The Computer Center (TCC) was founded in 1989 with the primary objective of enhancing the operational efficiency of businesses through computer systems. Today, TCC has evolved from being a computer vendor into TCC Infotech – a leading IT powerhouse that offers cutting-edge products, dependable support services and innovative software solutions. These cater to the ever-changing needs of corporate clients who rely on IT as a crucial enabler.

As specialists in the IT industry, TCC Infotech’s core mission is to become the preferred IT partner for companies of all sizes, striving to establish long-term business partnerships with clients.

TCC Infotech’s clientele has leveraged technological solutions to improve efficiency and enhance business performance. With a profound understanding of IT and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, the client base has consistently expanded, serving as a testimony to TCC Infotech’s reliability.

Meanwhile, TCC Infotech’s latest offering is InventiX-PlanIT, an advanced production planning and scheduling (APS) software solution designed specifically for discrete manufacturing sectors.

This software was meticulously developed in collaboration with its software joint venture partner in Chennai, India. It is the result of a meticulous development process that combines various methodologies including the theory of constraints methodology, finite capacity modelling algorithms and lean agile manufacturing principles.

The InventiX-PlanIT APS software is a versatile APS solution that’s applicable to various discrete manufacturing sectors including apparel, garment washing plants, yarn dyeing and fabric knitting, footwear, gloves, PVC pipe and fittings, plastic and rubber products, tea blending, flavouring, printing and packaging among others.

Moreover, the InventiX-PlanIT APS software assists manufacturing companies in becoming data driven and offers a wide range of benefits. It simplifies and expedites the production planning and scheduling process, enabling planning managers to create multiple production plans, compare them and release the most suitable production schedule to the factory floor while keeping business objectives in mind.

It’s an intuitive and user-friendly software that generates precise production schedules by taking into account multiple constraints. These constraints include capacity; availability of raw materials and packaging materials; arrival dates; machine, mould and tools availability; machine operator availability with a skills matrix; customer order priority; and delivery timelines.

The application assists in identifying bottlenecks, optimising resource efficiency and unlocking hidden capacity, ultimately minimising the need for subcontracting.

It also reduces lead times by improving throughput, conserves working capital through efficient material requisition planning, maintains low work in progress (WIP) inventory, reduces semi-finished goods inventory, and shortens the pack and hold duration of finished goods.

The InventiX-PlanIT APS software can function as a standalone tool or integrate seamlessly with any ERP system. It offers complete visibility into all production related data, providing early indications of potential issues, and enabling corrective action to prevent production related disruptions that may lead to late deliveries and associated penalties.

Manufacturing companies now have the opportunity to transition away from outdated, inflexible and time-consuming spreadsheet-based manual planning methods. These traditional approaches have numerous disadvantages including the inability to provide planning managers with a comprehensive, real-time, 360 degree view of all the variable factors necessary to create the most efficient production plan and schedule.

This transformation can be achieved by implementing the InventiX-PlanIT APS software, which is quick to deploy, user-friendly and cost effective.

Q: How does TCC Infotech define innovation and what role does it play in your overall business strategy?

A: Innovation plays a pivotal role in our business strategy. Our ability to innovate has been a cornerstone of our success in the IT industry over the past 30 years. Innovation, in our view, comprises two essential components.

Firstly, it involves staying relevant to customers’ evolving needs by refining our approach to business, reevaluating our processes and introducing new ideas – all while maintaining simplicity.

Secondly, it necessitates a continuous commitment to adding value to our clients. This entails offering products from the most innovative and forward-thinking tech companies. Our software solutions must be both unique and innovative, providing tangible benefits to our clients.

Q: Could you cite examples of how TCC Infotech has introduced innovations in technology in the recent past and the impact on customer operations?

A: We recently introduced our InventiXSmart Manufacturing Execution System software application to the local market. This application focusses on production planning and scheduling, recognising the market’s need to transition from spreadsheet-based production planning to a systems-based approach.

The application transforms the production planning and scheduling process into a data driven system. It considers all the necessary factors to create the most efficient production schedule while meeting delivery deadlines. The application is user-friendly and significantly expedites the task.

Customers who have implemented our application have experienced increased agility and efficiency in their operations. They have expanded their operations, and engaged us to provide additional modules in supply chain management, real-time production tracking and warehouse management.

Q: What is your assessment of Sri Lanka’s manufacturing industry’s readiness in terms of tech adoption? 

A: Since the late 1970s, the country has maintained an open economy with a strong focus on manufacturing for exports. Overseas companies that established operations here brought in new machinery and knowledge, while Sri Lankan companies involved in joint ventures learned and experienced significant growth.

As technology continued to evolve and new innovations emerged, larger Sri Lankan manufacturing companies catering to global clients swiftly embraced these changes to remain competitive and relevant. They utilised technology to enhance agility and revamp business processes.

However, the adoption of technology in the small and medium-sized sector could be improved. The reasons for the delays or hesitations in adoption may stem from a lack of understanding, limited access to individuals with relevant knowledge, financial constraints and challenges related to change management.

Q: Industry 4.0 looks at technologies such as IoT and big data, while Industry 5.0 will focus on human, environmental and social aspects in tandem with technology. How should Sri Lanka gear itself for the next chapter in its tech journey?

A: Sri Lanka as a nation hasn’t fully embraced Industry 4.0 and taken significant leaps forward. We remain a predominantly semi-digitalised country that’s yet to harness the full potential of IT, data and connectivity.

The private sector in contrast has been more open to adopting technology. We have renowned, large-scale manufacturers and service providers who have fully leveraged technology to compete on a global scale.

However, many SMEs – often considered the engine of the economy – haven’t reached their true potential due to limited technology adoption. This is due to various factors including a lack of understanding, restricted access to individuals with relevant expertise, financial constraints and more.

Trade associations should play a pivotal role in creating awareness and encouraging technology adoption among SMEs. They can do so with the support of industry experts, the Export Development Board, the Industrial Development Board and financial institutions.

Our next phase in the technological journey should commence with the acknowledgment that technology adoption can propel our economy forward from its current state to where it truly belongs. Sri Lanka must develop a comprehensive technology road map accompanied by a robust policy framework that encourages technology adoption across various aspects of life, ultimately leading to enhanced efficiency, cost reduction and transparency.

It’s important to recognise that technology is now available as a service and on a pay per use basis, making adoption more accessible, rapid and cost effective.

Q: What are TCC Infotech’s plans for expansion going forward?

A: We’re a joint venture partner for a software development organisation based in Chennai, India. This Indian organisation possesses strong technical skills, and has successfully deployed numerous software solutions to companies in India and the Middle East. Together, we have collaboratively developed InventiX-PlanIT, an APS.

In Sri Lanka, we will maintain our focus on the corporate market, and actively work towards expanding our presence in the IT infrastructure, services and software solutions segments. We’re proactively seeking partnerships with local tech companies that specialise in ERP solutions to promote our InventiX-PlanIT.

Additionally, TCC Infotech is gearing up to serve as the international marketing arm for the InventiX-PlanIT APS software. We’re actively working to establish a partner network in India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia and MENA (Middle East and North Africa) countries.

– Compiled by Tamara Rebeira 
Fayaz Mohamed Ali
Director
CEO

“We remain a predominantly semi-digitalised country that’s yet to harness the full potential of IT, data and connectivity”

Telephone: 2598198  |  Email: info@tccinfotech.com/sales@tccinfotech.com  | Website: www.tccinfotech.com/www.inventixplanit.com