Made Smarter and AMRC North West join forces to demystify digital transformation

Made Smarter and Lancashire technology demonstrator AMRC North West have joined forces to demystify digital transformation with a new white paper.

‘Made Smarter technologies: powering the digital transformation of SME manufacturers’ is a practical guide from the government-backed and industry-led technology adoption programme in the North West.

The free-to-download document aims to inform and inspire Lancashire manufacturers exploring existing technologies such as software, industrial IoT, automation and robotics, 3D printing, and cyber security, while showcasing emerging digital tools like artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twins.

The white paper is backed by industry-leading institutions who work with Made Smarter to demonstrate technology in action to SME manufacturers, including the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) North West, based in Samlesbury, Lancashire.

AMRC North West is part of a cluster of world-class centres for innovation and research into advanced manufacturing technologies. Research and development are accessible to manufacturers driven by the goal to increase innovation across the wider region, working closely with the extended SME supply chains.

The white paper also showcases Made Smarter-supported manufacturers already reaping the rewards of technology adoption, including: Evertaut in Blackburn; Fylde Fresh and Fabulous in Greenhalgh; and Bloom-in-Box in Burscough.

Iain Martin, senior engagement manager at ARMC NW, said: “AMRC North West is driven by industry, for industry - no matter what size your business.  Our R&D capabilities are available to any manufacturer that wants to reduce waste, raise productivity, improve quality and make the low-carbon transition while moving up the value chain. 

“Made Smarter is a vital part of the technology adoption ecosystem in the North West. We are proud to support this new white paper to educate and inspire technology adoption among SME manufacturers."

Other tech demonstrators featuring in the white paper include: the North of England Robotics Innovation Centre (NERIC), the University of Salford’s state-of-the-art for automation and robotics; PrintCity, Manchester Metropolitan University’s 3D printing facility; The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Liverpool, part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult; and the Hartree Centre at Sci-Tech Daresbury, Cheshire.

Donna Edwards, Director of Made Smarter’s North West Adoption Programme, said: “Made Smarter’s adoption programme is helping SME manufacturers catch up with the wealth of digital tools and technologies currently available, for them to be ready to fully embrace the next great technological leap.

“Over the last five years technology has shown its true colours in the form of growth, investment, employment, productivity, and a competitive advantage. The race is now on to fully capitalise on the opportunities that exist, as well as those on the horizon. Business leaders therefore need the skills, knowledge, and experience to respond to this rapid change.

“Demonstrating these technologies in action is vital to Made Smarter’s success. We are enabling people to get their hands on these technologies by connecting SME manufacturers with each other and building relationships with leading technology institutes. This way we can ensure we keep a finger on the pulse of emerging technologies to help the sector thrive and be competitive.

“This new white paper brings all those elements together into a useful and simple to understand guide which business leaders and digital champions can download and share with their teams. We hope it is the starting point for further conversations with the Made Smarter team.”

Since 2019, Made Smarter has helped 300 manufacturers invest £22.5m in a range of IDTs and reap a raft of rewards including 1,600 new jobs, 2,850 upskilled roles, all while boosting the economy by £242m. 

For more information about Made Smarter and to download the white paper visit: https://www.madesmarter.uk/resources/made-smarter-technologies-how-made-smarter-inspires-digital-transformation