Made Smarter highlights need for manufacturers’ digital drive
26 Jul 2022
The organisation set up to boost manufacturers’ take up of digital tools is urging small to medium sized enterprises to sign up to its workshop to ensure their recovery from the effects of the lockdown economy.
Made Smarter director Donna Edwards said a recent survey of 200 North West based firms revealed enthusiasm for what digital transformation had to offer but also concern about cost and access to expertise.
“Digitalisation is the key to UK manufacturing’s post-Covid survival, recovery, and growth. And with new challenges at our door, such as rising energy prices, supply chain disruption and labour shortages, now is the time for business leaders to reach out and take advantage of the support on offer,” warned Edwards.
“The case for digitalisation has never been stronger.”
Eight out of 10 survey respondents showed understanding of the need for digital adoption said the organisation, but more than half their number said that the lack of capital, investment and time deterred them. Responses revealed patchy awareness of support available.
Said Edwards:“They are aware that technology brings significant benefits and they risk being left behind by not capitalising on the opportunities on offer. But it is also clear that they need support and advice to create a roadmap to digital transformation to enable them to adopt the right digital tools, progressively and sustainably, to avoid risking wasted time, money and effort.
“We have developed a simple and straightforward process which quickly gets to the heart of a business’s challenges and supports them to take that first step in their digital transformation.”
Initial registration via the Made Smarter website is speedy she said. It followed with a digital transformation workshop to identify core challenges and provide a bespoke digital manufacturing roadmap.
Edwards added: “Hundreds of manufacturers have reaped the benefits of our impartial help, identifying the most effective technologies to boost productivity, efficiency, growth and create high value jobs. Meanwhile, hundreds more have taken advantage of funding opportunities to invest in those ideas, as well as investing in the right skill sets and leadership development to help them achieve their goals.
“Digitalisation is the key to UK manufacturing’s post-Covid survival, recovery, and growth. And with new challenges at our door, such as rising energy prices, supply chain disruption and labour shortages, now is the time for business leaders to reach out and take advantage of the support on offer.”
