Avinash Pandey, Content Writer at CNCTimes.com in conversation with Mr Jitendrakumar Kataria, Managing Director, Beckhoff Automation Pvt. Ltd.

Please let us know about Beckhoff?

Beckhoff is well known for its PC based control. We believe in open automation technology, and with the same we enable our customers to make world-class machines. We are known for innovation in the Automation world and have been developing a lot of innovative products viz. EtherCAT technology, extended Transport System, etc. Recently we showcased how TwinCAT Vision can change the way Automation can be done in future.

Also with our PC based platform, we provide the right platform from Automation side for the Industry 4.0 or IoT.

How do you find the market in India?

When we commenced our operations in India, ten years back, the market was challenging.  Beckhoff promoted PC based control technology in the Indian market as we were one doing the same as one of the leading companies where innovation is done. In the CNC industry, Beckhoff has developed a CNC platform which enables customers to develop customised machines for their application so that they can customise the solution as per the application requirements to make it user-friendly.

How do you see the customer behaviour in India as compared to the foreign clients?

I think the value for money is very important for doing business in India. The customer in India over the years have understood that low cost is not the only factor which has to be the deciding factor for doing the business. Beckhoff being a German company, we give the right value proposition with our products. Beckhoff is an open system platform where we provide our customers with the right platform where they can develop the things as per their requirement and develop their USP. This gives them an edge over their competition.

How do you see Engimach 2017 for your business?

Engimach is a fantastic show, and we are participating in this exhibition regularly. Engimach has developed a lot. It is a very important show for the Gujarat region, and over the years, we have been successful in developing a lot of OEM customers. Our customers appreciate our products so certainly this show has always helped us for many years, and I am pretty sure that we will get more new clients from this year's show as well.

Do you think that Indian market is price sensitive?

Every market is price sensitive, but if you give the right value proposition for the price, then they go for it.

What’s your take on industry 4.0 and IoT?

In Industry 4.0 there is no thumb rule.  Important for every industry is to find the value addition which this Industry 4.0 concept brings to them, derive the parameters required for the same from the assets installed and do backward integration on the shop floor for the same. Also while doing so, we have also to enable the infrastructure to do more for the future requirements. 

While procuring the new equipment/machines, this concept of Industry 4.0 has to be thought of, and the required connectivity has to be demanded from the machine supplier to enable Industry 4.0.

Do you think that Indian industry is ready to acquire these technologies?

A lot of things are already happening, and I would say many projects were started way before when the Industry 4.0 was published. The Indian economy has been built with a lot of small and middle scale industries, so it will take some time for these companies to adopt it.All the big companies are already doing a lot of things and India is always known for IT, so knowledge for IOT and Industry 4.0 is already there. One must think that what benefit they must derive from it.

Are you launching any product at Engimach 2017?

This year we are coming with Process Automation products viz. intrinsic safe Input Output modules, Control Panels for Zone 2 application etc. Also, we are showcasing products for Measurement Technology.

TwinCAT Vision is a new software product developed by Beckhoff which will help in integrating Machine Vision in the automation technology.

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