NEW DELHI: Maruti Suzuki India Limited (“Maruti Suzuki”) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (“MoA”) with the Transport Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh, for set up and maintenance of 4 Automated Driving Test Tracks (“ADTTs”) across the state under the Company’s CSR initiative.

The ADTTs will be set up at four Regional Transport Office (RTO) locations in the state, namely Eluru, Ongole, Vizianagaram, and Anakapalli. Under the MoA, Maruti Suzuki will automate and maintain these driving test tracks for a period of 3 years from the date of commissioning.

The ADTTs will be equipped with high-definition cameras, RFID sensors, real-time analytics, and an integrated IT system to enable a technology-enabled, standardized, and objective driving license testing process. With zero human intervention, the ADTTs are aimed at making license testing more comprehensive, efficient, and transparent. The rigorous and standardized evaluation process is designed to assess candidates according to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR). Test results are also automatically generated.

Speaking on the initiative, Hisashi Takeuchi, MD & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “During my meeting with Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Chandrababu Naidu, I was impressed by his love for technology. Aligned with his vision for technology-led solutions, we are honoured to bring 4 Automated Driving Test Tracks (ADTTs) to the state of Andhra Pradesh. ADTTs use advanced technology that ensures a comprehensive, efficient, and transparent process with zero human intervention. This guarantees that only skilled drivers are awarded a driving license, thereby improving overall road safety.”

Speaking at the MoA signing, Manish Kumar Sinha, IPS, Transport Commissioner of Andhra Pradesh, said, “I commend Maruti Suzuki, India’s leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, for its significant contribution to road safety through the launch of Automated Driving Test Tracks (ADTTs) across the state. In this project, Maruti Suzuki will extend support by providing technology in the areas of integration with the SARATHI** system, training of personnel, and routine maintenance for a period of 3 years. The Transport Department, on its part, will provide the required infrastructure at the existing driving tracks, undertake civil works, ensure security and electricity supply, and conduct driving tests and issuance of driving licenses using the automated system.”

He added, “The automation of driving test tracks is expected to bring greater uniformity and objectivity in the testing process and ensure that driving licenses are issued only to candidates with the requisite driving skills, thereby strengthening road safety in the state.”

The ADTTs in Eluru, Vizianagaram, Ongole, and Anakapalli will serve Light Motor Vehicles (LMV) and Two-Wheelers (TW) driving license applicants. The ADTT in Ongole will additionally serve Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) driving license applicants.

Maruti Suzuki’s efforts in Road Safety:

Maruti Suzuki promotes road safety through the 5Es, i.e., Engineering, Education, Evaluation, Enforcement, and Emergency Care. One of the most significant projects in this direction is the large-scale rollout of ADTTs.

To date, Maruti Suzuki has fully automated 46 ADTTs across seven states, including Uttar Pradesh (17), Delhi (14), Bihar (7), Uttarakhand (4), Haryana (2), Chhattisgarh (1), and Jammu & Kashmir (1). In 2025, the Company also signed MoAs with the Transport Department of Rajasthan to set up 21 ADTTs and the Transport Department of Tamil Nadu to set up 10 ADTTs. With the addition of 4 ADTTs in Andhra Pradesh, Maruti Suzuki’s ADTT footprint will expand to 81 ADTTs nationwide.

The Company has also set up 8 Institutes of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTRs) and 23 Road Safety Knowledge Centres (RSKCs) in collaboration with various State Governments to equip drivers with essential driving knowledge and skills.

Additionally, the Company implements Integrated Traffic Safety Management System (ITMS) projects with real-time monitoring and surveillance in select areas to support law enforcement and promote disciplined driving behaviour. To enhance emergency care, the Company offers First Responder training to commercial drivers and other stakeholders.

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MUMBAI: Schneider Electric, a leader in energy management and automation, has announced the launch of its next-generation Industrial Copilot, developed in collaboration with Microsoft. This Generative AI-powered assistant is purpose-built to enhance open automation ecosystems, driving greater efficiency, flexibility, and intelligence across industrial operations. Eliminating repetitive tasks, this Generative AI-powered assistant allows industries to collaborate, supports simplification of application development, delivers efficiency gains, and brings quality solutions to market faster.

The Copilot is deeply integrated into the EcoStruxure Automation Expert Platform, Schneider Electric’s flagship open automation environment. By embedding AI directly into this open, interoperable framework, the Copilot enhances the flexibility, scalability, and intelligence of automation systems—delivering benefits that closed, proprietary systems simply cannot match.

Industrial copilots are increasingly adopted to improve efficiency with real-time recommendations, leading to smoother operations and quicker decisions. They also minimize machine downtime with immediate troubleshooting and predictive maintenance, integrate data for better decision-making, and reduce manual work, saving costs.

“India’s manufacturing sector is rapidly evolving, demanding greater flexibility and efficiency, and Open Automation plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal,” said Arvind Kakru, VP- Industrial Automation, Schneider Electric India. “Our AI Copilot, developed with Microsoft and building on our deep domain expertise, doesn’t just operate within an open ecosystem- it strengthens it. It simplifies engineering, accelerates deployment, and empowers teams to do more with less, all while reinforcing the core values of openness, modularity, and collaboration.”

Building on Schneider Electric’s leadership in open, software-defined automation and leveraging the flexibility of EcoStruxure Automation Expert, the world’s first open software-defined automation solution, the Copilot will be available within Schneider’s newly launched unified automation environment, EcoStruxure Automation Expert Platform. The EcoStruxure Automation Expert Platform integrates seamlessly across various hardware and software platforms, enhancing collaboration between copilots, operators, and engineers by incorporating real-time data access, which is crucial for providing accurate recommendations, predictive maintenance, and immediate troubleshooting.

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In today’s fast-paced business world, organizations are constantly seeking ways to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and stay ahead of the competition. One technology that has gained immense traction in recent years is Robotic Process Automation (RPA). Among the most popular and effective RPA platforms is UiPath, a powerful tool designed to automate repetitive, rule-based tasks that humans previously performed. By leveraging UiPath, businesses can streamline operations and free up valuable human resources for higher-level decision-making tasks. This article delves into the advanced benefits of using UiPath in process automation, exploring how it can revolutionize business operations and transform workflows.

1. Key Features of UiPath

Before diving into the benefits, it’s essential to understand what makes UiPath a leading choice for process automation. UiPath offers a wide array of features designed to facilitate seamless automation:

• Low-Code/No-Code Environment: UiPath’s user-friendly interface allows both technical and non-technical users to design and implement automation workflows with minimal coding, significantly reducing the need for specialized developer resources.
• Robust Orchestrator: The UiPath Orchestrator is a powerful web-based platform that enables centralized management, scheduling, and monitoring of automation processes across an organization.
• AI and Machine Learning Integration: UiPath incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities, allowing bots to learn from data patterns and make intelligent decisions in dynamic environments.
• Integration with Existing Applications: UiPath supports a wide range of applications and platforms (ERP systems, CRMs, web browsers, etc.), allowing for seamless integration into existing workflows without requiring major system overhauls.
• Scalability: UiPath is designed for scalability, enabling organizations to automate processes of varying complexity, from simple tasks to large-scale, enterprise-wide automation efforts.

Now that we have an understanding of the platform’s capabilities, let’s explore the specific benefits of leveraging UiPath in process automation.

2. Enhanced Operational Efficiency

One of the most significant advantages of automating processes with UiPath is the massive improvement in operational efficiency. By replacing manual, time-consuming tasks with automated workflows, organizations can achieve faster task completion, reduce human error, and increase productivity. Key improvements include:

a. Faster Task Execution

Automation allows tasks to be performed at a much higher speed than human workers can achieve. Bots can process high volumes of work without the need for breaks, sleep, or downtime, leading to an overall reduction in process cycle times.

• Example: In a financial institution, a bot can automatically process thousands of invoices in minutes, whereas a human employee would take hours or even days to complete the same tasks.

b. 24/7 Availability

Unlike human employees, UiPath robots are available to work around the clock, ensuring that processes are not delayed due to non-business hours. This ensures higher throughput and faster service delivery.

• Example: A global e-commerce platform can leverage UiPath to handle customer service requests or process orders during off-hours, enhancing customer satisfaction by providing continuous support.

3. Cost Reduction

Automation with UiPath leads to significant cost savings in the long term. By automating repetitive tasks, organizations can reduce reliance on manual labor, leading to a reduction in operational costs. Additionally, the ability to scale automation efforts without incurring substantial additional costs ensures greater value for money.

a. Reduced Labor Costs

Manual tasks often involve extensive human labor, and by automating these tasks, organizations can reallocate human resources to higher-value functions, resulting in reduced personnel expenses.

• Example: UiPath can automate the data entry process in the finance department, which would otherwise require multiple employees to enter, validate, and update information manually.

b. Minimized Operational Errors

Human errors are inevitable, especially when handling large volumes of data or performing repetitive tasks. Automation eliminates the risk of errors, which in turn minimizes the need for costly rework, audits, or corrections.

• Example: UiPath bots ensure that data entered into a CRM system is accurate and consistent, preventing costly mistakes in customer records or sales data.

4. Enhanced Compliance and Risk Management

In industries such as finance, healthcare, and insurance, compliance is a critical consideration. Ensuring that processes are compliant with regulatory requirements can be time-consuming and complex. UiPath helps organizations meet compliance requirements by ensuring consistent execution of rules, maintaining accurate records, and auditing workflows in real-time.

a. Audit Trails and Record-Keeping

UiPath provides comprehensive logging and audit trails, making it easy to track each step of an automated process. This is crucial for maintaining compliance with industry regulations, as the platform allows for full transparency and traceability of actions taken by bots.

• Example: In the financial industry, UiPath bots can automatically log every step of a transaction processing task, ensuring a clear audit trail that complies with financial regulations and standards.

b. Standardized Process Execution

UiPath ensures that processes are executed the same way every time, removing variability caused by human factors. This standardization enhances process consistency, ensuring that compliance requirements are met without fail.

• Example: A healthcare provider can use UiPath to automate patient data management, ensuring that each step of the process is compliant with health data privacy regulations such as HIPAA.

5. Improved Employee Satisfaction

By automating repetitive, mundane tasks, UiPath allows employees to focus on more engaging, complex, and rewarding work. This not only boosts morale but also contributes to increased job satisfaction, better employee retention, and overall productivity.

a. Empowered Workforce

Automation frees employees from monotonous tasks, enabling them to apply their skills and creativity to more value-added tasks. This can result in higher levels of employee engagement and innovation.

• Example: A marketing team can use UiPath to automate data aggregation from various platforms, allowing them to focus on strategic analysis and campaign planning instead of data entry.

b. Reduction in Burnout and Fatigue

Automating repetitive tasks that require a high degree of attention and concentration can help reduce employee burnout and fatigue, leading to better mental well-being and overall work-life balance.

• Example: In customer service, automation can handle routine inquiries and ticket management, allowing human agents to focus on more complex customer issues that require personal attention.

6. Scalability and Flexibility

As businesses grow, so too do their operational demands. UiPath enables organizations to scale their automation efforts easily, adapting to new challenges without the need for significant infrastructure changes.

a. Rapid Scaling

UiPath can automate a wide variety of tasks across different departments, from finance and HR to customer service and supply chain management. As demand increases, additional bots can be quickly deployed without the need to hire additional staff.

• Example: During peak seasons like Black Friday, e-commerce companies can scale their UiPath automation to process higher volumes of orders and customer inquiries without impacting the quality of service.

b. Adaptability to Change

UiPath’s flexibility allows businesses to automate a wide range of processes, regardless of the changes in business operations or technologies. As new applications or systems are introduced, UiPath can be easily integrated into these environments to automate new workflows.

• Example: A company may implement a new ERP system, and UiPath can be used to automate data transfer and process execution between the old and new systems, ensuring minimal disruption during the transition.

7. Data-Driven Insights and Analytics

UiPath’s built-in analytics and reporting features provide businesses with valuable insights into their operations. By analyzing data from automated processes, organizations can identify inefficiencies, monitor performance, and uncover areas for further improvement.

a. Performance Monitoring

UiPath allows for real-time monitoring of bot performance, providing visibility into process completion times, error rates, and resource utilization. This information enables businesses to optimize their automation efforts continuously.

• Example: A logistics company can monitor its automated inventory management process to identify bottlenecks and optimize warehouse operations.

b. Continuous Improvement

With data-driven insights, businesses can make informed decisions about where to expand automation efforts, refine processes, and drive continuous improvement. This creates a culture of ongoing innovation and operational excellence.

• Example: A financial services firm can analyze the performance of automated document processing workflows, identifying areas where AI-based OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology could further improve efficiency.

8. Better Customer Experience

By automating business processes, UiPath enables organizations to offer faster, more efficient, and personalized services, directly contributing to an improved customer experience. Automation can also help organizations provide 24/7 support, reducing customer wait times and increasing satisfaction.

a. Faster Response Times

UiPath’s automation capabilities reduce processing times and eliminate delays caused by manual intervention, leading to quicker responses for customers.

• Example: In the insurance industry, automation of claims processing allows claims to be processed faster, improving the overall customer experience.

b. Personalized Service

By automating customer data processing, businesses can offer more tailored experiences based on real-time insights, such as personalized product recommendations, targeted marketing campaigns, and customized support.

• Example: An e-commerce platform can use automated systems to send personalized product recommendations based on customer browsing history, improving sales and customer loyalty.

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HELSINKI: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS), a leading global IT services, consulting, and business solutions company, has signed an agreement to drive the end-to-end IT transformation of UPM, a global company with a business portfolio of decarbonization solutions, advanced materials, renewable fibers, and communication papers, based on sustainable, renewable feedstock. The digital transformation will help drive growth for UPM, enhance user experience, and boost the adoption of an AI-first operating model.

To strengthen the enterprise IT value chain of UPM, TCS will deploy its AI-powered autonomous enterprise platform ignio^TM. The platform will improve operational efficiency, enable continuous improvement, and increase IT system readiness and reliability. As part of the agreement, TCS will provide digital services including service desk, workspace services, onsite support services, business and platform application services, network and connectivity services, hybrid cloud services, and Service Integration and Management (SIAM). TCS will also enhance the digital experience of UPM’s 15,800 employees by using AI to support better human-machine collaboration. By driving continuous innovation, TCS will enable UPM to remain a perpetually adaptative enterprise.

Turkka Keskinen, Chief Information Officer at UPM, said, “At UPM, we are striving to build a human-centric yet business-oriented IT infrastructure. Through this partnership, we are seeking to provide effortless information technology that is cost-effective and scalable, utilizes the most recent AI and automation solutions, and offers value-based delivery, and end-to-end accountability. We have been impressed by the wide industry and technology expertise that the TCS team has demonstrated and are looking forward to seeing how this collaboration will help us reach our ambitious targets.”

Headquartered in Finland, UPM specializes in producing recyclable products that are made of responsibly sourced, renewable raw materials. It operates production facilities in 11 countries and has a turnover of EUR 10.3 billion. As a responsible industry leader, innovation for a future beyond fossils is at the heart of UPM’s strategy for achieving sustainable growth. TCS will help UPM deliver faster time to market and a value-based IT operating model to achieve agility, better service,e, and enterprise reliability. The partnership will also enable UPM to move away from traditional methods of measuring the outcome of digital transformation into a more experience-based method that adapts to its unique and changing needs.

Subhadipta Samantray, Country Head, TCS in Finland, said, “At TCS, we are thrilled to forge strategic endeavor with UPM, a sustainability forerunner, and help the company to accelerate growth and innovation by utilizing our unique expertise and industry-leading product and platform offerings. We are committed to delivering UPM superior user experience, agile services, and improved operations with next-generation solutions leveraging AI-first principles”.

TCS’ partnership with UPM further solidifies TCS’ leadership in Finland, where it has been operational for over 25 years, driving transformation for its clients. It has been named a Top Employer in Finland by the Top Employers Institute and has received top customer satisfaction rankings in the Nordic region for 15 consecutive years in an independent survey.

Anupam Singhal, President – Manufacturing, TCS, said, “At TCS, we believe AI is the foundation of a future-ready, adaptive enterprise—driving intelligence, agility, and long-term value. Our partnership with UPM marks a bold step in reimagining its digital core, harnessing AI to enhance decision-making, streamline operations, and accelerate innovation. This transformation goes beyond modernization; it is about building a high-performing, sustainable business that creates enduring value—for UPM, its customers, and society.”

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NEW DELHI: Honeywell Automation India Limited (HAIL) (NSE: HONAUT) has secured a contract to provide its Airfield Ground Lighting (“AGL”) system for the Noida International Airport (“NIA”). These systems will provide visual guidance to aircraft, increasing safety and streamlining operations across the tarmac. 

Honeywell’s visual aids will play a crucial role in helping aircraft maneuver the tarmac in difficult weather conditions and will support landing and on-ramp safety. Honeywell’s advanced AGL uses ‘intelligent lighting’ technology, which makes the ground taxi process easier for pilots. AGL will also help pilots improve their situational awareness by automatically switching lights on and off based on information shared by aircraft surveillance and tracking systems with tower controllers.

“Noida International Airport represents a significant leap forward in advancing India’s aviation sector, and we are pleased to have secured this visionary project, ensuring the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency with our advanced technology,” said Atul Pai, Managing Director, Honeywell Automation India Limited (HAIL).

Christoph Schnellmann, CEO, of Noida International Airport said, “We are delighted to partner with Honeywell to bring their Airfield Ground Lighting system to Noida International Airport. The implementation of the state-of-the-art system will ensure superior visual guidance and operational efficiency, aligning with our mission to provide a safe and seamless experience for all airport users.”

The project covers the supply, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of Honeywell’s AGL system on runway 10L-28R and the associated taxiways at NIA. Honeywell has a broad portfolio of technologies in use at airports across India and also has end-to-end AGL system operations in the country, including design, manufacturing, assembly, installation, commissioning, and service support. 

The first phase of the airport will feature one runway and one terminal, with the capacity to handle traffic of 12 million passengers annually. Upon completion of all four development phases, the airport will be able to cater to 70 million passengers per year. 

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NEW DELHI:  Shiprocket, India’s 4th largest eCommerce enablement platform, today announced the launch of Engage 360 World’s First Data-Powered Marketing Automation Platform. To empower over 1.5 lakh merchants across India, Engage 360 offers an unprecedented level of marketing automation and intelligence, helping merchants drive growth, increase customer loyalty, and optimize marketing spend. The launch is in line with Shiprocket’s mission of enabling business growth for MSMEs by providing them with the right tech stack solution.

Marketing automation has become a cornerstone of modern marketing strategies. Salesforce reports that a staggering 67% of marketing leaders leverage these platforms to enhance customer experiences. Shiprocket Engage 360 aligns perfectly with this trend by offering a suite of tools designed to deliver unparalleled personalization and customer engagement. With features like anonymous user identification, Shiprocket’s extensive network enables businesses to tailor marketing efforts without compromising privacy. AI-powered smart segments allow for precise targeting based on customer behavior, while RTO prediction helps optimize delivery strategies and reduce costs. For instance- Shiprocket Engage 360’s RTO suite powered by WhatsApp can reduce RTO rates by up to 40% and merchants using it have reported a 10x return on investment. 

Moreover, Shiprocket Engage 360’s omni-channel capabilities, including WhatsApp, SMS, Email, and RCS, ensure that businesses can reach customers across their preferred channels, providing a unified and seamless experience. By leveraging these intelligent segments and AI-powered content, merchants are not only improving engagement but are also seeing a direct contribution to their top line, with sales increases as high as 15%. As part of our ongoing commitment to innovation, we are sunsetting Wigzo to consolidate more features and enhance the Shiprocket Engage 360 platform, ensuring it remains at the forefront of marketing automation and customer engagement.

Saahil Goel, MD & CEO, Shiprocket said, “With the launch of Shiprocket Engage 360, we are taking a giant leap forward in enabling eCommerce merchants to not only survive but thrive in the digital age by delivering personalized customer experiences at scale by harnessing the power of data-driven marketing. Shiprocket Engage360 is not just a platform; it’s a game-changer that leverages data to drive real results. With the Indian eCommerce industry moving towards growing into a $300 billion industry by 2030, marketing automation is going to play an important role in bolstering this growth. By combining advanced data analytics with comprehensive marketing tools, we’re helping merchants compete in today’s fast-paced landscape. Our commitment to ensuring that every merchant, regardless of size, can achieve sustainable growth and unparalleled success remains as strong as ever.” 

“With Shiprocket Engage 360, we are redefining the future of eCommerce marketing,” said Praful Poddar, Chief Product Officer at Shiprocket. “By harnessing the power of data and automation, we are empowering merchants to make informed decisions, deliver personalized experiences, and ultimately achieve greater success. In today’s digital landscape, data is the new oil, and Shiprocket Engage 360 is the refinery that turns that data into tangible business growth. ”

While platforms like Contlo and WebEngage specialize in marketing solutions, and others such as KwikChat, AI Sensi, BusinessOnBot, BikAI, Pragma, Bitespeed, and Limechat focus on WhatsApp marketing; Shiprocket Engage 360 brings out the best of both worlds and stands out as a comprehensive suite of Omnichannel Marketing solutions for eCommerce. These platforms, combined with Shiprocket Engage 360, create a robust ecosystem that addresses the diverse needs of eCommerce businesses. By providing a unified platform with advanced features like anonymous user identification, smart segmentation, and omni-channel marketing capabilities, Shiprocket is setting a new benchmark for the industry. Shiprocket Engage 360 empowers merchants to unlock the full potential of their businesses and achieve sustainable growth.

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DELHI: Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) announced the launch of INNCOM Direct, an easy-to-install energy management system that uses automation to help improve energy efficiency in mid-market hotel properties. The launch of INNCOM Direct supports Honeywell’s alignment of its business around three compelling megatrends, including automation and the energy transition.   

With more than 30% of U.S. hotel rooms typically vacant at any time, INNCOM Direct enables a hotel to manage energy-intensive HVAC systems more efficiently during periods when guestrooms are vacant. 

“As hotels become more carbon-conscious, they are taking meaningful steps to show they care about their impact on the environment,” said Billal Hammoud, president and chief executive officer of Honeywell Building Automation. “Until now, mid-market hotels faced fewer options when it came to better managing their HVAC systems with automation. Now, INNCOM Direct is leveling the playing field with an affordable, cloud-based energy management system.”  

The INNCOM technology was previously only available to high-end hotel operators. Now, this combination of hardware, software, and cloud monitoring provides mid-market, also known as limited-service, hotels with quick setup and portfolio analytics that can be accessed from mobile devices or a dashboard and can be used either on a single property or across an entire portfolio.  

Since empty rooms and common areas do not need the same level of heating or cooling, INNCOM Direct uses a proprietary detection system to identify empty spaces and autonomously adjust the temperature without impacting consumer comfort. Similarly, unrented guest rooms can be set to a specific setting that can be heated or cooled to a more comfortable temperature once a guest checks in. If a guest leaves a room for an extended time, INNCOM Direct can change the temperature to an eco-friendlier temperature that is then automatically adjusted when the guest returns.  

When it broke ground on its fifth hotel in Spring Hill, Tenn., Halifax Hospitality wanted ways to control its HVAC use, which can consume as much as 25% of the power bill, so it signed on to use INNCOM Direct. At 92,000 square feet and 159 rooms, this hotel is double the size of what the company would have developed a decade ago, leading to higher operational costs.  

“Hotel rooms are getting bigger and bigger, and we needed something that will deliver energy savings, especially when guests aren’t using the room or a common area is empty,” said Hitesh Patel, vice president of Halifax Hospitality. “Utility costs are going up just like anything else. We’re always looking to find the next big thing to cut costs where we can.”  

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MUMBAI: Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, recently announced its collaboration with the Water Resources Department, Maharashtra to sensitize officials on modernizing water and wastewater (WWW) management using the latest digital technologies. This partnership is a continuation of Schneider Electric’s support to the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s efforts to accelerate the technology adoption for sustainable water management in India.

India, a country grappling with a staggering ~40% water loss due to leaks, is confronting significant strain on its water table, posing a threat to its economic advancement. In response to this pressing challenge, Schneider Electric has made its mission to confront the complexities of water management and address the urgent need for fostering sustainability, efficiency, and resilience in the water sector.

With this strategic partnership with the Government of Maharashtra, Schneider Electric has reaffirmed its commitment to championing responsible water management. As part of this collaboration, the company aims to drive awareness among stakeholders, encouraging the adoption of innovative digital technologies to elevate efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in water management processes.

Schneider Electric’s end-to-end IoT platform, EcoStruxure, offers real-time data, analytics, and professional services to increase water consumption efficiency, decrease leaks, and optimize water distribution. EcoStruxure also offers advanced diagnostics and seamless IT/OT integration to future-proof operations.

The event was attended by key dignitaries including Sanjay Khandare, IAS, Principal Secretary, Water Supply & Sanitation Department, Government of Maharashtra, Sanjay Belsare, Secretary, Project Coordination, Water Resources Department, Government of Maharashtra and Aman Mittal, IAS, Deputy Secretary, Water Supply & Sanitation Department, Government of Maharashtra. These dignitaries gathered to discuss the pressing need to embrace digital technologies in the facilitation of a more sustainable water network.

“Integrating digital solutions into water management practices can lead to more efficient, resilient, and sustainable use of water as well as energy resources, thereby addressing the growing challenges posed by factors such as population growth, urbanization, and climate change”, said Sanjay Belsare, IAS, Secretary- CAD, Water Resources Department, Government of Maharashtra.

Emphasizing the significance of digital solutions for effective water management during a keynote address Aman Mittal, IAS, Deputy Secretary, Water Supply & Sanitation Department, Government of Maharashtra suggests a creation of mass awareness about the true potential of digital technologies, that is critical to address issues related to water resources. Digital solutions encompass various technologies such as data analytics, IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, remote monitoring systems, and predictive modeling algorithms. AI and machine learning algorithms can analyze water-related data to improve water distribution, predict droughts or floods, and make better water management decisions. Drone images and remote sensing could help map traditional water bodies, assess their health, and identify replenishment or restoration needs. Also, Chatbots and solutions built around them could serve as virtual water conservation aides, offering personalized advice and raising awareness about the judicious use of water and resources.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Arvind Kakru, Vice President – Industrial Automation, Greater India at Schneider Electric, said, “At Schneider Electric, we strongly believe that India’s journey toward water conservation and innovation is crucial for realizing its developmental aspirations. The significance of water in our progress cannot be overstated, and the impact of leakage on our water resources and energy usage cannot be ignored. Water conservation directly translates to energy conservation and secures our future. Through our collaboration with the Water Resources Department, Maharashtra, Schneider Electric is committed to engaging stakeholders in breaking the cycle of waste and establishing a circular system for efficient energy and water management. Together, we are dedicated to maximizing the value of every drop, driving innovation to combat energy and water wastage, and paving the way for a more sustainable future.“

Schneider Electric has also collaborated with the Ministry of Jal Shakti to prepare a skill development program that empowers eco-warriors to become proficient in using next-gen technology. The curriculum focuses on technologies in water governance, efficient operations, management of water and wastewater treatment plants, sustainable water management, technology for water conservation, and efficient desalination processes using digital technologies.

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PUNE: Salesforce, the global leader in CRM, reinforced its commitment to digitally transforming India while talking to media in the city today. By leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation, Salesforce aims to drive innovation across businesses of all sizes and industries, revolutionizing customer interactions and unlocking substantial business value.

Pune stands out as a key hub for Salesforce’s partner and startup ecosystems. Among the top ten emerging cities targeted by Salesforce, 25% of partners are based in Pune. Additionally, Pune is one of the most active hubs for the Salesforce Startup Community, with over 20 startups thriving in the city. Salesforce also collaborates with multiple automotive, BFSI, and manufacturing businesses within the city, aiming to redefine experiences for customers across sectors.

During the event, Arundhati Bhattacharya, CEO & Chairperson of Salesforce India, emphasized the importance of Pune in Salesforce’s growth strategy. “Technology adoption across India in recent years has been remarkable. Pune has emerged as a vibrant IT hub, leading the charge in technology adoption, innovation, and digital transformation. The emerging startup ecosystem is a testament to the innovation being driven by the city. Leading businesses across sectors are leading the change with digital transformation and we are delighted to be a part of their journey while strengthening our presence in the city.” she added.

Salesforce recently announced the launch of its Public Sector division in India to drive transformation, empowering government agencies and public sector organizations to enhance citizen experiences with Salesforce technology. Additionally, Salesforce introduced its first-ever made-for-India digital lending product. With 11,000 employees across Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Gurugram, Pune, and Jaipur, Salesforce continues to expand its footprint and influence in India.

The event highlighted how AI is fostering growth, improving customer relationships, and increasing employee productivity, underscoring Salesforce’s commitment to innovation and digital transformation in Pune and beyond.

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INDIA: Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) has announced the launch of its Battery Manufacturing Excellence Platform (Battery MXP), an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered software solution designed to optimize the operation of gigafactories from day one by improving battery cell yields and expediting facility startups for manufacturers.

With traditional standalone solutions, battery manufacturers’ material scrap rates can be as high as 30% at steady state and even higher during the facility startup process^[ii]. This practice can lead to millions of dollars of wasted energy and material while a gigafactory slowly scales to a more efficient and profitable production over several years.

Battery MXP incorporates AI techniques in the manufacturing process, which enables the detection and remediation of quality issues before they result in scrapped material. The solution then utilizes machine learning to identify conditions that lead to quality issues and turns this data into action-oriented insights that manufacturers can use to improve efficiency and productivity.

By delivering powerful data that can improve quality control and decision-making on the plant floor, Battery MXP is designed to help manufacturers cut production ramp-up time, reduce startup material scrap rates by 60%, and increase delivery rates to meet the growing demand for lithium-based batteries.^[iii]

“With Honeywell’s Battery MXP and its automation capabilities, we will be able to quickly and effectively establish a foundation for our network of gigafactories,” said John Kem, president of American Battery Factory. “This solution is vital in our manufacturing operation because it allows us to reduce scrap and scale up quickly, while also ensuring we meet the U.S. and international demand for high-quality lithium iron phosphate batteries as we prepare for the unprecedented surge expected over the next decade.”

By providing bidirectional traceability and genealogy, Battery MXP tracks battery cells from raw material to finished product in real-time, helping to ensure product quality at every step. The solution also helps to address other key challenges faced by battery manufacturers by offering solutions for process controls, workforce management, and thermal runaway battery fire prevention. These safety elements aid both operators in the gigafactory and end-users of the batteries to stay safe.

“The electrification of everyday life continues to increase global demand for quality lithium-ion batteries to power electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and battery energy storage systems,” said Pramesh Maheshwari, President of Honeywell Process Solutions. “With the construction of more than 400 gigafactories planned worldwide by 2030, Honeywell’s Battery MXP is a crucial technology that enables manufacturers to maximize cell yields and reach peak production much quicker than traditional methods.”

The use of automation to advance the world’s electrification journey supports Honeywell’s alignment of its portfolio to the automation and energy transition megatrends. As a key player in the global energy transition, Honeywell is applying its complete portfolio in industrial automation, cyber secure IoT (Internet of Things), material handling, building automation, and safety solutions to help battery manufacturers bring reliable products to the market as quickly as possible to meet the projected demand for battery cells.

For more information on Battery MXP and Honeywell’s gigafactory solutions, visit process.honeywell.com/us/en/industries/sheet-manufacturing/lithium-ion-batteries.

^[i] According to internal Honeywell data testing Battery MXP in the pilot phase

^[ii] Source: NREL (Automotive Lithium-ion Cell Manufacturing: Regional Cost Structures and Supply Chain Considerations (nrel.gov)

^[iii] According to internal Honeywell data testing Battery MXP in the pilot phase, not solely the AI component

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