IIT-M launches cell to study industry operations

This service is being offered completely free of cost with assessments being done by research scholars, postgraduate and undergraduate students under faculty supervision.

The IEAC has already completed seven detailed assessments and 24 Walk-Through Assessments between January and July 2019 and has provided technological solutions that will help each industry obtain project savings between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 1 crore, if implemented.

A couple of firms had already implemented the suggestions and accrued savings to the tune of Rs 20 lakh. The assessments were across sectors such as biscuit manufacturing, textile manufacturing and elevator manufacturers.

IIT Madras hopes to help establish similar cells in institutes of national importance such as other IITs and National Institutes of Technology (NITs), which can help industries in their respective regions. Establishment of IEACs is proposed to enable a structured, accountable and ongoing approach towards energy and safety in manufacturing.

Prof Mahesh V. Panchagnula, Dean (International and Alumni Relations), IIT Madras, said, “This is an interdisciplinary effort with faculty from different engineering departments and economics involved.”

Explaining other collateral possibilities through this initiative, he said, “When more assessments are performed, this initiative will enable us to assess the potential for implementing cutting-edge data science and AI technologies for manufacturing excellence in SMEs (Small and medium-sized enterprises) in the near future.”

The team will visit the plant site for a day and study electricity, gas/oil, air/steam (if applicable) and other streams as well and discuss plant operation with top management personnel. It will also set up online sensors to log real-time data and energy and waste streams will be analysed. The findings will then be quantified, and typical issues related to this class of plants listed.

A final report will be sent within six weeks of the visit with follow-up done eight weeks and six months after receipt of report.