In a move to accelerate digital transformation in the manufacturing sector, Made Smarter has launched the Digital Champions Network, a new initiative aimed at connecting businesses that have engaged with its adoption program. The network brings together employees actively engaged in digitalization at different stages of technology adoption, providing a platform for sharing learning and experience, and forging long-lasting connections.
The Digital Champions Network is an extension of Made Smarter’s successful Leading Digital Transformation and Leading Change for Digital Champions programs, which have already created strong and impactful connections between cohort groups. The new network aims to extend these connections across the region to all manufacturers that engage with Made Smarter.
The initiative was launched at an event held at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Liverpool, which attracted North West businesses from various industries, including Blackburn-based Beagle Orthopaedic and Preston-based Gardner Engineering. The event provided a platform for manufacturers to share their experiences and benefits of joining the network.
Lewis Holt, senior design engineer at Beagle Orthopaedic, a manufacturer of orthopaedic equipment, emphasized the value of the network in supporting businesses like his. “Technology offers us an opportunity to make more of our quality products, with the aim of improving patient outcomes, creating a skilled workforce fit for the future, and driving our sustainability goals,” he said. “Made Smarter has already helped us with a grant towards the first of our digital machines, which allows the high-volume product parts to be sewn in the most efficient and consistent way possible. Inviting us to join the Digital Champions Network is a valuable opportunity.”
Matt Philp, managing director of Gardner Engineering, a manufacturer of CCTV hardware products, highlighted the importance of having an open and confidential forum like the Digital Champions Network. “I believe that for companies to grow, they need support from people outside the business, who are unbiased and not competition,” he said. “To have an open, confidential forum where you can bounce ideas off each other is fantastic.”
Zoe Philp, operations manager at Gardner Engineering, added that stepping out of the bubble of one’s business and listening to other opinions can create opportunities that may not have been considered otherwise. “Getting that validation or feedback can create opportunities that you may never have considered,” she said.
The Digital Champions Network is built on the principle of collaboration and knowledge-sharing. By bringing together employees from different businesses, the network provides a platform for manufacturers to share their experiences, best practices, and challenges. This collaborative approach can help manufacturers overcome common challenges and achieve their digital transformation goals more quickly and effectively.
“Collaboration is key to driving innovation and growth in the manufacturing sector,” said Ruth Hailwood, organisation development lead for the Made Smarter North West Adoption Programme. “By sharing knowledge and experiences, manufacturers can learn from each other’s successes and challenges, and develop new ideas and solutions that can benefit their businesses and the wider industry.”
Digital transformation is a critical component of the manufacturing sector’s future success. By adopting digital technologies, manufacturers can improve their efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness, while also reducing costs and improving product quality.
However, digital transformation is not without its challenges. Many manufacturers are struggling to keep up with the pace of technological change, and are facing significant barriers to adoption, including a lack of skills and expertise, and limited access to funding and resources.
The Digital Champions Network is designed to help manufacturers overcome these challenges by providing a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing. By bringing together employees from different businesses, the network can help manufacturers share their experiences and best practices, and develop new ideas and solutions that can benefit their businesses and the wider industry.
The future of manufacturing is likely to be shaped by the adoption of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These technologies have the potential to revolutionize the manufacturing sector, by improving efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness, while also reducing costs and improving product quality.
However, the adoption of these technologies will require significant investment in skills and training, as well as access to funding and resources. The Digital Champions Network is designed to help manufacturers overcome these challenges by providing a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
The Digital Champions Network is an exciting initiative that has the potential to drive significant growth and innovation in the manufacturing sector. By connecting businesses and providing a platform for sharing learning and experience, the network can help manufacturers overcome common challenges and achieve their digital transformation goals. With the support of Made Smarter, the network is poised to make a significant impact in the region, and we look forward to seeing the benefits it will bring to the manufacturing community.
Made Smarter is a government-backed initiative that aims to support the adoption of digital technologies in the manufacturing sector. The organization provides a range of support services, including grant funding, impartial technology advice, leadership, and skills training, to help manufacturers drive innovation and growth.
Made Smarter has engaged with over 2,500 manufacturers since its launch in 2019, and has already created a significant impact in the region. The organization is committed to supporting the manufacturing sector in the North West, and is working to create a sustainable and impactful community of digital champions who can drive innovation and growth in the region.
The Digital Champions Network is a new initiative launched by Made Smarter to connect businesses that have engaged with its adoption program. The network brings together employees actively engaged in digitalization at different stages of technology adoption, providing a platform for sharing learning and experience, and forging long-lasting connections.
The network is designed to provide a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing, and is open to all manufacturers that have engaged with Made Smarter’s adoption program. The network is expected to create a sustainable and impactful community of digital champions who can drive innovation and growth in the region.
If you are a manufacturer that has engaged with Made Smarter’s adoption program, you can join the Digital Champions Network by registering on the Made Smarter website. The network is open to all manufacturers, and provides a platform for sharing learning and experience, and forging long-lasting connections.
By joining the Digital Champions Network, you can connect with other manufacturers, share your experiences and best practices, and develop new ideas and solutions that can benefit your business and the wider industry. The network is a valuable resource for manufacturers looking to drive innovation and growth in the region, and we encourage you to join today.