After meeting with some of the most elite brands in the Aerospace and Defence (A&D) and Automotive sectors recently, here’s my post event insight into digitalisation strategies that every industry leader should know.
Key discussion points
MHP UK and The Manufacturer recently gathered a select group of industry leaders from the A&D and Automotive sectors ahead of Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week to gain actionable insights into digitalisation strategies. The discussion covered several key topics, including digital design, execution, and the critical role that data quality plays in achieving maximum real-world impact. The knowledge shared underscored the tremendous synergy between the A&D and Automotive sectors and provided valuable insights into the current trends and future directions of digitalisation strategies.
The event was packed with perceptive discussions and forward-thinking strategies to help leaders develop adjustable strategies and prioritise technology investments. The core discussion points dived into:
- Refining Strategies – optimising planning through applied digital methods
- Execution strategies for digitally enhanced manufacturing
- Use of Data and AI to deliver added value across the full design to manufacturing value chain
Top six insights
- Significant Investment in UK Manufacturing: There continues to be substantial investment in both A&D and Automotive manufacturing here in the UK, demonstrating confidence in the sectors’ growth and potential. Investing in UK manufacturing can be a strategic move given the country’s strong industrial heritage, skilled workforce, and (fingers crossed) government support for the sectors.
- Optimising Existing Factories: With land at a premium in the UK, manufacturers are focusing on updating and optimising existing factories rather than building new ones. This focused approach is no bad thing. It drives lean manufacturing (reducing waste and working on Just-In Time (JIT) production), initiates and integrates technological investment in AI and big data which in turn improves the value chain and supports employees to enhance their skills and adapt to these innovative technologies. UK factories can optimise their operations, remain competitive, and contribute to the overall economic growth.
- Transformation Challenges: Transforming existing factories from manufacturing Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles to Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) requires different approaches, such as shifting from traditional production lines to “liquid” manufacturing techniques using Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGVs). This cultural shift requires a multifaceted approach that addresses technical, logistical, financial and regulatory challenges. By strategically investing in infrastructure, workforce training, supply chain management, and sustainability practices, manufacturers can successfully navigate the transition to producing environmentally friendly electric vehicles.
- AGVs in Production: AGVs are being used to move vehicles around production stations and to manage the flow of inbound materials to stores and the production line, leading to significant transformation and optimisation of production and logistics functions. The integration of AGVs in production warehouses represents a significant step towards automation and smart warehousing and results in cost savings and enhanced productivity. As technology advances, the capabilities and applications of AGVs are expected to expand, making them an integral part of modern warehouse management.
- Sustainability in Production Planning: Corporate sustainability is no longer merely part of risk and compliance management. Manufacturers must review all areas of the production cycle and need to consider incorporating additional sustainability factors into their everyday running. Example elements to factor in include the cost of electricity when planning production schedules, resource efficiency, waste minimisation, supply chain management, all adding complexity to the task. For further information on how sustainability can affect your business read our blog ‘New Sustainability Rules are on the Horizon’.
- Lifecycle Considerations in Engineering: More manufacturers are considering the entire lifecycle of their products at the engineering stage, with lifecycles of 30 years or more being considered. They recognise that the product leaving the factory gate is only the start of its journey. By considering the entire lifecycle (from initial concept through to disposal or recycling), engineers can create products that are not only functional and cost-effective but also sustainable and aligned with environmental and societal goals.
The value of industry events
For all leaders, taking time out to attend these types of events is incredibly beneficial. Do not underestimate the value, as the conversations are truly compelling, and meeting like-minded individuals with shared challenges can be both inspiring and productive.
To learn more around these topics, our ‘Industry 4.0 Barometer’ report illustrates the current gap between the maturity level of the UK versus our global counterparts, and the need to embrace digitalisation for targeted competitive advantage. Additionally, our ‘Data Driven Company’ report highlights the crucial role of data, and the topic of AI is now a clear industry driver in their digital strategy.
About MHP
Left: Guy Williamson, CEO, MHP UK, [email protected]
MHP UK’s combination of unparalleled technical expertise, robust IT consulting capabilities, and extensive experience working with 40 of the top 100 companies and over 50 global market leaders in the automotive, mobility and manufacturing sectors, positions us as a key enabler for driving accelerated transformation. To learn more about MHP, and further discuss any of the insights I’ve covered in this article, please contact me at [email protected].
