Exploring the core of engineering and manufacturing, we sit down with Asim Ćosić, the visionary CEO of Argerr. As a renowned member of the industry, Asim shares profound insights into the current landscape, the driving forces of innovation, and strategies to foster a culture of continuous improvement within a team. Join us as we unravel Asim's perspectives on overcoming challenges, embracing sustainability, and preparing for the transformative technological shifts looming on the horizon.
Can you share your perspective on the current state of the engineering and manufacturing industry, and how it has evolved over the years?
“The engineering and manufacturing industry is currently immersed in a multitude of global projects across diverse markets, driven by the demand for swift project completion in the face of intense market competition. Unlike the past, where technological advancements followed a sequential pattern across the globe, today's markets are highly competitive, compelling the engineering and manufacturing sector to rapidly optimize processes. This accelerated development underscores the importance of continuous employee education to remain competitive and avoid a decline in efficiency.”
In your experience, what are the key trends and technological advancements driving innovation in the engineering and manufacturing sector globally?
“Presently, automation stands out as a predominant trend driving innovation in the global engineering and manufacturing sector. The primary goal is to maximize productivity while ensuring the utmost safety for industry workers. Additionally, a significant focus within the industry is placed on minimizing harmful gas emissions, leading to revolutionary approaches in developing new facilities with a target of "zero" harmful emissions. The advent of fossil-free steel production, utilizing 100% fossil-free hydrogen, exemplifies this transformative trend.
One of the major catalysts for the rapid progress in engineering and manufacturing is the ease of access to information. Accessing global knowledge has never been easier, with channels like Google, forums, online standards access, webinars, and online education platforms. Beyond information access, innovative software solutions have reached a level of sophistication where complex tasks that once took months can now be accomplished in a matter of days, allowing for quicker project completion. Furthermore, the enhanced communication among colleagues worldwide has significantly contributed to technological advancements.”
How do you see the industry adapting to meet the challenges posed by environmental sustainability and technological disruption?
“The industry is currently in a substantial phase of focusing on ecological aspects. This involves not only maximizing productivity but also minimizing emissions and utilizing recyclable materials and renewable energy sources. The paradigm shift towards in-house solar power plants and the development of new types of processing plants geared towards minimizing harmful emissions exemplify this commitment to environmental sustainability. Simultaneously, industries aim to gain real-time insights into the efficiency of production processes through data monitoring and analysis, facilitating better optimization.”
As a leader in the industry, how crucial is fostering innovation in staying competitive, and what strategies do you employ to encourage a culture of innovation within your team?
“Staying competitive in the industry requires constant employee education and staying in the know of innovation trends in developing new types of processing plants. Concurrently, we must follow the progress of new software solutions and tools to be efficient in problem-solving and project completion speed. Within our company, we continuously work on the automation of design processes to maintain a competitive edge. To keep pace and collaborate with industry leaders, ongoing training and development for our staff are imperative.”
From your observations, how have client expectations in the engineering and manufacturing industry evolved, and how does a customer-centric approach contribute to business success?
“Client expectations have shifted from merely receiving a quality product or service to demanding both quality and rapid delivery. To meet these expectations, a high level of focus and continuous education in using various tools to reduce manual work and human error is necessary. Implementing internal controls has become a mandatory practice even for small companies to stay competitive. At Argerr, we engage in open communication with clients, holding weekly quality control meetings to enhance our collaboration and exchange experiences on ongoing projects.”
In your view, what are the primary challenges faced by businesses in the engineering and manufacturing sector today, and how can they be addressed or mitigated?
“The major challenge faced by businesses in the engineering and manufacturing sector today is acquiring and retaining quality personnel. Clients are no longer seeking cheap labour from the Balkans but instead prioritize finding skilled workers, with cost becoming a secondary consideration. This shift emphasizes the importance of creating a positive atmosphere within the company, where employees feel comfortable and consider the company as their own, ensuring the highest quality service delivery.”
Can you provide examples of innovative solutions or strategies that have proven effective in overcoming industry challenges?
“As the main challenge for industry development is quality workforce retention, retaining employees is crucial. Beyond expertise, fostering a culture of commitment is key. This requires a positive work environment, where employees don't just work for the company; they feel a part of it. Open communication, supportive leadership, and recognizing achievements contribute to this sense of ownership. It's more than a job; it's a holistic approach that includes work-life balance and professional growth. When the company invests in employees, showing care for their development, job satisfaction naturally follows. In summary, it's about creating an environment where individuals flourish, laying the groundwork for enduring success in the ever-evolving engineering and manufacturing sector.”
Looking ahead, what emerging technologies or methodologies do you believe will have a transformative impact on the engineering and manufacturing landscape?
“A transformative impact in the engineering sector will come from a significant shift in how steel production plants operate. Traditional plants using coal as a fossil fuel are now being replaced by projects that produce steel without fossil fuels, utilizing 100% fossil-free hydrogen. This shift to fossil-free steel production, achieved through a direct reduction process using renewable energy to collect hydrogen, exemplifies a groundbreaking transformation in the industry.”
How can businesses prepare for and leverage these upcoming changes to stay ahead in the market?
“To stay competitive, businesses must monitor and engage in global projects that incorporate new technologies in processing industries. Being involved in such projects provides the necessary experience and education to maintain and design such facilities effectively.
Staying competitive in today’s landscape demands a proactive approach. Businesses must not merely observe but actively engage in global projects that push the boundaries of technological advancements in processing industries. These projects serve as invaluable learning opportunities, offering firsthand experience in the implementation and adaptation of cutting-edge technologies. Being part of these initiatives equips businesses with the insights and skills needed to navigate the complexities of modern industrial processes. Involvement in such projects is a learning experience. It goes beyond theoretical understanding, providing a practical education in the integration of emerging technologies. Whether it's the implementation of automation, utilization of innovative materials, or the optimization of processes for maximum efficiency, active participation in global projects refines the expertise required for effective facility maintenance and design. This hands-on engagement not only keeps businesses on the forefront of industry trends but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring they are well-positioned to tackle the challenges of the future.”
As a leader and expert in the industry, what advice do you have for professionals and businesses seeking to navigate the complexities and opportunities in the engineering and manufacturing sector?
“To navigate the challenges and opportunities in the rapidly evolving industry, investing significantly in your team and having great trust in the people you work with is crucial. Without a skilled and satisfied team, your company will not have a long-term perspective for developing a high-quality and recognizable brand.
In addition to investing in your team, fostering open communication channels, and promoting a culture of continuous learning can fortify the resilience of your workforce. By encouraging collaboration and embracing a growth mindset, you empower your team to adapt to industry changes swiftly and contribute innovatively, ensuring sustained success in the dynamic landscape of engineering and manufacturing.”
As we navigate the intricate terrain of the engineering and manufacturing industry, Asim Cosic's insights serve as a compass, guiding us through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Embracing innovation, sustainability, and continuous education emerges as the cornerstone for success. The transformative shifts towards fossil-free steel and the integration of advanced technologies illuminate a path for the future, where adaptability and collaboration will define industry leaders. The journey into the future of engineering and manufacturing is paved with possibilities, and those who embrace change with resilience and foresight are poised to craft a legacy of excellence.
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