Arun Kumar Barad
Founder Director,
Arun Kumar Barad, a Ceramic Engineering graduate, began his career as a lecturer in 1992 before transitioning to steel plants in 2006. With 30 years of expertise in steel plants, refractories, and lime industries, he has led the construction of over 30 Limekiln complexes in India and abroad. He founded Barad Consultancy Services, partnering with QualiCal International Srl, Italy, to provide cutting-edge lime technology. Beyond lime, he has ventured into copper and gold mining in Africa. As Founder Director of ULTI-MET SMART TECHNO PRIVATE LIMITED, he drives industrial digitalization and serves as Secretary of the Bharat Lime Association. D.A.Chandekar, Editor & CEO of Metalworld magazine had an exclusive interaction with Arun Kumar Barad Founder Director of ULTI-MET SMART TECHNO PRIVATE LIMITED to get insights into the current state of digitalization in the steel sector, How does digitalization contribute to making steel production more sustainable, the biggest challenges steel companies face when adopting digital technologies etc.
What is the current state of digitalization in the steel sector?
The steel sector is undergoing significant digital transformation, driven by Industry 4.0 and the need for increased efficiency and sustainability. Digitalization is being applied to various aspects of the steel industry such as Sustainable Production Technologies, Real Time Data Exchange and analysis, digital twins to simulate production processes and predict maintenance needs, reducing downtime and increasing efficiency.
How does digitalization contribute to making steel production more sustainable?
Digitalization contributes to making steel production more sustainable in several ways: Energy Efficiency andl Reduction through Optimized production processes & Predictive maintenance. Environmental Impactl Reduction by Emissions monitoring & Waste reduction and recycling. Increase Resourcel Efficiency by Raw material optimization & Supply chain optimization. Circular Economyl Enablement through Product design and recycling and Closedloop production. Transparency andl Accountability: Datadriven decision-making, Stakeholder engagement and reporting. By leveraging digitalization, the steel industry can reduce its environmental footprint, improve resource efficiency, and promote a more circular and sustainable production process.
What role does AI and Machine Learning (ML) play in steel manufacturing?
The application of AI and ML can be used to predict maintenance needs, detect anomalies, and optimize production processes.
What are the biggest challenges steel companies face when adopting digital technologies?
The challenges steel companies facing are Workforce Upskilling and Reskilling: The need for the workforce to develop new skills and competencies to work effectively with digital technologies. Job Displacement: The potential for job displacement due to automation and the need for workforce upskilling and reskilling. Cybersecurity Risks: The increased risk of cybersecurity threats due to the increased use of digital technologies.
What support does the digitalization of the steel sector require from policymakers?
The digitalization of the steel sector requires support from policymakers in several areas: Regulatory Frameworkl & Standards and interoperability. Investment and Fundingl for Research and development & digital infrastructure. Sustainability andl Environmental Policy: Establish regulations that encourage the use of digital technologies and Develop standards for sustainable production. Internationall Cooperation: Encouraging international cooperation to establish global standards for digitalization in the steel sector and Trade agreements. Taxation and Incentives:l Offer tax incentives for companies that invest in digital technologies and sustainable practices and provide grants and subsidies for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to support their digitalization efforts.
How does ULTI-MET SMART TECHNO PRIVATE LIMITED helped steel makers to follow the path of digitalisation?
ULTI-MET SMART TECHNO PRIVATE LIMITED can help steel makers follow the path of digitalization in several ways: Assess the steell maker’s current digital maturity and creates a tailored roadmap for digital transformation. Define Digital vision andl strategy. Industrial IoT (IIoT)l solutions: ULTI-MET deploys IIoT solutions to connect machines, sensors, and systems, enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and optimized production. Artificial Intelligence (AI)l and Machine Learning (ML): ULTI-MET applies AI and ML to analyze data, identify patterns, and make predictions, enabling steel makers to optimize processes, reduce costs, and improve quality. ULTI-MET offersl training and upskilling programs to equip steel makers’ employees with the necessary skills to effectively use new digital technologies. ULTI-MET works withl steel makers to identify areas for continuous improvement and optimization, ensuring they remain competitive and innovative. By providing a comprehensive range of digital solutions and services, Ultimate helps steel makers navigate the path of digitalization, achieve operational excellence, and drive business growth.
