The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Jharkhand organized an impactful workshop today, focused on the theme "Advanced 5S & QC: The Powerful Tool for Implementation in the Era of Industry 4.0" at the Center for Excellence in Jamshedpur. The event aimed at strengthening the operational practices of industries by introducing advanced methodologies based on the 5S principles—Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain—while linking these core practices to Lean Manufacturing and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).
The primary objective of the workshop was to provide participants with the necessary knowledge and practical tools to improve productivity, foster continuous improvement, and lay a solid foundation for long-term organizational success. This session served as a strategic platform for industry stakeholders to explore the role of 5S and Quality Circles in driving operational excellence in the rapidly evolving landscape of Industry 4.0.
The workshop opened with a keynote address by Umesh Kumar Singh, Convenor of CII’s Manufacturing & Engineering Panel and Managing Director of TRF Ltd. Singh emphasized the evolving significance of quality in the age of Industry 4.0, highlighting how frameworks like 5S, Quality Control (QC), and Total Quality Management (TQM) have transformed into powerful tools for digital excellence. He stressed the importance of integrating human ingenuity with cutting-edge technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, and predictive analytics. This fusion, Singh explained, is essential for developing intelligent, adaptable manufacturing systems that not only enhance operational efficiency but also drive innovation.
PP Rtn Prof Chandreshwar Khan, FIE, ACF, PHF, Management Consultant, and Trainer, shared his insights on fostering a progressive mindset in the Industry 4.0 era. He urged the industry to build upon its foundational knowledge while embracing a scientific approach to quality management. Prof. Khan spoke about the evolution of quality management systems from control to assurance and emphasized the importance of continuous learning, unlearning, and relearning in order to adapt to challenges posed by artificial intelligence.
The workshop also featured a session by Pankaj Kumar, TQM & TPM Facilitator and Former Chief of TQM & Corporate Quality Assurance at Tata Steel. Kumar reinforced the enduring relevance of Total Employee Involvement (TEI) and Quality Circles (QC) as pivotal tools for continuous improvement. He noted that while advanced technological concepts are crucial for industrial progress, it is the consistent application of foundational practices like 5S and QC that ensures sustainable growth and equips organizations to thrive in the evolving industrial ecosystem. According to Kumar, a renewed focus on these principles is necessary to drive operational excellence in the Industry 4.0 era.
