by India is fast emerging as a major hub for electrical testing services due to availability of skilled workforce and infrastructure at competitive costs. The electrical testing services industry has seen tremendous growth over the last decade to meet the increasing compliance and certification needs of both domestic as well as global clients.
Emergence of a Robust Electrical Testing Infrastructure
In the past decade, India has witnessed significant investments towards building a robust electrical testing infrastructure. Both public and private sector laboratories have come up across major cities which are equipped with latest testing equipment and technologies. Government organizations like ERTL (Electrical Research and Testing Laboratory) have expanded their footprint while private players have also strengthened their capabilities. This has enabled test houses to offer a wide-range of electrical safety, performance and EMC testing services.
Access to Skilled Workforce
Availability of large talent pool of electrical and electronics engineers has been a big factor for the growth of India Electrical Testing Services. India produces around 350,000 engineering graduates annually with specialization in relevant domains. Several testing companies have built dedicated training centers to upskill fresh as well as experienced engineers on latest test standards and methodologies. This ensures reliable test results and continuity of operations. The cost advantage compared to developed markets also makes India an attractive talent sourcing destination.
Rise of Outsourcing by Global OEMs
With increasing global competition, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are under constant pressure to reduce costs while ensuring compliance to regulations. This has resulted in significant outsourcing of electrical testing activities to third party test labs in India. Large MNCs from sectors like consumer appliances, healthcare devices, automotive have partnered with leading test houses for majority of their testing needs. Their in-house resources are now focused only on validation testing while certification and regulatory approvals are handled through Indian partners.
Expanding Testing Portfolio
Over the years, Indian test labs have continuously expanded their portfolio beyond basic electrical safety testing. Offerings now include specialized services like EMC testing, wireless technologies testing, energy efficiency testing and various industry specific customized testing. Several labs are also accredited to test as per international standards like IEC, ISO, CISPR, UL etc. This has enabled them penetrate global clients and markets seamlessly.
Growth of Domestic Sector
Burgeoning domestic manufacturing across sectors like consumer electronics, automotive, industrial machinery has also spurred demand for electrical testing. Several industries are dependent on testing for product development, ensuring safety compliance as well as accessing regulated markets. Emergence of new product categories like energy storage devices, electric vehicles will further drive domestic testing needs in coming years. National programs like ‘Make In India’ are also accelerating this growth momentum.
New Avenues in Renewable Energy Sector
India is pioneer in renewable energy generation led by programs like solar rooftop, green corridor projects etc. Electrical testing plays a vital role in quality assurance during manufacturing, installation and operations of renewable energy systems. Emerging areas like solar inverters, Li-ion batteries for energy storage require extensive testing capabilities. This presents significant opportunities for domestic test houses to expand their footprint globally in renewable energy arena over next decade.
Rising Exports of Testing Services
Strengths like talent availability, infrastructure, competitive pricing have enabled Indian testing industry gradually increase its exports landscape. Favorable policies by Government through initiatives like Digital India, Startup India has ensured availability of digital infrastructure and connectivity solutions. This has made offshoring of testing activities to India a convenient and hassle free process. During past few years, export of testing services has grown exponentially and is estimated to cross billion dollar mark very soon.
Adopting Latest Technologies
Keeping pace with latest industrial revolution Industry 4.0, testing industry in India is rapidly automating processes with usage of latest technologies like AI, machine learning, big data analytics, cloud computing and robotics. Advanced test chambers are integrated with sophisticated software for automation. This is improving operation efficiency, enhancing reliability through predictive maintenance, facilitating remote access and collaborative testing worldwide. Technologies like augmented reality, drones, virtual testing are also making in-roads.
Challenges Ahead
While electrical testing industry has firmly established itself as an important segment globally, it also faces certain challenges which need to be addressed to realize full potential. Skill upgradation is an ongoing process due the dynamically changing test standards. Attracting young talent through campus tie-ups is necessary. Investments in R&D are essential for labs to stay relevant. Other challenges include ensuring faster turnaround times, scaling up export operations and penetrating new industry verticals. However, industry is confident that with continued policy support and focus on technology adoption, these challenges can be overcome.
India’s electrical testing industry has witnessed remarkable growth journey over last decade on back of robust infrastructure, talent availability and focus on quality and technology. It is now increasingly gaining importance globally as preferred sourcing partner while also expanding its domestic footprint. With changing industry dynamics and emerging technologies, this segment has potential to scale newer heights provided comprehensive strategic roadmap is followed.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
