E-business at BPCL and GAIL*

Details

Case Code : CLOM010
Publication date : 2006
Subject : Operations
Industry : Chemicals and Petrochemicals
Teaching Note : Available
Length : 05 Pages
Price : Rs. 100

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Key words:

BPCL, GAIL, Petronet LNG, Reliance Industries, Haldia Petrochemicals, Supply chain, Customer relationship management, Web-enabled system, Marketing, LPG, SKO/LDO dealers, B2C, B2B, E-receivables, E-payments, Video Conferencing, Customer service, Vendor management, Vertical and horizontal integration, Petroleum industry, Suppliers, E-business

Note

* This caselet is intended for use only in class discussions.
** More comprehensive case studies are priced at Rs.200 to Rs.700 (US $5 to US $16) per copy.

 

Abstract

The caselet describes the various e-business initiatives undertaken by the two companies -- BPCL and GAIL, in the petroleum industry. The e-business initiatives helped the companies to improve operational efficiencies as well as to offer better services to the customers.

Issues:   » Importance of e-business   » Impact of e-business techniques on the supply chain operations   » Impact of e-business initiatives on customer relationship management Introduction E-business helps firms implement and manage supply chain processes in a more effective manner by visualizing information across the entire supply chain, responding to changes like customer demand, etc.

In India, several industries have started using e-business techniques in order to look after the entire supply chain process from the point of production to the point of ultimate consumption. The petroleum industry has also started using e-business techniques to improve operational efficiency. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) was the first to initiate e-business operations. Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), the largest gas transmission and marketing company in India, also uses e-business processes...

Questions for Discussion:

1. Describe the various e-business initiatives undertaken by BPCL and GAIL and the advantages that have accrued from it.

2. What are the factors that play a crucial role in devising an e-business strategy? What, in your opinion, could lead to a complete failure of the entire e-business strategy of companies in the petrochemical industry?