QUARTERLY MAGAZINE January 2022 Vol 08
QUARTERLY MAGAZINE January 2022 Vol 08
Focus
Companies today are choosing to stay ahead of the curve by keeping pace with technological advancements. Not only does technology help them respond better to ever-evolving customer demands, it also enables them to move faster in a dynamic and digitally-driven economic landscape.
With Covid-19 hastening the pace of digital adoption globally, businesses have also come to realise that it helps them stay agile, innovative, and more resilient in the face of uncertainty.
The construction industry, however, has been a laggard in the adoption of digital technology for innovation and change. Given the nature of its business, a majority of the construction workforce is employed at worksites that are sometimes in remote locations, where internet connectivity is usually an issue. This is however changing, and many construction companies are now seeing merit in transitioning into the digital age. Through digitalisation, companies can enhance quality, focus better on safety, timely execution and cost optimisation, and grow profits further.
An early adopter of digital among Indian EPC players, KEC is well-placed relative to its peers in this regard and is at an advantage in several areas.
The company has embraced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Advanced Analytics, Robotic Process Automation, Internet of Things (IoT), and Building Information Modelling. In the last few years, KEC has designed multiple digital solutions, some of which are among the first in the EPC sector, to drive benefits in productivity improvement, cost reduction, and improved compliance.
In addition, the company has adopted latest technology tools such as LiDAR, drones and photogrammetry to conduct surveys. For example, the drones-go-to-work initiative strengthens KEC’s capabilities to rapidly perform surveys and string power conductors in transmission line projects.
Digital at KEC is closely associated with the company’s strategic plan and its vision to Build Infrastructure for the World of Tomorrow. Its key focus areas are:
Safety marshalls are stationed during the construction or electrification of a functional railway line to communicate every time a train approaches the tracks, so that the workmen gangs operating in that section can vacate the area. Conventionally, it is done through a walkie-talkie or a mobile phone. But this method is prone to several risks, including failure to communicate on time, and the marshalls' own safety in remote areas. KEC devised an ingenious solution to counter this problem with an intelligent, sensor-based robotic solution. Piloted at its Pune-Satara Railway Electrification project site, this complete end-to-end solutions architecture and appliance, "Lookout Robo", has been developed along with an external partner. The device is fitted on both sides of a track on railway poles. As soon as any loco movement is detected, communication is triggered over a specified radio frequency to the project site. The receiver device then sounds a siren to disperse all working personnel from the track location.
This fully autonomous solution works 24x7 in all weather conditions and terrains, including remote areas. This system’s network configuration is not dependent on mobile connectivity, and can cover a range of around 10 km. Tapping into the power of IoT and analytics, KEC has enhanced surveillance at remote sites to a great extent, and has filed a patent for the solution.
Conventionally, most companies create a mobile app where safety incidences are reported and resolved. However, KEC has taken this one step further. The company leverages its homegrown digital platform, Raksha, to manage EHS compliance at project sites, factories, and other workplaces. A safety checklist is also made available for each project, sector, and activity, all of which can be completed on the digital platform.
KEC was among the first few companies in India to develop its own AI-powered digital platform to ensure strict compliance on social distancing and other Covid-19 guidelines.
Using AI programmes, the platform can detect safety violations such as not wearing helmets in factories, and ensures timely action is taken against offenders. The solution has been deployed at KEC factories since May 2020, and is now also operational at the CEAT factories in Halol and Badlapur, and a Raychem plant.
KEC has innovated to convert a conventional toolbox talk at its sites to digital. The company uses VR to train workers and key personnel on safety and quality protocols. The real-life modules created by KEC’s digital team is available in nine different Indian languages. For example, a module on transmission line work communicates the outcome of not wearing a safety harness while working at height. This technology has been made available to train customers and their workers, as well.
The pandemic pushed a significant part of the workforce into operating remotely, making it difficult to track project progress effectively from available ground-level data. To counter this, KEC has developed and implemented a project monitoring platform based on smart wearables, that enables project teams to obtain precise daily updates from various sites.
This solution has helped drive prompt decision-making, ensured timely intervention when needed, and improved collaboration between teams.
Over the years, KEC has developed and implemented robust innovation processes to drive innovation in its business and functions.
Vimal Kejriwal, Managing Director & CEO, KEC International, attributes the company’s success in this aspect to a relentless focus on driving initiatives in the relevant and critical areas.
What sets us apart from the industry is our ability to develop core technology capabilities within the company. We have a dedicated task force that constantly works towards identifying and adopting game changing ideas to suit our businesses and functions, with an aim to make our processes more efficient, improve productivity, and make us agile and profitable.”
Vimal Kejriwal, Managing Director & CEO, KEC International
Digital at KEC continues to be one of the most exciting verticals in the company. With several pathbreaking initiatives in a traditional industrial sector, this is only the beginning for RPG’s high performing EPC company.
