Flex Develops and Implement Innovative Manufacturing Processes

Flex is the manufacturing partner of choice that helps a diverse customer base design and build products that improve the world. 

During an interaction with Vidushi, Sekaran Letchumanan, VP, Operations, India, Flex discusses the transformative impact of 5G in India’s Industry 4.0, data security in smart manufacturing, and leveraging emerging technologies for competitiveness.

Could you elaborate on the role of 5G technology in developing Industry 4.0 in India?

5G technology holds the promise of a significant transformation within India’s manufacturing sector. It has the capacity to facilitate real-time data processing and analysis, as well as support automation, robotics, and remote work, all of which contribute to heightened efficiency, cost reduction, and enhanced safety measures. 5G is poised to equip manufacturers with the tools required to compete effectively in the global marketplace.

For example, 5G can be harnessed to connect sensors and machinery within manufacturing facilities, enabling instantaneous data collection and analysis. This data can be leveraged to enhance production processes and pre-empt potential issues. Furthermore, 5G can empower the operation of robots and automated factory systems, thereby increasing productivity and reducing operational expenses.

Many of our sites use digitization and smart metering to quantify, analyze, and mitigate the environmental impacts of operations. Flex Fuyong site in China installed smart power meters and a digitized network to develop an energy management platform which provides real-time energy use data of manufacturing processes and historical consumption trends. The I4.0 technologies and IT infrastructure help the team tap into data for better informed decisions about future energy management solutions and practices.

Thus, the transformative potential of 5G technology stands to empower manufacturers to thrive on the global stage, fostering a dynamic and competitive industry landscape.