Confusion around digital transformation is risking paralysis among SME manufacturers, a new whitepaper from Made Smarter reveals.

Donna Edward, director of the North West Adoption Programme, an initiative helping SME manufacturers adopt digital technology, says businesses are hesitant to commit to change because they lack the confidence with technology and digital skills among leaders and employees.

But, delaying digital transformation risks being left further behind, or wasting time, effort and money, Edwards cautioned.

The stark warning opened Made Smarter’s new white paper – Digital Transformation: A Made Smarter Roadmap for SME Manufacturers, which offers a free guide aiming to help makers looking for a place to start on their digital transformation journey.

It explains key concepts and steps for a successful digital transformation, as well as pointing out resources and successful cases across the UK.

“Ask a hundred SME manufacturing leaders what digital transformation means to them, and you’ll likely get a hundred different answers,” Edwards said.

“But the common view is that it is daunting and confusing. SMEs, while aware of the benefits technology brings, lack the resources and skills to approach digital transformation in the right way. Many hesitate or become paralysed, risking being left behind, or wasting time, effort and money.

“The Made Smarter Adoption Programme is a tried and tested approach that offers businesses access to fully funded support so they can improve their understanding of what steps they need to take, to arm them with the tools and strategy to take those steps, and accelerate them towards the multitude of benefits and growth opportunities.”

Recommended reading

• Bathgate Battery Producer Gets £25M From UK Infrastructure Bank
• Manufacturing Slows GenAI Adoption Due to Accuracy Concerns
• New Digital Pharma Manufacturing Facility Opens in Paisley
• UK Semiconductor Strategy: Gaps and Opportunities

The whitepaper points to general digital transformation guidelines and benefits, as well as specific references for small and medium manufacturers.

Following a Government commitment to a national rollout, by 2027 – the 10th anniversary of the seminal Made Smarter Review – every SME manufacturer in the UK will have regional access to an adoption programme to accelerate their digital transformation.

Since the Made Smarter review, new technologies have emerged, offering new opportunities – and challenges – to the manufacturing industry. AI and automation, as well as data analysis and sustainability initiatives, need to be effectively integrated to offer the most benefit to manufacturers.

“As we approach the first decade of Made Smarter, the pace of change has quickened,” Edwards added.

“The conversation has already shifted from Industry 4.0 and the smart factory to an emerging phase of industrialisation where humans work alongside advanced technology and AI-powered robots to enhance workplace processes.

“It means we at Made Smarter need to redouble our efforts to reach more SME manufacturers and showcase the opportunities afforded by technology.”