Metal Industry witnessing a technology driven revolution

Manufacturing isn’t just producing but encompasses skills and efficiency to sustain in the competitive business scenario. Internationally renowned metallurgist Ashwin Kalia of Chaparral Technologies, Inc shared with Pro MFG Media the potential of India as a strong manufacturing hub and how the penetration of digitalization can change the future of India’s position in the world.

Traditionally, a country’s ability to manufacture more with efficiency helps it to seize the hotspot in the global business map. Why wouldn’t anyone call such countries as super leaders? It is just not the country’s ability but also the futuristic approach which helps them grab a major share of the pie. In the current scenario, India is one of the best contenders to grasp a major share of the shifting manufacturing business.

The biggest aspect of the metallurgy industry which I come from, is the operations and it’s astonishing to witness a huge proportion of the younger generation managing the operations. India has an enormous pool of talent who is fluent in English communication which will be highly beneficial in the long run. Apart from that India is not that cost competitive as China, primarily because in China, they have no concept of cost conquering. They do manufacture the parts but usually price it according to the market value whereas India is much more intelligent in the cost pricing segment of the products.

In the metallurgy industry the best place to reduce cost is the design phase, an expert designer with the tools and technology can lower the overall cost and better the quality. Technologies like 3D printing shall see more acceptance as it ensures better quality of the end product.

In recent years, India has been known for its fastest emerging economies on the global platform giving us space and dais to communicate with highly influential economy expertise in order to boost the digital economy. The penetration of AI and digitalization on such a high scale provides India with a big opportunity to create the most hi-tech manufacturing hub which can stand out in the world. Many companies see labour as cheap and do not focus on Automation, however Automation is the only way to enhance quality and make world class products.

In the next 5 years I foresee Technology Disruption in the metallurgy industry. Time lag is gradual and post that lag, the curve goes steep. The Metal Industry will experience a technology fueled revolution. The manufacturers must focus on making products with value addition, so your customer doesn't buy a product but a part of its sub assembly.

However, India needs to focus immensely on its infrastructure strategies in order to create a seamless business environment.

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