At a recent panel discussion hosted by CyberMedia Research and Schneider Electric, on the platform of Xcelerate 2024 – Chandigarh, experts from the tech and manufacturing sectors gathered to explore how integrated IT solutions are essential for business growth in India. The event, moderated by Shubendu Parth, Editor of Voice & Data at CyberMedia, brought together thought leaders to address pressing challenges related to digital transformation, security, and manufacturing automation.

The panel included Joseph Jude, CTO of Net Solutions, Sandeep Pandita, CIO of Hero Steels, Tarun Malhotra, Founder and MD of Cyber Cops, and Rahul Bisen, GM and Channel Lead North at Schneider Electric. Their insights shed light on how companies can successfully implement integrated IT infrastructure to enhance growth and drive innovation.

The Evolution of Digital Transformation

Kicking off the discussion, Joseph Jude laid the foundation for understanding digital transformation. He explained how it extends beyond just technology adoption to fundamentally changing business models. “Digital transformation is not just about implementing technology for technology’s sake,” said Jude. “It must drive an improvement in the business model, whether that’s in terms of profit, market share, or operational efficiency. Otherwise, it’s just technology for the sake of technology.”

Jude also emphasized that digital transformation requires a strategic approach, incorporating the interplay between humans, machines, and physical spaces. “The next step in this transformation is making everything mobile and connected. Today, you don’t need to be in front of a desktop to engage in e-commerce—you can walk by a store and be offered a discount through your mobile device. That’s what digital transformation means in a real-world scenario,” he added.

Digitizing Manufacturing: Efficiency Through Automation

The discussion then moved to the manufacturing sector, where Sandeep Pandita from Hero Steels provided valuable insights on how digital tools are reshaping the industry. Pandita explained that digitizing processes like preventive maintenance and real-time production monitoring can significantly reduce costs and improve efficiency.

“In manufacturing, digitization means automating manual processes, integrating systems like ERP or SAP, and using sensor data to optimize machine performance,” said Pandita. “For example, sensors can alert us to any abnormalities in machine vibrations or temperature, allowing us to plan preventive maintenance in advance and reduce downtime.”

Pandita further elaborated on how digital solutions are now being applied to logistics and supply chain management within the manufacturing sector. “We now have access to real-time data that helps us compare planned versus actual production figures, which enables more accurate forecasting and resource management.”

The Imperative of Cybersecurity and Compliance

As businesses increasingly rely on digital infrastructure, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. Tarun Malhotra, Founder and MD of Cyber Cops, highlighted the risks SMBs face in a connected world. “Data is the new oil, and losing that data can cripple a business,” Malhotra warned. He stressed the need for organizations to adopt robust cybersecurity practices to protect sensitive data and ensure business continuity.

Malhotra pointed out that India’s regulatory environment is also catching up, with the new Data Protection Act (DPDP Act) aiming to safeguard Indian citizens’ data. “The DPDP Act will soon be in place to protect citizen information from being misused by social media platforms and other data aggregators,” he said.

In addition to government regulations, Malhotra advised businesses to foster a cybersecurity culture within their organizations. “Cybersecurity is not just a technical challenge; it’s a cultural one. Companies need to train employees to recognize threats like phishing and spoof emails. Awareness and strong policies are key to preventing data breaches.”

Building a Strong IT Infrastructure for Business Growth

Concluding the discussion, Rahul Bisen from Schneider Electric outlined the key factors businesses must consider when choosing IT infrastructure solutions. He presented a framework called “SERR,” which stands for Scalability, Efficiency, Reliability, and Robustness. “Any solution you choose must be scalable to meet your growing business needs, efficient in terms of energy use and performance, reliable to minimize downtime, and robust enough to handle future challenges,” Bisen explained.

He emphasized that aligning IT investments with business objectives is essential for long-term success. “It’s not just about purchasing the latest technology. You need to ensure that it aligns with your business goals and delivers a return on investment. That’s how you drive growth,” Bisen said.

Pandita added to this, stressing the importance of evaluating service partners when embarking on a digital transformation journey. “Digitizing your operations is not just about automating everything at once. Choose specific processes to digitize and evaluate your service partners carefully, ensuring they meet your security and service level agreements (SLAs). That way, you can see real ROI and avoid common pitfalls.”

The Path Forward for Indian Businesses

The event concluded with a clear message: businesses in India must adopt integrated IT solutions to stay competitive in the global market. Digital transformation, manufacturing automation, and cybersecurity are critical components for driving growth, and companies must invest wisely in technology that not only solves current challenges but also prepares them for future opportunities.

By fostering a culture of innovation, focusing on efficiency, and securing their digital assets, Indian businesses can position themselves for sustained success in an increasingly digital world. As Jude aptly put it, “Digital transformation is about more than just technology; it’s about reimagining how you do business.”

Watch the full session here: https://youtu.be/H01A1xBYREk