ACMA Centre for Technology Summit sees experts urge industry to embrace digitisation

The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), the apex body of the auto component industry in India, today hosted the third edition of ACT Summit in Pune. This year’s ACT Summit focused on the theme of ‘Digitising the Auto Component Industry in India- Creating Smart Factories’.

The summit was saw the presence of Anant Geete, Union Minister for Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, government of India; Tom Flack, president and chief procurement officer, Tata Motors; NK Minda, president, ACMA; Ram Venkatarmani, vice-president, ACMA and Srivats Ram, chairman, ACT. Coinciding with the Summit, the ACMA annual awards were presented, honouring excellence in auto component manufacturing.  

The ACMA Centre for Technology (ACT) Summit brought together national and international experts in the field of Industry 4.0, many of whom presented case studies on the advantages of automation and digitalisation.  An exhibition on innovations, coinciding with the Summit, showcased what lies beyond automation for the automotive industry.

With an aim to explore smart manufacturing solutions and digitisation in the industry, the event saw incisive sessions, addressed by distinguished industry luminaries, focusing on improving quality, keeping in mind the concern for environment and sustainability. In addition to this, winners of ACT fourth case study competition 2017 Gold Awards also shared their experiences.

Speaking on the occasion, chief guest Anant Geete, Minister for Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, government of India said, “I appreciate the unparalleled efforts put in by the ACMA Centre for Technology in facilitating adoption of international best practices in the auto component industry. I congratulate ACMA on its efforts to drive the industry forward in a responsible manner and assure that the government will extend full support to ACMA”.

Commenting on the digitisation drive, guest of honour, Tom Flack, president and chief procurement officer, Tata Motors, said, “The Indian automotive industry is going through a transformational period, especially in light of the concept of mobility undergoing a dramatic change. The auto component industry must welcome and embrace the digital revolution to stay competitive and relevant. The time has come the industry to graduate to Industry 4.0 for better predictability and proactively addressing customer requirements. Auto component suppliers need to become ‘full solution’ suppliers from being ‘build to print’ ”.

Speaking on the success of ACT and its role in nurturing the auto component industry, Nirmal Minda, president, ACMA said, “I would like to acknowledge the tremendous contribution of the ACMA Centre of Technology though its cluster programs in transforming companies to be globally competitive. Today, the auto industry is at inflection point as it endeavours to meet changing customer preferences and to be compliant with increasingly stricter regulatory norms. In order to stay relevant, the Indian auto component industry will have to adopt the latest manufacturing techniques and technologies. We at ACMA are committed to guide and support the industry in this phase of transition. Our annual ACMA awards presented today are a testimony to ACMA’s efforts in helping the industry become competitive. My heartiest congratulations to the winners.”

ACMA AWARDS FOR 2017
ACMA Awards, which are considered the most coveted recognition in the Indian auto component industry, were given to 57 companies, recognising their contribution in 13 categories.

Here is the full winners’ list.