Lockdown: A blessing in disguise?

The sudden up-rise of COVID-19 pandemic has put many a plans on hold. It started in China and before we could realize, it spread so fast across the globe that most countries (who valued life more than anything else) decided to go into a lock-down. This caused the growth to come to a grinding halt and economy took a hard hit. Many industries in the manufacturing sector had to close doors and stop work completely. But then, is everything going from bad to worse? Probably no! The experts say every problem is an opportunity in disguise.

When the road ahead is blocked, it is time to look back, time to build a bridge or take a jump above the block to keep moving ahead. It is time to see what can be done better or what can be done differently. Review the policies and identify how to emerge stronger post the lock-down. This situation can be better explained through the story of the woodcutter. With a fresh axe, the woodcutter was able to chop trees at ease. As the targets increased and the blade lost its sheen, the woodcutter struggled. He toiled harder and slept less. Stress increased and so did health issues. Yet, what he kept missing was sharpening the blade. Is this lock-down the opportunity to sharpen the blade?

In terms of business, the sharpening of an axe is identifying areas of process improvement and automation. When a business is set and work is in full flow, there is a rare attempt in improving processes. Even after finding the improvement, there are challenges in implementing the change. It is easier to start afresh than to implement a change. Now that most of the task force is at rest, business stands a chance to look at processes and implement automation. That is exactly what some of our clients have done. Implemented and automated their business processes making most during this lock-down. During the phase of gradual lifting of lock-down, the team will be trained to the new processes making the business more efficient.

These businesses have most during this phase of lock-down, have you? Do reach out to us, if you are looking towards improvement and automation of your processes through ERP. We, at Indictrans Technologies, are experienced in ERP customization and implementation as well as e-gov solutions. You can also reach us on contact@indictrantech.com.

#DigitalDetox

Staying at home is not that bad as long as you know how to make good of the opportunity. I had been a regular blogger in 2010. Then life got "busy" and blogging remained a dream. I believe this is true with most of us. Running behind dreams and chasing ambitions, the work-life balance was affected and we were unable to bring ourselves to correct it. Being forced to stay at home, I consider, is that blessing in disguise, an opportunity to reclaim our hobbies. For me, it definitely is an opportunity to spend time with myself, read a book and write a blog. And on the weekend, when I am not working, it is an excellent opportunity for a #DigitalDetox.

We had taken life to be so certain that we focused on earning money and spending it without bothering much about spending quality time together. Working hours have been increasing and family time reducing. Parents are being too busy to give time to their children. Family conversations are reducing. Family times are being spent in going to malls, theatres or resorts where each one can have his own good time. Overall conversations and social skills have been diminishing by the day. And in these certain times, life again proved that "Uncertainty is Certain". Being home locked is a very good opportunity to spend time together, have good conversations and relish family times. Make the most of it. Try telling your kids some nice stories and see how they enjoy it.

When I was a kid, I was told this story of "The Lion and The Mouse" where the King of the Jungle, a mighty Lion was trapped in a net at the mercy of a tiny little Mouse to free him. Today, the ego of the most evolved creature on earth - the Human is humbled by the tiniest creature on this planet. Maybe a lesson from us to learn? The next time you feel someone is insignificant or cannot affect your life, do think "Corona". 

So now that the humans cannot move out, the planet has started reclaiming and reviving itself. There are news claiming that the pollution levels have dropped drastically, water has become cleaner across the globe and animals are now moving about freely. All this in one week. I don't know the authenticity of the news, but it is likely to be true as I am getting to hear a lot of birds chirping, the sound that was muffled earlier due to roaring machines. Probably this was nature's way of saying, "Excuse me. I know what I need to do to protect myself!" and it does know how to take care of itself.

There could be a few who are not seeing this as an opportunity. They may be frustrated with the feeling of being locked at home, unable to move anywhere. In fact, if this would have been a directive from the Government to take control of a situation, I'm sure there would be a larger chunk challenging it as well. As it is a matter of life and death, there isn't much choice. And there are some who are frustrated as their only source of entertainment was malls, theatres and outings. For them, this is an opportunity to re-think. If you are reading this blog and not sure what to do sitting at home, here are a few things that can be done.

• Deep clean your home: There is a wonderful feeling to see your home clean and crediting yourself for the effort. 
• Cook a nice meal: If you don't know cooking, try your hand at it. Eating own cooked meal is a different pleasure.
• Read a book nice and slowly: Chew through the pages and relish every moment. There is no better friend than a good book.

For those who have children, here are a few ideas

• Play with your children: Tell them your childhood stories, discuss their hobbies and make them a nice cheese toast.
• Get your children involved: Let them help you in all household chores. Teach them, guide them and make them do it. 

Do share if you have more thoughts.

This 22-March-2020 has been declared as Janata Curfew (or as someone shared on social media - it is "Care For You"). So while you can't step out, make the most of it at home. I'm taking this opportunity to go on a complete #DigitalDetox - No mobile, No laptop, No TV. Can you take up the #DigitalDetox challenge?