What started as a temporary crisis has now become the basis to prepare for contingency plans, the manufacturing sector is concerned about surviving the aftermath more than resuming operations in the present. The post COVID business is about making major changes, the irony to it is, something temporary will cast the trends for a permanent impact. To prepare for all the uncertain transformations, post-COVID, manufacturers are looking up for what the sector has in the coming years, and are coming to the common grounds where changes are not only meant to restructure the business but to establish a modern society prepared for any pandemic.

It is well said that it is not the strongest of species that survive, nor the smartest but the one most responsive to change. What we are looking at is a Post-COVID Industry where the conventional means of operations are no longer optimum for fulfilling the modern expectations of industry 4.0 in the new normal. From disruptive technologies to market restructuring, every detail demands attention and precision, because the time we are entering is an industry of Global competence and individual-sustainability.

Anything but Technology

Technological advancements have proved as a saviour in disguise for manufacturers in surviving the pandemic. There is a large pool of accessible technology to employ in regular manufacturing operations to create a cost-effective and healthy production ecosystem. The last 4 months have seen the largest shift of manual to digital, giving a reason to consider it as a permanent pattern to operate. Certain technologies have outcasted conventional processes to provide equal or greater efficiency.

• Automation: The Internet of Things (IoT) has filled the gap between physical and manual surveillance. The pandemic’s greatest effects are the fear to be present physically, in such circumstances automated services provide remote access by enabling operations of the machines by a mere click on your screen. It scrutinizes on the ways of efficient design and energy optimization. The manufacturing sector is at a critical stage of considering automation, not only as a specialized service but a common functionality for all their units, the entire analogy gives the freedom of easy access and unconditional operations. The internet becomes a data mega house for businesses. 
• Digitization: Though India started to grow towards, digitalization since demonetization, it’s implementation to the core level was minimal. In the recent months, businesses had no option but to shift their focus to the digital means, as a result, the country saw a limitless consumer-producer engagement, in terms of innovations and their adaption, was quicker than ever, hence a virtual twin has shifted from being an option to a necessary. A recent McKinsey survey of manufacturing and supply-chain professionals concluded that 93% plan to concentrate on the resilience of their supply chain, and 90% to invest in digitization. 
• Augmented reality and artificial intelligence: Linking human brains to machines is the latest development found in AI, for mega manufacturers have been employing robots to work with less manpower and build a detailed product. Considering the challenges of migrant labour and dreaded human contact, artificial intelligence to perform manual functions is the most efficient and timely adaption. Rolls Royce has been using microscopic AI-enabled robots at their production systems, for a long period now. 
• 3D Printing: The technology of 3D Printing has created virtual product lifelike and life-size designs for final products. With growing innovations and the need to enter the market with competency, the elimination of risk has been a priority. People think that 3D printing will become mainstream for manufacturing and not continue to only be a novelty for prototyping.

All these advancements are expected to accelerate proficiency and hassle-free operation.

Global Opportunity to Superiority

What comes with all the uncertainty is the long-awaited opportunity to rise globally, with the recent global reputation of China, India stands a larger hand at tapping the given opportunity of rising as a major manufacturing hub and an exporter, while the USA stands at a trade war at the China front, Indian manufacturing sector can put every dime into going vocal for local, not only is it the best time to increase sufficiency and support local produce but to initially minimize the age-old import dependency and eventually to eliminate it completely. The need to promote local indulgence, to go local and make global investors realize the potential in Indian markets must be capitalized. And all of this can start when the people believe in the indigenous talent before scouting to foreign nations.

Safety and Health Prioritization

Health and safety have become indispensable from any function, the pandemic has not only increased the safety standards but has created a prerequisite for undertaking any venture. Though the trend is ethical and should be a common necessity despite the pandemic, the difference is that now it is linked with unavoidable fear. More than actual physical benefits, it is serving for a stable work mindset to deliver efficient services. The manufacturing units are the largest employers of manpower, with that comes huge risks and the need to meet it with precise health and safety measures.

Work and Market Structure

The dynamics of work and market structure for manufacturers are estimated to change upside down, with the virtual workforce becoming a reality, offices tend to shift to screens and work expectations are no longer limited to specific job roles. There needs to be a value-chain which operates like a branched network, to execute a purpose-driven economy. There is an expected rise in personalized products and services, which will need Zero-defect quality. There need to be cognitive and collaborative networks to give satisfying results to the end consumer. Major changes are expected on the shop floor and the work floor level with different patterns of production and distribution. Decoupling of supply chains to create balance and avoid uncertainties are most likely to happen.

Creative Dominance

Consumers welcome every product with, ‘What is different in it’, they look for something beyond good, they want great. The pandemic has made the consumer even more specific in his choice of purchase. The manufacturing processes are no more limited to the four walls of the factory. It is far beyond, raw materials and final products, what has gained recognition is creative innovations in common products. Designing and structuring should be considered of equal importance as it helps the product gain a competitive advantage. The creative trend emerged due to thousands of business operators entering into manufacturing, producing similar goods, hence creativity provides special recognition to it.

Change is inevitable but growth is optional. To become the world’s factory is not an easy task, but with the optimum balance of technology and adaption of other trends can create a self-sufficient global producer, to support India in its journey towards a self-sufficient country. As the industry is under speculation, a well-planned framework can mitigate disputes in the new normal.