NI tax hikes could spark rush to automation, plus Chinese giant enters European motors market.
Drives & Controls
The UK's leading magazine for automation, motion engineering and power transmission
A lack of digital skills is the biggest barrier to adopting digital technologies for 42% of UK manufacturers, followed by the challenges of data integration (39%) and costs (31%), according to a survey conducted by Make UK and the audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK. The Investment Monitor report also found that 58% of UK manufacturers believe that digital technologies are increasing the need for highly skilled labour. Of those that have implemented data analytics, 66% say that the technology has contributed to their business efficiency, with 55% of companies reporting that up to 10% of their total investments are now going on digital technologies. The main benefits of using data analytics are perceived to be: more efficient use of resources (cited by 56%); improved productivity (49%); and improved labour efficiency (36%). The report also reveals that 38% of manufacturers using data analytics found that adopting these technologies has exceeded their expectations. So, if they can get over the skills hurdle, it seems that UK manufacturers are embracing digitalisation.
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