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Digital transformation confusion risks paralysing SME manufacturers

06 December 2024

Confusion around digital transformation is risking paralysis among SME manufacturers, says Made Smarter.

DONNA EDWARDS, director of Made Smarter’s North West adoption programme, says businesses are hesitant to commit to digital transformation because of a lack of confidence in technology and digital skills among leaders and employees.

But, delaying digital transformation risks being left further behind, or wasting time, effort and money, Edwards cautioned. The stark warning features in the foreword of Made Smarter’s new white paper - Digital Transformation: A Made Smarter Roadmap for SME Manufacturers.

Risks of delaying digitisation

"Ask a hundred SME manufacturing leaders what digital transformation means to them, and you’ll likely get a hundred different answers. But the common view is that it is daunting and confusing," said Edwards. 

"SMEs, while aware of the benefits technology brings, lack the resources and skills to approach digital transformation in the right way. Many hesitate or become paralysed, risking being left behind, or wasting time, effort and money.

"The Made Smarter Adoption Programme is a tried and tested approach that offers businesses access to fully funded support so they can improve their understanding of what steps they need to take, to arm them with the tools and strategy to take those steps, and accelerate them towards the multitude of benefits and growth opportunities."

A positive economic impact

Since launching in the North West five years ago, thousands of manufacturers have engaged with Made Smarter’s specialised support, from expert, impartial technology advice and digital transformation workshops, to digital leadership programmes, internships and other training opportunities, and match funded technology projects.

The impacts of the programme are starting to emerge. North West GVA is forecast to grow £242m in the coming years and 1,300 new jobs have been created, while 2,500 existing roles have been upskilled.

Case study: AV Metals transformation

One success story featured in the white paper is AV Metals, a sheet metal manufacturer based in Radcliffe. Co-managing director Scott Brooks learnt new digital leadership skills with the support of Made Smarter.

"We are undergoing sweeping changes to a data-led organisation and a new digital culture,” he said. “The biggest takeaway from our partnership with Made Smarter is the benefit of embracing the possible. Once you take that first step, admit your flaws and grasp the opportunities to fix things, you won’t look back."

Following a Government commitment to a national rollout, by 2027 every SME manufacturer in the UK will have regional access to an adoption programme to accelerate their digital transformation.

"As we approach the first decade of Made Smarter, the pace of change has quickened," Edwards continued. "The conversation has already shifted from Industry 4.0 and the smart factory to an emerging phase of industrialisation where humans work alongside advanced technology and AI-powered robots to enhance workplace processes. 

"It means we at Made Smarter need to redouble our efforts to reach more SME manufacturers and showcase the opportunities afforded by technology."

To download the white paper visit: tinyurl.com/y3ha9925

For more information: 

www.madesmarter.uk

 
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