The budget seems to be a positive step in the right direction

Mr. Vineet Seth, Managing Director, Delcam Ltd, UK

Q. What trend will drive CAD/CAM Industry in near future?
Optimal integration between CAD and CAM as well as a highly reliable Design/Model for Manufacture methodology is what will drive the CAD/CAM industry in the future. It is evident that what is being designed will one day be manufactured; however – inspite of new age technology like 3D printing, there are various aspects regarding volumes, material, resource availability that a manufacturer (usually small & medium businesses) need to consider. Often, there is a disconnect between both these processes which results in inefficient manufacturing. CAD/CAM tools have the ability to tie these loose ends together by providing a system that connects the dots and provides an optimal guideline or options that the manufacturing planning department can consider. Price is always a key driver, and therefore offering the above at an economical price, backed by quality support will also be critical in driving this trend.

Q. What is the impact of Union budget on the industry?
The budget seems to be a positive step in the right direction, with tax benefits to start-ups in manufacturing for the immediate short term period of about 2-3 years. Revision in Customs & Excise Duty rates would also be beneficial in sectors such as Defence Production, IT Hardware & Capital Goods.

The MRO Sector in Aerospace is likely to gain through complete exemption on customs duty on spares imported for undertaking repairs. With the push in Aerospace Sector that the industry has been eyeing for a while now, this should increase potential for business. Duty benefits in renewable energy is also a very positive step.

Finally, duty exemptions have been reduced on several military equipment. This shall provide a fillip to Make-in-India initiatives as well as provide a level playing field for Indian Manufacturers.

The budget’s focus on Infrastructure Development is another very important and positive feature.  All in all I am pleased with the budget. The devil however lies in successful execution; I for one have immense faith in our system as it stands today, to propel India on the path of economic progress, strength & growth.

Q. What are the remedies do you suggest to improve the positioning of the industry you are into?
We are suppliers to the manufacturing industry and the success of this industry is critical to our success. The manufacturing industry faces many challenges – most of which can be addressed by diligently applying best practices and proven formulae – in the short term. In the longer term, innovation and competitive differentiation are key to the collective success of the entire supply chain in the business. The manufacturing industry should also regulate & discourage the use of pirated software, encourage the adoption of new age technology, encourage continued education, invest in R&D – both as individual companies (micro-scale) as well as on the consortia levels (macro-scales) and most importantly pay due respect to customer requirement and resulting quality thereof.