Companies are keen to implement big data and AI in every functions and process designed to make the end product says Kenji Kawamoto, Managing Director, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries-VST Diesel Engines Pvt Ltd.

How do you see Atmanirbhar Bharat to impact your sector?
We are successful today because of the global quality we offer at the competitiveness of India. Atmanirbhar Bharat Scheme is a catalyst to enhance our business further, as more customers will now search for power solutions within India – be it their new equipment development or the existing product that is equipped with imported engines presently. In the supply chain, this scheme means more to MSMEs. Country’s 40 per cent GDP is contributed by MSMEs and they employ the maximum work force after agriculture.

Knowing their vital role in the economy, the government has formulated very specific policies to support MSMEs under Atmanirbhar Bharat scheme, which is remarkable. With 50 per cent of our vendors are in the MSME category, if they become self-sustainable, it will significantly help us in stabilizing operations too, especially in adverse market conditions.

What are the changes you foresee in the industrial machinery supply chain in the post-pandemic world?
The pandemic taught us how quickly we should change. Companies are taking quick decisions, reviewing their spending very closely & constantly changing the way we work to survive in a new environment. This is happening across the supply chain in spite of the crisis. When you cannot see the longterm picture, it is wise to keep moving instead of staying idle. Here I should admit there are many concerns today that the supply chain is still struggling to find answers. Issue of manpower & financial stability tops the list. However, it is temporary. Also, all it does is, helps companies to see the worst. So all the players are forced to optimize their operation to stay in the business. When this becomes a practice, it will continue in the post-pandemic world. I strongly believe it will.

In terms of current market dynamics, what will be the new normal for the manufacturing Industry in 2020?
New normal has now become a buzzword everywhere. Not one, there are many aspects of the new normal we are witnessing. The way every function works is changing dramatically. Has anyone thought of conducting an audit remotely? It happens. Performance trials and product demonstrations are being conducted online. Keeping aside the argument how effectively it can replace in-person connections, being tech savvy is no more an additional requirement. It is an essential requirement for every division.

What we were seeing already was digitization of products & solutions with big data and AI innovations. Now companies are looking inside. It is not only about implementing it in the product; it is also how to implement it in every function and process of the company designed to make the product. It is the new normal. You can relate this with Industry 4.0 to certain extent. However, what I express is beyond that.