Digital

What Is SIRI and Why Qatar Manufacturers Should Care

Introduction

SIRI in Qatar manufacturing is gaining momentum—and for good reason. As the country pushes forward with its diversification strategy, the Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI) is emerging as a critical tool for factories seeking to stay competitive and future-ready.

At Rowwad Advisory & Business Solutions, we guide manufacturers across Qatar through SIRI to unlock efficiency, agility, and innovation on the shop floor.

Understanding SIRI: A Primer for Plant Leaders

SIRI stands for Smart Industry Readiness Index, a framework developed by Singapore’s Economic Development Board and refined by the World Economic Forum. It helps manufacturers assess their current level of digital maturity across three key building blocks:

  • ProcessAutomation, connectivity, and integration of operations

  • TechnologyInfrastructure, analytics, and cybersecurity

  • OrganisationWorkforce readiness, leadership, and governance

Unlike traditional audits, SIRI gives a practical, objective, and structured view of how prepared your plant is for Industry 4.0.

Why Qatar Manufacturers Should Care

Qatar’s industrial sector is at a turning point. Local and global pressures demand transformation:

  • Rising operational costs and the need for leaner processes

  • Government incentives tied to digitalisation and sustainability (QNV 2030)

  • The emergence of smart factories in neighbouring GCC states

  • Growing customer demand for traceability and quality assurance

SIRI gives you a measurable way to respond—and lead.

You can’t improve what you can’t measure. SIRI gives Qatar’s manufacturers the roadmap they’ve been missing.”
Rowwad Digital Transformation Lead

SIRI Assessment Benefits: What You Actually Gain

Data-Driven Decision Making

SIRI enables you to prioritise high-impact digital initiatives based on hard data—not guesswork.

Operational Efficiency

Pinpoint inefficiencies and modernise processes using proven benchmarks and actionable KPIs.

Risk Mitigation

Build resilience into your operations with better cybersecurity posture, real-time monitoring, and cross-functional alignment.

Competitive Advantage

SIRI-certified factories are already seen as forward-thinking suppliers—both locally and internationally.

SIRI in Action: A Qatar Factory Case Snapshot

A mid-sized packaging manufacturer in the Doha Industrial Area partnered with Rowwad for a full SIRI assessment.

Challenges Identified:

  • Paper-based maintenance tracking

  • No real-time visibility into production bottlenecks

  • Low digital skill levels among machine operators

Post-SIRI Initiatives:

  • IoT sensors deployed on key machines

  • Maintenance app integrated with ERP

  • Onsite digital upskilling workshops

Results (6 months):

  • 18% reduction in downtime

  • 22% faster cycle time

  • Higher staff engagement and morale

This shows what’s possible when SIRI leads the transformation journey.

SIRI vs Traditional Audits: What’s Different?

Feature SIRI Approach Traditional Audit
Focus Digital readiness & improvement Compliance & status quo
Output Actionable roadmap & KPIs Static report
Benchmarked against Global manufacturing leaders Internal policies
Stakeholder engagement Cross-functional workshop sessions Auditor-only interaction

SIRI isn’t just a health check. It’s a strategic lever.

FAQ: Smart Industry Readiness in Qatar

Q1: Who should lead the SIRI assessment internally?
A cross-functional team, ideally led by the plant manager or operations head with support from IT and HR.

Q2: Is SIRI recognised by the Qatari government or QDB?
While not yet mandatory, SIRI aligns with Qatar’s vision for industrial innovation and is recommended by several national development programs.

Q3: Can smaller factories benefit from SIRI?
Absolutely. SIRI scales to suit any factory size and often delivers more visible ROI for SMEs due to quicker wins.


Speak with Rowwad’s SIRI Advisors

At Rowwad, we’ve conducted SIRI workshops and digital transformation plans for manufacturers across Qatar and the Gulf.

Whether you’re a factory manager, operations director, or transformation lead, our certified advisors will:

  • Facilitate your official SIRI assessment

  • Translate insights into a step-by-step transformation plan

  • Support implementation across ERP, MES, IoT, and more

Book a SIRI consultation with our Lusail team today and start your journey toward Industry 4.0.