SME manufacturers focusing tech adoption on data and system integration

More than half of SME manufacturers being supported by the Made Smarter tech adoption programme are focusing their investment on data and system integration, according to a recent survey.

159 of the 275 technology projects supported by Made Smarter’s North West adoption programme, including 42 in Greater Manchester, focused on digital technologies which connect disparate systems and unify data residing in different sources. As a result of integration, business leaders have been more able to spot trends in production and labour, correct maintenance and quality issues, and minimise safety, business risk and operational downtime throughout their production, all in real-time.

Alain Dilworth, Programme Manager for the Made Smarter’s North West adoption programme, said:

“Data and analytics are central to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, so it is encouraging that so many of this region’s makers are embracing the opportunities that these tools offer.

“Capturing the data from across their processes and bringing it all together in one place is a vital first step for many manufacturers looking to solve problems and recognise opportunities. It also becomes a platform for the next step, one which some are already taking, is to analyse the data using artificial intelligence.”

Other popular new technologies being adopted by manufacturers in the North-west include robotics and process control automation, which has received investment from one in five Made Smarter-supported projects. Seven per cent are investing in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), using sensors to collect critical production data to gain valuable insights about the efficiency of operations.

Others are adopting additive manufacturing to reduce waste and fast track prototyping, while some are using immersive technologies to add value to their services. Early adopters who have already captured data are now focussed on analytics and artificial intelligence to get more insight and value from their manufacturing operations.

Made Smarter’s survey results have been published ahead of the forthcoming Smart Factory Expo in Liverpool, taking place on 16th and 17th November, where the benefits of technology adoption will be showcased at the free-to-attend event, where the programme will be exhibiting and manufacturers can meet its technology experts and workforce development team. Alain Dilworth added:

“The Made Smarter team are relishing the opportunity to demonstrate the impact of our grant funding, skills training and leadership advice on the 2,500 businesses we have helped over the last four years and start conversations with a whole host of SME manufacturers about how we can help them.

“The Smart Factory Expo is a fantastic free-to-attend opportunity to find out more about opportunities for support and funding and how it could help your business.”