INTERNATIONAL METALWORKING NEWS FOR ASIA February issue

The manufacturing industry is changing before our eyes. Driven by rapid globalisation, changes in customer expectations and the digitalisation of almost everything. Manufacturing has faced some big challenges and even bigger opportunities over the past few years.

Metalworking technology is evolving. End users increasing demands carry more weight than ever. Not to mention competition coming from every direction and dimension.

So how will the metalworking industry play out in 2016? Will it be the year of technology revolution making “Industry 4.0” a reality? Will it see the rise of robotics and automation into a new realm? Will 2016 be a year of action for manufacturers in Asia? We asked industry experts for their views. Find out more in this issue’s Outlook Report.

Forward-thinking metalworking machine and tool builders, including software companies are looking for alternative ways to create and capture value. It is no longer just about selling the product, but about gaining a share of the value it generates in its use.

Advances in metalworking technology and changes in marketplace expectations are making it possible for relatively small entrepreneurs to thrive in an industry where scale was once a virtual imperative. The growing popularity of “smart” products, for instance, has prompted some technology companies to make ventures into the manufacturing space, either by developing software to run the products, or by producing the machines and tools themselves.

This issue of INTERNATIONAL METALWORKING NEWS FOR ASIA is packed with articles that can serve as platforms for you to be one step ahead of the game. Take the time to look for ways to drive efficiencies in your business and across the supply chain. Who knows some of these articles can help boost your company’s productivity and open the door to new growth opportunities.

Sandvik Coromant- South & East Asia's Marketing Manger

Sandvik Coromant- South & East Asia's Marketing Manger Erica Lee gave some insights regarding the future's production facilities during International Metalworking News for Asia's annual outlook report published this month. Excerpts of the interview below:

We’re living in a time of rapid digitisation, where computers and robots are performing tasks once deemed science fiction. The technology shifts signal another industrial revolution, and even though we are still in its very early stages, the pace of change is accelerating.

The industry needs smarter, leaner and agile factories, where faster and reliable decision making and intelligent data stream management are prerequisites.

Aerospace segment is probably the only segment that still looking slightly good though some restructuring are seen to take place in the market place. Manufacturing labour force still have many challenges ahead. The ability to do catch up with manufacturing industry 4.0 is still far-fetched. But in order to be in the digital frontier, we need to be ready and get equipped.

As the Wall Street Journal explained in June 2013: “The new industrial revolution is a wave of technologies and ideas that are creating a computer-driven manufacturing environment that bears little resemblance to the gritty and grimy shop floors of the past.”

We are quickly moving from information technology to intelligent technology. Products in a factory will find their way independently through a production process, and a worn cutting tool insert will know when it’s time to be replaced by a fresh and ask an available robot to get a new one and make the change.

The technology can be used in basically all industries for increased sustainability, quality, safety, efficiency and profitability. The Internet of things is what will take your component through the entire production process and autonomously ensure that the manufacturing is performed flawlessly from start to end.

The industry needs smarter, leaner and agile factories, where faster and reliable decision making and intelligent data stream management are prerequisites. Additionally, a competence shift will be essential. To succeed, your staff will need to concentrate on innovative processes and smart product development rather than traditional tasks that are taken over by automation.

 Sandvik Coromant will continue to strengthen our operations and presence in different ASEAN countries. We have planned to further strengthen our position in this region with a strong conviction that this is one of the few regions globally that we could expect better than average growth in the coming years. In 2016, we will continue to drive ONE business idea which is to help our customers to be more competitive in their businesses by improving productivity and reducing downtime in their productions.

We believe that the ASEAN region will grow in 2016. We are aligning our Business Strategy with the expected growth in this region so that we can further strengthen our market position. Most importantly, this is to meet the increasing expectations of our customers and this is our promise!