‘Metrology domain is on the path of revival post pandemic’

Metrology sector has been witnessing certain ups and downs in the past couple of years, particularly due to the Covod-19 pandemic. While the sector is doing all it can to revive the market, the major metrology players have also pulled up their sleeves to change the sentiments within the technology users.

Being pioneers in promoting the technology, CNCTimes.com has taken the mantle of helping the sector’s revival. In an informal conversation with Bhalchandra Chorghade, Editor, CNCTimes.com, the Managing Director of QVI India Pvt Ltd, Mr. Shreyansh Hippargi shares his thoughts about the metrology sector and the measures needed to be taken for its revival, post-pandemic.

The Excerpts:

Q. How is the metrology sector doing, particularly after the pandemic?

A. Metrology sector is now reviving post covid pandemic. We are seeing growth in almost all the sectors. Manufacturing sector is particularly important for the growth of metrology domain, and we are experiencing good growth. However, we need to watch how the Ukraine war evolves in the coming days.Q. What are the current challenges being faced by the industry? How is it coping up with the same?

A. The major challenge we are facing is shortage of semi-conductor chips which is an important part in our video measuring machines. The supply chain had been completely disrupted and we have been witnessing how the automotive sector is facing the chip shortage. We are working continuously to improve the supplies and hope to streamline the supplies in couple of months. Apart from that, the rising raw material cost is also a major concern. We are trying to minimize the burden of this cost on our customers.

Q. What are your expectations from the industry?

A. FY 22-23 looks good as the manufacturing sector is set on the growth path, after almost 2 years of pandemic situation. We have seen initial trends in growth in almost all the sectors, which makes us believe in strong growth this fiscal.

Q. What are the current sentiments as regards advancements in the technology?

A. In the past few years or may be a decade, we have seen lot of developments in technology in the metrology segment. Speaking of our product line – video measuring machines (VMM) we have seen state-of-the-art multi-sensor VMM systems being developed. Customers can now have the flexibility of using multiple sensors like camera, touch probe & laser on a single machine, thereby covering all the major features in one set-up, reducing inspection time and improving the efficiency. All this without compromising on the accuracy of the system.

Q. Do you think that the developments in the sector are enough to meet the demands from the market?

A. There are always new challenges thrown by the market, and we as a manufacturer try to see this as an opportunity to help customers overcome the challenge thereby creating a win-win situation. There is a lot of scope for development in order to meet the demands from the market, and the metrology sector is constantly evolving.

Q. Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India campaigns are the talk of the town. What are your views on the same, particularly as regards metrology sector?

A. Our hon’ble Prime Minister has given a call for Atmanirbhar Bharat. Under this, the government has given special incentives to various manufacturing sectors like energy, electric vehicles, textiles, electronics, and now semi-conductors. I believe these steps will boost investment in these sectors, which we are already seeing in some areas. It will create thousands of jobs across India & more importantly it will boost our economy. All this will definitely augur well for metrology sector.

Q. Do you think that Indian manufacturers are capable to match their global counterparts?

A. We have already seen IT sector doing that. They have in fact overtaken their global counterparts. I believe manufacturing sector is also on the path to achieve that. With right support from the government, I am sure our manufacturers will be at par or dare I say, may outperform their global counterparts. In some of the sectors like Automotive, Aerospace we are already seeing that happening. I am sure we will see that in other sectors as well.

Q. Any other point you would like to stress upon?

A. We hope that the government provides a favourable & friendly environment for the manufacturing sector, which is the backbone of any economy. It creates thousands of jobs. Once our youths have the jobs, we can see the positive change in our economy.