Smart manufacturing key to realising Make In India initiative: Kant

Neha Dewan

“Smart manufacturing practices will increase productivity and the quality of employment opportunities,” said Amitabh Kant, CEO, Niti Aayog at the inaugural address of the second Smart Manufacturing Conference jointly organized by CII and Niti Aayog on Friday in the capital.

The summit was organized with an aim to encourage Indian manufacturers move from uncertain manufacturing paradigms to a ‘smart’ set up. The summit was attended by a host of industry professionals to discuss the goals of Make in India initiative.

During his speech, Kant also mentioned that the industry needs to produce high quality products at a competitive price to withstand global competition. He said that the amalgamation of 9 systems – robotics, big data, 3D printing, analytics, additive manufacturing, automation, electronic system, design and IOTs will lead to smart manufacturing 4.0. He stressed that the Indian manufacturing sector has to adopt advanced technologies to survive in the highly competitive market.

The forum stressed on the adoption of manufacturing 4.0 as an inevitable necessity for the Indian manufacturing sector which would eventually lead to better productivity, cost efficiency and demand responsiveness.

Speaking at the Summit Anshu Prakash, Additional Secretary, Department of Heavy Industry, emphasized that smart manufacturing is a dynamic process which will happen over a period of time. “Upgradation of skills and new skill sets are critical for manpower to adopt smart manufacturing,” he said.

Industry professionals highlighted how smart thinking and mindset can contribute towards the much needed objective of innovation in manufacturing. Sumit Sawhney, Country Chief Executive Officer & MD, Renault Operations in India showed how the small car “KWID” segment has been made lean and smart with such efficient processes. “Think Smart, Think Innovative is key to manufacturing and automation will create more jobs in the future,” he said.