Bosch Automotive Electronics India Pvt. Ltd.

Under the Guidance of

Rtn Dr. Udaya shankar C N

Associate Professor and HOD - Department of Operations & Supply Chain Management

An industrial visit was organized on 10 May, 2024 to Bosch Automotive Electronics India Pvt. Ltd. Naganathapura Plant located in Electronics City PO, Naganathapura, Karnataka, India for the students of Operations Management and Logistics and Supply chain Management of Ramaiah Institute of Management (MSRIM), Bengaluru.

The visit was organized by Associate Professor and HOD - Department of Operations & Supply Chain Management Dr. Udaya Shankar C. N.

We started travelling from the college campus at 12:30 PM via our college bus. Totally 25 students along with the faculty were there in the journey.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Bosch Automotive Electronics India Pvt. Ltd.

Bosch Automotive Electronics India Pvt. Ltd. is a 100% subsidiary Robert Bosch GmbH, incorporated in April 2008 to manufacture Electronic Control Units for the Automotive Electronics Division. Bosch Automotive Electronics India will cater to both domestic and International OE Customers via the Diesel Systems and Gasoline System divisions. Like any other Automotive Electronics Plants, Bosch Automotive Electronics India is also very committed to the highest level of quality standards. It focuses on continuous intensive training to its associates with support from its lead plant thereby achieving the global competencies to meet the customer expectations.

Naganathapura Plant

Naganathapura Plant was established in the year 1989. Among the other Bosch Limited Plants in India, Naganathapura Plant is the 3rd Bosch Plant. The major products being manufactured in Naganathapura Plant Plant are Spark Plugs, Starter Motors, Alternators, Generators and some products of Gasoline Systems.

SUMMARY AND KEY LEARNINGS OF THE INDUSTRIAL VISIT

The visit was organized to the spark-plug division also known as RBIn Plant/NHP2 Plant.

During the visit, Leela, the HR Head of the Naganathapura plant, provided us with a detailed overview of Bosch's operations, including their Spark-plug division and their global presence in Germany and India. The market segment of this plant is 2 wheelers, passengers cars, 3 wheelers/auto, light motor vehicle, Heavy motor Vehicles and other stationary segments. Also mam highlighted that by 2030, technological advancements, particularly at Bosch, will reshape various domains. Increased investment will lead to widespread robotic applications, and AI will enhance job functions without replacing many roles. Mobility will evolve with integrated options, including self-driving and electric vehicles, while DARQ technologies will drive significant leaps in capabilities. Bosch will excel with laser welding technologies and KM41 grade ceramic, enhancing manufacturing processes. The cloud will connect physical and digital worlds, improving business outcomes through better data insights. Smart farming, facilitated by Bosch, will aid farmers and mitigate climate change. By 2025, Bosch will lead in Industry 4.0 and 5.0, revolutionizing the digital value chain. Sustainability efforts, including increased export volumes in 2023, will halve emissions and foster a planet-friendly economy. Synthetic fuel production will reduce gasoline usage, while Bosch's vision will advance renewable energy and hydrocarbon technologies by 2030.

We appreciate the chance to see firsthand how Bosch excels in manufacturing and prioritizes employee engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as shown by their recognition with Industrial Relations Awards from NHRD.

It was interesting to learn about Bosch's production strategies, market responsiveness, and their dedication to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as initiatives to rejuvinate local lakes and support schools.

“Quality is all about zero effect” – Bosch has a customer centric approach in achieving Quality. The components include Competent associates, Robust Procedures, Focus on supplier quality, Human error prevention, Reliability quality, Data driven quality and Logistics Quality. Bosch spark plugs are equipped with a laser welded iridium central electrode and ground electrode, Bosch double iridium spark plugs are engineered to produce “high quality sparks”, exceeding the original equipment specifications. Copper core centre electrode improves heat dissipation resulting in better resistance to electrode wear.

During our tour of Bosch's spark plug production facility, we observed a detailed implementation of quality standards combined with advanced manufacturing techniques. Bosch is dedicated to excellence, as demonstrated by their adherence to the 14 quality principles. They carefully examine and improve the flow of materials and information through value stream mapping, reducing waste and increasing efficiency throughout their operations. Furthermore, the implementation of lean manufacturing techniques, including Heijunka (Level Production), ensures a steady and balanced production flow, smoothing out peaks and valleys in demand to optimize resource utilization. The utilization of FIFO Rack and establishment of an OE Line exemplify Bosch's dedication to maintaining product integrity and traceability, while the strategic deployment of a Supermarket Area enables just-in-time production, minimizing inventory and maximizing responsiveness to customer demand. Our immersive experience provided profound insights into the symbiotic relationship between theoretical concepts and practical application in a real-world manufacturing environment. It underscored the indispensable role of continuous improvement in achieving and sustaining operational excellence, offering invaluable lessons for us as students seeking to navigate the complexities of modern industrial practices. Overall, our visit to Bosch's production unit served as an enlightening journey, enriching our understanding of quality management principles and providing a tangible illustration of their transformative impact on manufacturing processes. In conclusion, the visit to Bosch’s spark plug production unit was invaluable in bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application. It highlighted the integration of the 14 quality principles with lean manufacturing techniques, providing students with a profound understanding of how to achieve and sustain operational excellence in a real-world context.