Made Smarter: Empowering Digital Transformation in Manufacturing
Published on 8 November 2023 by Chris Cox
The manufacturing sector is undergoing a digital revolution, driven by cutting-edge technologies and innovative business models. To accelerate this transformation and boost competitiveness, manufacturers are increasingly turning to Made Smarter, a UK government-backed initiative offering financial support and expert advice.
What is Made Smarter?
Made Smarter is a revolutionary programme designed to drive digital growth in the manufacturing sector. Backed by the UK government and world-renowned businesses, the initiative provides generous funding and free support to manufacturers embarking on their digital journey.
The primary mission of Made Smarter is to aid manufacturers in adopting emerging technologies, thereby enhancing their productivity and profitability. By providing a combination of technology grants, skills & leadership training, and transformation workshops, Made Smarter ensures a comprehensive approach to digitalisation.
Funding and Grants for Manufacturers
Made Smarter can assist manufacturers in adopting emerging technologies with technology grants. The programme has already secured £4.6m of matched funding for 241 projects, leading to the creation of 1,177 new jobs. Importantly, 80% of these organisations have reported a boost in profits.
Manufacturers can access up to £20,000 worth of funding through Made Smarter. The best part is that this financial support ensures manufacturers don’t need to take out any loans.
Free Manufacturing Support
Made Smarter offers free manufacturing support to aid business growth. This includes expert advice on integrating digital technologies, boosting capacity, and reducing lead times.
Technology Adoption with Made Smarter
Made Smarter assists local small-medium enterprises (SMEs) in overcoming production challenges through digital technologies. Through the programme’s grant scheme, digital tools, and skills support, businesses can introduce the right technology to tackle their challenges, innovate, and create value for customers.
Made Smarter has already been aiding businesses across the West of England, the Midlands, and in the North in their digital journey. Don’t get left behind. Register now!
Digital Transformation of SMEs
Many SMEs are benefitting from state-funded programmes like Made Smarter to kick-start or accelerate their investment in digital. This section highlights four key steps manufacturers can take to make the most of the support available in their region.
Collaborate
Manufacturers should share their expertise with programme advisers, peer manufacturers, and partners to gain the most from state-funded support.
Be Strategic
Some programmes provide help for strategic planning, roadmapping, and business case development. Manufacturers should clarify every aspect that will maximise their return on investment.
Plan to Co-Invest
State support should be seen as an investment that requires a return. Manufacturers should ensure their business case justifies state support.
Plan for Change
Manufacturers should involve their best people in leading change and bring them along on the journey. They should also appoint a senior leader responsible for designing and delivering digital transformation.
Examples of Digital Systems Investment
Enhancing Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
One of the areas where Made Smarter grants can be used is in the implementation of a customer relationship management (CRM) system. Such a system can align your CRM and enterprise resource planning (ERP), providing a holistic view of your customer relationships and real-time data integrated with your ERP finance system.
Streamlining Workflow with Shopfloor Systems
Investing in shopfloor systems is another way to leverage Made Smarter grants. These systems enable managers to create workflows, automate tasks, track orders, and manage staff, thereby improving the efficiency and performance of your business with real-time data.
Conclusion
Made Smarter is a game-changer for manufacturers, offering the “rocket fuel” businesses need to create a digital roadmap, invest in new technologies, and embed employee skills. The programme is empowering manufacturers to not only survive in the digital age but thrive, reshaping the future of the industry in the process.
Contact Information
For more information about Made Smarter and how it can help your business, visit Made Smarter.
References
- Made Smarter – Official Website
- Made Smarter West of England
- Digital Transformation of UK Manufacturing SMEs
- Xapsys CRM
- Xapsys Workflow
Acknowledgement
Special thanks to the team at Made Smarter for providing expert advice and support to manufacturers on their journey to digitalisation.
