Digital guide to manufacturing continuity published

The Made Smarter programme has published an introductory guide on how digital technologies such as AI and remote-working software can help ensure continuity during crisis.

From agile and remote working to stockpiling and customer management, the COVID-19 pandemic is causing many leaders to re-think how they can safeguard their business against similar shocks in future. 

Technologies that bring operations into a virtual environment can be particularly useful when employees suddenly have no option but to work from home, or when there is a shortage of staff on the shop floor. For example, a live, virtual digital twin of the factory provides management with a holistic view of operations, from almost any disparate location whereas very simple implementations of augmented reality can provide a mechanism for enhanced communications between maintenance technicians on the shop floor and more senior, remote personnel, by augmenting the visual of dysfunctional equipment with real time overlaid annotations, instigated by either party.

Storing data in the cloud rather than physical servers can also ensure that everything can be retrieved remotely from the internet, and free software programmes such as Dropbox, Zoom and Trello can improve the efficiency of working from home. Meanwhile, more recent technologies like 3D printing can rapidly reduce the time it takes to switch production to respond to product shortages or a higher number of orders.

Made Smarter, which recently celebrated its one year anniversary, can match manufacturers up to a specialist business advisor, who will take the time to understand each business and how digital technologies could help. Industrial Digital Technology Advisors can then be brought in advise on the right technologies and provide support to submit a funding application. For more information, visit www.madesmarter.uk.