Flipkart Internship Report Submitted (1)
Flipkart Internship Report Submitted (1)
Flipkart Internship Report Submitted (1)
Submitted to
Lovely Professional University
In the partial fulfilment for requirement for the award of degree of
Integrated BBA-MBA
(Specialization In marketing and Operations)
Submitted by
11907862
PHAGWARA, PUNJAB
(To be signed and stamped by the industry Project guide. This is to be submitted at the time
ofpresentation by the students in sealed envelope)
2. Name of the Organization & Address: Flipkart – RDC Haringhata, West Bengal
4. Attendance
45 45
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The internship opportunity I had with Flipkart was a great chance for learning and professional
development. Therefore, I consider myself a very lucky individual as I was provided with an
opportunity to be a part of it. I am also grateful for having had a chance to meet so many wonderful
people and professionals who led me through this internship period.
Bearing in mind the above, I am using this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude and special
thanks to the MD (Managing Director) of Flipkart (Ekart), who, in spite of being extraordinarily busy
with his duties, took time out to hear, guide, and keep me on the correct path, and allowed me to
carry out my project at their esteemed organization, extending support during the training.
I express my deepest thanks to Mr. Amit Koul and Ms. Richa Verma, for taking part in useful
decisions and giving necessary advice and guidance, and for managing all facilities to make my life
easier. I choose this moment to acknowledge their contributions gratefully.
It is my radiant sentiment to place on record my best regards and deepest sense of gratitude to Mr.
Abhinav Arora (Trainer), Mr. Roshan (Senior Executive - On Roll), Mr. Kumud (Executive - Off-Roll),
and Mrs. Kiran (D-EOI) for their careful and precious guidance, which were extremely valuable for
my study, both theoretically and practically.
I perceive this opportunity as a big milestone in my career development. I will strive to use the
gained skills and knowledge in the best possible way, and I will continue to work on their
improvement in order to attain desired career objectives. I hope to continue cooperation with all of
you in the future.
Sincerely,
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Increasingly, supply chain management is being recognized as the management of key business
processes that comprise the supply chain. Optimized supply chain management can decrease
total system cost, inventory, and cycle times while significantly increasing stock availability and
inventory turns. If these issues can be solved, it will provide greater profits, improved customer
service, and a competitive advantage to the company. Flipkart has continually benefited from its
outstanding supply chain management. It offers invincible (unbeaten) professionalism and
expertise in the entire commercial activities of Flipkart, as well as gaining a comparative advantage
over its competition and gaining more customer trust and share.
ABBREVIATIONS
DC I Distribution Centre
IB I Inbound
0B Outbound
RC I Return Centre
3PL I Third party Logistics
DMT Dock Management Tool
WMS I Warehouse Management System
IRN I Invoice Receipt Note
RTO I Return TO Origin
RT I Reach Truck
WID I Warehouse ID
PO I Purchase Order
GTL I Good Transfer List
RVP I Reverse Process
Introduction
In today's globalized business environment, the concept of firms being linked in a networked supply
chain is becoming increasingly established and appreciated. This strategic viewpoint poses the
challenge of effectively and efficiently coordinating the entire supply chain, from upstream to
downstream activities. Although supply chains have existed since businesses have been organized to
bring products and services to customers, the discipline of supply chain management is a relatively
recent branch of management.
Study:
The primary objective of this research is to gain an understanding of the relatively new term "supply
chain management" in the business world, along with its impacts and benefits. The research has a
specific focus on the company FLIPKART, with a reflection on the supply chain activities of the
mentioned company.
The core objective of this study is to understand which activities of FLIPKART are entitled to supply
chain activities, and how these activities are performed by the company. Specifically, the objectives of
this study are as follows:
• To understand the procedure for forecasting demand of raw materials that will be needed
within a year.
• To understand the company's supplier sourcing, procurement, and inventory management.
• To understand the company's transportation, logistics, and distribution.
Company Profile
Flipkart is an Indian e-commerce company that was founded in 2007 by Sachin Bansal and Binny
Bansal, both of whom are alumni of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. The company is
headquartered in Bangalore, India, and offers a wide range of products and services through its
online marketplace platform.
Initially, Flipkart started as an online bookstore, but over the years it has diversified into other
categories such as electronics, fashion, home appliances, groceries, and many more. It has also
ventured into various services such as digital payments, e-books, music streaming, and online
gaming.
The company has played a significant role in shaping the Indian e-commerce industry and has been a
major contributor to the country's economy. Flipkart has been instrumental in bringing e-commerce to
the masses, especially in the Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities of India, where access to traditional brick-and-
mortar stores is limited.
Flipkart has been recognized for its innovative practices and has won numerous awards such as the
CNBC-TV18 India Business Leader Award, the Economic Times Awards for Corporate Excellence,
and the ET Startup Awards. In 2018, Walmart acquired a majority stake in Flipkart, valuing the
company at $20 billion and marking the largest-ever e-commerce acquisition in the world.
As of 2021, Flipkart has over 350 million registered users and over 300,000 sellers on its platform.
The company operates in more than 200 cities across India and has a workforce of over 40,000
employees. Flipkart's mission is to provide its customers with a seamless and enjoyable online
shopping experience, while also helping its sellers to grow their businesses and reach new
customers.
Acquisitions
Flipkart, one of the largest e-commerce companies in India, has made several notable acquisitions
over the years to expand its business operations and offerings. Some of the major acquisitions made
by Flipkart are:
1. Myntra: In 2014, Flipkart acquired Myntra, an online fashion retailer in India. This acquisition
helped Flipkart to strengthen its position in the online fashion and apparel market.
2. PhonePe: In 2016, Flipkart acquired PhonePe, a digital payments startup, to enter the digital
payments space. PhonePe has since become one of the leading digital payment platforms in
India.
3. eBay India: In 2017, Flipkart acquired eBay India and also raised $1.4 billion in funding from
Tencent, Microsoft, and eBay. This acquisition helped Flipkart to expand its reach and
customer base.
4. Walmart India: In 2018, Walmart acquired a 77% stake in Flipkart for $16 billion. This was one
of the largest acquisitions in the Indian e-commerce industry and helped Flipkart to gain access
to Walmart's global resources and expertise.
5. Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail: In 2020, Flipkart acquired a 7.8% stake in Aditya Birla Fashion
and Retail for $204 million. This acquisition helped Flipkart to strengthen its position in the
online fashion and apparel market.
These acquisitions have not only helped Flipkart to expand its business operations but also
strengthen its position in the Indian e-commerce industry.
Ekart Logistics
Ekart Logistics is a leading Indian logistics and supply chain company, primarily focused on e-
commerce and retail operations. It is a subsidiary of Flipkart, one of India's largest e-commerce
companies. Ekart provides end-to-end logistics services, including last-mile delivery, reverse logistics,
warehousing, and fulfillment solutions to various e-commerce companies, retail businesses, and
individual customers.
Ekart Logistics was founded in 2009 and initially served only Flipkart's logistics requirements. Over
time, the company expanded its services to other e-commerce players and established itself as a
major player in the Indian logistics market. The company has over 3,800 delivery centers, over 20
automated sortation centers, and a fleet of over 23,000 vehicles to cater to its delivery requirements.
It operates in more than 2,800 cities and towns across India, serving over 85% of the country's total
pin codes.
Ekart has introduced several innovative technologies and initiatives to improve its operational
efficiency and customer experience. It has developed its proprietary platform called SmartTrak, which
offers real-time visibility of shipments, automated routing, and scheduling. Ekart has also deployed
electric vehicles in certain cities to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainable transportation.
In addition to its logistics services, Ekart has also launched several value-added services such as
installation and repair services for appliances, doorstep pickup of returns, and cash collection on
delivery. With its robust logistics infrastructure and customer-centric approach, Ekart Logistics has
become a significant player in the Indian e-commerce and logistics ecosystem.
Flipkart
Vision: To be the most customer-centric company in India, where customers can find and discover
anything they want to buy online.
Mission: To build a world-class technology company in India that delivers delightful shopping
experiences to customers and creates life-changing opportunities for sellers.
Objectives:
1. To provide a seamless and convenient online shopping experience to customers.
2. To offer a wide range of high-quality products at competitive prices.
3. To empower small and medium-sized businesses by providing a platform to reach a larger
audience.
4. To invest in technology and innovation to continuously improve and enhance the customer
experience.
5. To expand and strengthen our supply chain and logistics capabilities to ensure fast and reliable
delivery.
Taglines:
1. Ab Har Wish Hogi Poori - This tagline represents Flipkart's commitment to fulfilling every
customer's wish and desire.
2. India Ka Fashion Capital - This tagline highlights Flipkart's position as a leading online fashion
destination in India.
3. Flipkart Karo, Fantastic Bano - This tagline emphasizes the transformational power of Flipkart's
products and services.
4. Dil Ki Deal - This tagline represents Flipkart's focus on providing deals and discounts that
resonate with customers' hearts.
5. Naye India Ke Saath - This tagline reflects Flipkart's commitment to serving the new and
emerging India by providing access to quality products and services.
Before employees interact with customers on the job, they undergo a two-day induction program at
Flipkart. During this program, they are taught about the company's different departments and how
they work together to meet customer demands efficiently. Additionally, employees are trained on
POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) to develop their internal and external capabilities. This
training program is essential for the overall development of employees' personalities and proves their
capabilities.
The training is conducted in two basic platforms. The first is a 2-day classroom training that covers
the introduction to the company and its terms and conditions. The second is an 8-day practical
training program that is divided into two days each for different departments, including Inbound,
Inventory, Outbound, and Returns.
On-the-job training is a learning-by-doing approach that places employees in an actual work situation
and makes them immediately productive. This type of training makes sense for jobs that are difficult
to simulate or can be learned quickly by watching and doing.
Off-the-job training, on the other hand, covers a range of techniques, such as films, demonstrations,
tests, simulation exercises, and programmed instruction.
1. Strong Brand: Flipkart has established itself as a leading e-commerce brand in India, with high
brand recall among consumers.
2. Wide Product Range: Flipkart offers a wide range of products across various categories,
making it a one-stop-shop for customers.
3. Robust Supply Chain: Flipkart has a strong and efficient supply chain that enables it to deliver
products quickly and reliably.
Weaknesses:
1. Heavy Discounting: Flipkart has been known to heavily discount products, which can lead to
lower profit margins and impact the overall financial health of the company.
2. Dependence on Logistics Partners: Flipkart relies heavily on third-party logistics partners for its
delivery operations, which can lead to service quality issues.
3. Limited International Presence: Flipkart has limited international presence compared to some
of its global competitors.
Opportunities:
1. Growing E-commerce Market: The e-commerce market in India is rapidly growing, presenting a
significant growth opportunity for Flipkart.
2. Expansion into New Categories: Flipkart can explore new product categories to expand its
product range and customer base.
3. Diversification into New Markets: Flipkart can explore diversification into new markets to
reduce its dependence on the Indian market.
Threats:
1. Intense Competition: Flipkart faces intense competition from global and domestic e-commerce
players, which can impact its market share and profitability.
2. Regulatory Challenges: The e-commerce sector in India is subject to various regulations and
compliance requirements, which can pose challenges for Flipkart.
3. Economic Slowdown: Economic slowdowns or recessions can impact consumer spending and
affect Flipkart's revenues.
FC refers to the Fulfillment Centers or warehouses where the products are stored and
processed for delivery. MH refers to the Material Handling process, which involves the
movement of goods within the warehouse. Pendency reduction means reducing the
backlog of orders that are yet to be processed and delivered.
The objective of the project is to streamline the material handling process in the fulfillment
centers to reduce the pendency of orders and improve the overall efficiency of the supply
chain. This can be achieved by analyzing the current process flow, identifying
bottlenecks, and implementing process improvements.
The project team can start by conducting a process mapping exercise to understand the
current process flow and identify areas of improvement. This can be followed by a root
cause analysis to identify the underlying causes of pendency and delays.
Based on the findings, the team can propose process improvements such as optimizing
the layout of the warehouse, implementing automation and technology solutions,
improving inventory management, and training the workforce on best practices.
The project success can be measured by tracking the reduction in pendency,
improvement in order processing time, and customer satisfaction levels. The project can
have a significant impact on Flipkart's supply chain process by improving efficiency,
reducing costs, and enhancing customer experience.
VOC (Voice of the Customer) to CTQ (Critical to Quality) Drill Down is a process used to
identify and analyze customer requirements and translate them into specific product or
service characteristics that are essential for meeting customer expectations. In the
context of Flipkart's ecommerce supply chain, the VOC to CTQ drill down process can be
used to identify the critical customer requirements for order fulfillment, delivery, and
returns, and translate them into specific supply chain process characteristics that are
essential for meeting those requirements. Here is an example of how this process might
work:
1. Voice of the Customer: Collect customer feedback through surveys, reviews, and
social media to identify the critical customer requirements for ecommerce order
fulfillment, delivery, and returns. Examples of customer requirements might
include:
• Fast delivery times
• Accurate order fulfillment
• Easy returns process
• Clear communication throughout the process
3. Measurement and Analysis: Establish metrics and measures for each CTQ
characteristic and monitor them regularly to ensure that the supply chain process
is meeting customer requirements. Examples of measures might include:
• Average delivery time for orders
• Order accuracy rate
• Average return processing time
• Average customer service response time
By using the VOC to CTQ Drill Down process, Flipkart's ecommerce supply chain can
ensure that it is meeting critical customer requirements and continuously improving its
processes to deliver exceptional customer experiences.
Learning Outcome
During my internship at Flipkart, I had the opportunity to work in the supply chain department and gain
valuable experience in this field. I learned several important lessons during my time at the company,
including:
1. Importance of Planning: The supply chain department plays a critical role in ensuring that the
right products are available at the right time and in the right quantity. I learned that planning is
crucial for this to happen, and that supply chain planning must take into account various factors
such as demand forecasting, inventory management, and supplier performance.
3. Technology is Changing the Game: The rapid advancement of technology has had a significant
impact on the supply chain industry, and Flipkart is no exception. I learned about the various
technologies used in the supply chain, including automation, robotics, and data analytics, and
how they can be leveraged to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Recommendation
1. Streamlining the supply chain processes: One of the key takeaways from the internship was
the need for streamlining the supply chain processes. There are many areas where
inefficiencies can be eliminated, such as reducing the transit time, optimizing inventory levels,
improving the accuracy of demand forecasting, and so on. Therefore, it is recommended that
Flipkart invest in technology and analytics tools to improve the efficiency of its supply chain
processes.
2. Implementing automation: Another recommendation is to automate some of the repetitive tasks
in the supply chain, such as order processing, invoicing, and inventory tracking. This will not
only reduce the workload of employees but also improve the accuracy of data and eliminate
errors.
3. Enhancing collaboration with suppliers: The success of Flipkart's supply chain depends on the
collaboration with its suppliers. Therefore, it is recommended that the company strengthen its
relationships with suppliers by offering incentives and timely payments. Moreover, Flipkart
should involve suppliers in the planning process to ensure that there is alignment between
demand and supply.
4. Investing in talent development: The internship highlighted the importance of having a skilled
workforce to manage the supply chain effectively. Therefore, it is recommended that Flipkart
invest in talent development programs to equip its employees with the necessary skills and
knowledge. This can include training programs, mentoring, and leadership development.
5. Focus on sustainability: As a responsible corporate citizen, Flipkart should focus on
sustainability in its supply chain operations. This includes reducing the carbon footprint of its
transportation and warehousing operations, minimizing waste, and promoting ethical practices
among suppliers. By adopting sustainable practices, Flipkart can not only reduce its
environmental impact but also improve its brand reputation among consumers.
Conclusion
Based on my experience and observations during the Flipkart supply chain internship, I can conclude
that the company has a well-established and efficient supply chain process. The company's supply
chain strategy, which includes building strong relationships with suppliers, effective inventory
management, and timely delivery of products, has played a crucial role in its success.
During the internship, I learned about the importance of continuous improvement in the supply chain
process. I observed that Flipkart has a culture of constantly reviewing and refining their supply chain
processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and provide a better customer experience.
I also learned about the critical role of technology in supply chain management. Flipkart leverages
cutting-edge technology such as automation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to optimize
its supply chain process, reduce errors, and improve productivity.
In conclusion, my experience as a Flipkart supply chain intern has been incredibly insightful, and I
would highly recommend aspiring supply chain professionals to consider interning with Flipkart. The
internship provided me with a valuable learning opportunity and practical experience that will help me
in my future career endeavours.
Reference
• Online Shopping Site for Mobiles, Electronics, Furniture, Grocery, Lifestyle, Books & More. Best Offers!
(flipkart.com)
• Flipkart - Wikipedia
Thank You