Innovation i tech High

WHITE PAPER ON UAE's STATE OF MANUFACTURING
machine inelegance, remote
monitoring and IOT will
bring the process very close
to perfection. According
to Mr. Khafaili, the digital
technologies would without
a doubt have direct impact
on business profitability as
the return of investment can
be fully optimized to suit the
investors priorities, like more
outcome focus, quality focus,
energy optimization focus
etc.
Digitization for sure has
already streamlined
operations in the
manufacturing sector,
Information systems
are prominent in
all companies now
which allows for
tracking, reporting
and identifying errors
within operations.
This further enables
manufacturing
companies to
focus on their core
competencies.
Needless to say,
digitization also allows
better flow planning
of raw materials that
are procured from
suppliers and efficient
manufacturing
scheduling,
Overall, these improvements
have led to better
manufacturing output, less
production cost and more
satisfied customers.
UAE, interestingly, is one of
the first adapting countries
in the region to artificial
intelligence. Recently,
HH Sheikh Mohammad
Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
announced the first minister
of its kind for AI with a clear
strategic vision on how UAE
would rely on AI during the
coming years.
Delighted at this move,
Mr. Omar says: “With
systematic and structural
adaptations of AI in the
UAE, the manufacturing
industry will see huge cost
savings in the near future, as
adopting AI will streamline
operations from transport to
manufacture, enhance the
already excellent paperless
environment the UAE enjoys
and I wouldn’t be surprised
if I see many manufacturing
companies adopt driverless
cars, industrial AI robotics in
the near future.”
In terms of the challenges,
Mr. Khafaili explains how
one of the major drivers
of digital transformation is
global coverage which is
directly related to developing
a network of manufacturing
through different locations/
countries and most of the
international manufacturers are
benefiting from the technology
enabler there. It can become
a big economic driver for large
companies (more competitive
cost positions and much bigger
market penetrations through
good brand positioning). But
this can also pose a major
challenge for our regional small
to mid-size manufacturing
companies who may not open
their minds quick enough to
these disruptive technological
changes.
“Indeed, this technology will
provide wide enablers for
these SME’s but their flexibility
and adaptability towards the
new technology and business
models will be a key success
factor for them," concludes
Mr. Khafaili.
INNOVATIONANDTECH
January | 2018
27