Manufacturing with digital
platforms for competitiveness, high employment and wealth generation advanced
manufacturing is a wide spectrum multi- and inter-disciplinary domain where
learning from experiences, simulation and modelling, materials, sensors with
Internet of Things (IoT), supply-chain robustness, life cycle management,
innovations through imaginations and commercialisation should work in synergy
with right expertise of human resources, facilities, infrastructure and
polices. Current day manufacturing covers a wide spectrum of industries —
crafts, processed food, textiles, pharma, medical devices etc. The emphasis is
on software, design, manufacturing, validation of the products and capturing
the imagination of customers for needs and delight through larger and more
effective use of digital technologies. Manufacturing remains an engaging
frontier of all emerging and advanced nations.
High value and high-end customers choose products based on differentiating
qualities of the products. For most customers, affordability, meeting their
requirements, value for money and, of course, unique appeal of the product are
the reasons for choice of, and loyalty to, the product. Sustainability in the
21st century is a key binding influence for any product commercialisation as
investments in products which destroy the environment and nature don’t find
favour with investors, customers, and policy-makers. Sustainability, in simple
terms, means minimum inputs, maximum value, low impact on the environment over
the life cycle, repair, reuse, recycling and management practices to achieve
the above parameters. In a country like India, manufacturing, technology,
employment and sustainability thus become highly intertwined and require high
level of expertise with interdisciplinary approaches and competence.
It is clear that manufacturing and services (life cycle performance) are moving
closer in the digital world, providing India another opportunity to leapfrog.
Digital and distributed manufacturing with digital enhanced supply chains and
innovations enabling digital platforms to design, make choice of appropriate
materials and manufacturing through processes like additive manufacturing with
lasers, arc torches, electron beams, etc. are at the forefront of priorities
for creating human resources at all skill levels, infrastructure and polices.
Digital supply chains and manufacturing with or without automation and robotics
leading to industries 4.0 requires validated cyber physical support systems
through cloud-based software for enhancing productivity, quality, value of
products, satisfying customers’ specific needs and aspirations. These platforms
are specifically important for MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises)
which supply individual components for automobiles, defence, customer products
such as crafts, textiles, packed food, etc. Their competitiveness and survival
are key to national employment and economy growth.
Inclusive manufacturing competence through involvement of all stakeholders,
employing advanced technologies for meeting common needs with attractive
products and catering to nearly bottom of pyramid skill workers with minimal
digital training is a pathway, in contrast to low-cost, mass manufacturing of
products with least sustainable technologies. Digital manufacturing leading to
industry 4.0 is dependent on big data generation and analytics, robust cyber
security systems, appropriate intellectual property regimes and new standards.
It also requires mindsets of sharing, competing while collaborating.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a key enabler in digital design, supply chains,
manufacturing and life cycle management. AI with deep human and machine
learning shall enable India to take top position among the leading
manufacturing nations and achieve large employment. AI for India in domain of
future manufacturing means in a real world creating innovative quality products
in spectrum of manufacturing (different emphasis and game plan for different
sectors) with equity (inclusive) and sustainability (low inputs, high value and
least waste). India, through the right road map, has a window of real
opportunity considering current realities and aspirations. AI in manufacturing
and life cycle services occupies centre stage in China, USA, Europe, Japan,
among other countries. Thus, Indian strategy, policies, competence, capacity
and capability need to be synergised and accelerated.
Source: News Herald Panama City, U.S.A Tuesday, 14 November 2017