To fully realise the next generation industries alongside the new challenges that Brexit will bring , manufacturers need to fundamentally change their technology model . The adoption of universal automation will enable manufacturers to create a step-change in operational improvements capable of keeping up with the speed of doing business and remaining competitive in the global market .
With manufacturers facing ongoing changes as a result of political uncertainties and constantly shifting consumer needs in the wake of Brexit and the 2020 pandemic , the adoption of universal automation will provide safety and certainty to the sector . Industry siloes and vendor lock-in must be eliminated , with equipment interoperability and data-driven insight boosting the industry ’ s agility , profitability and resilience . At a time when the manufacturing industry is in desperate need of future proofing , resilience building technologies , industrial automation offers a much-needed solution .
Over the course of 2021 , as we see more businesses move from a proprietary world to universal automation , the benefits will be far reaching . It won ’ t just be end users who reap the rewards of an automated approach - it will give an edge to all who are willing to transform and embrace the value of software innovation . As automation systems become more flexible and capable of providing end user value , we will see the beginnings of a virtual circle where investment in
automation systems will increase . New business models will be enabled , new customers reached , and new markets served , reshaping post-Brexit , postpandemic Britain for the better . This approach will bring changes across the entire operational lifecycle of industrial enterprises and will ultimately leverage digitalisation to fully realize the potential of Industry 4.0 .
READINESS THROUGH INNOVATION
After the year we ’ ve had , many of us are eager to see the back of 2020 and welcome 2021 . However , with the uncertainties that the next year brings , it could be a daunting time for industry .
We have little control over the implications of Brexit and other crises , nor can we predict what the next challenge may be . However , the opportunity to prepare and build resilience is very much in our control and has the power to make or break us . By moving the industry from a hardwarecentric to software-centric model , universal automation will usher in a new dawn for industrial automation . With challenge comes innovation and with innovation comes new opportunity .
For further information , please visit www . se . com / uk / en
Issue 48 PECM 35