The session was led by Mr. B. Devi Prasad, Senior Operations Executive at Blinkit and former Flipkart professional. Drawing from extensive industry experience, he decoded how large-scale e-commerce platforms manage speed, scale, and service quality in real time.
Operations career insights from alumni industry experts are invaluable for management students aiming to build high-impact careers in supply chain and logistics. In line with this vision, the PGDM (Operations) 2024–26 cohort participated in an enriching alumni mentoring session titled “Building Your Operations Career: Insights from Industry Experts”. This PGDM Operations alumni mentoring session focused on how operations professionals create value across last-mile delivery, warehousing, and inventory planning.
Understanding Same Day and Next Day Delivery Models
A key highlight was the explanation of Same Day Delivery (SDD) and Next Day Delivery (NDD) frameworks. Mr. Prasad demonstrated how these delivery models rely on:
- Precise manpower planning
- Efficient warehouse layouts
- Real-time demand forecasting
How operational agility directly impacts customer satisfaction and profitability in high-growth e-commerce businesses.
Key Operations KPIs: IPP and Manpower Planning
Delving deeper into execution metrics, the session emphasized IPP (Items Per Person) as a critical KPI in warehouse productivity. Tracking IPP helps operations leaders:
- Optimize workforce deployment
- Improve throughput efficiency
- Reduce fulfillment delays
Such insights showcased how data-driven decision-making in operations management drives scalable performance.
Inbound Operations and Inventory Quality Control
Mr. Prasad provided a detailed walkthrough of inbound operations in e-commerce, covering:
- Inventory receiving processes
- Put-away activities in daily warehouse operations
- Quality screening standards
A notable learning was Blinkit’s strict inventory quality policy—only SKUs with minimum 75% shelf life are accepted. Regular NTE (Near-To-Expiry) audits ensure product freshness and compliance, reinforcing operational excellence.
Managing 14,000+ SKUs in Dark Store Operations
Sharing real-world examples from Blinkit’s dark store operations, Mr. Prasad explained how teams manage 14,000+ SKUs while responding to fluctuating demand patterns. Indents are raised dynamically using demand signals, ensuring optimal stock levels and minimal wastage.
Low-expiry inventory is strategically handled through open market auctions, a practice that balances sustainability with cost efficiency.
Internal Growth, Kaizen, and Service Innovation
Beyond processes, the session highlighted career growth within operations roles. Students learned about:
- IJP (Internal Job Postings) as a pathway for career mobility
- A culture of continuous improvement, including one Kaizen per month in Flipkart operations
The discussion also touched upon service innovation in e-commerce, including Blinkit’s recent ambulance service initiative, illustrating how operations teams contribute to broader societal impact. Overall, the session offered holistic exposure to inbound and outbound operations in e-commerce, reinforcing how theoretical frameworks taught in PGDM programs translate into real-world execution.
About ISBR Business School: ISBR Business School, located in Bangalore, India, is a premier institution dedicated to providing world-class education in business and management. Accredited by the NBA and recognized by the Association of Indian Universities and the Ministry of HRD, Government of India, ISBR has consistently been ranked as a platinum institute by AICTE-CII. With a diverse student body, a strong emphasis on industry collaboration, and a curriculum designed to foster innovation and leadership, ISBR Business School is committed to shaping the business leaders of tomorrow. The school’s robust placement record and partnerships with top global companies underscore its commitment to excellence and career readiness for its students