In 2023, Emerson acquired NI and introduced its new Test & Measurement business group. Both NI and Emerson are committed to continuous innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability. Together, they are building on their legacy and leadership in software-connected, automated test and measurement systems. The team is dedicated to investing in industry-leading innovations, delivering differentiated solutions to global customers, and assisting engineers in solving the world’s toughest challenges. Their test automation technology is renowned for delivering exceptional accuracy, throughput, and reliability, from the laboratory to the manufacturing floor and beyond. With the industry’s most comprehensive software portfolio, modular hardware, systems, and services, NI’s software-connected approach revolutionizes how enterprises utilize test insights.
Rashi Bajpai, Sub-Editor at ELE Times spoke with Baskar Ceri, MD, NI India on completing 25 years in India.
This is an excerpt from the conversation.
- Having worked with National Instruments in diverse departments and roles, how has the journey been so far? 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?
National Instruments (NI) has been instrumental in my career and it has been a fulfilling journey of growth and opportunity. I started my career at NI in Austin, USA and was part of the 3-member team that started NI operations in India growing the team and the revenue to multi-million dollars in India.
Since its establishment in India in 1999, NI has experienced significant expansion, now boasting a team of over 400 individuals spanning across its R&D and sales functions. Our journey has been guided by a strategic commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and adaptability. Paramount to our success has been our ability to understand and cater to the unique needs of the Indian market while contributing to global product development. This approach has enabled us to build a strong foothold in the country’s technology landscape.
2. What is NI’s vision for the Indian market at a time when the Indian vision is that of self-reliability and sustainability attaining momentum through policies like “Make in India”?
National Instruments (NI) envisions playing a pivotal role in India’s journey towards self-reliability and sustainability, our aim for the Indian market involves empowering local industries with cutting-edge test and measurement technology solutions that enhance manufacturing efficiency, product quality, and innovation. By leveraging our expertise in automation, standardization, and digital transformation, NI aims to support India’s ambition to become a global manufacturing hub, not only for electronics but also for semiconductors. We seek to enable Indian industries to produce world-class products while reducing dependency on imports and fostering economic growth. Through strategic partnerships, knowledge sharing, and investment in local talent, NI is committed to contributing to India’s vision of self-reliance and sustainability, driving progress and prosperity for the nation.
3. Tell us about your customer base in India and your product line that runs in the country.
In India, National Instruments (NI) serves a diverse customer base across various industries, including defense, aerospace, automotive, electronics, semiconductor, and energy sectors. Our products and solutions play a critical role in testing and measurement applications, ensuring the quality, reliability, and performance of a wide range of products.
Some of our notable customers in India include the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and various automotive and semiconductor companies. Our products are utilized in testing cellphones, satellites, missiles, automotive components, electronic devices, and more.
NI’s product line in India includes a comprehensive range of hardware, software, and systems for automated testing and measurement. This includes data acquisition systems, modular instruments, software platforms like LabVIEW, and integrated test systems tailored to specific industry needs. Our solutions enable customers to streamline testing processes, improve efficiency, and accelerate product development cycles, ultimately driving innovation and competitiveness in the Indian market.
4. Help us understand NI’s vision and goals for the next 25 years, and if you have a Plan of Action ready to implement
NI’s strategic vision is to be the global leader in software-connected automated electronic test and measurement systems. Since its establishment, NI has been at the forefront of innovation, offering a wide range of hardware, software, systems and services that enable engineers and researchers to design, prototype, and deploy cutting-edge technologies efficiently. NI’s mission is to equip engineers and enterprises with systems that accelerate productivity, innovation, and discovery.
NI embarked on its journey in India in 1999 with just three employees, quickly establishing its first R&D centre. Over the years, our team has expanded to over 400 employees, focusing on both R&D and sales, with headquarters in Bangalore and separate offices for sales and R&D.
Looking ahead to the next 25 years, after Emerson acquired NI and introduced its new Test & Measurement business group. NI and Emerson share commitments to continuous innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability. In this new chapter, we’re building on our legacy and leadership in software-connected, automated test and measurement systems. We remain focused on investing in industry-leading innovations, delivering differentiated solutions to our customers around the globe, and helping engineers solve the world’s toughest challenges.
