New report primes manufacturers for 4th industrial revolution

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EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, has published a new report designed to prime UK manufacturers on the practicalities of the 4th industrial revolution (4IR).

The report aims to break the concept of 4IR down into digestible chunks and help manufacturers make the connection between theory and practice. It uses real-life manufacturing case studies to enable them to envisage how 4IR technologies and techniques could work in their own business.

The move follows a series of focus groups with manufacturers across the UK and research showing that just 42% have a good handle on 4IR. At the same time, manufacturers are aware that 4IR will lead to crucial transformation both at a business and industry level.

61% say digital technologies will boost productivity, while 74% say 4IR will fundamentally change customers’ expectations. This in turn will require firms to change and adapt in order to meet marketplace needs. 68% manufacturers say 4IR will happen faster than previous changes in manufacturing. And while most are seemingly confident about managing the pace of change, 39% are concerned about their firms’ ability to keep up.

The report says that 4IR will herald smarter production, relationships and products and will boost the number of high-skilled jobs in the UK. But, it warns that the speed of change will be unprecedented, leaving little room for complacency. Without industry and supply chain leadership, coupled with a supportive industrial strategy, the UK could be left behind.

The report identifies a need for greater communication across supply chains and industrial sectors about the benefits. And, while the 4IR journey may start with optimising existing business processes, there are steps beyond technology that manufacturers need to take to prepare their business. These include applying visionary thinking, changing the internal culture towards innovation and boosting the role of IT and technology in decision making.

Lee Hopley, chief economist at EEF, said: “This report is about sharing this insight with manufacturers but, more importantly, also providing practical examples so that 4IR stops being about theory and starts being about something that manufacturers can genuinely see how and why to apply. By helping to connect principle to practice, we aim to put our sector in the driving seat, building confidence and awareness so that UK manufacturers can be at the forefront of this new industrial wave.”

EEF www.eef.org.uk/fourthindustrial

Company

Make UK

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