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Most of the infrastructure of the domestic machinery manufacturers is as outdated and obsolete as the machines that they manufacture. This has partly been due to uncertain demand and lack of incentives for modernization (both from the user industry as well as the government). Expansion of capacity or upgradation of metallurgy was discouraged because of cost repercussions. While the manufacturers have woken up to the fact that with the passage of time, there will be dismantling of barriers for import of new and used machines, it will probably take some time before most will be able to attain acceptable quality levels in this domain. Development and local and economic availability of auxiliary devices such as high-speed dobbies, cams and jacquards needs to be encouraged so that they are not a weak link in the chain of weaving and that the machines are not forcibly slowed down due to the limitations of these devices. India has been a leader in the field of software and information technology. However, our weaving machines need to incorporate more of electronics and control hardware and software. More and more machines are incorporating control components such as PLCs and variable frequency drives. Input systems such as touchscreens help the user control the machine. Such systems are essential for higher productivity of our weaving machines and for minimizing fabric defects due to yarn breakage or machine malfunctions. Monitoring software can also help better data-collection as well as inventory-management functions. This necessitates better infrastructure availability from the government. In many locations, electricity is more of a luxury than a necessity. For example, most parts of Bhiwandi go without power for more than 6 hours every day. Even when there is power, the voltage levels often fluctuate within a wide range. The same story is repeated in almost all the weaving clusters. How can a machine with sophisticated electronic controls operate in such an environment? While the unit-owners are to some extent responsible because of rampant power theft, there is no political will or capability to rectify this situation. It is only recently that the various stakeholders involved have recognized the fact that growth in this sector will bring about an unprecedented demand for trained technicians (machine operators, jobbers, engineers, etc). Most students graduating out of engineering colleges and institutes find the information technology industry and options in business management more lucrative than the textile engineering industry and even with the best efforts, it will take a few years before the supply will be able to match up with demand. The industry needs to market itself to students as an attractive and viable career option. Entrepreneurs in the decentralized sector need to be educated about the benefits of investment in modernization and that such investments can actually bring down the cost of production, reduce fabric defects and help them compete with low-cost, obsolete weaving machines. Incentives and education also needs to be provided for investments in auxiliary systems such as environmental control and material handling within the loomshed. Intervention by the government is necessary to help the other stakeholders bridge the technology gap. Schemes such as TUFS and SITP also need to be available to machinery manufacturers. Education and training is another important sector where the government can play an important role. It is only by tackling the above issues will be weaving industry be able to rise upto the challenges posed by globalization. About the author: Ketan Sanghvi has done his MBA from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, 1986 and BS (Mech) from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, 1983. He is the Director of Laxmi Shuttleless Looms Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad Which is one of Indias leading manufacturer and supplier of shuttleless looms. He is also a Partner in the CreationTextiles, Ahmedabad which is one of Indias oldest manufacturer of dobbies. He is also the Director of WANLAND Datacom (India) Pvt. Ltd. which is Specialist in WAN and wireless connectivity solutions. He is the President in the Indian Textiles Accessories & Machinery Manufacturers Association 20062007, Co-chairman in the Federation of Indian Textile Engineering Industry 2006-2007 and
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