Explained: Post-lockdown strategy of manufacturing and service sector

The nationwide lockdown in India may or may not be extended beyond May 3, but companies and the manufacturing sector have already prepared their plans. As the priority will be to avoid coronavirus cases at all costs, companies will likely resume only 50 per cent of the work, keeping precautions in mind.

Contributing to around 7.5 per cent of India's GDP and employing over 35 million workers, the auto industry is preparing for big changes.

" We will be taking precautions at all the places, ranging from company buses for employees to canteens where capacity could be reduced to maintain social distancing norms. Production may come down initially but lower initial demand and some stock already lying with us could balance this reduction in production", said Raju B Ketkale, Deputy MD, Toyata Kirloskar Motor.

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It's not only the production, but the sales process at dealerships and showrooms of the companies will also be impacted.

"There will be thermal checking and sanitisation points set-up at all the entry and exit points, workstations and the premises of the dealerships and showrooms. A product demonstration will also see a change as a whole new disinfection process will be implemented before every demo, to assure customer safety", said Shashank Srivastava, Executive Director, Maruti Suzuki India

"The concern in all of the manufacturing industries is of the people gathering anywhere in the plant or in the offices. Restrictions will be there to stop the second wave of Coronavirus from occurring", said Ashim Sharma, Partner, NRI Consulting & Solutions.

The service sector is also planning to handle the post-COVID-19 lockdown situation in a different way. Here, the 'work from home' concept is not going to fade away anytime soon.

"Businesses have found out that 'work from home' concept is very suitable for them. As a result of more people working from their place of dwelling, some areas have seen internet and voice traffic surge. Now we are planning for long term viability of these services spread across wide areas. Telecom network has to be firmed up now", said Rajan Mathews, Director-General, Cellular Operators Association of India

Post COVID-19 scenario will be also suitable for further growth of co-working business in India. Co-working workspace provides work stations and workplaces with shared resources including premises, high-speed broadband, electricity, pantry services etc. Those who are not comfortable working from home can use shared spaces at these locations.

"In our business also social distancing norms will change significantly. As a business model co-working will do better. We have seen 50-60 per cent jump in a number of enquiries", said Neetish Sarda, founder Smartworks, a shared office space provider as the company is betting on demand increasing post-COVID-19 lockdown is lifted.