuthBridge provided insights into digital vendor onboarding and risk management solutions, showcasing innovative approaches to managing vendor relationships.

The day concluded with a final panel discussion on incorporating environmental and social criteria into procurement processes, moderated by Dr. Sandeep Nemlekar. This session brought together experts such as Mr. Rajesh Bhogavalli and Mr. Shankar VR, who highlighted the growing importance of sustainability in procurement.

The event wrapped up with the prestigious ISM-INDIA Awards 2024 Gala Dinner, where 58 awards across 21 categories were presented to recognize excellence in procurement and supply chain management. With over 35 companies nominated and more than 100 participants, the event was a resounding success. Key sponsors such as ChemAnalyst (Presenting Partner), AuthBridge (Award Partner), and Contisoft Technology LLP (Gold Partner) further elevated the importance of the event, underscoring the critical role of digital transformation and sustainability in shaping the future of procurement and supply chain management.

This event served as an essential platform for knowledge exchange, offering participants invaluable insights into the future of procurement and supply chain management.