different technologies ultimately meet, making its design and integration an important consideration in determining how easily a factory can adapt.
Banelec’ s approach is consequently not limited to standalone control panels or individual automation components. The company provides bespoke electrical control systems alongside automation, robotics, PLC and HMI programming, conveyor controls and Industry 4.0 applications, with engineering support extending from initial design through installation and commissioning.
As manufacturers continue investing in digital transformation, Banelec expects electrical control engineering to become an increasingly strategic discipline rather than simply a supporting function.
The PwC report reaches a similar conclusion from a broader industry perspective: the manufacturers best placed to benefit from the next wave of technology adoption will not necessarily be those buying the greatest number of new tools, but those capable of combining technology, data and interoperable systems effectively.
Dean Banner believes that principle mirrors the direction already being taken by many of Britain’ s most successful manufacturers.
“ The businesses moving fastest aren’ t necessarily buying the most technology, because they’ re investing in engineering that allows everything to work together. That’ s where automation delivers its biggest return, the control system becomes the foundation that connects people, processes and technology into one efficient manufacturing operation.”
As UK industry continues its drive towards smarter factories, the distinction between automation leaders and laggards is likely to become increasingly defined not by the number of machines they own, but by how intelligently those machines are connected.
For manufacturers considering that transition, the challenge is therefore becoming less about automating one more process and more about creating the control, data and integration infrastructure that allows the entire operation to evolve.
Jennie Banner, Operations Director overseeing customer journey at Banelec
For more information visit: www. banelec. com
50 MACHINERY, AUTOMATION, CONTROL & ENGINEERING