EDB launches accreditation programme to train and qualify index assessors

In a release by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), Dr Koh Poh Koon, senior minister of state for trade and industry and national development, announced the provision of 300 funded assessments of the Singapore Smart Industry Readiness Index (Index), to help SMEs and MNCs across all industries accelerate their Industry 4.0 transformation. To further amplify the reach and use of the Index, an accreditation programme will also be developed to train and qualify assessors.

“The Index has received positive reviews since its launch and we are heartened that companies have found it useful in their transformation journeys,” said Dr Koh.

“However, through feedback from public workshops, we recognise that having a qualified assessor can help companies overcome the initial barriers to transform. As such, we have committed 300 funded assessments and an accreditation programme, to ensure companies receive sufficient guidance in using the Index to evaluate their facilities and identify priority areas to focus on.”

The Index, developed by EDB, in partnership with global testing, inspection, certification and training company TÜV SÜD, was launched in November 2017. It is a world-first diagnostic tool developed by the Singapore government in partnership with the industry, to drive industrial transformation by helping companies harness the potential of Industry 4.0 in a systematic and comprehensive way.

Facilitated assessments to help companies accelerate transformation

In a facilitated assessment, qualified assessors will aid companies in using the Index to develop an Industry 4.0 strategy. This will take place over two half-day consultations across two weeks (see Annex A).

During the first consultation, assessors will clarify the Index’s assessment principles and assist in conducting the evaluation across 16 dimensions. According to the release, this will help companies understand the current state of their manufacturing facilities and readiness for transformation. In the second consultation, the results will be used by the assessors to identify high impact initiatives that the companies could focus on to realise Industry 4.0.

TÜV SÜD, the technical advisor and project manager in the development of the Index, will be conducting the 300 funded assessments.

Accreditation programme to qualify Index assessors

To help scale and sustain the use of the Index, an accreditation programme will be developed to train and qualify individuals to conduct Index assessments. However, more details will be released at a later time.

Support and recognition from TACs

Recognising that industrial transformation is a multi-year effort that requires the involvement of key stakeholders, the government will also be fostering closer collaborations with Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs) to drive the use of the Index.

The release said: “Through the TACs, the Government will deepen engagements with companies across all industrial sectors, and extend the necessary support and guidance to help businesses transform.”

Since its launch, the Index has garnered both local and international interest with over 500 people from more than 200 MNCs and SMEs attending the public workshops conducted by EDB and TÜV SÜD.

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