FCI Launches ANNA DARPAN: A Digital Transformation of Supply Chain Management

To actualize this ambitious vision, FCI has partnered with M/s Coforge Limited, which has been appointed as the system integrator (SI) following a contract signing on June 14, 2024.

In line with the 100-Day Achievements of the Department of Food and Public Distribution under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) is embarking on a significant digital transformation initiative. This effort aims to modernize its existing supply chain management system through the implementation of the new microservices-based integrated system, ANNA DARPAN. The project is designed to enhance and streamline operations across various levels, including Mandis, Mills, Depots (both owned and hired), as well as divisional, regional, zonal, and headquarters functions.

To actualize this ambitious vision, FCI has partnered with M/s Coforge Limited, which has been appointed as the system integrator (SI) following a contract signing on June 14, 2024. M/s Coforge Limited is tasked with the comprehensive design, development, implementation, and maintenance of the ANNA DARPAN system, ensuring it meets the operational needs of FCI.

Comprehensive Turnkey Solution

The ANNA DARPAN initiative represents a holistic, turnkey solution that encompasses the provision of a cloud environment for system hosting. The application will utilize a service mesh architecture, facilitating seamless communication between microservices and allowing for API-based integration with external applications linked to FCI. Additionally, the project will establish a centralized analytics platform, enabling FCI to leverage data for more informed, strategic decision-making.

Key Objectives of ANNA DARPAN

The ANNA DARPAN system is set to achieve several strategic objectives, aimed at overcoming the limitations of current systems:

1. Improved Efficiency and Productivity: Streamlining processes to optimize overall performance across the supply chain.
2. User-Friendly Interface: Developing an intuitive interface that enhances user engagement and interaction.
3. Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data analytics to support both strategic and operational decisions.
4. System Integration: Ensuring smooth interoperability with other internal and external systems associated with FCI.
5. Consolidation of Existing Systems: Merging and optimizing current applications to eliminate redundancy and enhance efficiency.
6. Mobile-First Approach: Prioritizing mobile accessibility to facilitate access to the system anytime, anywhere.

Requirement Gathering Phase

Currently, M/s Coforge Limited is in the Requirement Gathering, Analysis, and Documentation phase. This includes a thorough assessment of FCI’s operations to identify specific requirements and existing process flows. The SI is actively exploring potential integration opportunities with current FCI-related applications and examining the organization's data analytics landscape.

To gain in-depth insights, representatives from M/s Coforge Limited, in collaboration with the IT Division at FCI Headquarters, have initiated extensive requirement-gathering activities, including site visits to multiple field offices. These efforts are essential to capturing the full spectrum of FCI’s operational ecosystem, ensuring that ANNA DARPAN is tailored to meet the organization's specific needs.

Presently, the requirement gathering process is ongoing, with the aim of creating a robust system that aligns with FCI’s strategic vision and operational demands. The successful implementation of ANNA DARPAN is anticipated to revolutionize FCI's supply chain management, fostering improved service delivery and operational excellence.