A Two-Day Interactive Workshop on Adoption of Industry 4.0 & Quality Assurance (QA) 4.0 for Defence Production
In a world that is becoming increasingly complex, the pursuit of world-class products and systems has never been more pressing. In recent years, the Ministry of Defence (MoD), in collaboration with the Department of Defence Production (DDP), organized a remarkable two-day interactive workshop. This event took place at the Highest Position of Quality Assurance (DGQA) at the Directorate General for Quality Assurance, with organizers from both MoD and DDP, as well as figures like Director General Shri N Manoharan, the Director General of DGQA.
The primary objective of this workshop was to explore and discuss the adoption of Industry 4.0 and QA 4.0 technologies in various divisions of Defence Production. The Ministry of Defence is committed to fostering innovation and automation in all sectors, particularly during a time when global challenges are becoming more complex. This workshop marked a significant step towards leveraging cutting-edge technologies for the benefit of the defence sector.
Day One: Introduction and Industry 4.0 Overview
The first day of the workshop began with an inspiring speech by Dr. Garima Bhagat, the Joint Secretary from the Land Systems section under the Ministry of Defence. In her address, Dr. Bhagat highlighted the MoD’s dedication to integrating modernization strategies like Industry 4.0 and QA 4.0 into DPSUs. She emphasized that these technologies are essential for producing world-class defence products, which require not only advanced manufacturing capabilities but also cutting-edge digital solutions.
The workshop also introduced DGQA, where a National Level Quality Conclave was scheduled for May 8th, 2025. This event would be part of the “Year of Reforms” initiative, aimed at refining strategies to achieve better quality outcomes in various sectors, including defence production. The vision document of the Adoption of Industry 4.0 and QA 4.0 initiatives was a key focus during this event.
Day Two: Practical Sessions and Strategic Discussion
The second day focused on practical implementations of Industry 4.0 and QA 4.0 in DPSUs. Participants engaged in hands-on sessions using tools like laboratory-to-enterprise (LoT) systems and big data analytics, which are integral to modernisation strategies. These activities not only highlighted the transformative potential of Industry 4.0 but also provided practical insights into how these technologies can be effectively integrated into production processes.
The day also saw a detailed discussion among participants about their experiences and lessons learned from the workshop. This exchange helped shape future initiatives aimed at fostering best practices in industry 4.0 and QA 4.0 adoption. The discussions were particularly valuable as they underscored the importance of collaboration between industry, academia, and defense sectors for achieving success in a rapidly evolving world.
Conclusion
This two-day interactive workshop was a significant step forward in modernising defence production. By exploring Industry 4.0 and QA 4.0 technologies, the Ministry of Defence sought to drive innovation and prepare DPSUs for the future. The vision document released during the National Level Quality Conclave on May 8th marked an ambitious goal, with the aim of creating a world-class quality standard through Industry 4.0 and QA 4.0.
The workshop highlighted the critical role of automation in achieving these goals. As the world becomes more complex, the ability to adapt technologies quickly and efficiently will be key to success. This event underscores why continuous learning and collaboration are essential for driving progress in the defence sector. We look forward to seeing how this knowledge is put into action moving forward.