Industrial Automation Magazine India

The pandemic helped us realised the capabilities of digital tools

Published on : Monday 04-01-2021

Himanshu Jadhav, Chief Executive Officer, Jendamark India.
 

How will emerging data technologies shape the way people live and work in the coming future?
Data is more crucial than we had realised in the past. Data technologies help us collect data and analyse trends based on it. These trends in turn, help us make predictions which can be employed to increase one’s insight into their business and its efficiency to a level never before considered possible, evade potential risks to the image of the company and most importantly, serve its customers better. The changes/risks we take in businesses are no more based on hunches or feelings but supported by strong data driven studies. As for the way we live, data backed updates in technology using AI and IoT can make peoples’ lives easier not only on a global level but also on an individual level by customising every single thing automatically according to the individual’s trends. Further into the future, the focus will shift to a 24-hour work cycle. Just as we have a 24-hour news cycle, globalised markets and the shift to flexible work arrangements will create a full-day work cycle. Night owls will work second and third shift, traditional workers will stay on first and second shifts. And, because everyone is able to work at preferred times, a company can reasonably expect some form of operation at all hours – without the cost of keeping a physical office open.
 
Which industries will benefit most from digital technologies, and which industries must hurry up?
Industries which need extensive data collection, analysis and persistent decision making based off of that analysis would benefit the most from data technologies. Data technologies help progressively reduce errors, and some industries have to be error prone. Errors in industries like healthcare and finance could have detrimental effects on human life. Specialist industries are most likely to benefit more than the others simply because they can dive deeper into the data analysis and attempt to reach near perfection in their operations. Apart from that, data is being treated as an essential part of manufacturing industries. The ones who will make that shift early are the ones that are going to keep a healthy competitive edge over the others, and it will be very difficult to catch up to them once they have fully implemented the capabilities of a data driven manufacturing setup. Being frightening and fascinating at the same time, the future of big data analytics promises to change the way businesses operate in finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and other industries. The coming times are set to develop hybrid business environments wherein big data would be processed in real time within milliseconds, enabling smart decision making in seconds. This the future of technology and it is here to stay.
 
Assuming a prediction of a 'W' shaped infection curve, how can industry work in tandem with the government towards rapid recovery?
In most cases, industries tend to have the advantage of being better at managing their resources than their governments. Along with that, their experience in handling such economic volatilities in their field has created a strong temperament among their workforce. The government can formulate policies attempting to solve issues faced by the industry during recovery including but not limited to depleted manpower, capital/investments and fast-tracking the lending and credit processes for businesses. Apart from this, the government should establish a strong two-way communication channel wherein the industries could put forth their concerns along with their suggestions. Government can encourage businesses to take up automation to prevent the stoppage of production or to allow businesses to run at a lower than required manpower.
 
What strategies can corporates use to inculcate company culture in the millennial workforce in a WFH scenario?
Since the millennials have a different approach, inculcating company culture in them by packaging it in the millennial way would work the best. Keeping everyday interactions respectful and formal but also having weekly informal meetings can help millennials open up and share their experiences. Also, millennials tend to be the most optimistic to adopt new kinds of technologies and practices, so a shift from conventional methods of management to a newer model will be welcomed by them. Companies can reap many benefits from joining the tech revolution by saving time and money, creating a better experience for clients and employees while expanding their reach. Remaining on top of trends helps in continually developing employee skill sets. This commitment to future proofing your business is a great way to retain top talent. It is important to note that while being full of optimism and energy, the younger workforce can still be very raw. It’s this rawness that can bring out the best ideas in them, but it is also very important to find a balance to keep it grounded. 
 
Technology alone cannot usher in the digital era. Behavioural change is essential. How can digital technologies help in change management?
Adaptation is necessary to survive. Behavioural change in an individual will only be observed when they are pulled out of their comfort zone. It has become almost commonplace now for us to change the way we do things the instant technology adapts to serve particular needs. And once the technology is there to provide a new and better solution, that change becomes permanent. For the purpose of altering human behaviour a persuasion technique based on psychology must be built into the system from its beginning. Also, behavioural change can be encouraged pleasantly through demonstration of the ease of operations achieved due to the use of modern technology. As for management, data collection when done through digital services can be automatically analysed and delivered to the management of a company on a time-based notification system. Management can review almost any data in real-time, without requiring to contact anyone or having to be in a specific location.
 
What benefits would remote working offer for companies, even if Covid crisis is past?
Remote working isn’t a novel concept. It’s been around for as long as people have travelled for work. The recent rise of remote working is largely technology-driven, since collaboration via cloud systems is so prevalent. The future of remote work will be dictated by a younger generation of workers intent on working to live instead of living to work. Remote working has vastly reduced operational costs for many companies. Remote-enabled companies can save money on some of the costs associated with onsite business operations, including office space, equipment and travel reimbursement. The pandemic helped us realise the capabilities of digital tools in terms of connectivity. It has bridged the communication gaps from conventional methods of workforce management, and has thrown light on newer possibilities of these practises. The elimination of geographic obstacles that separates employers from the best applicants for their vacancies, has widened hiring borders and led to more diverse workplaces. When done right, remote work allows employees and companies to focus on what really matters – performance. Unfortunately, the office environment can create “false positives” that can lead to bias and favouritism.
 
How can MSMEs and start-ups leverage the new technologies to gain competitive advantage vis-à-vis large corporations?
MSMEs have the advantage of being able to bring out change sooner than their larger counterparts. Larger companies, on the other hand, are restricted due to their pre-existing heavy investment in their current setup. It makes them very reluctant to try out newer things. When it comes to start-ups, they’re very fortunate to be in a position where they don’t have to replace anything as such. They can start anew with the new available technologies, and maintain their way of execution of projects without having any strings attached from previous practises. MSMEs and start-ups can utilise this opportunity to capture a position that can bring immense attention towards themselves for providing process security by using the tools of the digital revolution.  
 
(The views expressed in interviews are personal, not necessarily of the organisations represented)
 
 
Himanshu Jadhav, CEO, Jendamark India, has 15 years of successful experience providing strategic, fiscal and operations leadership in uniquely challenging situations.
 
Dynamic, result oriented leader with a strong track record of performance in turnaround and high-paced organisations. Himanshu Jadhav joined as a GET in Tata Motors Car plant and worked there till 2008 in Technical Services planning their new product launches and capacity expansion projects. In 2008, he got an opportunity to work with VW, which was a greenfield project and excelled there and climbed the management ladder till 2016. In VW, he was responsible for Strategic Planning and also Head for powertrain projects.
 
In 2016, he decided to move out of the corporate world and joined Jendamark South Africa as Global Sales Manager. Jendamark had recently taken over an Indian manufacturing unit and were looking to expand and grow in India. Himanshu Jadhav took this task and swiftly transformed the manufacturing unit into an automation major in India. The company grew from 50 odd employees to 225 in 3 years, with clients from Indian and abroad. The company sales also grew by a staggering 270%. Currently, Jendamark is pioneering in the Indian market in providing solutions to help India migrate from BS 4 emission norms to BS 6 and revolutionaries the Indian industry with its unique Industry 4.0 solutions. Under his leadership, Jendamark has achieved the unique distinction of having both Mechanical and IT experts working together to deliver 1st in class solutions to the Indian Automation Industry.