MUMBAI, July 22: The Calcutta-based SK Birla group has initiated talks with the $5.2-billion global consultancy firm, Price Waterhouse, to install the latest enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions in its group companies.

The move is aimed at providing a thrust to the performance capabilities of the group. Various systems which have been adopted by global powerhouses are being studied right now with Price Waterhouse and a final decision to go in for the latest systems and processes will be taken once the exercise is completed.Price Waterhouse has already made some presentations to the top brass in Calcutta. "We are keen to install the latest systems and processes in line with international practices. While no decision has been taken yet as we have just initiated the identification exercise," said BD Bose, president of Birla Eastern, the holding company of the SK Birla group.The major companies under the group's fold are VXL India and Cimmco Birla.

According to Bose, the group is looking at installing integrated systems which would bring about flexibility in its operations.

Price Waterhouse has embarked on a exercise in providing consultancy and implementing information technology (IT) solutions. It is also planning to undertake information technology outsourcing projects in India. The firm takes up such projects worldwide but has refrained from doing so here where the focus thus far has only been on providing consultancy and implementing IT solutions.The outsourcing projects that the company may take up are expected to comprise continous information and workflow management, apart from normal maintenance of the systems.

It has opened a new facility in Mumbai, which will be linked to its other offices through a V-Sat-based wide area network. This office would also be connected through a 128 Kbps leased line to the US office, which will give the Indian set-up access to the worldwide centre of Excellence and Knowledge networks.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.