Made Smarter – the movement connecting UK manufacturing industries to digital tools – has polled 200 SME manufacturers in the North West on their approach to digitalisation and their priorities going forward. The data revealed that two-in-five (38%) plan to invest in or adopt new technology in the next two or three years. One in three respondents said their latest business strategy included integrating digital technology or a roadmap towards automation.
Almost half (44%) expressed an interest in data and systems integration technologies, while two-thirds were considering industrial machinery, robotics and automation.
The survey also tapped into attitudes towards technology adoption where it found almost a third (29%) cited productivity, efficiency, and output as key drivers for manufacturers in 2022 and beyond, despite the current business climate. Increasing revenue (18%) was the secondary motivator to invest in new digital tools, followed by attracting and winning new customers (17%).
However, while the majority (80%) of manufacturing leaders expressed a clear understanding of what they need to do and the benefits of investing in new technologies, once they are aware of the benefits, barriers to adoption remain.
Two in five (42%) manufacturers said that the lack of capital and funding to invest was holding them back from investing, as well as the lack of time (10%). The survey also revealed a fragmented awareness of the business advice and support available.
Donna Edwards, programme director for the Made Smarter adoption programme in the North West, said: “Digitalisation is the key to UK manufacturing’s post-Covid survival, recovery, and growth. And with new challenges at our door, such as rising energy prices, supply chain disruption and labour shortages, now is the time for business leaders to reach out and take advantage of the support on offer.”
