MANILA, Philippines, 16 June 2023 — With the rapid evolution of technology, sustainable digital transformation has quickly become a necessity in maintaining global competitiveness, especially throughout the industrial and manufacturing value chain.
In recent years, the Philippines has been well positioned to become the next renewable and innovation-driven manufacturing hub in the Asia-Pacific. This is mostly due to its strategic location within the region, significant potential for green energy sources, skilled workforce, and supportive government policies to attract investments from local and overseas stakeholders. Earlier this year, the Marcos administration announced its plans to drive for a more cutting-edge manufacturing industry to attract more investors and make the Philippines an ideal investment destination. With the advent of this new administration, Secretary Fred Pascual is leading the Department of Trade Industry (DTI) in pursuing a renewed industrial policy that is driven by science, technology, and innovation (STI), which is a critical component of the Department’s efforts to build the country’s dynamic industry ecosystems.
Global leader in energy management Schneider Electric understands the opportunity at hand. The company took the lead by modernizing its Cavite factory to what now is known as the Cavite Smart Factory. Functioning through paperless operations, it follows a model that enhances operational decisions and actions through improved data visibility. Today, the facility employs the latest artificial intelligence (AI) technology and data analytics that serve as a model for effective eco-solutions and efficient universal automation.
“Schneider Electric believes that the Philippines has a strong development potential in achieving a new level of industrial enterprise excellence. We are committed to growing our presence here even more and help the country shift to viable manufacturing practices by deploying our full innovation portfolio that deliver clean energy management solutions,” shared Ireen Go-Catane, Schneider Electric Philippines Country President.
Establishing Smart Factories as the new industry standard
Schneider Electric Smart Factories have been recognized by the World Economic Forum for leading the way in smart manufacturing, and the Cavite Smart Factory is among the 73 Schneider Electric Smart Sites across the globe.
What sets Schneider Electric’s Smart Factories apart is that it uses its own EcoStruxure architecture to aid in the digital transformation of manufacturing facilities. A patented technology, EcoStruxure optimizes end-to-end efficiency and delivers asset reliability in the industrial environment. The facility promotes agile management to improve service speeds; predictive analytics for reduced downtime and more seamless operations; access to real-time assets and data for increased safety and effectiveness in maintenance processes; reduced energy consumption, costs, and carbon footprint; improved power monitoring through real-time insights and connected meters; and cybersecure operations.
Becoming the preferred partner for the sustainable future
Schneider Electric recently invited representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to tour its Cavite Smart Factory.
The 90-minute tour provided attendees an exclusive experience into the advanced technology Schneider Electric has set up in their facility and engage with Schneider Electric representatives. The session also opened grounds for a future partnership between the two organizations.
“More than ever, we are very proud of what the Philippines can do in terms of innovation, and to experience this Smart Factory firsthand makes me confident that we are heading in the right direction,” said DTI Assistant Secretary Glenn Peñaranda, who noted that the Schneider Electric Smart Factory serves as a prime example of smart and sustainable manufacturing in the Philippines. “Moving forward, it is key for the government to work with industry leaders such as Schneider Electric to continue driving sustainable energy management and manufacturing forward and position the Philippines as an ideal destination for investments.”
