We are living through a defining moment in manufacturing. As the automotive components industry embraces Industry 4.0, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has moved from being a concept to the operational backbone of our factories. At Rockman Industries Limited, this shift means intelligence woven into every process, every line, and every decision.

Our journey began with a simple goal: reduce downtime and improve quality. We used machine-learning algorithms to monitor equipment behavior in real time, predict failures before they happen, and schedule interventions proactively. On the assembly line, we deployed computer-vision systems to spot defects instantly, rejecting faults earlier and cutting waste significantly.

"Smart factories are not born from technology alone, but from trust, collaboration, and a willingness to evolve."

Yet the technology alone did not guarantee transformation. We learned quickly that data is the proper foundation. Only when data was clean, connected, and contextualised could AI deliver value. So we invested in a robust data governance framework that cleaned, unified, and protected the information flowing across supply chain, production, and quality departments.

We also recognised that culture matters. AI adoption required a transformation. We upskilled teams, made them AI-literate, and invited every stakeholder to shape the change. We created a shared mindset: automation is not a threat but a tool to enhance human capability.

Cybersecurity and ethics have been bedrock as well. With vast operational and customer data at risk, we built transparent, fair, and accountable AI solutions. From supplier data to production parameters, every algorithm is subject to governance and review because trust is non-negotiable.

Now, we are looking forward to edge computing, IoT convergence, and adaptive manufacturing systems. AI will soon enable factories that self-optimise, self-learn, and flow with demand dynamically. And as CIO, my role is to ensure that this digital transition isn’t just technology-led, but business-driven, anchored in value, people, and purpose.

The road ahead is fast and data-driven. We are engineering the future by embracing innovation, building capacity, and maintaining responsibility.

The Journey Into Industry

Ajay Kumar Ajmera is a seasoned CIO and digital transformation strategist with more than two decades of experience driving Industry 4.0 initiatives across manufacturing and industrial enterprises. As Group CIO at Rockman Industries, he leads AI adoption, SAP S/4HANA transformation, and cybersecurity modernization to build intelligent, resilient, and data- driven factories. With deep expertise in smart supply chains, cloud, automation, and operational technology integration, Ajay continues to enable organisations to scale with innovation while keeping people and security at the core of progress.