Donna Edwards . programme director Made Smarter NW adoption pilot . Right , MSM aerospace fabricators , managing director Michael Pedley
Without capitalising on digital tools , SME manufacturers risk getting left behind .
“ A digital transformation workshop will ultimately help a business gain a competitive advantage .
“ As advisers we cut through the jargon to provide honest advice to help the business identify the most effective technologies to overcome their operational challenges . We take a holistic view of the business , and demonstrate the steps required in order to achieve a move to digital – it ’ s a quick way of gaining real , valuable insights .
“ We have designed these workshops in a way that requires minimal time investment for manufacturers to turn the actions into results , while still allowing participants to focus on the day-to-day operations of the business .”
The workshop will also identify other ways the Made Smarter programme can support a manufacturer ’ s transformation including : the trailblazing Made Smarter Leadership Programme delivered in partnership with Lancaster University , that helps develop the skills and confidence to pursue smarter manufacturing ; fullyfunded digital technology internships to help implement projects and bring a fresh perspective and new skills into the business ; specialist advice about workforce development and skills ; and funding for new digital tools and technologies such as data and systems integration , robotics and automation , or additive manufacturing .
Kevin Smith , Made Smarter technology expert
The new streamlined digital transformation workshops build on the success of the programme ’ s earlier faceto-face workshops , which helped makers during the first 18 months of the North West adoption pilot .
Donna Edwards , programme director for Made Smarter North West adoption pilot , said : “ Upgrading to new technologies can seem like a complex and daunting task . SMEs can miss out on significant improvements to their operations . With a bespoke digital manufacturing roadmap we are able to provide the manufacturers a vision of how to move forward progressively and sustainably .
“ The challenges created by Covid-19
offered us an opportunity to review how we can best help SME manufacturers ensure digital is a key part of their business strategy and take that first step to digital transformation .
“ Our face to face workshops were a huge success and have made a substantial difference to many of the region ’ s makers .
“ I am delighted that we have been able to adapt by redesigning and streamlining the workshop process to make it simpler , faster and more effective , and deliver it online .”
For more information , visit www . madesmarter . uk
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