Winning in the Industrial AI Era: Key Takeaways from ARC’s 23rd India Forum

By Sharada Rao

ARC Advisory Group’s 23rd India Forum, titled Winning in the Industrial AI Era on July 10-11, 2025, brought together over 300 industry leaders, innovators, and technology providers under one roof. The forum spotlighted how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of smart manufacturing, digital transformation in manufacturing, and Industry 4.0.

This two-day Forum featured about 40 executive speakers and panelists from several industries to share their experiences of winning in the Industrial AI era. The inaugural was done by “eco-friendly watering of plants” by the 7 sponsors. The welcome address and introduction to the agenda by G. Ganapathiraman, Vice President and General Manager, ARC Advisory Group, India and the keynote addresses set the tenor for the presentations on both days. 

AI Takes Center Stage in Industrial Transformation

While previous forums emphasized digital transformation and sustainability, this year’s event made it clear: AI is no longer a future concept—it’s the present reality. Every session, regardless of its primary focus, integrated AI as a transformative force. From predictive analytics to intelligent automation, AI is now embedded in the DNA of industrial operations.

The speakers and panelists emphasized how AI is enabling:

• Faster decision making through real-time data analysis

• Predictive maintenance and supply chain optimization

• Automation of routine tasks, freeing up human talent for strategic roles

• New business models driven by AI-powered insights

Open Process Automation: Breaking Traditional Barriers

One of the standout sessions focused on Open Process Automation (OPA), which challenges the traditional automation pyramid. The Open Process Automation Forum is spearheading the development of the O-PAS standard, an open, interoperable framework that prioritizes safety, reliability, and security. This initiative is crucial for industries looking to modernize large-scale systems while maintaining vendor flexibility and long-term scalability.

Real-World Insights from Industry Leaders

Executives from various sectors shared their AI adoption journeys, highlighting both successes and challenges. These firsthand accounts provided valuable lessons for companies at different stages of their digital transformation. Attendees gained insights into:

• How early adopters are scaling AI initiatives

• Investment strategies for AI technologies

• Responsible and sustainable AI deployment

Interactive panel discussions allowed for deeper engagement, helping participants understand how to align AI with business goals while navigating ethical and operational complexities.

Forum Sponsors

The success of our Forum was largely due to the support of our sponsors, and they in turn were happy to meet and interact with a global audience.

Platinum Sponsors: OPC Foundation, Yokogawa 

Global Sponsors: Siemens, Smar 

Gold Sponsors: Red Hat 

Silver Sponsors: AsInt, Utthunga

Media Sponsors – Chemical Industry Digest, electronicspecifier.com, Highways Today, IED Communications, Industrial Automation, SME (formerly Industrial Products Finder), Technology Record, and World of Chemicals and Chemical Today.

Conclusion: The Future Is Now

ARC’s 23rd India Forum made one thing abundantly clear: AI is the cornerstone of the next industrial revolution. For manufacturing executives and IT leaders, embracing AI is not optional—it’s essential for staying competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Learn more about ARC Events at ARC Industry Leadership Forums

Learn more about ARC Strategic Services at Advisory Services for Industry Leaders

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