Procurement is not only cost, quality, delivery but also sustainability and digitisation: N V Hariharan

Speaking at the BW HOTELIER - Axor Hansgrohe "Design Innovation to Conservation" WeBBlast Series, N V Hariharan, Associate VP, Central Materials Group, IHCL (Taj Hotels) shares about the new concept of using touch-free dispensers at Taj Hotels keeping the current crisis and sustainability in mind. He said, “During the pandemic, everyone rolled out touch-free water and chemical dispensers. We have also replaced the small bathroom amenities with touch-free dispensers (trial in process). There is always innovation that goes around in either creating new or renovating the bathroom space.”

He also mentions that the bathroom space is renovated over a period of 10 to 15 years and in a hotel, the first-level is refurbishment then the second level is a complete renovation. He explained, “The bathrooms are renovated at the second-level which is a long duration gap wherein the technology has gone to a leap change and a lot of things have to be factored in while renovating. The latest trends and best of best products must be used while renovating. Apart from this, water and energy-saving factors are to be considered. Water saving is not limited by using less water but instead using the best way to use water.”

Talking about the operations angle strategy he expressed that it also plays an important role in procurement while procuring bathroom fixtures. “We look at the warranty, after-sales service or spare-parts availability, those are critical to complete a bathroom, but it has to run for next 10 to 15 years,” he added.

On a concluding note, Hariharan mentioned that procurement is not just about products but products and services. “We use to look at three factors - cost, quality, and delivery but now we have added other factors such as sustainability and digitisation as procurement is not just products, but rather services also.”