National Instruments (NI), a leading provider of software-connected automated test and measurement systems, which is now a part of Emerson. NI started in India around 1999 and is currently celebrating its 25-year journey in India. The company has played a pivotal role in testing and measuring the efficiency of major applications and products in the fields of Aerospace, Defense, Aviation, Semiconductors, Automotive, Electronics etc. The acquisition of NI advances Emerson’s position as a global automation leader and expands its opportunity to capitalize on key secular trends like nearshoring, digital transformation, and sustainability and decarbonization.
In this interview, Mr. Shitendra Bhattacharya Business Director – India & ASEAN Emerson’s Test and Measurement business, formerly spoke with Vaishali Umredkar of Electronics Maker on NI’s India business and future plans.
Please throw some light on NI’s journey in India, and what according to you has been paramount in building a strong foothold in the country?
Emerson’s Test and Measurement business, formerly NI’s (National Instruments) journey in India began in 1999 with just three employees, evolving into a workforce of around 400 focusing on R&D and sales. With headquarters in Bangalore, NI Labs for R&D, and an Engineering Innovation Center, NI caters to diverse industries like Aerospace, Defense, Automotive, Semiconductor, and Electronics.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, NI reshaped its Go-to-Market strategy, fuelling growth in specific sectors like Semiconductor, Aerospace, Defense and EV. NI’s mission aligns with India’s vision to become a global hub for innovation and manufacturing by 2047. By providing software-connected automated test and measurement systems, NI supports this vision by aiding in product design, development, and manufacturing. NI serves a wide customer base including ISRO, DRDO, TATA, Intel, and various academic institutions. Looking ahead, NI plans to leverage India’s growth potential by focusing on industry-specific business units and tailored solutions, aiming to solidify its leadership in the Test & Measurement market over the next five years.
What are NI’s goals for the Indian market and what role India plays in the larger plan?
Emerson’s Test & Measurement Business Group’s vision for the Indian market is in harmony with its overarching mission to empower engineers and enterprises, driving productivity, innovation, and discovery. Through software-connected automated test and measurement systems, Emerson’s Test & Measurement Business Group’s facilitates this mission, crucially supporting Indian companies’ transition from cost-focused outsourcing to active participation in product design and development. As India targets global manufacturing prowess by 2047, Emerson’s Test & Measurement Business Group’s solutions become paramount in building and validating new products, crucial for this transformation.
In the dynamic Test & Measurement landscape, Emerson’s Test & Measurement Business Group’s in India experiences steady growth, reflecting the value of its solutions across diverse sectors. Pioneering co-innovation, Emerson’s Test & Measurement Business Group’s collaborates with industry, academia, consortiums, and government bodies, exemplified by our Engineering Innovation Centre in Bangalore. Additionally, our investment in a calibration centre ensures our customers maintain instrument precision for quality measurements. These initiatives reaffirm Emerson’s Test & Measurement Business Group’s commitment to fueling India’s progress and competitiveness across key industries, driving economic advancement and innovation.
Tell us about NI’s customers and projects in India?
National Instruments (NI) serves a diverse range of customers across various sectors in India, providing testing solutions that play a pivotal role in product design, prototyping, and manufacturing. Our customers include
1. Semiconductor & Electronics: NI provides solutions to semiconductor giants like Intel, Texas Instruments (TI), and Analog Devices (ADI), along with other international and Indian semiconductor companies.
2. Aerospace & Defense: NI collaborates with prestigious organizations such as ISRO, DRDO Labs, HAL, BEL, and Tata, as well as new space companies and other private entities involved in satellite components, communication, launch testing, and defense systems testing.
3. Automotive: NI partners with leading automotive manufacturers like Tata Motors, Mahindra, and other OEMs and Tier 1, and 2 suppliers, including emerging electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers in the two-wheeler and three-wheeler segments.
4. Academics & Research: NI supports academic and research institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and various other academic and research organizations in advancing scientific discovery and innovation.
5. Healthcare: NI’s testing solutions contribute to the advancement of healthcare technologies and diagnostics in India.
6. Emerson’s Test & Measurement Business Group’s in India also supports start-ups with their product development by giving them access to cutting edge test technology to ensure they are able to bring out world class products in time and compete with rest of the globe with their products.
NI’s partner ecosystem in India plays a crucial role in delivering comprehensive solutions across these industry sectors. Together with our partners, we have been involved in various national projects, including ISRO’s Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan missions, defense projects, fundamental research initiatives, and manufacturing projects. This demonstrates NI’s commitment to driving technological innovation and supporting critical endeavors in India across multiple domains.
What are your next 5 years plan for growth?
Over the next five years, NI-India plans to align with India’s growth trajectory by pivoting business units based on industries. With a focus on Aerospace, Defense, Automotive, Semiconductor, Electronics, and Research sectors, NI will tailor its platform, products, and solutions. A differentiated go-to-market strategy, coupled with strong partnerships, will enhance market penetration. Strategic investments in talent, infrastructure, and R&D will fortify NI’s presence in India, aiming to establish leadership in the Test & Measurement market and contribute significantly to India’s burgeoning economy.
