Since time immemorial, technology innovations have shaped the evolution of human societies and driven the growth of civilization. Today, automation has gained similar importance in the business ecosystem with the increase in demand of consumer products due to globalization and organizations’ requirement of larger output in lesser time. The world is witnessing the growth of automation in each and every sphere of business, improving efficiency, productivity and quality while reducing operational costs.
Automation has become a global phenomenon occurring across regions and industries, according to a McKinsey’s report, 66 percent of organizations are adopting automation in one or more manufacturing units. Moreover, nearly half of the companies that have not begun to automate will plan to do so within the following year.
The global industrial automation market currently is valued at $205 Billion and projected to reach $395 Billion by 2029, at a CAGR of close to 10 percent. In India, automation has become increasingly popular in recent times due to the country’s robust manufacturing industry and highly skilled workforce. The Indian government has also been actively promoting industrial automation as part of its "Make-in-India" campaign, which aims to make the country a global manufacturing hub. The government has introduced a number of initiatives to encourage companies to invest in plant automation technologies.
As the country gears up to become a major player in the global manufacturing industry with automation systems, Ditap-V Automation is one of the leading companies enabling this change. It provides the Centralized Control Systems i.e. PLC, DCS & SCADA and total plant Electricals, Instrumentation, Control & IIOT Solutions for all types of process plants with 24/7 support to all customers. Ditap-V is now Honeywell’s largest system integrator in the Asia - Pacific region. Today, more than 60 percent Ethanol & Co-generations projects coming up in India are under execution by Ditap-V for turnkey E&IC Solution.
Moreover, the company has comprehensive experience with process industries like Food & Beverage, Dairy, Sugar, Edible Oil, Specialty Chemical, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, API & Bulk Drugs, Oil &Gas and petrochemical. The MD, CM Kariappa states that, “To provide the efficient, effective plant automation, it is very essential to understand the processes of the plants”. With more than three decades of industry experience, Ditap-V Automation has proven track records of expertise in designing & implementing turnkey E&IC Solutions for all types of process industries around the globe. Ditap-V automation has a 50:50 Export: Local Business ratio.
Benefits of automation
The advantages of Automation are very well known to the industry, however with new technological advancements the application and
benefits of automation have improved dramatically. Here are some of the noteworthy benefits of automation expressed by process industries.
High Productivity & Efficiency:
Automation can significantly increase productivity by carrying out tasks faster and more efficiently than humans. Increased efficiency also leads to reduced industrial waste & effluent generation and thus to increased sustainability.
High Flexibility:
Adding a new task in the manufacturing line requires training with a human operator, however, systems can be configured to do any new task instantly. This allows companies to adapt quickly to changes in production demands.
High & Consistent Quality:
Automated systems can ensure consistent quality in manufacturing processes. They can detect defects, measure tolerances and adjust to ensure products meet the exact specifications.
High Safety:
Automation can eliminate or reduce the need for humans to perform hazardous tasks. This minimizes the risk of workplace accidents and injuries.
Data Collection & Analysis:
Automation systems can collect Key Production Information (KPI) and other numerous parameters to provide real-time analytics that help companies make better decisions and optimize production.
Breaking New Ground
The MD, CM Kariappa states that “Since the time I started studying engineering up to now, the manufacturing industry continues to teach me and inspire me to provide impactful engineering solutions to the pressing problems prevailing in the industry. This ideology led Ditap-V to start a venture company called TOPSE Process Solutions in the year of 2016. TOPSE provides EPC solutions for Turnkey Heating Cooling Skids and Pervaporation Systems. TOPSE works exclusively with Specialty chemicals, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology and API Plants”. Topse process solutions has completed more than 75 Projects in the above industries and has a team of more than 100 engineers. Topse Process Solutions invests heavily in research and development and has two Pilots plants to test new process technologies and help clients with their development activities.
Also, Ditap-V has already developed and installed IIOT and Industry 4.0 at several plants and is ahead of its competitors by margin. The MD, CM Kariappa states that “We have developed and commissioned Industry 4.0 & IIOT Solutions with our in-house team. We have the install base at top Pharmaceutical, specialty chemical and dairy Companies in India. Additionally, we are currently in the works of AI integration in DCS automation systems”.
Future Prospects
Rapid change is never easy to come to terms with. Back then, it was the beginnings of the industrial revolution that caused unease. In the decades and centuries that have followed, the speed of technological change has rapidly gathered pace, transforming manufacturing beyond recognition. We’re now in the midst of the fourth industrial revolution – or 'Industry 4.0' – and today’s factory production lines bristle with automated control systems and advance analytical software’s.
The company presently has 30,000 sq.ft. of modern manufacturing facility complying with all international manufacturing standards. The second manufacturing unit of 1 Lakh sq.ft. is under construction to meet the increasing demands of industries. The company has a very strong ethos of relationship commitments with their customers. The Director, Raju Kariappa states that, “All our customers are our strength in the growth of our company. We continue to support our customer for the total life cycle of the plant. Many of our customers work with us like it’s the extension of their automation department. We at Ditap-V are grateful to work in this industry and we are intrigued with the limitless potential of innovation which will enable us to help customers build their perfect manufacturing plant”.