The Fourth Industrial Revolution and swift adoption of next generation technologies are driving rapid transformation in Indian industry. These technologies are also catalyzing the country’s goal to achieve 25 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) from the manufacturing sector by 2025. Now, at the heart of this digital transformation, we see a massive role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which account for 45 percent of the country’s total industrial production and 40 percent of total exports. Along with heavy industries, these SMEs today have an uphill task of integrating the advantages of next-gen technologies like remote monitoring, automation, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) into existing operations to increase their efficiencies and positively contribute to the 25 percent target.
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The advantages of automation are not linked only to operational efficiency but also increased productivity and reduced costs. A McKinsey report states that about 100 of the top 1,000 manufacturers in India had returns that were less than their cost of capital. This cost disadvantage accentuates among SMEs, impacting the long-run sustainability of their operations. Higher input costs have a disproportionate impact on them, underpinning the need to embrace automated and process-driven manufacturing that will also contribute to enhancing India’s sectoral competitiveness and productivity.
Digital first
Today, India’s manufacturing sector is rapidly growing with encouraging initiatives such as Digital India, Skill India, Make in India, Smart Cities, among others, that are building a conducive environment for industries to thrive. In addition, the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes are motivating the focus on increasing productivity with efficiency.
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There are many areas where digitalization can be more seamlessly integrated, especially in optimizing equipment maintenance and machine performance. Digital technologies can help manufacturers gain predictive insights on maintenance and possible downtimes, which will help them develop a clear line of sight of production cycles.
A recent survey on the adoption of digitalization across Indian industries revealed that about 40 per cent have already started the process while 80 per cent of respondents had a digitalization strategy in place. However, this is largely centered on functions – such as marketing, sales and accounting – rather than on an enterprise-wide transformation with a particular focus on manufacturing processes.
Services with a difference
MobilTM, a close partner of India’s industrial sector, has been prioritizing this integration of digitalization with core manufacturing processes. Through systems that allow continuous monitoring of machine performance, Mobil’s array of service solutions is making big difference through small integrated steps. For example, the Mobil Serv℠ Lubricant Analysis (MSLA) program uses one of the most sophisticated interpretations of logic algorithms and most extensive used-oil analysis database that helps manage oil analysis as much as 66 per cent faster*. The advantages are manifold – increased productivity, reduced unscheduled downtime, improved equipment durability and less lubricant consumption.
Further, Mobil Serv℠ Real Time is a next-gen oil condition monitoring tool that is enabling instant, remote access to detailed oil diagnostics. Among the advantages are remote monitoring of oil with updates and analyses accessible via a live dashboard, without needing to wait for lab-based results or onsite visits. It also helps gain a complete picture of oil health across multiple parameters, in addition to optimizing oil drain intervals (ODI) by building data trends quickly. Additionally, a digitized coolant monitoring tool, the Mobil™ Solcare Service app is providing manufacturers with data-driven insights and tailor-made recommendations that can be accessed easily – enabling manufacturers to shift from reactive to proactive maintenance.
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Now, as Artificial Intelligence gains increased deployment, manufacturers can also benefit from Mobil ServSM IIoT Insights, a next-gen oil condition monitoring tool that enables instant, remote access to detailed oil diagnostics. It provides real-time data stream on oil health and alerts helping the users act quickly and save significant costs.
Such advanced solutions are now available at the doorstep of manufacturers through the MachineXT program which can be deployed at any outlet to provide a suitable solution to every problem. This, consequently, ensures more immediate access to enhancing grassroots productivity and efficiency.
Driving industrial efficiency
Through heavy equipment service programmes, analysis of lubricants, inspection of lubricants, thermography inspection to avoid operational downtime, plant study and lubrication recommendation, among others, the efficiency of plants, including SMEs, can be significantly enhanced.
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By making machine shops more agile, flexible, and relevant to emerging market dynamics, they can contribute further to the economy, especially by further stimulating the SME sector, creating new jobs and accelerating manufacturing exports. Together, these many benefits will play a formative role in India chasing its goal of achieving achieve 25 per cent of its GDP from the manufacturing sector by 2025 and paving the way for a thriving industrial economy.
* This performance is based on the experience of a single customer. Actual results may vary.
“Exxon Mobil Corporation has numerous affiliates, many with names that include ExxonMobil, Exxon, Esso, and Mobil. For convenience and simplicity, those terms, and references to “corporation,” “company,” “ExxonMobil,” “EM,” and other similar terms are used for convenience and may refer to one or more specific affiliates or affiliate groups.”
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Disclaimer: The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.
