Our machines are also equipped with smart features such as an eagle eye telematics system.

– Sandeep Mathur

Brand Leader – India & SAARC, CASE CE India

What are the latest technologies and digitization trends being witnessed in the construction equipment sector? How has advancements in technology like AI, connected equipment and tools, telematics, smartphone applications, autonomous heavy equipment, drones, robots, AR/VR impacted your equipment design in terms of increasing operational efficiency?

Digitalization is a huge trend across industry. Onset of the pandemic has further increased the reliance on digitization and online connectivity.

Currently, digitalization is bringing the fourth industrial revolution aka Industry 4.0 in the country. It is combining traditional manufacturing with digital tools to allow collaboration in real time. It is also bringing in the demand for more technologically sound products which offer greater productivity and efficiency. Moreover, owing to the pandemic, the construction industry saw a leap in technology and digital platforms thus making industry 4.0. a norm today. At CASE we took the same approach and hopped on the digital wagon by dealing with our customers, dealers and employees digitally. When adopted successfully, these measures, will create smart and intuitive products for the future with higher efficiency and productivity and low downtime.

Further with rapid technological developments being witnessed in every industry today, there is a gradual shift towards adopting advanced solutions such as automation, IoT, AI, AR/VR enabled solutions etc. Similarly in the construction sector as well, these technologies have created an upward shift, helping manufacturers and end users, both.

According to a report by McKinsey, by harnessing tools like IoT, AI and automation, processes will see 30 to 50% reduction in machine downtime; 15 – 30% improvement in labour productivity; 10 to 30% increase in throughput; and 10 to 20% decrease in the cost of quality.

At CASE, each of our products are loaded with features that focus on increased productivity and operational efficiency. Such as the CASE Intelligent Hydraulic System in the CX 220C Excavator which offers higher breakout forces, improved swing speeds and greater swing torque, resulting in faster cycle times and 5% increase in productivity.  Unique ‘Multi-radius moldboard design’ in the CASE Graders, a bigger pump for more flow and speed in Backhoe loaders, enhancements in engine power, torque and auxiliary hydraulics in the Skid Steers. FPT engine, which powers our equipment range, is a powerful and reliable engine that helps our machine deliver maximum performance with minimum fuel consumption in multiple construction and mining activities. Additionally, the Hydraulic system and quality of engines in our machine also help in achieving greater efficiency.

Further, our machines are also equipped with smart features such as an eagle eye telematics system which helps in monitoring the performance, security and efficiency of the machine in real-time. We also launched our SiteWatch platform as well with an all-new dashboard, more intuitive navigation. Additionally, our state-of-the-art plant at Pithampur, with exemplary automation and efficient processes, is a testament to this.

Globally, CASE has introduced a lot of futuristic product concepts which are loaded with advanced technological features like an Autonomous tractor concept which is a completely driverless, remotely controlled equipment which can increase a working day to a full 24 hours thereby increasing productivity.

Therefore, integration of latest technologies is eminent in order tocreatea positive impact on the industry and increase productivity as well as operational efficiency. For the same, we at CASE are continuously working towards incorporating all the modern technologies from time to time and integrating features that can help achieve maximum output in minimum time with less human intervention.

What kind of training initiatives has been adopted by you on the new technology and digitalization trends in the CE space?

Introduction of new technologies brings with itself a variety of challenges such as imparting the required skills among the existing workforce, dealers, operators, consumers etc.  Therefore, at CASE, we design equipment and processes keeping our people and their surroundings in mind.  We host training programs all around the year and conduct regular training sessions for our operators, dealers and other partners to keep them updated on latest developments. For the same, CASE India has dedicated training centres to host these training programs. We also have dedicated CASE manpower in product support team in each region specially to support our customers with regular training, ground check and maintenance. Even during the Pandemic, we continued to offer these trainings to our respective stakeholders via digital platforms to ensure continuity in business.

At CASE, we believe in incorporating practices that enable people and our endeavor is to introduce machines with a simple and easy-to-use interface along with all the latest features and tech.

What are the challenges, risk factors and possible new avenues in digitization and implementation of technology in construction equipment sector?

Overall, technology plays a crucial role in revolutionizing any industry. However,in order toadapt these new technologies, business across sectors need to take into consideration a variety of parameters and factors.

While we embrace new changes, we also need to address the challenges it brings with it. Lack of skills, abundance of labour, inadequate infrastructure and lack of training are a few key challenges that businesses face in India. Moreover, there is general apprehension among individuals, labour, companies as well as buyers to adapt any new technologies and incorporate any changes in the existing operations or the way of working.

Additionally, the cost of setting up advanced and sophisticated systems in the manufacturing plants and ensuring their security comes with its own hurdles. In a country like India, it’s difficult to predict the adoption of new technology. Unlike the west, we do have challenges in terms of adequate training and education to impart the necessary skills.

However, we’re positive that these challenges can be tackled with time, and we will be able to adapt all the latest technologies in the near future.

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