'The key is to process the right data'
Companies are flooded with data and the key is to convert data into the right information and give it to the decision-makers.
By Deepshikha Monga, TNN |
Companies are flooded with data and the key is to convert data into the right information and give it to the decision-makers, says Jack Bolick, president, Honeywell Process Solutions. In an interview with Mr Bolick says automation can help companies a lot in not just managing resources but also in disaster management.
How has automation evolved over the years?
Today, the focus is on just-in-time manufacturing, greater optimisation of production lines and lean manufacturing. Automation has come a long way with that. Latest auto production lines make use of robotics, for instance, in spraying paint so that no extra paint is used.
In the late ’90s, manufacturing started moving to computer-integrated manufacturing. First came MRP then MRP-II and later ERP. The challenge now is how to help customers interpret all the data coming from the plant through manufacturing execution systems to enterprise resource planning systems, in order to make enterprise-wide decisions.
While systems were earlier upgraded on a plant-level basis, we are now using technology to bring an entire enterprise up to speed so that it can quickly react to market demands.
What role does wireless play in supply chain automation?
Companies are automating the entire supply chain to manage raw materials and gauge demand in a better way. While capital is precious, raw materials are scarce, whether we’re talking about refineries or mining. So, manufacturing has to gauge demand better so that companies don’t over- or under-produce.
Then there are issues related to better returns on investment, while having less impact on environment and consuming less energy. There is no dearth of data. The key is to collect the right data, convert it into right information and pass it on to the decision-maker.
Wireless technologies are of great help. It allows you to have more data points. It’s very expensive to wire up the entire operational set-up. PDAs can be used to track the inventory. Sensors can be installed anywhere that can provide updates by the second about safety and processes.
Using algorithms and graphic user interface, standardised across operators and managers, we present a data pyramid so that the data coming from various sources makes sense to the decision-makers.
How does automation help companies prevent disasters?
We have a consortium of 13 companies including Exxon Mobil and Chevron that is working on how companies can be better prepared in what we call abnormal situation management (ASM). In case of accidents like the Bhopal gas tragedy, companies are not prepared with ASM. Having sensors that detect an abnormal situation and start checking the system for any fault is just one of the ways.
How has automation evolved over the years?
Today, the focus is on just-in-time manufacturing, greater optimisation of production lines and lean manufacturing. Automation has come a long way with that. Latest auto production lines make use of robotics, for instance, in spraying paint so that no extra paint is used.
In the late ’90s, manufacturing started moving to computer-integrated manufacturing. First came MRP then MRP-II and later ERP. The challenge now is how to help customers interpret all the data coming from the plant through manufacturing execution systems to enterprise resource planning systems, in order to make enterprise-wide decisions.
While systems were earlier upgraded on a plant-level basis, we are now using technology to bring an entire enterprise up to speed so that it can quickly react to market demands.
What role does wireless play in supply chain automation?
ADVERTISEMENT
Companies are automating the entire supply chain to manage raw materials and gauge demand in a better way. While capital is precious, raw materials are scarce, whether we’re talking about refineries or mining. So, manufacturing has to gauge demand better so that companies don’t over- or under-produce.
Then there are issues related to better returns on investment, while having less impact on environment and consuming less energy. There is no dearth of data. The key is to collect the right data, convert it into right information and pass it on to the decision-maker.
Wireless technologies are of great help. It allows you to have more data points. It’s very expensive to wire up the entire operational set-up. PDAs can be used to track the inventory. Sensors can be installed anywhere that can provide updates by the second about safety and processes.
Using algorithms and graphic user interface, standardised across operators and managers, we present a data pyramid so that the data coming from various sources makes sense to the decision-makers.
ADVERTISEMENT
How does automation help companies prevent disasters?
We have a consortium of 13 companies including Exxon Mobil and Chevron that is working on how companies can be better prepared in what we call abnormal situation management (ASM). In case of accidents like the Bhopal gas tragedy, companies are not prepared with ASM. Having sensors that detect an abnormal situation and start checking the system for any fault is just one of the ways.
ADVERTISEMENT
What are the challenges before manufacturing?
The shortage of talent is one. There are not enough qualified people. But it’s not just about people, it’s also about domain knowledge. Companies are now beginning to automate the knowledge processed by their engineers as many are retiring. The knowledge is being captured within the operational systems.
There is also a great deal of variability associated with raw materials. Staying on schedule is becoming more difficult. Our plans to expand our Pune facility have been delayed by weeks as we are unable to get cement, which is being exported to the Middle East. Then, there’s shortage of labourers.
How important is India, as a market and as a talent pool?
For Honeywell there are mature markets like South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, North America, Mexico and western Europe. And there are emerging markets like south-east Asia, China, India, eastern Europe, Latin America, Russia and parts of Africa. In India, we are building a back-office of talent of sorts, training people and then deploying them across the globe. As a policy we rotate people in our domestic and international businesses. Cross-training is important to what we do.
ADVERTISEMENT
India is not different from the other markets we serve. We have about 400 people employed at our technology lab and 250 in automation. India has an advantage over China as people here understand life-cycle management better. In China, one has to first convince companies that they can benefit with technology. Biotechnology is starting to emerge as an opportunity in India and we are paying attention to that.
Download
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
ADVERTISEMENT
