The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : ‘Dabbawalas’ turn management gurus

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Monday, Jul 06, 2009
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

‘Dabbawalas’ turn management gurus

M.L. Melly Maitreyi

Mumbai ‘dabbawalas’ ready to support people keen to start the system in their city

— PHOTO: NAGARA GOPAL

MASTER TIPS: Manish Tripathi at a meeting organised by YFLO in Hyderabad.

HYDERABAD: Mumbai ‘Dabbawalas’ need no introduction, as they are known for running a unique logistics system of delivering home cooked food on the dot to their customers for over a century. But what indeed amazes the world are the native management principles adopted by the illiterate and semi-literate persons that earned them the coveted six sigma rating.

No wonder the perfect synchronisation with 99.99 per cent precision achieved by the 5,000 strong network of ‘dabbawalas’ right from collecting the ‘lunch carriage’ from about two lakh households and delivering it to individuals at their work stations across the city became the case study for Corporate sector and business schools world over.

Ask about the secret behind the continuous thriving of dabbawala concept started in 1880 , says Manish Tripathi, chairman of Dabbawala Association, “It’s because people’s love home cooked food. “Mumbai’s geography which extends in one linear direction, excellent, affordable mode of travel by punctual local train network and ‘Single DNA organisation’ are the strengths for the success of the concept”, he explains.

DNA matters!

Single DNA ? All the ‘dabbawalas’ are Maharashtrians, speak the same language, dress similarly and come from similar backgrounds. They are like a cult. This makes them bond, coordinate and do their job well, he adds. And there is no alternative livelihood for the 85 per cent of members who earn Rs.5,000 to Rs.7,000 a month. A member cannot leave the network without providing a replacement. There are few like Sanjay Dune, who, thanks to his schooling and experience as multi-tasking ‘dabbawala’ found a job in GE, Hyderabad, as process developer. But only after providing a replacement.

Invited by Young FICCI Ladies Organisation to share unique team work and time management skills, Tripathi says they can extend support and share experience if local people start the initiative in any city.

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