39th INVEST Value Engineering Conference Recap

By Anita Lukose, CVS, FINVEST

The 39th edition of the Indian Value Engineering Society (INVEST) Value Engineering Conference stands as a testament to the ongoing commitment towards advancing Value Engineering (VE) in a rapidly evolving landscape. Held at the Hotel Shangri-La in Bangalore December 1-2, this event brought together professionals, thought leaders, and practitioners from diverse industries under one roof to explore, collaborate, and harness the power of VE.

Under the theme of “Sustainability through Value Engineering,” the conference delved into various dimensions of VE, emphasizing the integration of innovation, sustainability, and efficiency across industries. Renowned speakers and industry experts shared their insights, sparking discussions on the evolving role of VE in shaping businesses and societies.

Below is the list of speakers:

1. Mr. Akhil Saxena, VP Customer Fulfilment Operations & Customer Service, Amazon – “Confluence of Value Engineering, Technology and Sustainability”
2. Mr. Vijaykrishnan Venkatesan, Managing Director, Kennametal India Ltd – “Value Engineering & Sustainability – Applicability to Cutting Tool & Machine Tool Scenario”
3. Mr. Marc Pauwels, Director of Global Affairs, SAVE International – “Challenges of Cost Transparency”
4. Mr. Chandra Mohan Verma, Chief Process Improvement & Material Management, Engg & Projects, Tata Steel – “Value Engineering History, Experience & Reflections and Leveraging for Sustainability”
5. Mr. Venkat Garimella, VP Sustainability, Greater India Zone, Schneider Electric India Pvt Ltd – “The Fastest Path to Net Zero”
6. Mr. Joseph Martin Chazoor Francis, Sustainability, Climate & ESG Strategist, PwC India – “Value Engineering for a Sustainable Planet”
7. Mr. K. Subramanya, Consultant, Solar Expert & Ex-CEO, Tata BP Solar – “Sustainability Perspective & the Tata BP Solar Story”
8. Mr. Sridhar Balakrishnan, Managing Director, HHV Pumps Pvt Ltd & General Manager, Atlas Copco – “Sustainability & Value Engineering in Atlas Copco Group”

The conference featured 66 technical papers that demonstrated the application of VE practices. Attendees benefited from these presentations, gaining invaluable insights, and fostering a culture of continual learning and improvement through interactive sessions and discussions. Awards were bestowed upon organizations and individuals who exhibited exceptional commitment and proficiency in embracing and implementing VE methodologies during the year. The conference drew the participation of over 150 delegates.

As the conference progressed, it became evident that VE continues to be of strategic importance for organizations striving to enhance efficiency, maximize value, and address the challenges of an ever-changing global landscape. The insights shared during the event are poised to foster a collective drive towards innovation, sustainability, and value creation.

The 39th INVEST Value Engineering Conference, with its discussions, presentations, and collaborative spirit, reinforces the significance of VE as a catalyst for transformative change, ensuring a more efficient, sustainable, and value-centric future across domains and locations.