Even as automation and digitisation are transforming the manufacturing eco-system, ExxonMobilTM is harnessing emerging technologies to redefine lubrication solutions, says Deepankar Banerjee, CEO, ExxonMobil Lubricants.The integral process of lubrication solutions and services is witnessing a sea-change in terms of competencies, expertise and delivery. ExxonMobil is at the forefront of this revolution, integrating cutting-edge lubrication technologies and services into mainstream manufacturing.The Industry 4.0 impact Industry 4.0 is the next phase of digitisation, where manufacturing has seen a shift towards the development of ‘smart factories’. The impact being witnessed across the spectrum; complete integration and exchange of information in real-time are the hallmarks of Industry 4.0. This revolution will transform the manufacturing processes in sync with the speed of change in customer needs. Digitising oil analysis data Even as vertical system integration in Industry 4.0 digitises and integrates processes, data analytics provides valuable insights that facilitates productivity and improves equipment maintenance. An estimated 82 per cent of companies in Asia Pacific expect data analytics to have a significant influence on their decision-making in five years. This includes digitising oil analysis data to simplify and reinvent the paper-reliant process. The traditional oil analysis process is laborious and costly, and can cause unscheduled downtime and reduced operational efficiency. Furthermore, the diagnosis from the analysis could also affect their productivity, safety and environmental goals.  Makers of industrial lubricants and greases are cognizant of the fact that even as their customers are shifting towards the Industry 4.0 model, they welcome expertise to improve their processes and increase their efficiencies. Industry leaders like ExxonMobil, who have a long history of working with equipment manufacturers, are catering to precisely this need with its modern platform for an integral part of manufacturing: Oil health and analysis.  For 150 years, innovation has been a core focus in providing the best lubricant solutions for manufacturers. ExxonMobil continues to make breakthrough discoveries that redefine the power of lubrication solutions and services.The Mobil ServSM advantage The Mobil Serv Lubricant Analysis (MSLA) is a new mobile-enabled used-oil analysis platform that is designed to enhance efficiency and simplify the oil health analysis process with a simple, intuitive mobile-enabled service platform. MSLA is a solution manufacturers need to take to move towards Industry 4.0 and digitisation. MSLA replaces ExxonMobil’s previous used-oil analysis platform, Signum Oil AnalysisSM. The platform streamlines the entire oil analysis process – from initial sample gathering to final reporting, with QR-coded scan-and-go sampling bottles that deliver used-oil samples to ExxonMobil’s oil analysis laboratory. Customers can also leverage application-specific analysis options which allow them to access results and perform customised equipment recommendations directly on their mobiles or tablet devices, saving them from unnecessary downtime that could affect production output and delivery deadlines.With the MSLA program, operators can look forward to increased productivity and performance from their equipment; the analysis helps identify issues that can be mitigated with minimal downtime, reduce the amount of lubricant needed to operate machinery and extend overall machine life.For more than 150 years, ExxonMobil has delivered an extensive range of leading technical services to help customers optimise their maintenance programs, enhance equipment performance and ensure safety. While the industrial revolution might take its time to be fully realised, key technological advances like MSLA are helping companies to make significant progress toward building and operating smart factories. (Communication by the management of the company)