Made Smarter and tech institutes join forces to demystify digital transformation

26 March, 2024

‘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 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 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;

• the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) North West, based in Samlesbury, Lancashire;

• The Hartree Centre at Sci-Tech Daresbury, Cheshire.

PrintCity has supported over 200 SMEs to develop new products, goods, and services, since it was launched six years ago, as well as supporting students to learn essential 3D design, scanning and printing skills.

Made Smarter has worked closely with PrintCity delivering innovative training for SMEs through the Fast Track Digital Workforce Fund and Leadership programmes.

Professor Carl Diver, PrintCity Director, said: “PrintCity is here to help demystify 3D printing to help boost productivity and growth within a business.

“Our multidisciplinary team has cultivated a strong partnership with Made Smarter to deliver innovation workshops which demonstrates to SME manufacturers that 3D printing can introduce unprecedented efficiency, flexibility, and innovation.

"We are delighted to support this new white paper to educate and inspire technology adoption among SME manufacturers."

NERIC is a new £16m state-of-the-art facility in Salford, consisting of three laboratories showcasing how robotics and automation can address real-world business problems.

Tabs Khojani, Business Development Manager, said: “NERIC has established itself as a key collaborator in the business ecosystem in Greater Manchester and the wider region. We have developed a strong connection with Made Smarter to help signpost SME manufacturers towards business support and grant funding opportunities.

“NERIC and Made Smarter share the view that the benefits of adopting robotics and automation in the manufacturing sector are clear. Automation can help to address skills shortages, improve quality and efficiency, increase productivity, and gain a competitive advantage."

The Hartree Centre, at Sci-Tech Daresbury, in Cheshire helps businesses and organisations explore and adopt supercomputing, data science and AI technologies for enhanced productivity, predictive maintenance, data-driven decision-making and economic growth. It is also a leading partner in the Smart Manufacturing Data Hub, supporting SME manufacturers to become more competitive by harnessing the power of their data.