Indore: India is at the cusp of fourth industrial revolution, that is, making auto machines that do mental and physical jobs. The first three industrial revolutions pertained to harnessing power of steam, electricity and computing. Sanjay Kirloskar, chairman and managing director of Kirloskar Brothers Ltd, stated this at the inaugural session of 28th international management conclave organised by Indore Management Association on Friday.
He spoke in detail on how advanced technologies are disrupting existing businesses and how Indian government and industry should cope with the challenges. Stating that Uber, Oyo have disrupted traditional businesses using advanced technologies, he said companies like Apple and Microsoft have shifted their focus on service sector and cloud computing respectively because of technological advancement and competition from China. “Data is the new tool to win the race,” he remarked.
He cited example of Kirloskar’s 107-year old plant that makes pumps. “We use 3-D mapping by using our data to design new pump. Such measures displace 40 people. Therefore, we need skill upgradation to survive,” he added. Commending Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s measures including demonitisation, GST and Digital India, Kirloskar said union government should create level playing field so that people get opportunity to bag government contracts.