The Royal Society of Chemistry convened the inaugural India Sustainability Forum (ISF) 2026 at the CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune. The forum brought together scientists, industry experts, policymakers and innovators to explore how chemistry can help accelerate India’s sustainability goals. Held under the theme “Advancing Sustainability through Chemistry,” the one-day forum provided a national platform for dialogue, collaboration and knowledge exchange. Discussions addressed key sustainability priorities, including climate action, energy transition, circularity, sustainable manufacturing and environmental stewardship.

Chemistry at the Centre of Sustainable Development

India is at a pivotal stage in its sustainability journey. As the country works towards clean energy, resource efficiency and sustainable industrial growth, science-led innovation and stronger partnerships will become increasingly important. In this context, chemistry and the chemical sciences can play a significant role. From developing sustainable materials and advancing green chemistry to enabling cleaner manufacturing and resource-efficient technologies, chemical innovation can support solutions to complex sustainability challenges.

Connecting Research with Industrial Impact

The India Sustainability Forum 2026 aims to strengthen the connection between scientific research and real-world applications. The forum encourages collaboration, supports innovation and brings academic and industrial communities together to explore practical sustainability solutions. The programme featured keynote addresses and expert panel discussions with leaders from government, academia and industry. Speakers included representatives from the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, CSIR-NCL, INFLIBNET Centre, Shiv Nadar University, JNCASR, IIT Bombay, Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company, Pidilite Industries and Praj Industries, among other institutions.

Key Sustainability Discussions

The discussions at the forum focused on several important areas:

Translating laboratory research into industrial sustainability solutions

Strengthening academia-industry collaboration for sustainable innovation

Advancing green chemistry and sustainable manufacturing

Building partnerships to accelerate climate and sustainability goals

Supporting India’s transition towards a circular and low-carbon economy

Recognising Innovation in Sustainable Chemistry

In addition to technical discussions, the programme featured a virtual address on RSC’s global sustainability strategy by Jo Reynolds, Director of Global Impact. The forum also recognised leadership and innovation in sustainable chemistry through initiatives such as She Leads Sustainability and the Chemistry for Sustainability: Emerging Researcher Award. It also recognised newly elected RSC Fellows from the Pune region. A video address by Dr Helen Pain MBE CSci CChem FRSC, Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Society of Chemistry, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to scientific excellence and sustainable innovation worldwide.

Leaders Highlight the Urgency of Sustainability

As the host institution, CSIR-NCL Pune welcomed the collaboration with the Royal Society of Chemistry and the INFLIBNET Centre. Dr Ashish Lele, Director, CSIR-NCL Pune, said the forum brought together researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, innovators and young scientists to exchange ideas and develop solutions for a sustainable future. He also described sustainability as a defining challenge at the planetary, national and societal levels. Similarly, Dr Devika Madalli, Director, INFLIBNET Centre, emphasised the urgency of sustainability, stating that it has moved beyond being simply a research question to becoming a matter of existence. Dr BLV Prasad, Chief Scientist at CSIR-NCL Pune, highlighted the global nature of climate change, noting that it transcends national borders.

Building a Sustainable Future Through Collaboration

The inaugural India Sustainability Forum is envisioned as a flagship RSC event in India. By bringing together scientific, industrial and policy communities, the forum seeks to catalyse meaningful collaborations and strengthen the connection between science and society. As per the Royal Society of Chemistry press release, the event was organised in partnership with CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune, with support from the INFLIBNET Centre and academic and industry associations across India. Through continued collaboration, the forum aims to contribute to the development and adoption of sustainable solutions for India’s future.

Shakti Pumps (India) Limited invested Rs 110 million in its wholly owned subsidiary, Shakti Energy Solutions Limited (SESL). The investment will support SESL’s plans to establish a 2.2 GW greenfield solar manufacturing plant in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh. The proposed facility will manufacture high-efficiency solar Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) cells and solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. The project will have a production capacity of 2.2 GW, strengthening Shakti Pumps’ presence across the solar manufacturing value chain. SESL currently manufactures solar structures and solar rooftop solutions. With this investment, the company is expanding its operations to include solar DCR cells and solar PV modules. Shakti Pumps will make the investment in cash through the subscription of equity shares in SESL.

Shakti Pumps Expands Solar Pumping Business

Shakti Pumps continues to expand its presence in the solar-powered water pumping segment. In September 2026, the company received a letter of empanelment from Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) for 10,000 off-grid solar PV water pumping systems across Maharashtra. The systems will include pumps with capacities of 3 HP, 5 HP and 7.5 HP. They will be deployed under the Magel Tyala Saur Krushi Pump Yojana, supporting the adoption of solar-powered irrigation solutions across the state.

Karnataka Solar Pump Order

Earlier, in January 2026, Shakti Pumps secured an order from Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) to install 16,780 solar PV water pumping systems. The project will be implemented under Component B of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme. As reported by renewablewatch.in, through these initiatives, Shakti Pumps is expanding its solar manufacturing capabilities while also strengthening its position in solar-powered water pumping solutions.

Saudi Arabia reported an estimated 110 million tons of uranium-bearing ore in the Medina region as the kingdom advances efforts to develop nuclear power and diversify its energy mix. Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman announced the estimate at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) 70th General Conference in Vienna. He said Saudi Arabia is continuing uranium exploration while also examining the potential recovery of uranium as a byproduct of fertiliser production.

Ore Contains Uranium and Rare-Earth Elements

According to Arab News, Abdulaziz said geological studies identified an estimated 110 million tonnes of ore containing significant concentrations of rare-earth elements, particularly heavy rare-earth elements, along with promising concentrations of uranium. Uranium-bearing ore consists of rock or mineral material that contains naturally occurring uranium. However, the reported quantity refers to the ore itself and not to 110 million tonnes of pure uranium.

Further Assessment Needed for Uranium Recovery

The reported resource does not, by itself, establish how much uranium Saudi Arabia could ultimately recover. Several factors will determine the potential of the deposit, including uranium concentration, mineral composition, recovery rates and the cost of developing the resource. Therefore, further exploration, testing and technical assessment will be required to establish the quantity of recoverable uranium and whether commercial production would be viable.

Discovery Supports Saudi Arabia’s Nuclear Ambitions

The reported discovery comes as Saudi Arabia seeks to diversify its energy mix and develop nuclear power alongside its established oil and gas sector. Domestic uranium resources could potentially support the kingdom’s efforts to develop capabilities across the nuclear fuel cycle. However, the commercial potential of the reported resource remains uncertain until further technical and economic assessments establish the amount of recoverable uranium. As reported by newarab.com, the development also highlights Saudi Arabia’s broader interest in uranium exploration, rare-earth resources and domestic nuclear fuel capabilities as it pursues long-term energy diversification.

Saatvik Green Energy has been selected by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) as one of the successful bidders under a tender for the manufacturing, testing, packing, supply and transportation of domestically manufactured solar PV modules using domestically produced solar cells. Under the tender, Saatvik Green Energy has secured a 600 MWp solar module package with an aggregate order value of ₹1,041.63 crore. The company is scheduled to complete the module supply by December 2027.

600 MWp Solar Module Order from SECI

The latest order strengthens Saatvik Green Energy’s position in India’s growing domestic solar manufacturing sector. The tender specifically requires manufacturers to use domestically manufactured solar cells. Therefore, the order highlights the increasing focus on strengthening local solar manufacturing and developing an integrated domestic supply chain.

Saatvik Expands Solar Manufacturing Capacity

Saatvik Green Energy currently operates a 4.86 GW solar module manufacturing facility in Ambala, Haryana. In addition, the company is developing a greenfield integrated solar manufacturing facility in Odisha. The project is designed to include 4 GW of solar module capacity and 6 GW of solar cell capacity. The company said its selection under the SECI tender demonstrates its ALMM-compliant manufacturing capabilities and readiness to supply domestically manufactured solar equipment for large-scale government infrastructure projects.

Focus on India’s Domestic Solar Value Chain

Prashant Mathur, CEO, Saatvik Green Energy, said the 600 MWp SECI order is significant because it requires the use of domestically manufactured solar cells. He added that the order reflects the growing momentum behind domestic solar manufacturing and India’s move towards a more integrated and self-reliant solar value chain. According to Mathur, Saatvik has been strategically building manufacturing capabilities to participate across the solar value chain.

Odisha Facility to Strengthen Solar Cell Manufacturing

Saatvik is also progressing with its integrated manufacturing expansion in Odisha. In Phase I, the company plans to establish 2.4 GW of solar cell capacity and 4 GW of module capacity. It has also proposed an additional 3.6 GW of solar cell capacity under Phase II. As the Odisha solar cell facility progresses towards ALMM List-II enlistment, Saatvik expects to strengthen its ability to meet evolving domestic-content requirements. As reported by pv-magazine-india.com, the company’s expanding manufacturing footprint, therefore, positions it to support India’s growing demand for domestically produced solar modules and cells while participating more extensively across the renewable energy manufacturing value chain.

ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL), the overseas arm of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), is stepping up its international expansion by exploring new oil and gas assets and increasing production from its existing overseas projects. The company is pursuing new opportunities in international markets as India’s energy demand continues to grow. Through overseas asset acquisitions and higher production, OVL aims to strengthen India’s long-term energy security while expanding its presence in the global energy sector.

OVL Evaluates New Overseas Energy Assets

Rajarshi Gupta, Managing Director and CEO, ONGC Videsh, said the company is actively evaluating opportunities across international markets. He also expressed confidence that OVL could secure additional overseas assets as India’s position and influence in global markets continue to expand. Gupta said OVL is currently focused on strengthening its global presence. The company is also evaluating potential developments that could further expand its international oil and gas portfolio.

Key Focus Areas of OVL’s Global Expansion

As part of its overseas growth strategy, OVL is focusing on several areas:

Identifying new oil and gas assets in international markets

Expanding its overseas project portfolio through new opportunities

Increasing production from existing international assets

Supporting India’s long-term energy security through overseas resources

Strengthening its presence in global energy markets

Through these initiatives, OVL aims to build a broader and more resilient international energy portfolio.

Balancing Energy Security with Sustainability

Alongside its international expansion, OVL continues to pursue domestic exploration while maintaining a focus on sustainability and emissions reduction. The company’s long-term strategy seeks to balance India’s growing energy requirements with efforts to lower the carbon intensity of its operations. Consequently, OVL is combining conventional oil and gas investments with a broader focus on improving operational sustainability.

Expanding India’s Global Energy Footprint

OVL’s overseas expansion reflects its strategy of securing energy resources beyond India while increasing production from existing international assets. As reported by indianmasterminds.com, as global energy markets evolve and India’s energy requirements rise, the company is continuing to evaluate international opportunities that can contribute to its portfolio growth and support the country’s long-term energy security.

ACME Solar Holdings, through its subsidiaries, commissioned 66.68 MW of solar power capacity and 300 MWh of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capacity at Bikaner, Rajasthan. The commissioning strengthens ACME Solar’s renewable energy portfolio and marks progress on its hybrid and firm and dispatchable renewable energy (FDRE) projects in the state.

Phase-I of Hybrid Renewable Energy Project Commissioned

Through its subsidiary ACME Renewtech, the company has commissioned Phase-I of its first hybrid renewable energy project at Bikaner. The project combines 300 MW of solar and wind capacity and is backed by a power purchase agreement (PPA) with NTPC. In addition, the project has secured long-term financing from Power Finance Corporation (PFC). ACME Solar plans to commission the remaining solar capacity by the end of Q3 FY27, further expanding the project’s renewable power generation capability.

300 MWh BESS Capacity Added for FDRE Project

Separately, through its subsidiary ACME Greentech Seventh, ACME Solar has commissioned Phase-I of the BESS component of its firm and dispatchable renewable energy (FDRE) project at the same Bikaner site. The 300 MWh battery storage capacity will support the project’s ability to provide renewable power with greater flexibility and dispatchability.

Expanding Renewable Energy and Storage Capacity

With the latest commissioning, ACME Solar is advancing its integrated approach to renewable power generation and energy storage. As reported by projectstoday.ai, by combining solar and wind generation with battery storage, the company is developing projects designed to support reliable renewable power delivery while expanding India’s clean energy capacity.

Neuland Laboratories is accelerating its peptide manufacturing expansion as the first of four planned modules at its commercial peptide manufacturing facility has now commenced operations. The expansion will strengthen Neuland’s ability to support customers across peptide development and commercial manufacturing. In addition, the company is preparing for the next phase of capacity expansion as customer requirements become clearer.

First Peptide Manufacturing Module Begins Operations

Neuland’s newly operational Module One provides a total reactor capacity of 7,000 litres, including 750 litres for solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) and 6,250 litres for liquid-phase peptide synthesis (LPPS). This configuration enables the company to support customer programmes ranging from small-scale development to multikilogram production of complete peptide active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). It also supports commercial-scale production of crude peptides, including complex and long-chain peptides. SPPS and LPPS reactors operate in separate suites, allowing parallel production activities. The facility is supported by three DAC columns, comprising one 45 cm column and two 60 cm columns, as well as two lyophilisers with capacities of 100 litres and 200 litres.

Neuland Prepares for Second Manufacturing Module

Following an investment of $30 million in Module One, Neuland plans to align further investments with evolving customer requirements. The foundational infrastructure for Module Two is already in place. Consequently, the company expects to begin work ahead of its original timeline once the requirements and configuration are finalised with the customer whose projects will anchor the expanded capability. Module Two is planned to provide up to 18,000 litres of total reactor capacity. The configuration will include three 5,000-litre LPPS reactors, either a 1,000-litre or 2,000-litre SPPS reactor, and smaller reactors of up to 1,000 litres. This flexible setup will allow Neuland to accommodate a wider range of peptide development and manufacturing programmes across different production scales.

Peptide Demand Expands Across Therapeutic Areas

Neuland’s customer programmes are also expanding beyond obesity and metabolic diseases. In particular, oncology is emerging as an active area for early-stage peptide development. As peptide pipelines grow, biotechnology companies increasingly need access to specialised outsourced development and commercial manufacturing capabilities. Neuland’s expanded facility is designed to address this demand by providing flexible peptide manufacturing capacity.

Building Capacity for Long-Term Growth

Looking beyond the immediate expansion, Neuland is already evaluating additional options to meet future customer requirements. Saharsh Davuluri, CEO and Managing Director, Neuland Laboratories, said the company aims to ensure sufficient capacity not only for the next 24 months but also for the coming decade as it strengthens strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. The company is therefore taking a long-term approach to peptide manufacturing capacity while aligning future investments with customer demand.

Growing Peptide Manufacturing Expertise

Module One is supported by a team of nearly 212 peptide specialists, further strengthening Neuland’s capabilities in peptide development and manufacturing. The latest expansion also follows strong growth for the CDMO. Neuland reported a 116.3% increase in revenue in its most recent quarterly results, driven primarily by higher commercial contract volumes and a growing number of clinical projects. As per the press release, with additional modules planned and customer demand continuing to develop, Neuland is expanding its peptide manufacturing platform to support both current programmes and the next generation of pharmaceutical and biotech projects.

PI Industries launched CARVINT (flometoquin 10% SC), a next-generation insecticide designed to provide effective and sustained control of Thrips and Diamond Back Moth (DBM) in crops. The insecticide offers a differentiated mode of action and long residual control. Therefore, it provides farmers with an additional tool for managing persistent pest challenges while supporting more sustainable crop-protection practices. PI Industries is initially focusing the launch on key agricultural markets across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

CARVINT Targets Key Vegetable Crop Pests

Pest pressure continues to challenge vegetable farmers, particularly those growing high-value crops such as chilli and cole crops. Thrips can significantly affect chilli production, while Diamond Back Moth can cause substantial crop losses in cabbage and other cole crops. At the same time, farmers are dealing with frequent spray requirements, shorter pest-control periods, rising crop-management costs and increasing resistance to established insecticide chemistries. Against this backdrop, CARVINT is designed to provide a new approach to managing these key pests.

Action Supports Resistance Management

CARVINT contains Flometoquin 10% SC, an active ingredient belonging to IRAC Group 34. The chemistry represents a new insecticide class for the Indian market, providing farmers with a differentiated option for pest management. Moreover, its distinct mode of action can support resistance-management programmes when farmers rotate it responsibly with insecticides from other chemistry groups. This approach can help diversify pest-control strategies while reducing reliance on repeated applications of the same insecticide chemistry.

PI Industries Highlights Farmer-Focused Innovation

Saket Bhatnagar, CEO, India Brands, PI AgSciences, said farmers are facing growing pest resistance, frequent spray requirements, shorter control periods and increasing crop-management costs. He added that CARVINT offers a differentiated mode of action and a new tool for effective and sustained pest management. Its novel mode of action also makes it suitable for resistance-management programmes through the responsible rotation of insecticide chemistries. According to Bhatnagar, PI Industries aims to develop differentiated agricultural solutions that address changing pest-management challenges and help farmers manage their crops more effectively.

Expanding PI Industries’ Crop-Protection Portfolio

The launch of CARVINT further strengthens PI Industries’ portfolio of crop-protection and agricultural solutions. With its novel mode of action, targeted pest control, residual performance and potential role in resistance-management programmes, CARVINT reflects the company’s focus on introducing differentiated crop-protection technologies for Indian agriculture. As per the press release, as pest resistance and crop-management challenges continue to evolve, PI Industries is expanding its portfolio to provide farmers with additional solutions for effective pest management.

Shilpa Biologicals Private Limited, an integrated biologic development and manufacturing organisation, signed an exclusive strategic licensing and commercialisation agreement with Saudi Arabia-based SPIMACO Bio for a portfolio of PD-1 inhibitor biosimilars across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The agreement combines Shilpa Biologicals’ biologics development and manufacturing capabilities with SPIMACO Bio’s regional commercial, regulatory and market-access expertise. As a result, the partnership aims to expand access to high-quality and affordable cancer immunotherapies across MENA.

Shilpa Biologicals to Develop and Manufacture Biosimilars

Shilpa Biologicals will retain ownership of the intellectual property and serve as the exclusive developer and manufacturer of the PD-1 biosimilar portfolio. The company will receive upfront payments, development and commercial milestone payments, as well as revenue from product supplies. Meanwhile, SPIMACO Bio will lead commercialisation, regulatory execution and market access across the MENA region. This arrangement also highlights Shilpa Biologicals’ integrated capabilities in developing, manufacturing and transferring complex biologic medicines for international markets.

PD-1 Biosimilars to Expand Cancer Treatment Access

PD-1 inhibitors have become an important class of cancer immunotherapy. These medicines help the body’s immune system recognise and attack cancer cells and are used across a broad range of tumour types. Therefore, the collaboration seeks to improve access to these advanced therapies in MENA, where demand for effective and affordable oncology treatments continues to grow. By combining Shilpa Biologicals’ end-to-end development and manufacturing capabilities with SPIMACO Bio’s regional reach, the companies intend to support wider availability of PD-1 biosimilars across the region.

Technology Transfer to Enable Local Manufacturing in Saudi Arabia

In addition, the agreement includes a phased technology transfer programme designed to establish local manufacturing of the biosimilars in Saudi Arabia. The initiative is expected to strengthen regional supply security while developing high-value biomanufacturing capabilities within the Kingdom. It also supports the localisation objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. Through this technology transfer, both companies aim to contribute to a more resilient and increasingly self-sufficient healthcare manufacturing ecosystem in the MENA region.

Strong Growth Potential for PD-1 Biosimilars

The global PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor market is valued at approximately US$74 billion in 2026 and is projected to reach US$142 billion by 2031, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 13.9%, according to Mordor Intelligence. Meanwhile, the Middle East oncology drugs market is estimated at US$3.4 billion and is forecast to grow at approximately 7.7% annually through 2031, according to Cognitive Market Research. The opportunity for biosimilars could increase as leading originator PD-1 therapies approach the loss of market exclusivity. This could accelerate demand for high-quality and more affordable alternatives.

Shilpa Biologicals Highlights Long-Term Partnership

“This partnership creates significant long-term value for Shilpa Biologicals while advancing our mission to make world-class biologic medicines accessible to patients wherever they live,” said Madhav Bhutada, Director, Shilpa Biologicals Private Limited. He added that the agreement demonstrates Shilpa Biologicals’ ability to develop, manufacture and transfer complex biologics to global partners. The company will also create long-term value through milestone payments and commercial supply, while the future technology transfer will support the development of local manufacturing capabilities in the region.

SPIMACO Bio Focuses on Regional Oncology Access

“Expanding access to advanced cancer immunotherapies is a strategic priority for the health and resilience of our region,” said Prof. Ahmed Al-Jedai, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, SPIMACO Bio. “Partnering with Shilpa Biologicals allows us to bring high-quality, affordable PD-1 biosimilars to patients across Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA market. Shilpa’s scientific depth and scalable GMP manufacturing capabilities make them an ideal partner,” he added. As per the press release, the strategic agreement therefore establishes a framework for the development, commercialisation and eventual local manufacturing of PD-1 biosimilars, while supporting broader access to oncology therapies across the MENA region.

KBC, a Yokogawa company, launched Maximus 7.7, a field-wide advanced production modelling technology designed for upstream production and flow assurance engineers. The platform helps engineers monitor daily production, optimise operations and make better-informed decisions using engineering models that remain connected to operational data. Maximus 7.7 connects engineering models with real-time operational information, automates model calibration and represents the complete production system, from wells and pipelines to surface facilities. As a result, engineers can use trusted production models more routinely without significantly disrupting existing workflows.

Connecting Engineering Models with Field Operations

The upstream industry continues to face pressure to maintain production from existing assets. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), nearly 90% of upstream investment since 2019 has focused on offsetting production declines. Therefore, maintaining engineering models that accurately reflect changing field conditions has become increasingly important. Maximus 7.7 addresses this requirement by bringing engineering models and operational data into everyday production workflows. “Maximus 7.7 is intended to make production models more useful in operations, not just in studies,” said Prasad Sethuraman, Maximus Product Manager. “By improving data ingestion, calibration and system-wide modelling, we are helping engineers make more regular use of trusted models for surveillance, planning and production optimisation,” Sethuraman added.

Automated Calibration for Better Model Accuracy

One of the key features of Maximus 7.7 is its ability to improve field calibration through automated workflows. The platform keeps well digital twins and network models aligned with measured field behaviour. Consequently, engineers can reduce manual model tuning and maintain models that better reflect actual operating conditions. The technology also improves engineering model ingestion and simplifies the process of updating and calibrating models as field conditions change.

System-Wide Production Modelling

Maximus 7.7 represents interactions across the entire production system, including:

Wells

Gathering systems

Pipelines

Surface facilities

By connecting these elements within a single modelling environment, the platform enables engineers to assess how changes in one part of the production system can affect overall field performance. This system-wide approach can support production surveillance, planning and optimisation while helping engineers make operational decisions with greater confidence.

Supporting Production Optimisation and Asset Integrity

In addition to improving model continuity and calibration, Maximus 7.7 provides engineering models that support production optimisation and help address production, operability and asset-integrity risks. The platform therefore aims to make advanced production modelling a more practical part of routine operational decision-making rather than limiting its use to engineering studies.

Keeping Engineering Models Aligned with Reality

“Engineering models deliver value only when they reflect operational reality,” said Simon Rogers, Chief Technology Officer, KBC. He explained that the challenge for many operators is not creating models but keeping them relevant as operating conditions change. According to Rogers, engineering software needs to help organisations maintain trusted models that continuously support operational decision-making. With Maximus 7.7, KBC is expanding integrated asset modelling while improving engineering model ingestion, well digital-twin calibration and model tuning. As per the press release, the latest release supports KBC’s broader Bringing Decarbonization to Life® mission by helping operators use connected engineering models to improve production performance and operational decision-making.