Latest news with #Dhir
Business Insider
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Procurement leaders talk about how AI changing the way they plan, report, and solve problems
Procurement is an integral function within companies, but today's global supply landscape demands that it go beyond its traditional cost-cutting mandate to be a strategic partner. " Resilient Growth: Navigating Procurement Complexity," a virtual event presented by Amazon Business, gathered leaders across industries to discuss different factors impacting today's procurement departments — and how data and AI play a role in its future. Speakers included Sandhya Dhir, head of new solution development at Amazon Business; Paula Glickenhaus, chief procurement officer at Bristol Myers Squibb; and Sheila Gundersen, managing director of global procurement and sourcing at SMBC Americas. The event was moderated by Shefali Kapadia, a contributor to Business Insider. Not surprisingly, all panelists agreed that AI is playing a role in how procurement departments are servicing the rest of the company. "AI is here to stay," Bristol Myers Squibb's Glickenhaus said. "In the past year, there's been a rapid surge of AI solutions and also an interest from stakeholders to understand how procurement can use AI to differentiate how we service the business, how we give them faster solutions, how we provide analytics forward." Dhir said one of the opportunities she sees for AI in procurement is to help with inefficient manual workflows or approval chains that result in bottlenecks and oversight. "AI can auto adapt to, or learn, each client's data and assign tasks within a workflow based on capacity or priority and internal resources," Amazon Business' Dhir said. "Workflows can automatically adapt based on user metrics and potential inefficiencies. And then on top of that, a solution can also leverage Gen AI and create guidance for resolutions such as recommendations of actions." She said when she's doing a task more than once, that's when she starts looking for AI solutions. She also said it's important to build in additional time at first when establishing an AI workflow. "Expect it to take longer at first as you figure out the right prompts or the right tool or even create the mechanism," Dhir said. From reactive response to proactive planning Traditionally, procurement has focused on risk and reactive planning when it comes to supplier relationships, but that is shifting, Gundersen said. "We have definitely transitioned to figuring out how to be more proactive, what tools and capabilities there are— whether it's from AI and/or other ongoing monitoring tools," Gunderson said. "So definitely being able to build that into the supply chain management, risk management function is important. I think that's where everybody is moving and trending." A big part of that transition is due to the data that is available to collect and analyze, SMBC's Glickenhaus said. Glickenhaus cited recent earthquakes and tsunamis as an example of how things have shifted. In the past, they would need hours to analyze data and react to how it might affect the supply chain. But with the systems and data available now, that time is significantly reduced and they can be more proactive about solutions. "It's helping procurement to have a better positioning in companies as a gatherer of data and then being able to analyze this data and provide this analysis to senior leaders so that they can make the right decisions," she said. That access to data and its analysis is ultimately what proves procurement's value to the rest of the organization. "What I'm most excited about is this interconnection between procurement and data utilization," Dhir said. "It's a combination of actively partnering and supporting our clients and our customers, leveraging all the different solutions that we can provide."
Mint
03-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
Sonata Software stares at revenue dent as Microsoft eyes direct licence sales
A global technology giant's attempts to sell its software licences directly to clients might lead to an unexpected casualty in Sonata Software Ltd, which counts that tech company as one of its five largest customers. Sonata Software, which entered Indian IT's $1-billion annual revenue club last year, is expected to get less business selling Microsoft licences, according to at least three people with knowledge of the matter. According to experts, the IT services company gets more than $500 million from selling Microsoft product licences, making it one of the only large IT outsourcers to sell such licences. This translates to almost half of its $1.2 billion revenue in FY25. 'Microsoft has talked about, or they're considering at least, going directly to a few large customers," said Samir Dhir, managing director and chief executive of Sonata Software, in an interview with Mint on 26 June. He said that the Bengaluru-based company considers this possible move as a threat. 'Is that a threat we see? The answer is, yes. Is that giving us sleepless nights? Perhaps not. It's something that we're watching cautiously. It might have a one or two quarter bump here and there," said Dhir. Analysts said Microsoft's move is aimed at cutting costs. 'Microsoft is saying that for large clients who require more than 10,000-plus licences, they will go for direct billing because it is one way of cutting costs and they probably do not want the IT outsourcers to keep the extra cut that comes from selling these licences," said Amit Chandra, IT analyst at HDFC Securities. 'This will be a gradual decision but Sonata is also de-risking it and focusing on selling more licences of other partners," said Chandra. Microsoft did not respond to Mint's queries. This move by Microsoft comes on the back of the tech company giving fewer tech services work to Indian outsourcers, including LTIMindtree Ltd, because of its own AI capabilities, according to Mint's report on 4 May. In a rare instance, Dhir called out lower revenue from one of its top clients, in a 16 April stock exchange, which Mint's report revealed to be Microsoft. He added that this is not the first time that Microsoft is trying to deal with clients directly. 'They have tried this model in the past as well. Okay, it hasn't worked. So they're trying again. It might work this time, it might not go this time," said Dhir. Sonata Software gets about 30% of its business managing back-end IT infrastructure for international businesses and the remaining 70% from selling software product licences to companies. Microsoft's licence reselling business makes up most of that business followed by Google, Oracle and other such licences. Sonata has about 7,000 employees, according to the company's management. This translates to each employee fetching around $171,428 for the company, which is the highest amongst the country's largest IT outsourcers. If indeed there is a hit in Microsoft's licensing business, it will likely dent Sonata's revenue per employee as three-fourths of the company's business comes from selling software licences that need fewer people. A second analyst attributed Microsoft's move to client sensitivity. 'Microsoft is dealing with large clients directly because these are sensitive customers and Microsoft wants to keep its own dedicated sales and support staff for such accounts," said a Mumbai-based analyst on the condition of anonymity. For now, Sonata is not perturbed and is looking to widen its client base. 'We have anticipated this. We have been working on de-risking the business in multiple ways," said Dhir. 'So we're not the top 10 Indian companies' reseller. We are a top, I would say, probably about 400 to 500 companies' reseller in India. And also, we have broadened the pyramid where we were selling (licences)," said Dhir. He added that the company is also selling software licences of other companies including AWS, Oracle and Google. Sonata has counted Microsoft as its client for more than 30 years and is among the top 1% of Microsoft's partners, according to its FY24 annual report. Microsoft, which follows a July-June financial year, ended its previous financial year with $245 billion in revenue. In other words, Microsoft is almost four times the size of Accenture Plc., the world's largest IT services company, by revenue. Lower business from Microsoft serves as a wake-up call for Sonata, which is now expected to lose business from its IT outsourcing unit to the licence reselling unit. Homegrown IT services companies work with Microsoft in two ways. One, as system integrators for Microsoft's software products. If a burger chain wants to use Microsoft's software to manage its sales and billing infrastructure, it can purchase the software from IT outsourcers like Sonata Software. Sonata will not just give the burger chain access to Microsoft's software, but will also fit the software in its computers and earn extra money. Secondly, IT service providers send engineers to Microsoft to manage its software products. These engineers ensure the functioning and backend requirements of Microsoft's software sold to companies such as the ice cream chain. For Sonata, both businesses from Microsoft are now under pressure.
United News of India
19-06-2025
- General
- United News of India
INTACH voices concern over low-level flights near heritage sites from BPIA
Bhubaneswar, June 19 (UNI) The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has raised serious concerns over low-altitude flights taking off from the main runway of Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), Bhubaneswar. Anil Dhir, convenor of the INTACH Bhubaneswar Chapter, has written to the Director of BPIA urging amendments to the existing Standard Instrument Departure (SID) chart for the airport's main runway. Dhir has also brought the matter to the attention of the Superintendent Archaeologist of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Bhubaneswar Circle, as well as the Union Culture Secretary. In his letter, Dhir pointed out that many aircraft departing from runway 14/32 at BPIA make a sharp ascending right turn almost immediately after takeoff — sometimes even before the landing gear is fully retracted. This maneuver brings the aircraft alarmingly close to the ancient Lingaraj temple. Based on a two-month study conducted in the Old Town area of Bhubaneswar, where the temple is located, Dhir observed that several aircraft come dangerously close to the temple structure. The temple's main spire stands 180 feet (55 meters) tall, while the aircraft at the point of the turn are often at altitudes of just 1,000 to 1,200 feet. A former trainee pilot, Dhir emphasized that although the current departure pattern adheres to the SID outlined by Bhubaneswar Air Traffic Control, it is avoidable. He suggested that delaying the right turn by merely 10 seconds would ensure aircraft fly well clear of the heritage structure. He warned that low-level flights over such ancient monuments, especially during takeoff when engines operate at full thrust, pose significant risks, including physical damage, intense noise pollution, and structural vibrations that may harm the temple. "The structural integrity of the Lingaraj temple is already in a fragile state," Dhir stated. "Continued exposure to such vibrations could exacerbate existing weaknesses, potentially resulting in cracks, loosening of stone joints, and even partial or complete collapse." Dhir has submitted photographs and video evidence, including recordings taken from within aircraft as a passenger. He identified flights operated by Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa as those flying closest to the temple. In contrast, several other aircraft departing from the same runway maintain a straight climb, avoiding the heritage zone altogether. Flying over ASI-protected monuments is generally prohibited within designated restricted zones. Even drones or other aerial devices are banned near such sites under current regulations. Dhir reminded that the ASI bears the responsibility of protecting these historical structures and that any aerial activity posing potential harm is in violation of these protective mandates. Citing the recent Air India Dreamliner crash at Ahmedabad Airport, Dhir, a heritage expert, urged authorities to treat this issue with utmost seriousness. UNI DP PRS
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Remembering the London victims known to have died in Air India plane crash
100 hours have passed since an Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed, killing all but one of the passengers and crew. Among the 242 on board were 53 British nationals, with many living across London, and work has since been underway to identify the bodies, Here we remember those Londoners who have so far been confirmed as losing their lives on June 12. Air India flight AI171 took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International shortly after 1.30pm local time (8.09am GMT) and was scheduled to land at 6.25pm BST. But soon after take-off, the plane lost altitude and crashed into the city below, reportedly striking a doctors' hostel. Officials have also been trying to establish how many people were killed on the ground with the latest total death toll standing at 270. This includes mothers, fathers and children from Harrow, Waltham Forest and Redbridge, some returning to see or from visiting family. Search and rescue teams at the crash site (Ajit Solanki/AP) Arjun Patoliya Two children were orphaned when Arjun Patoliya was killed in the Air India plane crash after travelling to scatter his wife's ashes in her homeland, according to a fundraiser for the family. Mr Patoliya, 37, worked at furniture manufacturer Inspired Elements Ltd, based in Stanmore. He was killed 18 days after his wife Bharti had died from cancer, the GoFundMe page to support their daughters, aged four and eight, said. The Briton had travelled to Gujarat to fulfil his wife's 'final wish'. Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek Fiongal Greenlaw and Jamie Meek from a video shared on social media (Image: @Tik Tok)The couple, who ran Wellness Foundry spiritual wellness centre in Lambeth, are said to be among the dead. The pair, who also worked in Ramsgate, laughed and joked as they filmed a video of themselves at the airport before taking off. Sisters Dhir and Heer Baxi (Image: Family handout/PA Wire) Sisters Dhir and Heer Baxi, both in their early 20s, were returning home to London on the Air India flight after surprising their grandmother for her birthday. Speaking to the PA news agency, Ishan Baxi, a cousin who lives in Ahmedabad, said both women had an 'amazing aura' and wanted to 'roam the world'. The Girish family This family of four from Wembley are reported by the BBC to have been on the flight. Hemaxi Shantilal and her husband Girish Lagli are said to have been with their young children Aadiv and Taksvi Girish, with Taksvi sat on an adult's lap. Master Mohammed Adnan 🖤 We at Cann Hall Masjid are deeply saddened by the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed 241 lives. 🕊️ Among the victims was one of our own — Master Mohammed #AirIndiaCrash #AhmedabadCrash #cannhallmasjid — Cann Hall Masjid (@CannHallMasjid) June 13, 2025 Master Mohammed Adnan had a wife and 11-month-old baby, the Leytonstone mosque he worshipped at has said. The Cann Hall Deen & Education Trust posted on social media: 'It is with great grief that we share the news that one of our own worshippers, Master Mohammed Adnan, was aboard the ill-fated flight. 'Our sincerest condolences are extended to his wife and their 11-month-old baby.' Panna Nagar Northfleet Nursery School in Gravesend (Image: Street View)Former nursery headteacher and Ofsted inspector Panna Nagar held her family together 'with her warmth and wisdom', her grandchildren have said. Ms Nagar headed Northfleet Nursery School in Gravesend, Kent, for 15 years from 2005. Ashok and Shobhana Patel This British couple was living in Orpington near the Kent-London border. They were on the plane returning home to their two sons, Miten and Hemit, their daughter-in-law Shivani, as well as two grandchildren, Amyra and Arjun, the BBC reports. Mariam and Javed Ali Syed and their two children Mariam and Javed Ali Syed and their two children, five-year-old Zayn and four-year-old Amani, were on the flight returning from a holiday in India, Ms Ali Syed's sister-in-law told the Telegraph. Mr Ali Syed is reported to have worked at a hotel in London while Ms Ali Syed had reportedly worked for Harrods for a decade. Speaking to the Telegraph about the couple's young children, Yasmine Hassan said: 'They are so small, they are five and four. And it's just thinking how scared they must have been.' Redbridge Council has also said that one of its residents died in the crash, although they have not been identified. Council leader Kam Rai said: "Whilst we await more details, I am aware of reports that a local person lost their life and family members of local people have also died. 'My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of all those affected." Briton Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, is believed to be the only survivor of the crash. His older brother Ajay was also reportedly on the flight. Speaking outside the family home in Leicester, Jay, a relative of the brothers, said Vishwash spoke to his father after the crash and asked after his brother. Jay told PA: 'After the crash he spoke to his dad worrying about his brother saying, 'Where's Ajay'?'
Daily Mirror
13-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Two young sisters killed in Air India crash after going to surprise their gran
A Boeing Dreamliner plane bound for London Gatwick and carrying 242 people tragically crashed and exploded shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad Airport yesterday Two sisters killed in the Air India tragedy had flown to India to visit their grandmother for her birthday. Dhir and Heer Baxi, who were both in their 20s, travelled from London to Ahmedabad to visit their family for the special day. But on their return to London Gatwick, the plane barely managed to get off the runway before smashing in to a nearby medical college, exploding into a fiery ball and killing 241 of the 242 people on board. Their family described the girls as "young talents" as they spoke of their heartbreak today. Dhir was studying to become a fashion designer, while her sister worked in an investment and renewable energy company as a project director. Previously, she worked in Singapore, which is where it's understood the sisters grew up. Speaking to The Telegraph, their older brother Ishan said: "I can't express what my complete family is going through – shell shocked, not coming to terms is what I can say right now "Both had a natural aura of helping and always cared about family values. They both had aspirations to be successful enough to roam around the world, tension-free. Along with their parents, they both had a proclivity towards modernisation without changing traditional values. "Both my sisters know what is right and what is wrong, thus whatever work they carried out, in academics or fashion, they always got success with no conflicts amongst peers or seniors." A loved one also wrote "RIP young talent" under the last Instagram post on Heer's feed. In another tragic tale from the horrific crash yesterday, a bride who was meeting her husband for the first time since their wedding was also named as one of the victims. Khushboo Rajpurohit, 21, was on board yesterday when the Boeing Dreamliner plane tragically crashed and exploded shortly after take-off - killing her and 240 other people. Ms Rajpurohit, who was from a small village called Araba in Rajasthan, India, had married husband Manfool Singh, who studies in London, back in January. She had taken a smiling selfie with a relative at the airport shortly before take-off - but would never reach her destination. Also thought to have died is four-year-old Sara Nanabawa, who was travelling with her parents Akeel and Hannaa when the aircraft smashed into a doctors' hostel in Ahmedabad, India. A family of five from Rajasthan who were relocating to London are also feared dead. In one selfie taken seconds before take-off, Komi Vyas and husband Prateek Joshi, both doctors, were seen smiling as they sat on the aisle opposite their children. Joshi had moved to London a few years ago, and his family were set to join him. Four medical students inside the struck building are believed to have been killed, along with four relatives who were in the building. One man - a British national - miraculously survived the disaster.
