SMART technology is very much the buzzword of the moment. Across a wide variety of sectors and industries there's talk about how the Internet of Things is going to revolutionise our lives. For many UK manufacturers though, SMART technology remains a topic that's wrapped up in a degree of mysticism, with many business owners reluctant to change existing tools and processes without a better understanding of what the benefits are. Exact is looking to help address that – with a series of breakfast seminars across the UK, where manufacturers can learn more insights about what it can offer them, as well as share their views and concerns about this hotly debated topic.
Pieter Hamans, Principal, Product Marketing (Manufacturing) at Exact, will be sharing insights on how SMART industries can have a higher degree of flexibility in production output, in terms of product needs, volume, timing, resource efficiency and cost. How they are able to fully cater to customer needs better and make use of the entire supply chain for value creation by making the most of information, technology and the most advanced manufacturing techniques.
On a wider level, Pieter will discuss the benefits the new technology can bring in terms of creating a more competitive manufacturing industry, including economic growth and job creation on a national level. Manufacturers can also benefit from faster deployment of systems, better supply chain integration and flexibility to produce smaller series.
Pieter will also discuss however, why not everyone has bought into the dawning of this new technological era. What's stopping manufacturers from jumping in with two feet and grabbing the opportunity with both hands? One reason may lie in a recent report by the Centre for Enterprise and Economic Development research which found that small manufacturing business are just too busy to implement new methods and technologies, and many are often unaware of where to get advice. SMART industry is not only about deploying new technologies and more ICT. It is also about a new mindset that embraces change, learning and continuous improvement.
Pieter will discuss why, at a time when manufacturing is making a revival in the UK, it is so important for the industry to think about why adapting to change now may be vital for many manufacturers to remain relevant in the future.
