Rare Earth Exchanges

Chinese Steel and Rare Earth Company Contributes to National Standards in Cloud Manufacturing

Leave a Comment

Highlights

  • Baogang Group leads the development of the national ‘Cloud Manufacturing Service Evaluation Requirements’ standard.
  • The standard is set to be implemented in June 2025.
  • Provides comprehensive guidelines for evaluating cloud manufacturing services.
  • It covers the aerospace, steel, electronics, and mold manufacturing industries.
  • Aligns with China’s national strategy to accelerate smart manufacturing.
  • Part of a goal to create over 100 new industrial standards by 2026.

Baogang Group, through its subsidiary Inner Mongolia Xinlian Information Technology Co., (opens in a new tab) has played a pivotal role in drafting a newly approved national standard titled “Cloud Manufacturing Service Evaluation Requirements” (20230068-T-604). Scheduled for implementation on June 1, 2025, this marks Baogang’s first foray into shaping national standards in the cloud manufacturing sector, showcasing its innovation and competitive edge in this field.

Why is this Important? Because Baogang Group is a major owner of rare earth element mining and processing businesses.

What is the New Standard?

The standard focuses on evaluating cloud manufacturing services across critical stages of production. It establishes:

  • Assessment Criteria: Guidelines for diagnosing and evaluating cloud manufacturing services.
  • Evaluation Model: A framework for developers, operators, and technical personnel to ensure efficiency in cloud-based platforms and industrial applications.

The standard has already been tested in industries such as aerospace, steel, electronics, and mold manufacturing. It provides both service providers and users with clear methodologies to diagnose and assess cloud services, supporting businesses in adopting digital and smart manufacturing processes.

How Did Baogang Contribute?

Baogang’s Xinlian team played a critical role by:

  • Providing Real-World Data: They supplied practical data and scenarios from their steel, rare earth, and chemical production units.
  • Shaping the Guidelines: Experts like Lu Jianwen refined the language of the standard, ensuring clarity and practical application.
  • Validating the Process: The company participated in rigorous application testing to ensure the standard’s relevance across various industries.

National Push for Smart Manufacturing

This development aligns with China’s broader strategy to accelerate smart manufacturing. On December 2, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released the 2024 National Intelligent Manufacturing Standards Guide (draft), which aims to:

  • Create over 100 new national and industry standards by 2026.
  • Build a robust standard system to support advanced industrialization.

Baogang, as Inner Mongolia’s leading digital solutions provider, plans to leverage its production capabilities and expertise to solidify its role in shaping intelligent manufacturing standards.

So, what’s the benefit to the company?

While the announcement highlights Baogang’s involvement, there is no mention of how this new standard will directly benefit Baogang’s operations. Will it translate into measurable efficiency gains or cost savings for the company?

The standard has been validated in multiple industries, but how adaptable is it for smaller businesses or those with limited resources? The accessibility of cloud manufacturing solutions could determine the standard’s success.

And what about integration with rare earth and steel operations?

A key Baogang strength lies in its rare earth and steel production. How will this standard specifically enhance these sectors? Will it create proprietary solutions that give Baogang even more competitive edge somehow?

Also, while Baogang is positioned as a key player, it must ensure that its contributions are not limited to theoretical frameworks. How will it translate its involvement into tangible leadership in the national smart manufacturing movement?

China’s focus on smart manufacturing reflects a shift toward high-tech industrialization. However, can Baogang’s involvement in standards creation influence global manufacturing trends, or will its impact remain domestic?  How do the national standards dovetail with standards in the West?

Conclusion

Baogang’s involvement in drafting a national cloud manufacturing standard seems to be a promising development that underscores its innovation in digital transformation. However, the announcement raises questions about the practical benefits for its operations and broader industry influence. As China pushes for smart manufacturing leadership, Baogang works to ensure its contributions lead to real-world impacts that bolster its competitiveness and align with the nation’s ambitious industrial goals.

Spread the word: