The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) is pioneering the transformation of existing manufacturing industry into cutting-edge 4.0 digital technology through its newly launched Industry 4.0 Platform, an initiative that offers cost-effective solutions. This platform aims to assist local industries in transitioning to the digital realm as part of Thailand’s 4.0 policy, ushering the country’s traditional manufacturing plants into the era of technology and innovation.
Ravipat Phudpong, Director of the Smart Industrial Collaboration Division at the Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECi), elucidates NSTDA’s pivotal role in providing science and technology infrastructure for industrial growth. In the pursuit of increased production efficiency within limited resources, advanced technology and innovation are essential. Over 10,000 domestic plants across Thailand, particularly small and medium-sized ones, lag behind in upgrading, stagnating at the Industry 2.0 or Industry 3.0 levels.
Acknowledging this challenge, NSTDA is addressing the impasse by introducing the latest Industry 4.0 platform. This comprehensive solution offers a suite of services encompassing assessment (i4.0 Maturity), consultation (i4.0 Consulting), and training (i4.0 Training). The Thailand i4.0 Index serves as a guideline, evaluating production efficiency throughout the manufacturing process. Following assessment, entrepreneurs gain insight into improving their operations to align with their business objectives.
Facilitating transition with data-driven insights
Ravipat Phudpong emphasises that numerical results provide entrepreneurs with clarity on enhancing manufacturing procedures. Acknowledging the substantial investment required for transitioning to 4.0 technology, he suggests initiating with an Internet of Things (IoT) system implementation to bolster manufacturing efficiency.
Under NSTDA’s purview, the Sustainable Manufacturing Center (SMC) introduces the Industrial IoT and Data Analytics Platform (IDA). This innovative approach transforms conventional machines into digital counterparts, resulting in remarkable productivity increases (20-400%), energy efficiency gains (10-45%), cost reductions (10-160%), lowered greenhouse gas emissions (30-50%).
To access the platform, entrepreneurs may install sensors on their machines, enabling communication with SMC’s URCONNECT and linking data to the cloud-based NETPIE system. Vital real-time information, including energy savings and equipment effectiveness, is displayed on a dashboard accessible via mobile devices.
Government support and success stories
Ravipat Phudpong notes that the government fully supports entrepreneurs aiming to improve their operations to Industry 4.0 under the BOI promotion, a three-year tax reduction aligned with the investment value. These privileges necessitate plant assessment approval from NSTDA and adherence to Board of Investment (BoI) regulations. In addition, there is also a financial incentives such as a transformation voucher for establishing the IDA platform at the eligible plants.
A successful case study highlights Thai Herbal Production Company’s investment in the IDA platform. Identifying a malfunctioning chiller machine responsible for excessive power consumption prompted rectification, resulting in reduced electricity costs. Similar positive outcomes resonate across local plants striving for sustainable development and expansion.
NSTDA plans to launch an online self-assessment questionnaire to facilitate local plant evaluations. This initiative promises to provide a valuable database for future development endeavours. Among NSTDA’s clientele, 58% are large-scale, 29% medium-scale, and 13% small-scale enterprises. The automotive parts sector accounts for 41%, followed by the food sector (21%), general sector (20%), and electronics sector (18%).
Embracing the Industry 4.0 movement
NSTDA, along with its partners, is initiating the rollout of the Industry 4.0 platform to the public. Interested parties can contact the initiative via https://www.nstda.or.th/i4Platform, Email: i4Platform@nstda.or.th, LINE ID: @i4Platform, and Facebook: Thailand i4.0 Platform, for further information. The first 100 clients will receive a complimentary assessment until the end of the upcoming month.
Regarding the Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECi), NSTDA was assigned to create Thailand’s largest innovation and technology hub, catering to the government’s industry 4.0 strategy. The facility provides research, innovation, testing, certification services, and more, fostering an ecosystem conducive to new economy investments.