A dive into future

By OEM Update Editorial June 30, 2017 4:21 pm IST

Digitising of production recipes, processes and systems will ensure suppliers will move to the next level in terms of operating efficiency, and transparency.

TK Ramesh, CEO, Micromatic Machine Tools Pvt Ltd

Though digitisation is all set to transform the manufacturing industry, TK Ramesh, CEO, Micromatic Machine Tools Pvt Ltd believes, creating skilled resources will be the key to completing last-mile realisation. Interview excerpts:

Importance of adopting digitisation
Digitisation or IIoT has become the buzzword in Indian manufacturing. It consists of hardware and software stacks or elements. On the hardware side, Ethernet, and bus adapters on CNCs and PLCs can serve as a primary conduit for data flow. Data access can be enhanced by using sensors, for capturing instantaneous analog data. Sensors are available but maybe expensive in some instances. So, a balance between what can be done by sampling and adaptive feedback, versus using sensors will need to be worked out by MTBs, who will be driven by user needs and price realisation.

On the software side, domain-rich and domain-agnostic frameworks are currently available, and are evolving as additional players jump in.

Digitising of production recipes, processes and systems will ensure suppliers will move to the next level in terms of operating efficiency, and transparency.

However, for an end-user to benefit rapidly, it will be in their best interest to deploy frameworks available from mature players in the industry, which offer domain-rich adaptability, and solutions for specific use-cases, in the context of a larger roadmap.

A roadmap to the future
Given the buzz, and the need for Indian companies to be integrated into global sourcing platforms, Indian industry is going to feel the pressure of having to take steps towards Industry 4.0 implementations.
There could be pain, largely from not being able to roadmap a vision, and allocating resources for the mid- to long-term. Short-term thinking or execution may prove challenging for the entire value chain of consumers and vendors. Companies that are able to do the long-term visioning, and by partnering correctly, will be able to navigate the evolving requirements – and ensure success in this journey. Creating skilled resources will be the key to completing last-mile realisation.

Geared up for smart manufacturing
Being a part of the machine building group, Ace Micromatic MIT is fully prepared to serve the manufacturing industry in IoT space, developing smart machine technology for CNC turning, machining and grinding machines. The company’s solutions span different areas of Industry 4.0 such as online machine performance data acquisition, production analytics, Digital Factory and ANDON, process energy monitoring and online SPC.

It has started offering a basic version of its product with all the Smart Turning Centers since Oct 2016 as an inbuilt solution. The advanced version is available and can be customised to the end user’s needs.

Delivering productivity gains to customers
Ace Micromatic MIT is India’s first mover and market leader in Industry 4.0 and IIoT solutions for discrete manufacturing. Its award-winning products, depth and breadth of domain expertise have helped 100’s of companies of all sizes, across 1000’s of machines realise quick, reliable implementation of robust innovations. Customers have enjoyed productivity gains of 10 per cent to 30 per cent, ensuring very high operating efficiencies.