Tata Hitachi: Sandeep Singh, Managing Director
Technologies like IoT, telematics and mobility solutions have become a standard at Tata Hitachi.
One of our key approaches towards productivity enhancement has been through technology integration in our products, with focus on safety, efficiency, operator comfort, and remote connectivity.
Our digital connect platform e-DOST is providing a seamless digital experience to our customers in the new reality where physical meetings are restricted. Using this platform, they can transact sales as well as meet their after-sales requirements virtually. With our two proprietary technologies ConSite and InSite, they can remotely monitor their machines. Regular reports on the machines’ performance and productivity will help them keep track of the operations and the machines’ health status for pre-emptive maintenance.
Use of IOT in our equipment along with Fleet Management systems is having a marked impact on productivity at infrastructure project sites, while automation in our factory is enhancing production efficiencies and throughput time.
We are in the process of transitioning to CEV4 emission norms and have set a target to reduce 20% carbon footprint by FY 22-23.
Our Shinrai Prime backhoe loader has migrated to BSIV, and all our other equipment are also set to transition to the new standard.
We have adhered to all the safety parameters in the design of our machines and have used high quality materials to build robust structures. The cabs in our machines have superior safety with cabin protection, seating comfort, and ergonomic layout of controls. In fact, an operator-friendly and ergonomic design in the interiors is a key differentiator in Tata Hitachi products.
We were the first in India to showcase Hitachi Construction Machinery’s (HCM) advanced hybrid excavators and electrical mini excavators. Hitachi is also a pioneer in introducing AC Drive large hydraulic excavators and mining dump trucks.
In fact, all our equipment is built to high standards of strength and durability. The machines undergo stringent testing and validation as per our parent HCM’s standards and cutting-edge research and technology.
We are fully geared to support our customers through our wide network of dealers, numerous touchpoints and warehouses, Field Diagnostic Vehicles, and digital communication platform e-DOST.
Due to the durability and reliability of our machines, which are equipped with a self-diagnosis system, our customers face less machine downtime, and their longer service intervals reduces operating costs, while enhancing the machines’ user-friendliness.
Our customers can reach us through 200 touchpoints, 49 domestic dealers and three international dealers. We have set up a central call centre for support-related issues, and have instituted multiple digital communication channels, including our in-house platform e-DOST. Customer queries are forwarded to the nearest dealer and monitored by us till closure.
Our service engineers undertake regular inspection of our customers’ machine (especially for out-of-warranty equipment), to check and recommend necessary repairs and replacement of parts. This pre-empts and minimises machine breakdown.
Our Field Diagnostic Vehicles (FDVs) reach customer sites for diagnosis and service in quick time. Through our dealer partners, we have started a mobile van service for quick overhaul and repair of machines. Parts are supplied on time through Tata Hitachi warehouses and our dealer warehouses by local transport or courier; though orders can be placed on our online portal as well for quick despatch to project sites.
In fact, we have ensured robust after-sales support and services, including faster spare parts supply to customers even during the lockdown. Our 1000 service technicians equipped with PPE and safety kits were always prepared to go on the field. In locations where travel restrictions were in force, they guided the customers on troubleshooting over video calls.
Our Reman Center give customers competitively priced parts and ensures quick stock availability to reduce machine downtime.
Operational since June 2018, our Reman Centre plays a crucial role in ensuring stock availability of re-manufactured components at a dealer or warehouse nearest to the customer.
The components re-manufactured include hydraulic aggregates and engines for our Zaxis series models. Reman components give customers competitively priced parts and at almost the same level of functionality as new aggregates.
Rental and Leasing of equipment is a boon for contractors facing liquidity and under pressure to complete projects.
The rental/leasing model can enhance the pace of construction activity by offering economies of scale, application-specific equipment for projects, and timely deployment of location- and job-specific equipment at sites to help meet project timelines.
CE rentals reduce the financial burden on contractors and enable easy availability of equipment for their projects. Our pilot rental wing is currently catering to a select group of customers.
We expect 10% growth of the CE industry this year against the earlier estimate of 15%, provided we can manage future pandemic waves effectively.
Last fiscal, the CE Industry witnessed a recovery in H2 driven by increased government spending on infrastructure, despite a nation-wide lockdown imposed in Q1, FY21. The 2nd wave of Covid-19 this year has been more severe; it has led to stalled business operations across sectors, including the construction equipment industry.
With the second wave receding from most parts of the country, we expect demand in the construction equipment sector to see some revival in H2, FY22 as supply chains get restored and free movement of goods and people across borders. The vaccination drives would also make the working conditions safe at project sites.
Demand will be bolstered by government investment in projects like Roads and Highways, Metro Rails, AMRUT, Jal Jeevan Mission, etc. In the mining sector, coal mine overburden contracts awarded last year will push production. Demand is also expected to accrue from Coal India’s accelerated investment in coal production, and from the iron ore mines auctioned in March 2020, which are starting to operationalise. Demand is forthcoming from limestone mining as cement companies modernise their construction fleet to prepare for future infra development projects.
The CE Industry Vision Plan 2030 released by Shri. Nitin Gadkari, envisions the Industry to grow three-fold by 2030, backed by strong infrastructure demand drivers.
It is therefore essential that the CE Industry continues to evolve and invest in new products and R&D to support key infrastructure projects such as the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP). Vision Plan 2030 also recommends a Technology Road Map, which will be evolved jointly with the Government.
The current uncertainty has set us back in terms of disruption in supply chains because of oxygen shortages, restrictions in movement, and supplier workforce issues. The spiralling cost of steel and other critical commodities have posed additional challenges. We are making representations to the Government on these issues and have also asked for a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme which will ensure a level playing field for the Indian CE Industry when competing with global brands.
At Tata Hitachi, there has been a shift to digital channels to connect with employees, customers, and other stakeholders.
We have put in place SOPs for prevention, early detection, and control of Covid-19 across all our manufacturing facilities, warehouses, sales and service offices, FMC sites, and training centres. A quarantine facility has been created for outstation employees before resuming regular work. A taskforce has been constituted to ensure the best medical care for employees affected by the virus.
Our HR team has been organizing virtual training for employees while the senior management has been apprising them of the prevailing market situation and assuring them of full care and support. We are offering work from home option and free doctor consultation to employees as well as their families, apart from assistance in accessing oxygen concentrators and beds in hospitals.
NBM&CW July 2021
