Jasmeet Singh, the Executive Vice President and Global Head of Manufacturing at Infosys, USA, has over two decades of experience in the field of IT and technology-driven business transformation. He has witnessed the evolution of the manufacturing landscape, particularly in the context of industrial automation and digital transformation.
Singh has observed a significant transformation in the manufacturing landscape over the past twenty years, primarily due to advancements in IT and technology-led transformation. These advancements have not only enhanced efficiency and scalability but have also promoted resilience and sustainable growth in an increasingly interconnected global landscape.
Industrial automation has evolved beyond mere mechanization of tasks. Presently, it encompasses real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and even AI-driven systems that enhance safety and efficiency on the shop floor. Robots and cobots are no longer just about speed; they bring precision and consistency, liberating human workers for higher-value tasks.
Digital transformation has entirely redefined the value chain. With the emergence of big data, IIoT, and digital twins, manufacturers today can simulate situations, predict risk, and make anticipatory decisions. It’s not just about cost-saving; it’s about innovation, customer experience, and sustainability outcomes. Singh finds it fascinating how emerging technologies like AI, IIoT, cloud, and automation are converging to drive smart, responsive manufacturing ecosystems. This collaboration is driving the next wave of industry growth.
Singh oversees critical sectors like automotive, aerospace, defense, and industrial manufacturing. He acknowledges that digitizing these industries presents unique challenges and enormous opportunities. These industry sectors are complex, with highly regulated conditions, global supply chains, and high-stakes operations. Balancing complexity management with compliance and operational resilience is a delicate, ongoing task.
Despite these challenges, the potential for change is immense. Technologies like IoT and AI enable organizations to unlock efficiency by identifying inefficiencies in real time, optimizing sourcing, and predicting equipment issues before they occur. In sectors like aerospace and defense, digital twins and smart manufacturing are gaining traction. However, this also increases the need for cybersecurity due to the sensitive nature of the data and systems involved.
Another significant focus area is talent. With AI, automation, and cloud computing becoming increasingly embedded in manufacturing, there is a need to invest in upskilling people. Constant learning is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity to keep pace with innovation and ensure that individuals remain at the heart of this change.
The production sector, traditionally a stronghold of innovation, is rapidly evolving to keep pace with these changes.
