| Submission Entry: | 1.) Digitalisation and inverterisation represent two relatively recent developments, amongst others (you are at liberty to invoke as many such relevant developments as you wish). As a manufacturer or supplier of HVACR equipment, what is the true measure of impact of such developments on such aspirations/outcomes as better energy efficiency, lower Total Cost of Ownership, better Indoor Environmental Quality IEQ), fire safety, reliability, data centre integrity, robust process cooling or stronger cold chain? (You may choose one, two or more aspirations/outcomes in writing your answer, as is/are relevant to the nature of products you manufacture or supply.) (1)Answer: The digitalization process unlocks multiple opportunities for the HVAC&R sector, including:
* Enhanced system operation with advanced measurement and monitoring systems;
* Enhanced forecasts and predictive maintenance; and
* Demand-side opportunities
Digitalisation and inverterisation have indeed reshaped the HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) landscape, delivering tangible benefits across energy efficiency, total cost of ownership (TCO), and other critical outcomes. Here’s how these advancements directly impact specific objectives:
1) Enhanced system operations leading to better Indoor Air Quality (IAQ):
At DRI we are always at the forefront of creating and embracing new innovative technologies, processes and products. DRI has always believed in providing the incredible experience to its customers through latest trends in upcoming technologies including AI and IOT. Products can be supplied with various sensors like RHT, TVOC, PM 2.5, pressure transmitters and pressure switches to demonstrate :
1) Outdoor supply, return air and room temperature and humidity levels
2) CO2 levels
3) VOC levels
4) Demand controlled ventilations
5) Filter status and maintenance alarms.
The system can be programmed for manual/semi-automatic and or fully-automatic operations and various communication protocols. We have products and systems which come with all necessary information on their fingers i.e web based selections software, digitalized installation operating and maintenance manuals, computer, HMI & or mobile friendly user interface with products online 24x 7 data acquisition, cloud storage and analysis and optimisation for energy efficient operation.
Eventually this brings precise requirement and its availability at the lowest cost and energy requirement thereby also reducing overall carbon footprint with enhanced indoor environment quality.
DRI innovative products helps reduce power consumption and thereby helping decarbonisation and supporting sustainable growth.
2) Better reliability owing to enhanced forecast and predictive maintenance:
DRI products are supplied with various sensors that generate data connected to the building smart management systems and help predict maintenance.
Preventive maintenance is the use of data-driven proactive maintenance methods that are designed to analyse the condition of equipment and help predict when maintenance should be performed. The main aim is to achieve an improvement in predictive condition-based maintenance decision making through a cloud-based approach with usage of wide information content. A maintenance strategy that uses advanced downtime tracking software to analyze data and anticipate when maintenance should be performed on the equipment. The prime aim is to reduce maintenance costs, eliminate unplanned downtime and extend asset life cycles. All of these contribute to better reliability.
DRI innovative products can be integrated to a smart building management systems to collect, analyze and helps manage the systems proactively.
3) Demand side opportunities:
The planning, implementing and monitoring activities of electric utilities which are designed to encourage consumers to modify their level and pattern of electricity usage forms demand side management program.
Implementing energy efficient products reduces energy usage lowering both demand and consumption charges. DRI innovative energy saving products such as heat recovery wheels, energy recovery ventilators, evaporative cooling solutions assists greatly in reducing power consumption while improving the indoor environment quality to a greater extent.
2.) Aftermarket operational/lifecycle/performance data have become an integral part of continuous improvement in the HVACR industry. As a manufacturer or supplier, what is the data that you collect/track, and what is your approach to that data? How do you collect/track that data? How do you validate them? How do you use the data? And what is your approach to analysing the data in ensuring that your interpretation and subsequent data-based action are able to improve such aspirations/outcomes as better energy efficiency, lower Total Cost of Ownership, better Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), fire safety, reliability, data centre integrity, robust process cooling or stronger cold chain? (You may choose one, two or more aspirations/outcomes in writing your answer, as is/are relevant to the nature of products you manufacture or supply.) (2)Answer: As an HVACR manufacturer or supplier aftermarket operational and lifecycle data have become critical to driving continuous improvement across the product lifecycle and customer experience and our product developments.
Operational data: We track metrics like energy consumption, temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and pressure levels with the help of site management teams. These help us monitor system performance in real-time.
Environmental Quality Indicators: Parameters like temperatures, relative humidity, and indoor air quality (IAQ), including CO2 and particulate levels, are tracked to assess Indoor Environmental Quality.
Maintenance data: We also analyze the data on component wear, failure rates, service history and predictive maintenance to support team maintaining the sites.
Feedback-Driven Improvement: We frequently review customer feedback along with operational data to uncover areas where real-world conditions deviate from initial assumptions informing our product development process.
Through comprehensive data collection, validation, and analysis we ensure that data-driven actions directly contribute to better energy efficiency reduced TCO, higher IEQ, enhanced safety, reliability, and compliance across applications. This approach underpins our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement making us a reliable partner for our customers.
3.) Performance of assets or facilities is so much dependent on regular upkeep and commissioning. As a manufacturer or supplier, how are you supporting asset or facility management initiatives and endeavours of owners towards achieving better energy efficiency, lower Total Cost of Ownership, better Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), fire safety, reliability, data centre integrity, robust process cooling or stronger cold chain? (You may choose one, two or more aspirations/outcomes in writing your answer, as is/are relevant to the nature of products you manufacture or supply.) (3)Answer: As an HVACR manufacturer and supplier, DRI supports asset and facility management initiatives for our clients to ensuring peak performance, life and optimized operational costs. Our approach focuses on offering site training and services that aid facility owners in maximizing energy efficiency and operations, lowering Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), improving Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) and maintaining the system.
Predictive and Preventive Maintenance: Our systems incorporate predictive maintenance capabilities, analyzing usage patterns and equipment health to notify facility managers when components are likely to need servicing or replacement. Regular maintenance prevents energy wastage, extends the lifespan of assets and lowers the total cost of ownership by reducing the frequency of major repairs.
Energy Audits and Commissioning Support: We assist with commissioning and periodic energy audits offering insights into equipment operation to ensure they meet efficiency benchmarks. Recommissioning older assets also helps to restore them to optimal performance levels addressing inefficiencies that develop over time.
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) : Intelligent Control Systems: DRI systems are equipped with advanced sensors to monitor and control temperature, humidity, and air quality that can be integrated to the BMS in real-time and thereby ensuring the indoor environment is kept within desired thresholds. These systems automatically adjust to maintain optimal air quality which is critical in high-occupancy environments such as offices, schools and hospitals etc.
Customizable Ventilation Controls: For enhanced IEQ our products can be integrated with adaptable ventilation settings that adjust based on occupancy levels and air quality. By managing airflow dynamically these systems improve air quality while reducing energy use associated with constant ventilation. This saves a lot of energy being used if made to run constantly full load.
4.) Describe your HR practices as a manufacturer or supplier. Do elaborate on how you hire, train, mentor, evaluate and reward your employees towards not only capacity-building and the commercial growth of the organisation but also for them to deliver better energy efficiency, lower Total Cost of Ownership, better Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), fire safety, reliability, data centre integrity, robust process cooling or stronger cold chain? (You may choose one, two or more aspirations/outcomes in writing your answer, as is/are relevant to the nature of products you manufacture or supply.) (4)Answer: As a manufacturer and supplier in the HVACR industry DRI human resources (HR) practices are foundational to ensuring that our employees are well-equipped, motivated and aligned with our mission to provide energy-efficient, reliable, and safe HVACR solutions. We follow the following steps to hire, train, mentor, check performance and rewards employees.
1. Hiring :
Skills-Based Hiring: Our recruitment process targets both technical and soft skills seeking candidates with backgrounds in HVACR technology, engineering and sustainability. We look for candidates who demonstrate a positive commitment to learn and demonstrate positive attitude towards company and environment goals.
2. Training and Development
Technical Training Programs: Upon joining, employees undergo rigorous technical and product trainings specific to HVACR technologies. Training includes basic HVAC&R knowledge, continuous upskilling product trainings are a part of our training and development program. This is a very important part as to employees are trained to align not only to company's products and technologies but how they can contribute to better customer experiences by explaining them the benefits of using our sustainable, energy efficient solutions and products.
Continuous Education: We provide ongoing learning through partnerships with industry associations, certifications and upskilling programs.
3. Mentorship and Knowledge transfer
Mentorship Programs: New employees are paired with experienced mentors and experts who guide and help in developing technical skills and understanding industry.
Cross-Departmental Collaboration: We promote cross-functional teamwork to ensure knowledge transfer between departments. Engineers work alongside sales, product development and service teams allowing them to share insights on customer pain points and market trends.
4. Performance Evaluation and Feedback
Goal-Oriented KPIs: Our evaluation process includes KPIs tied to each employee’s role emphasizing outcomes like increased sales and service quality and product development giving better customer experience.
Regular Performance Reviews: We conduct performance reviews that incorporate feedbacks
Customer Impact Metrics: Employees, particularly those in customer-facing roles are also evaluated based on how their actions contribute to meeting customer objectives.
5. Rewards and Recognition
Performance-Based Incentives: We offer incentives for employees who demonstrate exceptional performances.
Career Advancement Opportunities: High-performing employees are given opportunities to advance within the organization taking on roles with greater responsibilities
In summary, our HR practices are designed not only to support organizational growth but also to empower our employees to drive improvements. By building a skilled motivated and accountable workforce we are better positioned to deliver superior products and services benefiting both our customers and the environment.
5.) As a manufacturer or supplier, how are you contributing to a Circular Economy? (5)Answer: As an HVACR manufacturer or supplier we are actively contributing to a circular economy by focusing on sustainable product design, resource optimization and responsible end-of-life management. Our approach emphasizes durability, recyclability and minimized environmental impact throughout each stage of the product lifecycle. We support circular economy principles:
1. Sustainable Product Design and Materials Selection
Durability and Longevity: We prioritize designing HVACR systems that are durable and reliable minimizing the need for frequent replacements. By producing high-quality, long-lasting equipment we reduce resource use and waste generation over time. In the field for over five decades, DRI products have shown tremendous robustness and reliability.
Recyclable and Sustainable Materials: Our products are designed with recyclable and eco-friendly materials wherever possible. For example we use metals, such as aluminum and steel, that can be easily recycled.
• Modular Design: Our products are designed with modularity in mind, allowing individual parts to be replaced or upgraded without requiring a full system overhaul. This approach extends product lifespan, reduces waste, and enables easier disassembly and recycling.
2. Resource Efficiency and Waste Minimization
Energy-Efficient Manufacturing Processes: We continuously improve our manufacturing processes to reduce energy use and minimize waste. Our factories incorporate energy-efficient machinery and automated processes that optimize material use and reduce waste. DRI factory is Platinum LEED certified.
Zero Waste Initiatives: Through careful planning and resource management we aim to achieve zero waste in production. For example we recycle or repurpose materials like metal scraps and packaging materials reducing our contribution to landfill waste.
Water and Emission Management: Our facilities are equipped with systems to manage water usage and reduce emissions ensuring our production practices align with sustainable goals.
4. Supporting Digitalization and Predictive Maintenance for Extended Lifespan
Upgradable Software: For products with embedded digital controls, we provide software updates to enhance performance and efficiency over time. This reduces the need for hardware replacement supporting long-term sustainability and improved energy efficiency.
In summary, we contribute to the circular economy by designing durable, efficient and recyclable products. Minimizing waste in production, supporting end-of-life recycling and promoting sustainable ownership models. This approach not only supports environmental sustainability but also enhances our value proposition allowing us to deliver products and services that align with our customers’ sustainability goals.
|