UK manufacturers are known for a
healthy dose of scepticism in the face of
vendor claims and will often demand
references, case studies and more before
committing to a purchase.
hen it comes to the
technology that underpins
processes within
manufacturers, it is often
the case that the business
case is based on cost. UK manufacturers
are known for a healthy dose of
scepticism in the face of vendor claims
and will often demand references, case
studies and more before committing to a
purchase.
W
Recent Subcon research has shown that
looking ahead to the next year:
• Automation and robotics leads the
investment charge with 34% of
respondents planning such expenditure
• 27% plan on investing in simulation and
modelling
• 24% plan on investing in 3D printing.
• 24% plan on investing in new or
enhanced enterprise software
• 22% plan on investing in the Internet of
Things
Of course, these are all easily recognised
as the technologies of Industry 4.0 –
although the same Subcon research
has shown that more than half or UK
manufacturers / engineering businesses
still don’t know what the term actually
means or to what it refers. When asked
if they understood what industry
4.0 is, more than one in three (37%)
UK manufacturing and engineering
professionals said no.
Issue 32 PECM
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