Within years, Industry 4.0 has evolved from a concept to a transformational goal of corporates around the world. Many Hong Kong corporates see the huge business opportunities behind Industry 4.0 and adjust their operating practices to get a share of this golden era of industrial automation. Vice Chairman of FHKI Group 32 (Hong Kong Automation Technology Council, HKATC) and Director of GOA International Limited (GOA) Chris Chan says if Hong Kong corporates want to transform, they must choose partners that are able to provide hardware equipment and integrated solution to perform long-lasting efficacy.
GOA focused on metal processing, equipment trading, and European branded parts dealing at the beginning. However, the floods of pirate replica since Millennium urged Chris Chan to reform with value-added services such as manufacturing solutions and automated integration. “I think it is important to communicate with clients openly in order to understand their needs comprehensively. Hong Kong corporates must be flexible enough to cope with clients’ requirements and changes to provide them with tailored system solutions. Being connected to the mainland market, Hong Kong industries even enjoy the geographical advantage that fosters communication with mainland clients and cater to their needs.”
Having mind firmly set on quality, Chris Chan shares that he would rather take risk to apply new technology in effective solutions. “Some corporates would rather use existing technology because it is relatively safer and steadier. Despite the challenges, I hope to develop new technology with quality hardware. As long as you persist in quality, you will eventually stand out in the market.”
Sustainable Development of Corporates
Chris Chan thinks that to attain sustainable development, corporates should consider not only adjustment on operating practices but also quality. “A change in operating models may increase productivity, but if you cannot maintain or enhance product quality, corporates can only get a few more purchase orders without keeping the customers in a long run.” He also points out the importance of nurturing talents. “’Automation expels manpower’ is a mistaken concept. Since automation involves mechanics, electronics, software development and other expertise, it takes a diversity of manpower to execute varied functions. Corporates should not only seek to enhance employees’ sense of belonging, but also encourage employees to develop and learn diversely in order to grow with corporates for a chance to break free from talent shortage.”
