New Delhi, Oct. 31 -- Pidilite Industries, headquartered in Mumbai, is a major manufacturer of adhesives, sealants, and construction chemicals serving consumer and business markets in India and internationally.

In the financial year ended March 2025, Pidilite spent Rs 99.05 crore on computer and software expenses, up from Rs 88.99 crore the previous year. This increase reflects the company's expanding investment in digital infrastructure to support automation, AI applications, and data analytics across operations.

The company made deliberate advances in integrating technology into manufacturing, supply chain, and research. Artificial intelligence was introduced into core operations such as lead management for project sales, AI-powered chatbots for customer service, fraud detection in audit controls, and real-time stock monitoring to optimize procurement and production planning.

On the automation front, Pidilite synchronized packaging lines, installed variable frequency drives and motion sensors to regulate plant equipment, and replaced older motors with energy-efficient alternatives. Heat recovery systems were also implemented to reduce energy consumption across manufacturing units.

The supply chain saw the deployment of a digitized Warehouse Management System complemented by robotic packaging solutions and advanced analytics, enhancing operational agility and predictability.

In research and development, investments targeted technology platforms related to adhesives, sealants, pigments, and construction chemicals. Technology absorption included collaboration on silicone and polyurethane sealants, with domestic adoption supported by partnerships and academic linkages.

Key technology partnerships included a joint venture with Grupo Puma, Spain, to produce UnoFin, a finishing system for construction that replaces traditional plaster, putty, primer, and paint processes. Pidilite also partnered exclusively with CollTech for distribution of electronic adhesives in India, supported by an application lab launched in Bangalore in 2024. Additional collaborations with technology startups in robotics and construction solutions extended the company's innovation ecosystem.

Sustainability technologies such as solar and wind energy expansion and biomass fuel use remained secondary, focused on regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.

Overall, FY24-25 saw Pidilite embed AI, automation, and digital tools into operations, supported by strategic technology partnerships and R&D. This steady integration of enterprise technology indicates the company's focus on data-driven decision-making and process optimization while maintaining incremental innovation across its product and operational framework.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from TechCircle.