New Delhi: India is at the cusp of becoming a dominant force in the global manufacturing landscape, and at the heart of this transformation is the pivotal role played by software technologies to ensure consistency and quality, the panel of experts on the sidelines of the Hexagon user conference said
With its burgeoning pool of skilled engineers, evolving education system, and a commitment to international quality standards, India has positioned itself as an attractive destination for manufacturing. However, the key to sustaining this growth lies in the effective deployment of software solutions.
Software technologies are instrumental in streamlining production processes, reducing errors, and enhancing product quality. They enable predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and data-driven decision-making, ensuring that every step of the manufacturing journey meets stringent quality standards.
Moreover, India’s increasing emphasis on software-driven innovation has led to agile product development processes, especially in emerging sectors like electric vehicles. This not only accelerates time-to-market but also fosters innovation that sets new benchmarks in quality.
In essence, as India rises to prominence as a global manufacturing hub, software technologies are the linchpin that guarantees consistency and quality, propelling the nation towards manufacturing excellence on a global scale.
Highlighting India’s emergence as a global manufacturing hub, K Subramaniyan, Senior Vice President of Ashok Leyland, said, the nation’s readiness to meet international standards in quality, attributing this readiness to the accumulation of technology expertise over time. India’s transition from a low-cost manufacturing hub to an outsourcing destination of choice has been driven by organic growth and the acquisition of foreign expertise.
Stephen Graham, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Nexus, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the significance of India’s growth in the manufacturing industry. He attributed this growth to the abundance of skilled engineers and the quality of education in India. This influx of talent is helping address the global shortage of manufacturing skills.
Sridhar, Dharamrajan, CEO, Hexagon, elaborated on the transformation he has witnessed. He noted the rapid evolution of the automotive sector and how disruptions like the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) present opportunities for emerging players. India’s potential to leapfrog traditional industries through innovations in EV technology and agile product development processes was a key point of discussion.
The panel also explored the role of software in advancing manufacturing practices. Sridhar mentioned the adoption of agile product development processes, inspired by the software industry’s success in reducing product development cycles. With around 740 EV startups in India, the automotive landscape is evolving, with a focus on software and electronics, he added.
The discussion extended beyond technology to encompass societal changes. The panel observed that changing family dynamics, smaller family sizes, and greater support for experimentation have created a fertile ground for innovation in India. Coupled with technological advancements, these shifts are poised to redefine the concept of vehicles, emphasizing comfort and efficiency.
Syam Sunder, Vice President – Engineering Convergence of Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence division, India, emphasized the growing internal demand for higher-quality products in India. As the middle class grows and customer expectations rise, Indian organizations are increasingly focusing on quality to meet domestic and global standards. Government initiatives, such as Bharat NCAP and BS 6 standards, have also played a crucial role in driving this shift towards quality.
Mahesh Kailasam, SVP & GM, Design & Engineering, Hexagon, shed light on how the company is accelerating the quest for quality in Indian manufacturing. Hexagon, with its decades-long presence in India, is capitalizing on the convergence of technologies, including cloud computing, high-performance computing (HPC), and artificial intelligence (AI). These tools are not only improving the accuracy of simulations but also enabling the creation of digital twins and metaverse experiences for more efficient and innovative product development.
K Subramaniyan then delved into how technology is facilitating the development of multi-fuel vehicles. He explained that the challenge lies in navigating the uncertainties of the evolving fuels landscape. Ashok Leyland is leveraging technology to build a versatile platform capable of accommodating various fuel types, ensuring adaptability to market demands. Simulation tools have been instrumental in quickly identifying optimal solutions, reducing the need for extensive physical testing.
As the panel concluded, one resounding message emerged: India is at a pivotal inflection point. The convergence of technology, evolving societal norms, and government support is propelling the nation towards a future where innovation and quality take centre stage. The manufacturing landscape in India is evolving, and the future of vehicles is bound to be smarter, more efficient, and better than ever before. With software driving this transformation, Indian manufacturing is set to shine on the global stage.
