INDUSTRY NEWS
Smarter digital manufacturing guide for SMEs
A digital transformation specialist has partnered with a leading alliance of trade associations to create an Industry-4.0 guide specific to the needs of its SME members .
LMAC Consulting is a certified assessor for Smart Industry Readiness Index ( SIRI ), the internationally recognised standard for Industry 4.0 planning and endorsed by the World Economic Forum , who tailor a Smarter 4.0 roadmap and data analytics pathway “ while delivering a tangible bottom line benefit .” EAMA ( Engineering & Machinery Alliance ) constitutes ten bodies working with government and others to strengthen the machinery and component supply chain in the UK .
The guide summarises the different pillars of Industry 4.0 and the impact that they have on costs and KPIs , as well as giving examples in action . SIRI measures a business ’ s current maturity and prioritises the digital transformation dimensions that will have the greatest impact on an SME business , aligned to its strategic priorities .
EAMA Secretary , Jack Semple , explained : “ This insightful guide is fit-for-purpose for our members and is long overdue help and advice after the delays caused by Brexit and COVID . It ’ s both a training and educational solution that gives them quick productivity improvement wins , but also the longer-term framework for sustainable change .”
LMAC CEO , Alastair Crawford , added : “ Industry-4.0 principles and technology enable manufacturers to keep their advantage and grow in a market constrained by available skills and rising costs – without wasting time and misguided direction [ whilst ] factoring in the change management issues that arise .
“ There is much to be gained from going digital in today ’ s tougher economic climate and we ’ ll also be giving EAMA leaders some of the skills to do it themselves . Equally , by combining our expertise and benchmarking , we can shape best-practice ideas and also look to influence funding , policy and digital support going
Gearing up for FABTECH
North America ’ s largest metal forming , fabricating , welding and finishing event heads to the Georgia World Congress Centre in Atlanta from 8-10 November 2022 . Live equipment demonstrations , featured keynotes , expert panels and other special events will allow attendees the opportunity to interact with a large gathering of technical experts and visionaries to learn what ’ s new and what ’ s next in manufacturing .
The FABTECH Event Partners include five associations : the American Welding Society ( AWS ); the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association , International ( FMA ); SME ; the Precision Metalforming Association ( PMA ) and the Chemical Coaters Association International ( CCAI ).
“ FABTECH provides a convenient ‘ one-stop shop ’ venue where you can meet with worldclass suppliers and see the latest industry products and developments as well as find the tools to improve productivity , increase profits and discover new solutions to all of your metal forming , fabricating , welding and finishing needs ,” the event organisers told ISMR .
FABTECH 2022 will encompass three halls at the Georgia World Congress Centre where attendees will find a variety of technology pavilions dedicated to Forming & Fabricating , Tube & Pipe , METALFORM , Welding , Finishing , 3D / Additive Manufacturing and Robotics & Industrial Automation .
FABTECH 2021 welcomed over 24,000 attendees from across the United States to Chicago with opportunities to experience
product evaluation , in-person networking , education and collaborative discussions on key topics impacting the industry . Three exhibit halls hosted close to 1,000 exhibitors ( including 93 new exhibitors ), demonstrating over 400 new products and highlighting emerging trends and technologies .
FABTECH also offers a comprehensive conference , educational programme and related events , webinars and competitions . n
ARKU honoured by KIRCHHOFF Automotive
ARKU Maschinenbau GmbH has received the “ Supplier of the Year 2022 ” award from one of its customers , KIRCHHOFF Automotive . The two companies have mutually benefited from their partnership of over 20 years .
ARKU is a family-run company and levelling technology specialist founded in 1928 . It offers a comprehensive range of precision levellers as well as deburring and rounding machines . It also runs its own business unit focusing on parts handling for levelling and deburring machines . ARKU coil lines are in operation in KIRCHHOFF Automotive factories on three continents . An important cornerstone is the worldwide presence of ARKU ’ s sales and service . From its three sites in Baden-Baden , Cincinnati and Kunshan , ARKU also ensures a rapid supply of spare parts and maintenance
From left : Franck Hirschmann ; Albert Reiss ; Hans-Peter Pflüger and Harald Kohl accept the “ Supplier of the Year 2022 “ award from KIRCHHOFF Automotive .
for the coil lines . ARKU was nominated in the ‘ Capital & Tooling ’ category . Due to the current political situation , the award ceremony took place online . ARKU employees Albert Reiss ( President & CEO ); Hans Peter Pflüger ( former senior employee ); Franck Hirschmann ( key account manager ) and Harald Kohl ( project manager ) accepted the award .
Albert Reiss , President & CEO , ARKU Maschinenbau , commented : “ This award is of particular importance to us . It shows that high-quality , continuous innovations and a customer-oriented focus pays off greatly for both sides in a long-term partnership . Such values are clearly part of ARKU ’ s DNA .”
ARKU ’ s headquarters are in Baden-Baden , Germany , and it maintains ISO-certified subsidiaries in Kunshan ( China ) and Cincinnati ( USA ), serving markets in more than 30 countries . It employs approximately 200 people worldwide . n