Digitalisation: Embrace The Journey, Not The Sprint

The manufacturing world is in the midst of a digital revolution. From shop floors to boardrooms, technology's call is impossible to ignore. But for many SMEs, navigating this digital landscape feels like walking through a minefield.?

But is the pressure to transform overnight realistic, or even necessary?

Let's use this as an opportunity to reframe the conversation. Digitalisation isn't a mad dash — it's a strategic journey. It's about finding the right digital tools to solve your specific business problems and deliver real value. Forget the scattergun approach of implementing tech for tech's sake. That's a sure fire way to waste time and resources.

Tackling the Digital Dilemma

As an SME, you're constantly pushed to innovate and stay competitive. But let's face it — limited resources, time constraints, and a lack of digital know-how can make it tough to pinpoint which digital initiatives will truly drive your business forward.

The ConeX Portal team have recently attended several roundtable discussions hosted by BPP University , which have shone a light on a major hurdle: the skills gap. By bringing industry leaders and SMEs together to share knowledge and experiences, we're taking crucial steps to bridge this divide.

Small Steps, Big Wins

Here's the beauty of digitalisation: it's flexible. You don't need to overhaul everything at once. Instead, focus on those low-hanging fruits — quick wins that deliver immediate value.?

Take a look at what some of our ConeX community members have achieved:

• Stephen Murphy - Continuous Improvement - revolutionised their operations with a simple Excel-based OEE system. The result? Empowered frontline workers, reduced scrap, and improved output.
• Smart Manufacture took control of their operations by implementing MRPeasy , a cloud-based MRP system. They organised intellectual property, defined product routings, and enhanced traceability. It’s been a game-changer for their defence sector clients.
• Andy Soos , owner of Bedford Cnc Ltd , eagerly embraced the opportunity to digitise his processes and offer potential customers a virtual factory tour. This cutting-edge solution enables him to expand his reach and showcase his facility without the expense of on-site visits. Tony Pincham of IMAGES FOR INDUSTRY LIMITED created the virtual tour which you can view HERE.

These success stories prove that by tackling specific pain points and scoring early wins, you can build confidence and lay the groundwork for future digital initiatives.

Conquering the Challenges

We get it — implementing new technologies can be daunting. Limited budgets, resistance to change, and a lack of in-house expertise often stand in the way. But don't let these obstacles hold you back.

Take inspiration from Martin's Rubber Company Ltd. They faced these challenges head-on by partnering with MESTEC | Division of Eyelit Technologies & Control 2K Limited to install sensors on their manual moulding presses. This project, partially funded by the government, unlocked valuable real-time data and showcased the power of data-driven decision-making.

The lesson? Don't go it alone. Collaboration and external support can be your secret weapons in overcoming digitalisation hurdles.

Building Your Digital Foundation

Want to kickstart your digitalisation journey? Start with your core business processes. By streamlining operations and boosting efficiency, you’re creating a solid launchpad for future digital initiatives.

Take a page from WES Engineering Solutions ' book:

• They ditched paper and went digital for sales and procurement. The result? Time saved, data accuracy improved, and information became instantly accessible.
• They didn't stop there. By developing custom software for shop floor data collection and scheduling, they unlocked valuable data and saw efficiency gains start to climb.

Or look at the approach from The University of Bolton :

• They zeroed in on inventory management, production scheduling, and customer visibility.
• Their weapons of choice? RFID/barcode technology, data analytics, cloud computing, and even VR.

These examples prove that digital tools aren't just buzzwords — they're powerful allies in your quest for operational excellence.

Harness the Power of Visual Storytelling

Let's face it — manufacturing often gets a bad rap. But who says we can't change that narrative? Digital tools offer a golden opportunity to showcase your innovation and capabilities.

Hone-All Precision Ltd. are leading the charge:

• Andrea Wilson launched the "Support UK Manufacturing" campaign, shining a spotlight on the importance of investing in our industry.
• They're not just talking the talk — they are making practical changes too. By investing in professional photography, they've created stunning visuals that elevate their brand and attract new customers.

The lesson? Don't underestimate the power of a picture. High-quality images can transform your brand image and open doors to new business opportunities.

Unleash Innovation with Technology

Sure, efficiency gains are great. But why stop there? Digitalisation opens up a world of possibilities for innovation and growth. It's time to think big and create your competitive edge.

Check out these trailblazers:

• RAD Additive Limited tackled quotations, management, and scheduling head-on. They experimented with Excel and Airtable, leading to reduced lead times and better metric tracking.
• OmnaTec implemented a web-based customer portal and adopted Asana for task tracking. The result? A whopping 40% increase in throughput and smoother communication.
• Boneham & Turner Ltd partnered with FactoryIQ to supercharge their operational performance and production transparency. In the words of Managing Director Peter Boneham :

"It's a great system... we are seeing immediate benefits. Keeping the interface simple but working with all the important data has really helped us get 100% buy-in from all our production colleagues."

These success stories prove that the right digital solutions can revolutionise your operations and get your entire team on board.

The Road Ahead

Remember, while starting small is crucial, don't lose sight of the big picture. Digitalisation is an ongoing journey, not a one-time fix. Stay ready to adapt and evolve.

Keep an eye on innovators like CloudNC , Valuechain Technology Ltd. and DigiFabster . They're cooking up cutting-edge digital solutions tailored for SMEs like yours. Their work shows just how much potential technology has to drive growth and efficiency in our industry.

The key to winning the digitalisation game? We think it comes down to one word: Balance. Focus on tackling your most pressing challenges now, but don't forget to invest in long-term digital capabilities. Combine strategic planning with practical implementation, and you'll be well-equipped to thrive in the digital age.

Over to You

What's your take on digitalisation in manufacturing? Have you faced similar challenges? Scored any big wins? Share your experiences in the comments below — let's learn from each other!

Ready to dive deeper? Connect with us and our community on LinkedIn. Schedule a call, join a ConeX event, or chat with the innovators featured in this article. Just say the word, and we'll make the introduction.

And at the end of the day, by joining a community like ConeX, you're not only embracing digitalisation but also gaining access to a national network. Our online platform provides countless opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. Learn more here.

Together, we can shape a brighter, digital future for manufacturing. Are you in?

#digitalisation #manufacturing #SME #industry4.0 #digitaltransformation #innovation

Thanks to those that have contributed to this article:

Lucy G. , Louise Ball , Stephen Murphy , Sara Duff , Adam Hooper , Nicole Ballantyne C.Eng. FIMechE DIC , ????James Gazzard , Dr Sarath Menon , Andrea Wilson , Bob Urry , Peter Shafe , Peter Boneham , Adam Payne FInstLM , Peter Spiby , Sahand Malek , Nishant Raj , Oscar Cutts & Rachel Hammond .