A comprehensive guide for SMEs wanting to find out about Industry 4.0 and Internet of Things (IOT)
If you think artificial intelligence, machine-to-machine learning and automated robots sound like something from a sci-fi film, then you’re probably not alone. The fourth wave of industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0 as it is more commonly known, is often over-complicated when mentioned in trade press, so it is no wonder that many SMEs might be put off or intimidated by the concept of it.
However, in order to compete on the world stage, manufacturing businesses of all sizes will need much better control of their supply chains and processes, which is only possible by Industry 4.0. Not only will it help you secure those big, game changing clients, but it will also help to eliminate any errors that might occur from old fashioned methods like paper records. An example of this was seen recently with a customer of ours, Kirkstall Precision Engineering, who managed to secure a new contract with Rolls Royce during the UK lockdown, no doubt helped by their adoption of Industry 4.0.
- Topic:
- Manufacturing
In the second of our ‘Lean manufacturing in the digital age’ series, we explore how increased flexibility, market agility and responsiveness can only be achieved through robust, accurate production planning.
Given the hype surrounding the ‘digitalisation’ of manufacturing, it’s all too easy to forget that manufacturers have been implementing and using IT systems for decades.
This has provided the sector with a wealth of knowledge and familiarity; it’s also provided the opportunity to build up years of technical debt.
Many industrial businesses would describe their digital architecture as a complex jumble of disparate systems – ERP, MES, MRP, S&OP, the list goes on. The information continued in these systems is frequently manually-generated, siloed and inconsistent, making it a challenge to work with and swiftly obsolete.
Many of these systems are bespoke creations cobbled together long ago with modifications and extra modules bolted on as and when needed. Though custom-built may have been the right choice at the time, the decision can quickly lead to something resembling the digital equivalent of Frankenstein’s monster.
That may sound glib, but the risks are all too real.
- Topic:
- Supply Chain
The history of lean may stretch back more than a century, but it’s as relevant today (and will be tomorrow) as it was when first conceived.
Rather than replacing lean, digital technologies are helping to identify previously unattainable efficiency opportunities and augmenting employees’ efforts to unlock unparalleled levels of productivity and innovation. Here’s what your organisation needs to know.
- Topic:
- Manufacturing
Tried and true methodology
In the manufacturing world, uncertainty has become the new normal. Since the 2008 financial crisis, UK manufacturers have struggled to find a predictable path forward amidst market shifts, fluctuating material costs, and unstable political climates. Many have yet to return to pre-recession production levels.
The new reality of COVID-19 has raised alarm bells throughout the sector, causing companies to question their past methods and strategies. For answers, many are turning to the Lean methods practised by leading multinationals and a growing number of small-to-medium-sized manufacturers. As one of our customers, Kirkstall Precision Engineering recently said, “We’ve used this to become better at what we do – to become leaner”.
- Topic:
- Supply Chain
