New Delhi: At Economic Times Smart Factory Summit 2023, Nikunj Jain, CIO & Digital Leader at P&G India, in his special address on ‘Driving Constructive Disruption By Leveraging Modern Technology’ addressed the audience on Procter & Gamble‘s transformative journey in India.
In a presence spanning over 185 years, Procter & Gamble (P&G) has been an influential force worldwide, with India being a vital part of its strategic footprint. P&G operates at more than 100 plants and 200 distribution centers. They have a workforce of 58,000 and 60,000 partners.
Taking a closer look at India, P&G has eight manufacturing units scattered across the nation, each guided by the principles of Industry 4.0. A remarkable feat is that 95% of the products sold in India are manufactured right here on Indian soil.
Nikunj Jain said that P&G recently announced an investment of over INR 2000 crore in a manufacturing facility in Gujarat, set to produce healthcare products.
Industry 4.0 framework embraced by P&G, has not only revolutionized their manufacturing but has also received recognition from the World Economic Forum. This transformative framework seamlessly integrates technology and processes, bridging the gap between the physical and digital realms, Jain added.
P&G’s approach focuses on some critical factors. They include:-
Touchless operations: This approach minimizes downtime, ensuring products are created with the utmost quality and precision.
Real-time quality checks: P&G employs real-time quality checks to guarantee that every product reaching the hands of consumers maintains superior quality standards.
Sustainability: In a world increasingly concerned about environmental impact, P&G places sustainability at the forefront of its smart manufacturing initiatives.
Nikunj Jain gave an example of P&G’s journey in the baby care category, with its brand, Pampers. He addressed that manufacturing diapers is a complex process that demands seamless coordination among multiple functions. Any hiccup can halt operations entirely. P&G is actively working on predicting and proactively managing unplanned downtime through advanced technologies. The integration of wireless IoT sensors and cloud platforms, combined with sophisticated algorithms, allows P&G to predict and mitigate potential issues in real-time.
He explained how P&G’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond manufacturing. They have identified four key areas – climate, nature, water, and waste – where technology plays a crucial role in minimizing resource usage and environmental impact. The result? P&G facilities are zero waste to landfill, and many operate using renewable energy sources.
The “magic” doesn’t stop at manufacturing. P&G is extending its “smart” concept to the selling space. With millions of Kirana stores across India, P&G is leveraging in-house AI and machine learning to curate unique product baskets for each store, optimizing inventory and ensuring customers always find what they need. This predictive approach not only enhances customer satisfaction but also enables smart manufacturing based on actual market demands.
When smart manufacturing and smart selling align, consumers experience the difference in the products they use. In the words of P&G’s global CIO, the synergy between smart manufacturing and sustainability is crucial for long-term success.
Nikunj Jain concluded by saying that Procter & Gamble is not just embracing digital transformation; it’s creating magic along the way, redefining the future of manufacturing and consumer experiences in India and beyond.
