Tech Takes Centre Stage

Abdul Kareem, purchase manager of The Leela Palace Chennai tells Vinita Bhatia how tech is omniscient in its procurement division, with almost 80% processes becoming tech-oriented

Not too long ago, paper ruled in the procurement department – literally. From making entries to maintaining records, paper was omnipresent. However, slowly, hotels graduated to using technology tools especially created for the hospitality industry to become more competitive and efficient. And paper, or rather paperwork, is becoming redundant.

To appreciate technology’s omniscience in the procurement department, one only has to take a closer look at The Leela Palace, Chennai, where close to 80% of procurement processes is tech-oriented, either leveraging online or software tools for emailing purchase orders (PO), reminders, reports maintenance, data backup, etc. However, the hotel will continue to maintain paper records of few major documents, like POs, agreements and approvals, for internal verification and pre-audit check-ups.

E-PROCUREMENT SPEEDS PROCESSES