The Future of Manufacturing in India: Stay Competitive and Thrive in 2025
- Chinmay
- December 31, 2024
- India, Industrial IoT, Internet of Things
- 5G in manufacturing, cybersecurity, Digital Transformation, edge computing, generative AI manufacturing, IIoT, Indian manufacturers, Industry 4.0, IoT, IT-OT collaboration, manufacturing future, smart factories
- 0 Comments
Jason L. Jackson is a distinguished Vice President and Engineer at Kyndryl, where he leads technology solutions for the U.S. Federal and SLED (State, Local, and Education) sectors. With a strong background in delivering IT solutions for highly regulated industries like Chemical and Petroleum, Jason has extensive experience driving transformation in complex environments. In addition to his role at Kyndryl, he serves on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Technical Advisory Committee, contributing to telecommunications policy development. Jason’s leadership is focused on empowering government agencies with innovative IT frameworks that prioritize efficiency, security, and modernization.
Drawing on his extensive experience in IT operations and regulated industries, Jason shares his perspectives on the future of manufacturing in India. In this article, he highlights the challenges manufacturers face and offers insights into the transformative potential of technology in staying competitive.
The manufacturing sector in India stands at a crossroads. While enterprises are focused on ensuring smooth, safe, and secure operations, they face the challenge of navigating a rapidly evolving technological and regulatory landscape. To remain competitive, manufacturers must embrace digital transformation, leveraging technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things), IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things), and AI to unlock new efficiencies, drive innovation, and address long-standing challenges.
The Roadblocks to Transformation
Despite the opportunities offered by advanced technologies, the manufacturing industry has been slow to modernize. Many enterprises still rely on outdated systems that cannot keep up with the demands of a connected, data-driven environment. The increasing use of internet-connected devices in factories has also heightened security risks, leaving organizations vulnerable to cyber threats. Compounding these issues is a cultural inclination toward incremental rather than transformative change, which hampers efforts to modernize operations.
Studies reveal that manufacturing lags behind other key industries in readiness for future challenges. Skills gaps, slow adoption of digitization, and underwhelming returns on AI investments are common hurdles. Bridging these gaps and staying ahead of the curve will require manufacturers to overcome barriers to data integration, digitization, and cybersecurity.
A Vision for 2025: Connectivity and Security at the Forefront
To navigate the future, Indian manufacturers must focus on implementing ubiquitous connectivity across their operations. Investments in technologies like 5G, hybrid networking models, and Wi-Fi will enable seamless communication between devices, faster data processing, and real-time decision-making on the factory floor. IoT and IIoT will be crucial enablers, allowing enterprises to collect and analyze vast amounts of data from sensors and edge devices. This integration will enhance analytics and pave the way for leveraging generative AI without compromising control or security.
Simultaneously, manufacturers must prioritize operational security and supply chain traceability. The proliferation of ageing systems and equipment requires immediate attention to identify vulnerabilities and mitigate risks. Enhanced visibility and data integration across supply chains can address these risks, enabling distributed manufacturing practices and ensuring compliance with an ever-changing regulatory framework.
Bridging the Gap: IT and OT Collaboration
One of the most significant shifts needed in manufacturing is bridging the divide between IT (Information Technology) and OT (Operational Technology). Traditionally, these two domains have operated in silos, resulting in inefficiencies and data bottlenecks. However, with the growing complexity of digital ecosystems, close collaboration between IT and OT teams is essential.
As Kyndryl’s Readiness Report highlights, being “people-ready” is as important as being “tech-ready.” Manufacturers must foster a culture of alignment and collaboration across departments to harmonize legacy systems with new technologies, improve operational workflows, and better prepare for future risks. This cultural shift will ensure that teams are equipped to address challenges, embrace innovation, and deliver sustainable growth.
Steps for Indian Manufacturers to Stay Competitive
- Invest in IoT and IIoT Technologies: Leverage these technologies to improve data collection, analytics, and real-time decision-making on the plant floor.
- Adopt Edge Computing: Use edge devices to process data closer to the source, enabling faster and more efficient operations.
- Enhance Cybersecurity: Address vulnerabilities in ageing systems and adopt robust security protocols to protect critical assets and data.
- Integrate Supply Chain Data: Improve visibility and traceability across supply chains to identify and mitigate risks effectively.
- Promote IT-OT Collaboration: Foster alignment between IT and OT teams to optimize workflows, reduce silos, and enhance operational efficiency.
The future of manufacturing in India hinges on the sector’s ability to embrace digital transformation. IoT and IIoT technologies, coupled with a focus on connectivity, security, and collaboration, will be key drivers of success. By addressing long-standing challenges and preparing for emerging risks, manufacturers can position themselves as leaders in a highly competitive industry. The time to act is now — to harness the power of technology, rethink traditional processes, and build a resilient, future-ready manufacturing ecosystem.
