Dialogue with Global Smart Industry Experts—Li Nan, Chief Architect of GETECH: Guangdong's Industrial Internet is 'in its Prime', Future Industrial Internet Should Address Core Enterprise Va
Trained in the field, Li Nan came to the factory against the backdrop of the industrial internet, identified enterprise pain points on the front lines, and found effective solutions. This summarizes the career of Li Nan, Chief Architect and Product Director of GETECH Technology Co., Ltd. At the Third Global Intelligent Industry Conference, Li Nan was interviewed by a Southern+ reporter, during which he stated that China's industrial internet has now entered a fast lane of development.
Click to watch the精彩 video below ▽
Li Nan: At this Global Intelligent Industry Conference, I particularly wanted to see some breakthroughs in 5G technology. 5G technology is flourishing across the country, with extensive network coverage. However, everyone is still searching for a truly impactful breakthrough. Over the past period, we’ve seen 5G applied in remote operations of industrial machinery and remote surgeries in healthcare, but there isn’t yet a solid foothold for many applications within factories. This is the direction and focus of my exploration here.
Li Nan: As one of China’s industrial internet enterprises, GETECH has a somewhat different starting point. First, we were incubated within the TCL Group and inherited TCL’s discrete manufacturing, such as producing TVs, refrigerators, and color TVs. More importantly, we are also making strides in the semiconductor industry, as we have Huaxing Photoelectric. Therefore, we are promoting successful cases and products from Huaxing Photoelectric and other TCL industries externally, which has been well received in the market.
Another point is that we adhere to the philosophy that core production issues in the industrial internet should ultimately be solved by engineers. So, when designing our products, we target engineers as our primary users. This approach enables us to address the integration of IT and OT effectively.
Li Nan: Our company’s slogan is 'Simple, Efficient, DIY, Empowering the New Generation of Industrial Geeks.' In the IT world, there’s the concept of 'geeks'—individuals with strong programming skills who can solve any challenge with code.
In the industrial sector, there is also such a group: our engineers. They are the core value of an industrial enterprise, with the clearest understanding of processes and business logic. In the past, when developing industrial internet solutions, many companies targeted third-party developers to create industrial apps for factory engineers.
However, there’s a paradox here. We believe that every enterprise, even within the same industry or city, has unique operational logic. Relying on third-party development often results in suboptimal reusability. Therefore, our approach is to provide a development platform for in-house engineers to develop solutions, perform data analysis, and achieve their goals based on their own logic and business judgments.
We aim to empower engineers directly to solve their problems. Thus, our products, whether IT platforms or big data platforms, enable zero-code customization, allowing engineers to conduct business analysis based on their experience.
Li Nan: Guangdong’s industrial internet sector has always been at the forefront nationally, with its initiatives serving as benchmarks.
This year, the focus has shifted to industrial clusters, offering new ideas for other regions. For example, the Yangjiang hardware cluster has expanded across various fields, indicating that Guangdong’s industrial internet is 'in its prime.'
As for advice, I believe the core of industrial internet lies in manufacturing itself, not just emerging technologies. Having worked in factories, I’ve seen firsthand that without addressing core issues, industrial intelligence won’t succeed. I advise newcomers to spend time in factories, understand equipment firsthand, and provide solutions from the perspective of manufacturing practitioners, not their own. As the saying goes, industrial internet is about 'industry' first, not 'internet.'
Li Nan: Strategies vary by region, influenced by local characteristics. Guangdong has many mid-sized enterprises with distinct industrial clusters. The province is already excelling with innovative approaches in industrial aggregation.
To ensure industrial enterprises keep pace, leveraging current technologies to improve operational efficiency is key, such as device connectivity and introducing modern management capabilities. Currently, many SMEs struggle with management, which lags behind their production development.
For SMEs, adopting new technologies must be paired with management upgrades. For those falling behind, industrial clusters can provide collective strength. Technology isn’t the first priority for them, as they may lack automation; instead, securing orders and enhancing R&D capabilities are crucial. The industrial internet should offer platform-based technologies in R&D and supply chain areas.
GETECH serves enterprises nationwide, including many in the Pearl River Delta. Through our industrial internet platform, we guide on device connectivity, value creation, and practical application in factories. We currently serve over 30 enterprises in Guangdong, with potential for more, depending on trends in the Greater Bay Area market.
Reporter/Han Andong Wang Jian Video/Chen Kaijin Article sourced from: Southern Daily
Click to watch the精彩 video below ▽
01. Southern+: At this Global Intelligent Conference, which innovative applications are you most interested in? Have you seen any sci-tech products that impressed you?
Li Nan: At this Global Intelligent Industry Conference, I particularly wanted to see some breakthroughs in 5G technology. 5G technology is flourishing across the country, with extensive network coverage. However, everyone is still searching for a truly impactful breakthrough. Over the past period, we’ve seen 5G applied in remote operations of industrial machinery and remote surgeries in healthcare, but there isn’t yet a solid foothold for many applications within factories. This is the direction and focus of my exploration here.
02. Southern+: Currently, more and more enterprises want to make a mark in the industrial internet sector. How is GETECH addressing this trend?
Li Nan: As one of China’s industrial internet enterprises, GETECH has a somewhat different starting point. First, we were incubated within the TCL Group and inherited TCL’s discrete manufacturing, such as producing TVs, refrigerators, and color TVs. More importantly, we are also making strides in the semiconductor industry, as we have Huaxing Photoelectric. Therefore, we are promoting successful cases and products from Huaxing Photoelectric and other TCL industries externally, which has been well received in the market.
Another point is that we adhere to the philosophy that core production issues in the industrial internet should ultimately be solved by engineers. So, when designing our products, we target engineers as our primary users. This approach enables us to address the integration of IT and OT effectively.
03. Southern+: Many in the industry say that most pain points and business needs in Chinese manufacturing come from engineers. What’s your view on this? Are there ways to solve such common issues?
Li Nan: Our company’s slogan is 'Simple, Efficient, DIY, Empowering the New Generation of Industrial Geeks.' In the IT world, there’s the concept of 'geeks'—individuals with strong programming skills who can solve any challenge with code.
In the industrial sector, there is also such a group: our engineers. They are the core value of an industrial enterprise, with the clearest understanding of processes and business logic. In the past, when developing industrial internet solutions, many companies targeted third-party developers to create industrial apps for factory engineers.
However, there’s a paradox here. We believe that every enterprise, even within the same industry or city, has unique operational logic. Relying on third-party development often results in suboptimal reusability. Therefore, our approach is to provide a development platform for in-house engineers to develop solutions, perform data analysis, and achieve their goals based on their own logic and business judgments.
We aim to empower engineers directly to solve their problems. Thus, our products, whether IT platforms or big data platforms, enable zero-code customization, allowing engineers to conduct business analysis based on their experience.
04. Southern+: With many industrial internet enterprises in Guangzhou, does this mean Guangdong’s industrial internet spring has arrived? As an industry expert, what advice would you give to newcomers?
Li Nan: Guangdong’s industrial internet sector has always been at the forefront nationally, with its initiatives serving as benchmarks.
This year, the focus has shifted to industrial clusters, offering new ideas for other regions. For example, the Yangjiang hardware cluster has expanded across various fields, indicating that Guangdong’s industrial internet is 'in its prime.'
As for advice, I believe the core of industrial internet lies in manufacturing itself, not just emerging technologies. Having worked in factories, I’ve seen firsthand that without addressing core issues, industrial intelligence won’t succeed. I advise newcomers to spend time in factories, understand equipment firsthand, and provide solutions from the perspective of manufacturing practitioners, not their own. As the saying goes, industrial internet is about 'industry' first, not 'internet.'
05. Southern+: We know GETECH has helped 158 Wuhan enterprises achieve intelligent transformation. Can this model be replicated in Guangzhou? What pathways can Guangzhou take to seize opportunities in the new industrial revolution?
Li Nan: Strategies vary by region, influenced by local characteristics. Guangdong has many mid-sized enterprises with distinct industrial clusters. The province is already excelling with innovative approaches in industrial aggregation.
To ensure industrial enterprises keep pace, leveraging current technologies to improve operational efficiency is key, such as device connectivity and introducing modern management capabilities. Currently, many SMEs struggle with management, which lags behind their production development.
For SMEs, adopting new technologies must be paired with management upgrades. For those falling behind, industrial clusters can provide collective strength. Technology isn’t the first priority for them, as they may lack automation; instead, securing orders and enhancing R&D capabilities are crucial. The industrial internet should offer platform-based technologies in R&D and supply chain areas.
GETECH serves enterprises nationwide, including many in the Pearl River Delta. Through our industrial internet platform, we guide on device connectivity, value creation, and practical application in factories. We currently serve over 30 enterprises in Guangdong, with potential for more, depending on trends in the Greater Bay Area market.
Reporter/Han Andong Wang Jian Video/Chen Kaijin Article sourced from: Southern Daily
