Dr Rainer Ohnheiser, President & CEO, Carl Zeiss Industrielle Messtechnik GmbH
How do you think the CMM technology has changed over the years? What kinds of technology breakthroughs we can observe in the near future?
It is now becoming more multi-sensoric. What is happening is that we are putting together in one system or one machine, different parts and technologies, for example, video optics and lasers. This is one of the most crucial trends in the CMM technology space, which is, having a multi-sensoric set-up in one system, which will revolutionise the whole scene in this space.
What are the latest developments in measuring technology?
As explained earlier, it is all about integration of various technologies in one single system. Integration of software into the system is a well observed trend. Increasing the ease-of-use is a definite necessity so that new users can handle and work on metrology equipments effectively and efficiently.
Carl Zeiss launches various products throughout the year. Can you please tell us about your R&D activities?
We are trying to integrate the software technologies and sensor technologies together. We also have a very established and experienced group of professionals here in India. We are developing our software systems globally. India is an important hub in our software development for the global set-up.
What percentage of your revenue goes towards the R&D activities?
It is about 10%. Out of all the revenues, 10% are injected into all of our R&D activities, which is a very important part for our company.
What sort of demands do you see in the metrology industry, particularly in India?
Demands in India increase with activity and quality. These are usual trends which you will face when you talk to any manufacturer.
Profitability, quality, capability and flexibility are the common demands. I definitely would say that India has a need to increase profitability; more and more Indian companies will start exporting as well.
People usually say that there is availability of cheap labor in India. But this will not be an important argument in the future. You will have to have qualified personnel along with good profitability, instead of quoting human resource availability.
You have excellent technologies in your basket. How is the response to such high-end technology in a cost-conscious market like India?
We always offer high-quality equipments rather than high-end products. Usually high-end is assumed with exorbitant prices. We have competent products in the middle- and entrance-class. In fact, our spectrum of products serve the whole middle-class.
Do you think SMEs in India are ready to adopt high-end CMM products?
I am sure they will adopt these products. The scenario with SMEs will change over time, and they will start looking at high-end CMM products. On the other hand, you also have private small and medium enterprises. If they want to survive, they will have to specialise and do quality work. They will look for ways to invest their money more rightly than otherwise.
I truly believe that we have small companies in India, who are investing in our equipments. They are price-conscious but in addition, they also look for quality investments. Unless they update themselves with new and high-end technologies and products, they cannot survive.
Has the rupee depreciation against major currencies affected your business? How are you tackling it?
We strengthen it by having a strong local organisation, and a good relationship with local suppliers and the local assembly, which we are currently doing.
Carl Zeiss caters to many industries. Which industries according to you are most promising from a business point-of-view?
The Automobile sector has remained a volatile market. However, Aerospace sector has outperformed the others as there are precision needs, documentation needs and process optimisation.
There is increase in the number of fleets, and passengers and the fuel usage, which leads to more emission and noise production, which is where our expertise comes in action in solving such problems. Thus, Aerospace has been a very promising sector.
Tell us about your future plans for the Indian market.
The CT space is an important space for us. We will be bringing new technologies and new products into India. We will strengthen our applications and capabilities because customers expect full support in terms of application.
