"We hear a lot about industry 4.0 technology but our experience of working with North West SMEs tells us that people struggle to know where to start."
Alain Dilworth, Made Smarter
North West SME manufacturers looking to understand more about how digital tools can boost their business are being urged to attend a free event in Blackburn.
Run by Made Smarter, it will provide practical advice and tools to help manufacturers take the first steps on transforming their business by helping them to develop a digital roadmap.
They will hear real life examples of how other businesses have applied new technology, the challenges they overcame and the benefits they are now seeing.
Business leaders can join roundtable sessions, facilitated by industry experts, which focus on specific barriers to adopting new digital technology and overcoming them. The round tables will explore skills, leadership, finance and culture.
Dozens of business leaders have already signed up for the event, Powering your Manufacturing through Digital Transformation, on the morning of September 11th.
Leading the event will be Made Smarter Programme Manager Alain Dilworth.
He said: “Digital tools can increase profit, reduce inefficiencies, open new markets and provide greater insight for business leaders, but it can be confusing to know what will help your business the most.
"We hear a lot about industry 4.0 technology but our experience of working with North West SMEs tells us that people struggle to know where to start. This event aims to help North West SME manufacturers understand more about digital transformation, provide practical tools to help them take the first steps of their digital journey.
"Lancashire was at the very heart of the first industrial revolution and remains home to hundreds of high-quality engineering, automotive, aerospace, food production and other manufacturing businesses.
“I would urge businesses at the start of their journey to come along and speak to the Made Smarter team.”
Made Smarter supports manufacturers to digitise and innovate through grant funding, fully funded specialist technology advice and leadership and skills development.
The Made Smarter team will be on hand to facilitate one-to-one conversations with business leaders about their business needs and the options available. This includes finding out more about how to qualify for free advice and funding support to help with the adoption of new, smarter production methods such as robotics and automation, additive manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IOT), 3D-printing, the use of ‘big’ data and the latest design software.
Places for the Powering your Manufacturing through Digital Transformation session are free but limited and registration is essential.
More information and details of how to book can be found at https://bit.ly/2KZds4E
Any company interested in the Made Smarter business support programme can find out more at www.madesmarter.uk
