Bangladesh has potential in smart manufacturing

Encouraging digital transformation in manufacturing could boost the Bangladeshi economy, according to a leading executive of a US industrial automation company.

Dilip Sawhney, regional vice-president at Rockwell Automation, shared these insights during his recent visit to Dhaka.

“Bangladesh, along with India, offers substantial growth prospects for smart, digitally-connected manufacturing enterprises. We've been operating across almost 100 countries and have seen the enormous potential in South Asia," said Sawhney.

Rockwell, a US-based company, promotes 'connected enterprise' in smart manufacturing to enhance the productivity of manufacturing units through data-driven business intelligence and analytics.

Sawhney lauded the government's Smart Bangladesh initiative, which aims to promote digital investment and innovation.

He said the country's ambitious plans to digitize all government-identified data facets by 2041 show its commitment to a digitally-driven future.  

Sawhney, who is a member of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Smart Manufacturing Council and former president of the Automation Industry Association in India, cited the life sciences and pharmaceutical industries as examples of the region's global competitive offerings.

"Consumer demands are intensifying, particularly in consumer-facing industries like food and beverages and automotive and tire industries. Digitizing manufacturing units in these sectors will ensure Bangladesh remains competitive on the global stage,” he noted.

Sawhney elaborated on his journey in the field of automation, beginning his career with Larsen and Toubro after graduating from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee. He believes that modern solutions are key to driving automation, thereby boosting productivity across industries.

“With advancements in big data, analytics, mobility, 5G, AI, and machine learning, we are witnessing a harmonious blend of shop floor systems. These new technologies are enhancing existing capabilities exponentially, aligning with our mission to provide our customers with a competitive edge, primarily in manufacturing-oriented enterprises,” Sawhney enthusiastically said.

He divided the manufacturing industries into three primary segments: consumer-facing industries such as packaged goods, food and beverages, home and personal care products, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and automotive; heavy process-oriented industries like steel, cement, and chemicals; and resource-based industries, including mining, oil, and gas, with renewable resources gaining increasing relevance.

Sawhney pointed to a recent company report showing a 50 percent increase in respondents using artificial intelligence or machine learning compared to the previous survey, highlighting the burgeoning trend towards digital solutions.

Rockwell Automation has a strong presence in Bangladesh, serving customers across a variety of sectors including cement, steel, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.

"Around three years ago, we identified a like-minded partner, a company named Reverie, which has deepened our commitment to the region," Sawhney shared.

He also explained the power of connected enterprises, which enables manufacturers to maintain seamless connectivity across their entire value chain, covering the entire life cycle of a product from design to creation.

This comprehensive integration optimizes efficiency and innovation, boosting the nation's economic growth potential.