Future at glance: Operations start in the digital plant in Hohhot. [Photo/Hohhot Daily]

A digital factory – where physical systems and machines are interconnected through internet of things, or IoT devices allowing them to share real-time data – was recently erected in Hohhot, capital of North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

Operations were officially launched by Inner Mongolia Shuangjie Saidu Electric Co in the Hohhot Economic and Technological Development Zone on June 12.

The milestone project is viewed as filling gaps in the region's power distribution and new energy sectors, bolstering advanced development for both the city and the development zone.

Initiated as a key investment project within the zone's new energy equipment manufacturing sector, the factory broke ground on June 6, 2023.

In just a year it is said to have achieved its initial construction goals, on a site covering 360 mu (24 hectares) and costing 10 billion yuan ($1.38 billion).

The facility produces smart wind-solar combined substations, integrated booster stations, combiner boxes, inverters, energy storage systems, smart photovoltaic brackets, charging piles and heavy truck battery swap stations.

On completion of its first phase, it's expected to generate an annual output value of 4.5 billion yuan.

At the launch ceremony, Li Qingsong, general manager of Shuangjie Saidu, highlighted the factory's advanced digital capabilities, including its six major business systems.

These advances are expected to enhance staff member productivity by 30 percent compared with the company's conventional plants, equipment efficiency by 25 percent and on-time delivery rates by 30 percent.

The factory's digital operations encompass designs, simulations, processing, assemblies, inspections and logistics – improving overall business efficiency by 30 percent on existing plants.