Made Smarter Helps Manufacturers Turn Pain into Empowerment with Digitalisation Plan
The Made Smarter programme is helping manufacturers turn pain into empowerment with their digitalisation plan. By providing a free downloadable guide, they are demystifying digitalisation and driving technology adoption. This guide includes topics such as how digital tools can help with production and capacity planning, workforce management, demand forecasting, inventory needs, stock levels, and packaging automation.
The programme has already supported 2,500 manufacturers in the North West to start their digital journey, and 275 of them have invested in new technology with matched funding. This has resulted in the creation of 1,250 new jobs, upskilling of 2,300 existing roles, and an additional £176 million in gross value added to the region.
Two case studies of manufacturers who have benefited from the programme are Seven Bro7hers Brewery and Ye Olde Friars. Seven Bro7hers Brewery is investing to automate their packaging line which will increase productivity and capacity, and give them data on production line performance. Ye Olde Friars is replacing the manual, repetitive process of filling moulds with chocolate with automation, which has enabled them to produce 700% more chocolate and respond more swiftly to larger orders.
Fox Timber and Pearsons Glass are two other manufacturers who have invested in software to enable efficient planning, effective inventory monitoring, and a view of the supply chain. Fox Timber digitised their delivery service and improved workforce management, while Pearsons Glass implemented stock management through software that integrates with their webshop and automatically generates a pick list for the operator.
The Made Smarter team can work with manufacturers to identify potential solutions to challenges and develop an implementation plan to ensure success in 2023. With the right technology, manufacturers can prepare for the seasonal surge, remain competitive, and set themselves up for success all year round.
This is an amazing initiative. The examples you’ve provided are really inspiring.
Wow, this is really great. It would be really cool to hear more about the process of implementation and what challenges the companies faced.
This is really interesting and helpful. Could you recommend some companies that offer these digital solutions?
I’m impressed with this initiatve, it’s great to see how companys can benefit from digitalisation. Do you have any advice on how to identify the right technology?