Q. What has been the biggest takeaway for the manufacturing industry in 2021?
The last year has witnessed a mix of highs and lows, bringing some amount of uncertainty to industries across the globe. For core sectors like manufacturing, like others, the year began with optimism that was dimmed by the second wave and subsequent challenges in supply side constraints, cost imbalances and management hindrances. Now, recovering from a trough with a firm eye on building a profitable tomorrow, businesses are ensuring efficiency in operations by paying more attention to equipment health and maintenance. The pandemic has also taught us the importance of achieving efficient production for better productivity and profitability by encouraging innovation in digitalization and smart machine maintenance. For instance, in the past year, businesses have focussed more on digitalising their core operations, bringing remote surveillance and transitioning towards adopting an Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Overall, it has been a year of accepting change and shedding past inertia for a final leap into Industry 4.0.
Q. There is great demand for innovation in supporting sectors like the lubrication sector to improve delivery for customers in the manufacturing business. How is MobilTM Lubricants approaching 2022?
Stepping into 2022, businesses are cautious but also optimistic. JP Morgan’s Outlook Report suggests full global economic recovery by 2022 and for us, this is a strong motivator. MobilTM Lubricants comes with a century long history of pioneering innovative solutions for machine maintenance and forming superior service partnerships. With upgradation of technology and modern-day machinery, we are catering to the increasing demand for specialty products and services that can provide an array of benefits. We have been closely studying and catering to industry trends among manufacturers in opting for smarter monitoring solutions, thorough oil monitoring and analysis, and overall superior servicing. In the past year, our remote services under Mobil ServSM Lubricant Analysis (MSLA) program have assisted manufacturers in evolving their core practices for better efficiency and productivity. In 2022 too, manufacturers are expected to continue their acceleration towards adopting digitalization and AI/ML. Duly, we will remain focused on bringing newer remote tools to assist manufacturers. Simultaneously, in terms of ensuring better productivity and profitability, we will continue to guide manufacturers with the most advanced solutions and correct service support that can guarantee performance along with longevity.
Q. What role will the digital switch play in making manufacturing industries more efficient?
In India’s competitive market and for its diverse demography, manufacturing activities need efficiency and continuity to satisfy existing demands and propel growth. To evolve as a competitive industry leader, improvising on digital service maintenance application for real-time monitoring, pin-point accuracy in measurement and precise predictive analytics is key. Further, interpretation of data has been a challenge, preventing manufacturing firms from appropriately implementing industry recommendations to optimize performance. Here, digitalization and adopting AI/ML in core practices can play a decisive role.
Digitalization, especially in monitoring equipment health and performance, can significantly cut down costs of oil replacement and improve profit margins for manufacturers. Thus, for greater growth, better performance and longer equipment life, making the digital switch is essential. The era of Industry 4.0 is here and now, and manufacturing businesses must make the digital leap to remain relevant.
Q. What are some specific solutions by Mobil that are assisting manufacturers adopt to evolving industry needs?
Keeping with evolving demands, our product and service profiles have been significantly widened to accommodate diverse consumer requirements. For instance, the Mobil Serv Lubricant Analysis (MSLA) program combines services that provide reports, analyses and solutions to guide manufacturing professionals in making the most effective business decisions. Our latest offering – Mobil ServSM IIoT Insights – is proving to be a game-changer in integrating automation with manufacturing efficiency. This platform is bringing special benefits with AI/ML, automated monitoring and precise analysis that directly benefit machine performance and manufacturing efficiency.
Mobil’s product solutions have been pioneering innovation in machine lubrication for over a century. The Mobil Delvac ModernTM 15W-40 Super Fleet is an extra high performance synthetic technology diesel engine oil that provides excellent engine performance to both on highway and off highway diesel engines. It offers up to 60%* more wear protection than API CI-4 PLUS standards thus reducing engine maintenance cost along with long oil drain interval. Similarly, Mobil VelociteTM Numbered Series has been primarily designed for lubrication of high-speed spindles in machine tools. These oils have high oxidation resistance that help reduce critical deposit formation, resulting in improved oil life. Further, the Mobilgrease XHP™ 222 greases have been designed to outperform conventional products by applying cutting edge, proprietary, lithium complex manufacturing technology. Mobil’s diverse array of products and services together aim to enhance productivity and profitability for Indian manufacturing businesses.
Q. What are your expectations from the Indian market?
The Indian economy is steadily getting back on track and 2022 is expected to witness a 9.1% year-on-year growth in GDP, as Goldman Sachs reports. The country’s industries are preparing to ride this positive tide of growth and profitability. At Mobil, we are optimistic about utilising these positive trends to bring the best technology to industries in the country. India is the third-largest lubricant market in the world and naturally we are always keen to introduce our finest array of products and services here. Simultaneously, today there is great demand in the country’s manufacturing sector for digitalisation of core practices – this brings new opportunities for us to further innovate and drive technology advancement in the country.
* Based on Cummins M11 EGR/Cummins
ISM engine test
For more information, Website: www.mobil.in/business
(Exxon Mobil Corporation has numerous affiliates, many with names that include ExxonMobil, Exxon, Esso and Mobil. For convenience and simplicity, those terms and references to “corporation”, “company”, “ExxonMobil”, “EM”, and other similar terms are used for convenience & may refer to one or more specific affiliates or affiliate groups.)
