Rising automation increases need for testing and measurement equipment

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Rising automation increases need for testing and measurement equipment

Rising automation increases need for testing and measurement equipment

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Aug 29,24

In this interview, Manish Dixit, Sales Director – Instrumentation, ABB India, elaborates on factors contributing to the growth of T&M sector and the company's plans to tap opportunities in the sector.

Rising automation increases need for testing and measurement equipment

With industries seeking advanced equipment to meet regulatory requirements and support their sustainability initiatives, the testing and measurement (T&M) sector is witnessing strong growth. In this interview, Manish Dixit, Sales Director – Instrumentation, ABB India, elaborates on factors contributing to the growth of T&M sector and the company's plans to tap opportunities in the sector.

Kindly brief us about ABB Measurement & Analytics' operations in India.

The Measurement & Analytics Division has three key business areas – Instrumentation, Analytical, and Force Measurement Products & Solutions. With over a century of experience serving customers worldwide, we have had a presence in India for several decades. ABB features a newly established Smart Instrumentation Factory and a specialised System Integration Unit for analytical measurement solutions in India. These facilities are crucial in delivering advanced products and solutions, specifically designed for energy sectors. Our products are integral to optimising process industries by providing accurate measurements for parameters such as flow, pressure, level, and temperature. Additionally, our smart positioners enhance precision in process control.

ABB solutions are pivotal in managing emissions and ensuring product quality with advanced gas and liquid analytical measurement technologies. We also support utilities in managing water resources through precise measurements of quantity and quality. Our technologies extend to diverse applications, including deep-sea exploration and greenhouse gas measurement for space missions. Globally, we operate 15 factories and system integration units, with the Bengaluru facility playing a critical role in our operations in India.

How is increasing awareness about pollution control in industries leading to growth in demand for testing and measurement equipment?

As the focus on pollution control and sustainability has intensified in India, industries are increasingly recognising the critical importance of managing effluents and emissions. The evolving regulations have had a positive impact on the measurement and analytical business. Industries are now more aware of the need for precise measurement of various parameters that were previously neglected. As a result, there is a growing commitment to achieving sustainability goals, with companies allocating appropriate budgets to address environmental challenges.

This shift has driven substantial growth in the testing and measurement sector, as businesses seek advanced equipment to meet regulatory requirements and support their sustainability initiatives. At ABB, sustainability is central to our development efforts in the measurement and analytics portfolio, reflecting our commitment to supporting industries in their environmental and regulatory compliance goals.

Recently, ABB’s AquaMaster celebrated 20 years in India. What new things can we expect from ABB Measurement & Analytics in the coming months?

ABB has supplied the AquaMaster to 15 cities spread across 8 states in India. As our flagship water flow measurement device, AquaMaster has revolutionised water flow measurement in distribution networks. Notably, it was the world's first battery-powered flow meter, and in India, it has proven instrumental in reducing non-revenue water (NRW) by supporting leak detection with its highly accurate low flow and integrated pressure measurement capabilities. Now in its fourth generation, AquaMaster features bidirectional remote communication capabilities via 4G mobile networks. This advancement is set to significantly enhance productivity by allowing utilities to manage measurement data centrally and oversee field assets remotely.

Looking ahead, we are committed to further advancing our water measurement solutions. We are engaged in exciting developmental efforts that will contribute to the circular water economy and bolster our position in this sector.

What is the effect of digitalisation/automation on the T&M equipment industry?

Testing & measuring equipment is the backbone of any effort towards digitalization and automation. As digitalization and automation aspirations grow, the need for advanced T&M equipment has risen, prompting more research and development in the industry. This has led to the creation of equipment that supports both wired and wireless digital networks, enabling data to be accessed centrally and remotely at any time. Consequently, this accessibility has facilitated data analytics and AI-driven solutions, enhanced process efficiency and improving asset management.

Digitalization, automation, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics are at the forefront of this transformation. These advancements are not only reshaping various industries but also driving increased efficiency and fostering innovation.

What are factors contributing to the growth of ABB Measurement & Analytics business in India?

ABB has adeptly met the evolving measurement needs of the market with its extensive portfolio of measurement and analytical solutions. In the intricate landscape of process industries, which involves numerous measurement points across plants, ABB provides precision instruments renowned for their exceptional repeatability. Our focus has been on delivering solutions that are both globally proven and well-suited to local requirements. To support this goal, we are strategically investing in our manufacturing and system integration capabilities in India. Our substantial user base in India not only supports our solutions but also helps expand our business by sharing positive feedback with industry peers. Given the promising future forecasts for our target segments and our strong portfolio of solutions, we are confident in the robust growth prospects for our business in India.

What are your growth plans for ABB Measurement & Analytics in India?

ABB views India as a crucial growth market with enormous potential. The company is dedicated to attaining substantial growth in the upcoming years and plans to make significant investments in water, sanitation, infrastructure, and emissions monitoring projects. The recent launch of our smart instrumentation factory in Bangalore is just the start of ABB's ambitious strategy for India.

To leverage local expertise, ABB is also focused on expanding its R&D efforts in India. The company sees India not just as a market for its products and solutions but as a center for innovation and export. With its focus on digitisation, sustainability, and smart manufacturing, ABB is positioned to be a major participant in India's industrial advancement as it gets ready for the next five years.