In this interview, Mr. Ashok Rajpal, Managing Director of Ambrane India, delves into the evolving challenges and opportunities in the electronics manufacturing sector. With a keen focus on the rising demand for advanced gadgets, automation, and sustainability, Mr. Rajpal discusses how Ambrane is navigating the complexities of supply chain disruptions, material innovation, and the growing trend of personalization in gadgets. He also shares his insights on the impact of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and how it is shaping the future of the electronics industry, both locally and globally.

Can you elaborate on the biggest challenges electronics manufacturers face today, especially with the rising demand for advanced gadgets and the complexity of their components?

The electronics industry faces several challenges today, including a shortage of skilled workers, supply chain uncertainties, and inventory management difficulties due to constant technological innovations. Consumer behaviour is also changing rapidly, which adds pressure to adapt quickly. To overcome these challenges, manufacturers must stay agile, streamline production processes, and remain adaptable to meet evolving demands while maintaining efficiency and quality

The global electronics industry is facing a significant resource crunch, including shortages of critical components like semiconductors. How is this impacting production, and what strategies can manufacturers adopt to mitigate these issues?

The spike in demand during the pandemic put immense pressure on the semiconductor supply chain. While some manufacturers resorted to hoarding, we took a more balanced approach. We diversified our sourcing by partnering with multiple vendors, ensuring stability without contributing to the disruption. Although inflation and rising costs did impact our margins, we made a conscious effort to minimize the impact on our customers. For us, it’s about staying true to our values—prioritizing trust, fairness, and long-term relationships over short-term gains.

How has automation and the integration of smart technologies like robotics and AI transformed the manufacturing process for electronic gadgets?

We're investing in advanced automated machinery to enhance production efficiency and improve precision in our manufacturing processes. While these advancements allow us to deliver higher-quality products and scale operations effectively, we acknowledge that automation can reduce the need for manual labour. We strive to balance this by upskilling our workforce, exploring roles that complement automation, and contributing to the economy in ways that drive innovation and growth.

The development of new materials often leads to better gadget performance and durability. Can you explain the role of material innovation in electronics manufacturing and its impact on product design?

Material innovation has significantly enhanced the performance and reliability of our power banks. Advancements in battery technology, such as high-density lithium-polymer cells, enable us to design more compact power banks that deliver higher capacity and faster charging—perfectly aligning with consumer demands. Additionally, features like fire-resistant coatings and smart circuitry ensure top-notch safety and dependability, which remain our highest priorities. By staying at the forefront of such innovations, we’re committed to delivering a superior and seamless consumer experience

Global supply chain disruptions have been a recurring issue. What strategies can electronics manufacturers use to create a more resilient and efficient supply chain?

One of our key strategies involves using AI prediction tools, which enable more accurate forecasting. This helps us maintain the right amount of inventory and avoid both overstocking and shortages, ensuring smooth production cycles. Additionally, we emphasize early planning. By planning our production well in advance, we can anticipate potential disruptions and mitigate risks, reducing the chances of last-minute surprises. Lastly, we actively diversify our sources of raw materials. By reducing dependence on any single supplier, we build a more flexible and stable supply chain, which is crucial in minimizing the impact of disruptions. These steps help us to stay agile and responsive, ensuring efficiency even during times of uncertainty.

With high-volume production, maintaining consistent quality is a challenge. What quality control systems and practices are essential for ensuring the reliability of electronic gadgets?

We have implemented automated assembly lines and advanced testing equipment, which significantly reduce human error and enhance the overall precision of our manufacturing process. To ensure we meet industry benchmarks, our products adhere to BIS certifications and other relevant standards, underscoring our commitment to reliability and safety. Regular training for our team ensures they are equipped with the latest knowledge on quality standards and emerging technologies. Moreover, we actively engage with our customers to gather feedback, which is then used to refine our products. This continuous loop of improvement helps us maintain a high level of quality and consistently meet consumer expectations.

Consumers increasingly demand personalized and customizable gadgets. How can manufacturers adapt their production processes to meet this growing trend without significantly increasing costs?

To meet the demand for personalized gadgets, we rely on outsourcing to specialized partners who can handle customization efficiently. This allows us to offer a wide range of personalized options without investing heavily in new infrastructure. By working with trusted third-party manufacturers, we can scale customization while keeping overall costs low and maintaining high quality, ensuring that we meet consumer demands without compromising on efficiency.

As technology evolves rapidly, what are the emerging trends in electronics and gadget manufacturing that will define the industry over the next decade?

The demand for smaller, more powerful devices has surged, particularly in health tracking. With the increased focus on personal health post-COVID-19, wearables have gained significant traction, enabling users to monitor vital signs like heart rate and sleep patterns more effectively. Additionally, advancements in connected devices are making gadgets lighter, smarter, and more efficient, thereby transforming personal health management. Another trend gaining momentum is the use of 3D printing. This technology allows for rapid prototyping, streamlining the design and development phase while offering flexibility for product customization. Also, sustainability has become a core focus in the electronics industry. By integrating energy-efficient manufacturing processes and utilizing eco-friendly materials, we’re not only enhancing product performance but also minimizing our environmental impact, making our products smarter and more responsible.

India has been focusing on becoming a global manufacturing hub with initiatives like ‘Make in India.’ How do you see this movement impacting the electronics and gadgets industry, both locally and globally?

The "Make in India" movement has greatly benefited the electronics industry by driving innovation, creating jobs, and reducing reliance on imports. It has encouraged manufacturers to invest in advanced technologies and improve quality standards. Globally, India is emerging as a competitive player in electronics manufacturing, attracting international businesses. While India is primarily focused on assembly today, the movement has laid the foundation for future investments in semiconductor manufacturing, which will help strengthen the country's electronics production in the long term.