SCOTTSDALE - To effectively counter the challenges of India's rapid growth, JDA Software has outlined five key strategies to help companies establish an efficient, flexible supply chain and successfully address the operational challenges facing the country's expanding market.

"To keep pace with India's growth rate, companies have been focused on building production capabilities, distribution networks and retail outlets resulting in complex supply chains with long lead times," said Stephen McNulty, regional vice president, Asia Pacific, JDA Software.

"As the market continues to mature, companies must focus on optimizing operations to become more efficient. More frequent operational reviews are now essential to meet increased demand, adapt to varying fuel prices and account for fluctuating currency valuations," added Stephen.

Five strategies are ensure a clear understanding of local principles, customs and barriers, establish constant communication, develop comprehensive procedures and processes, ensure the quality of input information, and Identify and integrate the right professionals and insist on teamwork.

Significant overseas investment and a rapidly expanding domestic market have skyrocketed India to become the 12th largest economy in the world.

Having experienced an estimated 6.8 percent growth in 2008, India's GDP surpassed the $1 trillion mark. And, though current predictions show a slowing to 5.5 percent in 2009, India continues to face pressing issues, specifically in terms of effectively managing a rapid spike in demand1.

Many companies are taking advantage of this opportunity to adjust their supply chain operations and implement strategies to balance costs and services and keep pace with the country's growth rate.

There continues to be significant opportunity for Indian companies to leverage best-practice procedures and processes from across the globe and across the supply chain function. The most successful companies will continue to improve the design and utilization of their global supply chain network and maintain the values and customs intrinsic to the Indian culture to thrive in today's demand-driven world. (ANI)