Connected and digital technologies have been around for years and are here to stay. You should no longer be discussing implementing “new” technologies because most are already well-established. The key to a successful smart factory is using and adopting what is already out there, and making it work in harmony with what you already have. The only restrictions are those of the mind.

Two of the biggest barriers to adopting advanced manufacturing technologies include the reluctance to make large capital investments and an unwillingness to embrace change. If close attention is paid to the initial steps – upgrading existing equipment and upskilling staff to become IoT experts – then other areas where efficiency could be improved through digitalisation can be identified readily. Alongside identifying the initial business problem, it is clear that a smart factory doesn’t necessarily mean large investments. And with higher levels of IoT knowledge in your workforce, the drive to digitalise will indeed intensify.

* Gambica is the trade association for the automation, control, instrumentation and laboratory technology sectors in the UK.
For more information, please contact Nikesh Mistry on 020 7642 8094 or via nikesh.mistry@gambica.org.uk