Bengaluru: Accenture Labs, the research and development arm of Accenture, and Akshaya Patra Foundation, a Bengaluru-based not-for-profit organization, have collaborated on a project that used new technologies to increase the number of meals served to children in schools in India that are run and aided by the government.
The project – Million Meals – demonstrated how technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain can help address challenges in mass meal production and delivery.
“The Accenture Labs ‘Tech for Good’ program specializes in solving complex social problems through the use of innovative technologies,’’ Sanjay Podder, Managing Director, Accenture Labs, Bengaluru, said in a statement.
Accenture Labs executed the project over a period of six months in Akshaya Patra’s Bengaluru kitchen. An analysis of the project indicated a potential to improve efficiency by 20 percent.
“Accenture Labs was excited to take up the challenge that every paisa saved in producing a single meal can result in additional meals being served to children,’’ Sanjay Podder said.
Technologies were applied to four critical processes: collecting school feedback, tracking food delivery, measuring the quantity of food and supplies to be purchased, and monitoring meal production.
“This initiative not only enhanced efficiency while giving a boost to our operations, but ensured that quality standards are met while increasing the number of meals served,’’ Shridhar Venkat, Chief Executive Officer, Akshaya Patra Foundation, said in a statement.
As a result of these process enhancements, Akshaya Patra improved their audit capabilities, attendance recording, invoice processing and payment, order and data collection, and food preparation operations, allowing for expanded production capabilities and establishing a blueprint for operating other kitchens.
“We aim to expand our reach to millions of more children with the help of such technologies. This is just the beginning; we look forward to more collaborations with Accenture,’’ Shridhar Venkat said.
