AI integration ensures safety and sustainability 

By OEM Update Editorial March 30, 2024 12:34 pm IST

According to Rohit Malls, General Manager of Mallcom India Limited, a leading manufacturer of PPE products, safety and sustainability are at the forefront of every aspect of its operations. From innovative safety features to rigorous adherence to global standards, Mallcom balances the well-being of users and the environment.

How does Mallcom incorporate innovative safety features into its PPE products designed for industrial environments?

Mallcom prioritises innovation in its manufacturing of PPE products, focusing on integrating multiple safety features to guard against various hazards, whether it is a safety hand glove or a safety shoe. There are numerous hand gloves in Mallcom’s range where heat protection and cut protection features are blended into one model. Similarly, their safety shoes are designed to address multiple hazards, such as electrical and mechanical risks and provide sole penetration and water resistance in a single-shoe model. Mallcom’s commitment to innovation is also evident in its production of multi-norm garments tailored to meet diverse safety requirements for clients globally. These garments are produced in state-of-the-art factories recently established near Kolkata and Ahmedabad.

What methods does Mallcom employ to guarantee adherence to safety standards across various international markets?

In-house laboratories are one of Mallcom’s focus areas for conducting product testing per the different global standards, which are followed for compliance across diverse markets. Furthermore, Mallcom consistently sends its manufactured products to internationally recognised laboratories accredited by NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories). These laboratories adhere to rigorous testing standards, ensuring all Mallcom products meet global safety requirements. Whether destined for the European, U.S., Australian, New Zealand, or Indian markets, Mallcom ensures compliance with relevant safety standards, including BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) for the Indian subcontinent. We are also focusing on Middle East markets, where complying with their standards is the benchmark for marketing Mallcom products.

In what ways can the integration of machine learning and AI enhance safety protocols within the manufacturing sector?

AI holds considerable potential in manufacturing due to the proliferation of industrial IoT and smart factories, which generate vast amounts of data daily. In manufacturing, AI primarily leverages machine learning (ML) solutions to enhance data analysis and decision-making processes, thereby optimising manufacturing processes. Predictive maintenance is a prominent example of AI application in manufacturing, where AI algorithms anticipate machinery maintenance needs, minimising the chances of machine-related injuries. Given the close collaboration between humans and machines in industrial manufacturing environments, AI integration offers promising prospects for enhancing safety and efficiency.

How does Mallcom integrate sustainability considerations into its product design and manufacturing processes?

It is in the ethos of Mallcom to think about sustainability in all its actions – whether designing new products or manufacturing processes. While acknowledging that sustainability entails additional costs, Mallcom understands environmental longevity and is willing to invest accordingly. The company’s CSR and implementation team collaborates to assess each product’s or process’s ecological impact, exploring ways to mitigate this impact using alternative materials, renewable resources, or waste reduction strategies. Additionally, adherence to certification standards is mandatory for all products, ensuring that sustainability is upheld without compromising on safety. By going through this product development procedure, Mallcom effectively balances sustainability goals without compromising safety.

How does Mallcom ensure consistency and quality in its product design and manufacturing processes?

Firstly, Mallcom strictly adheres to Indian and international standards in the design and creation of its products. In instances where Indian standards are non-existent. Mallcom sells its products under international standards, thereby ensuring consistency and quality.

Secondly, Mallcom employs best-in-class machinery and procures high-quality raw materials from reliable suppliers to facilitate innovation. Continuously striving to enhance its product offerings, Mallcom regularly explores new materials to deliver improved products with each new season.

What steps does Mallcom take to ensure product safety in its design finalisation process?

Mallcom follows a rigorous process for design finalisation. It starts with an assessment of user needs and intended applications. Subsequently, global standards requirements are meticulously considered. Mallcom then evaluates its supply chain and production processes to ensure efficient and commercially viable manufacturing. Once the samples are made, third-party labs conduct rigorous testing in-house to obtain adequate certifications. Samples undergo wear and tear testing in both controlled and uncontrolled environments. Feedback from concerned stakeholders is gathered to determine any necessary adjustments. Finally, Mallcom launches products into the market with utmost emphasis on safety and quality.