The Singapore operations of life sciences company Agilent Technologies, which provides instruments, software, services, and consumables for laboratories has been recognised as a leader by the World Economic Forum’s Global Lighthouse Network for effectively deploying innovative technologies associated with 4IR (fourth industrial revolution) at scale in manufacturing scientific instruments.
The Forum has included Agilent’s Singapore facility along with 10 other new factories and industrial sites to its Network, a community of over 100 manufacturers applying 4IR to drive impact in productivity, workforce engagement, sustainability, and supply chain resilience.
The network in partnership with McKinsey & Company showcases models of smart manufacturing enabled by 4IR technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, robotics, data analytics, and the industrial internet of things.
McKinsey & Company’s Senior Partner for digital manufacturing, Enno de Boer said the newly designated Lighthouses have been leading due to their clear strategy, workforce capabilities and strong governance.
Agilent’s facility in Singapore has deployed IIoT-powered (industrial internet of things) digital twin, AI & robotic automation solutions to achieve sustainable growth with aims to simplify high-tech manufacturing in low-volume and high-complexity instruments to meet rising customer demand.
It has successfully optimised productivity by 60 percent, thus improving the output of the unit by 80 percent. It has also improved cycle time by 30 percent and quality cost by 20 percent.
The firm has deployed advanced digital technologies throughout its 28 manufacturing, operations and logistical sites across the world.
Agilent’s CEO Mike McMullen said such digital initiatives have helped its team lead manufacturing in their sector.
“We are doing this for our customers, but also to provide a rewarding experience for our employees and to protect the environment,” he added.
