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Autumn Statement: A positive impact for UK manufacturing? EDITOR’S COMMENT www.hpmag.co.uk HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS November/December 2023 3 The permanent nature of full expensing and initiatives to bolster engineering apprenticeships and advanced manufacturing align with industry aspirations. ‘ ’ The Chancellor’s recent Autumn Statement has resulted in mixed opinions among industry leaders, highlighting both commendations and reservations within the manufacturing sector. Chief Executive of Make UK, Stephen Phipson’s endorsement of the Chancellor’s strategy reflects an optimistic outlook, emphasising the long-awaited policy certainty for investment decisions. The permanent nature of full expensing and initiatives to bolster engineering apprenticeships and advanced manufacturing align with industry aspirations. Phipson’s call for the sector to seize the gauntlet underscores the potential for transformative growth. Contrastingly, Chris Barlow’s (Partner at MHA) perspective introduces a note of caution. While the headline-grabbing £4.5bn support for strategic manufacturing industries captures attention, the devil lies in the details of implementation. Barlow rightly points to the pressing questions of how and when these funds will materialise, especially given the looming spectre of a change in government next year. The scepticism he hints at is a stark reminder of the delicate balance between short-term financial boosts and the need for a sustained, long-term industrial strategy. Barlow’s concerns extend to the revamped R&D tax credits scheme, where the merging of RDEC and SME schemes raises valid questions about the potential impact on SMEs. The reduction in the tax rate for intensive loss-making companies, while a step in the right direction, is perceived by some as insufficient, considering the economic challenges anticipated in the coming year. His assertion that the government cannot rely on short-term solutions to mask the absence of a long-term vision resonates with a sector hungry for stability and foresight. Stephanie Baxter’s comments from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) offer a nuanced perspective. While welcoming the recognition of engineering apprenticeships and the £50m investment in the Apprenticeship Growth Sector Pilot, Baxter underscores the need for flexibility in fund utilisation. The call for employers to use unspent levy funding for short, tailored courses in cutting-edge technologies demonstrates a forward-looking approach to upskilling and adapting to the evolving landscape of AI and Digital Twins. Baxter’s emphasis on addressing critical skill shortages in the face of rapid technological advancement echoes the sentiments of many manufacturers. The promise of wider infrastructure investment to support net-zero targets is welcomed, but the real litmus test lies in ensuring that this investment effectively bridges skill gaps, enabling the sector to harness the full potential of digitalisation and emerging technologies. Aaron Blutstein Editor
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www.hpmag.co.uk HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS November/December 2023 5 CONTENTS EDITORIAL Editor: Aaron Blutstein t| 01732 370340 e| editorial@dfamedia.co.uk Content Sub Editor: Leslah Garland t| 01732 370340 e| leslah.garland@dfamedia.co.uk SALES Sales Manager, UK & Overseas: Andrew Jell t| 01732 370347 e| andrew.jell@dfamedia.co.uk Italian Sales Office: Oliver & Diego Casiraghi t| 031 261407 f| 031 261380 e| info@casiraghi.info Turkey: Intersmart Media meltem@intersmartmedia.co.uk Managing Director: Ryan Fuller t| 01732 370344 e| ryan.fuller@dfamedia.co.uk Production Manager & Designer: Chris Davis t| 01732 370340 e| chris.davis@dfamedia.co.uk Reader/Circulation Enquiries: Perception t| +44 (0) 1825 701520. e| dfamedia@dmags.co.uk Marketing Executive Hope Jepson e| hope.jepson@dfamedia.co.uk Operations Manager: Emma Floyd e| emma.floyd@dfamedia.co.uk Financial: Finance Department e| accounts@dfamedia.co.uk Chief Executive Officer: Ian Atkinson e| ian.atkinson@dfamedia.co.uk Published by: DFA Media Group 192 The High Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1BE t| 01732 370340 e| info@dfamedia.co.uk w| www.hpmag.co.uk In co-operation with Printer: Warners, UK © Copyright 2023, DFA Manufacturing Media Ltd ISSN 1366-1981 H&P is a controlled circulation magazine, published 8 times a year. Please contact DFA Media with any subscription enquiries. Paid subscriptions are also available on an annual basis at £110.00 (UK), £145.00 (Europe) or £180.00 (Rest of the World) P+P included. The content of this magazine, website and newsletters do not necessarily express the views of the Editor or publishers. The publishers accept no legal responsibility for loss arising from information in this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be produced or stored in a retrieval system without the written consent of the publishers. 24 14 6 NEWS 14 KNOWLEDGE BASE Louise Cermak offers advice on how to lead a successful digital transformation project. 18 APPLICATIONS Martyn Smart takes a look at prioritising hydraulic health and safety in plant hire and construction. 20 HYDRAULICS 24 PNEUMATICS Soaring energy prices and the need to continuously drive down costs are key considerations for manufacturers. So, when packaging machinery specialist Cerulean decided to redesign its highly successful FPS-1 tube packer, high energy efficiency and reduced total cost of ownership (TCO) became key design requirements. H&P reports. 26 INTEGRATED SYSTEMS 28 COMPRESSED AIR, VACUUM, & GENERATORS Routine refurbishment of important rotating machinery is vital for continued, reliable operation but if the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) fails to deliver an optimum service, what other options are available? H&P reports. 32 BCAS Our regular news and events update on the British Compressed Air Society. 34 BFPA Hydraulics & Pneumatics’ issue-by-issue briefing on current activities and views involving the British Fluid Power Association. 37 SPECIAL REPORTS Southern Manufacturing/ LAMMA 44 NEW FACES 46 PRODUCTS & SERVICES DIRECTORY 28
NEWS 6 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS November/December 2023 www.hpmag.co.uk A dedicated carbon capture pilot plant will continue to train the net-zero workforce, and engineers and scientists of the future, after ABB and Imperial College London signed a 10-year contract to extend their successful partnership. The plant is the only one of its kind in an academic institution in the world. More than 4500 students have had hands-on experience of ABB’s technology solutions at the plant since it opened in 2012 at Imperial College, which is one of the world’s top ten universities with a reputation for excellence in science and engineering. With the agreement, ABB aims to equip today’s students with the skills needed to run tomorrow’s industrial processes by demonstrating how the latest technology can help to optimise plant performance and safely manage emergency situations in real-life applications. The collaboration between ABB and Imperial College gives the university access to some of the most advanced control and instrumentation technology available from any manufacturer. “Extending the partnership with Imperial College allows us to offer students practical training to prepare them for a career in industry”, said Simon Wynne, Head of Energy Industries, ABB UK & Ireland. “A report by EngineeringUK says that for the UK to meet emissions targets by 2050, there needs to be a workforce, with the right STEM backgrounds, ready to respond to the energy transition challenge.” The plant, which is spread over four floors, uses ABB Ability System 800xA for distributed process control and over 250 instruments, measuring temperature, pressure, carbon dioxide and flow. System 800xA automatically controls and coordinates all aspects of the plant process, which is then visualised on displays in the ABB Control Room where students can monitor and intervene if necessary. ABB’s Ability Verification for measurement devices and new Ability SmartMaster verification and condition monitoring platform are also being used to equip students with the skills needed to optimise instrument performance through predictive maintenance. Dr Colin Hale, Senior Teaching Fellow at Imperial College London, commented: “When we started the partnership with ABB, the aim was to encourage more people to go into and stay in chemical engineering.” He added: “One of the ways to do this was to set up this carbon capture plant so we could enthuse students to follow through on the environmental topics they have learnt previously. ABB shares this collective vision.” Yiheng Shao, a fourth year undergraduate student at Imperial College London highlighted: “During my time in the carbon capture pilot plant, I have actively participated in the operation of the process, gaining a deeper understanding of the development and application of the technology. “This experience has also bolstered my confidence in the role of carbon capture in achieving net-zero goals.” According to a report by S&P Global, carbon capture and storage (CCS) can help decarbonise industry, reduce emissions and reach net zero, while the Global CCS Institute says in 2022 there was a 44% increase in the number of CCS facilities around the world compared with the previous year. To enable the commercial CCS market to scale, ABB is deploying technology solutions to lower the capital and operational investment costs and de-risk integration into existing and new operations. In March 2023 ABB joined forces with London-based Pace CCS to make the capture, transportation and storage of industrial carbon dioxide emissions more accessible. Key to this is using digital twin technology to provide a virtual replica of a real process to test scenarios and deliver proof of concept. Earlier this year, the UK Government outlined its Powering Up Britain policy. This series of net-zero pledges, including £20 billion of funding to unlock private investment and jobs in CCS, aims to deliver an energy system with cleaner, more affordable energy sources. ABB and Imperial College extend carbon capture collaboration Atlas Copco Group has launched a new identity, including a new Group logo, a new visual identity, and a new Group message: Technology that transforms the future. The current blue and white Atlas Copco brand and logo will continue to be used on products and services, in the same way as other brands in the Group use their respective logos. This includes around 50 brands such as Edwards, Isra, Leybold, LEWA and Chicago Pneumatic, which all have their distinct identity and unique value proposition. “We have many strong brands driving the success of our business, and decentralization remains an important part of our strategy,” said Mats Rahmström, President and CEO of the Atlas Copco Group. “Going forward, the new Atlas Copco Group brand becomes the umbrella for all brands in the Group, including Atlas Copco. This will enable our brands to maintain their individuality, while we at the same time can increase the focus on the power of being part of something bigger.” The new Group message: “Technology that transforms the future,” is there to reflect the Group’s contribution to society at large. “Our customers are often at the forefront of transforming their industries and driving development forward, and we support them by increasing their productivity, safety, quality, and energy efficiency,” said Mats Rahmström. “It is our technology and people who make the difference in the Atlas Copco Group.” A new identity for Atlas Copco Group Mats Rahmström, President and CEO of the Atlas Copco Group
8 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS November/December 2023 www.hpmag.co.uk NEWS Hydroscand UK celebrates 'Great Place to Work Certification' for second consecutive year Hydroscand UK, a leading supplier of hose and fittings, has been certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’. The company says that this recognition is a testament to its ongoing commitment to providing a positive work environment that values its employees. Hydroscand Group started conducting a global employee satisfaction survey in 2022, with the purpose of getting a better understanding of employee morale, satisfaction, and engagement at the company - last year the company received certification. Hydroscand commented that so much of what was said was positive. In addition, there were a few ideas for improvement as well, and where possible, the company says it has worked on those points over the past year. This year, Hydroscand UK received a trust index score of 88, higher than in 2022. The trust index encompasses five dimensions including the credibility of management, respect for people, fairness at the workplace, pride, and camaraderie between people. Rebecca Galley, Managing Director at Hydroscand UK, commented: “We are delighted to once again receive the Great Place to Work Certification, affirming that Hydroscand UK continues to be a workplace where our employees feel valued and look forward to coming to work.” The team expressed positive sentiments, highlighting a friendly atmosphere, and a strong sense of support and appreciation. The company is described as: “A great place for skill development, with the management team personally knowing staff and customers, fostering a unique and valued connection.” Hydroscand explains that the organisation actively supports employees’ learning and development, with the family-run feeling maintained even within the context of an international group - employees appreciate the caring approach of both upper management and colleagues. Following a successful event in 2023 Manufacturing & Engineering Week continues to evolve, becoming Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week in 2024. The small adjustment reflects the forward-looking nature of the event and focus on the new technologies, tools and solutions driving the sector forward. Commenting on the change Verity Noon, Marketing Director at Nineteen Group said: “The week is all about cutting-edge innovations in hardware and software and solutions to the current challenges being faced around industry 4.0, sustainability and supply chain shortages to name a few. Manufacturers and engineers are constantly looking for ways to work smarter, to become more efficient, stay ahead of the competitive curve and explore new business models and practices and Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week will help them do just that. With more than 10,000 manufacturers, designers, engineers and maintenance professionals attending in 2023 the event will expand way beyond 450 exhibitors with the addition of Drives & Controls in Hall 5. Laura Parris, Event Director for Drives & Controls at Nineteen Group said of the addition: “Drives & Controls is one of the great brand names in the UK industrial exhibitions sector. It has such a long history from the days when it overflowed from its original home in Telford to now where it finds its natural place as part of Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week.” With technology businesses such as Weidmuller, Pilz, Sigmatek and Festo, confirmed for Drives & Controls the event complements the other exhibitions, Design & Engineering Expo, Smart Factory Expo and Maintec perfectly. In addition, Air-Tech and Fluid Power & Systems will also be returning, taking place in Hall 5 of the NEC. A host of other live events will be taking place during Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week 2024. Senior manufacturing leaders will be able to attend the Manufacturing Digitalisation Summit and the Director’s Forum alongside the Industrial Data Summit and the Manufacturing Automation and Robotics Summit. The Manufacturer Top 100 Award ceremony which celebrates the heroes of UK manufacturing and recognises their contribution to the sector will also be held during the week. Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week has the support of many of the high-profile organisations, institutions and trade bodies representing the UK’s industrial and manufacturing sector such as the MTC, GAMBICA, Make UK and Engineering UK. Members of these organisations will join the advisory council to assist in curating the educational and thought leadership programme taking place across the seven Solution Theatres. Sustainability is not only high on the agenda of those in the Manufacturing & Engineering Week gets ‘Smart’ for a bigger, better 2024
Hallite 777 Piston Seal. Optimal geometry for extreme durability under pressure. Discover more about our seals by getting in touch: www.hallite.com/contact Over 600 national and international suppliers come together to exhibit at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre this February for Southern Manufacturing and Electronics (inc AutoAero) 2024. Meet the power behind UK manufacturing industry and see live demonstrations and new product launches of machine tools & tooling, electronics, factory & process automation, packaging & handling, labelling & marking, 3D print technology, test & measurement, materials, composites & adhesives, rapid prototyping, ICT, drives & controls, plastics & polymers and laboratory equipment. Free industry seminar programme online @ www.industrysouth.co.uk The exhibition is free to attend, free to park and easy to get to. Doors open at 9.30am on Tuesday 6th February. 6th - 8th February 9.30am - 4.30pm FARNBOROUGH | Hants | GU14 6TQ (3.30pm close Thurs) Where Industry and Innovation converge FREE SEMINARS FREE PARKING Incorporating The Subcontract Engineering Exhibition PRE-REGISTER TODAY www.industrysouth.co.uk for your Fast Track Entry Badge, Preview Magazine and Event Catalogue SOUTHERN MANUFACTURING & ELECTRONICS is an ETES event organised by European Trade & Exhibition Services Ltd 01784 880890 | philv@etes.co.uk
NEWS 10 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS November/December 2023 www.hpmag.co.uk industrial sector but also of the event organisers themselves. The event will once again be carbon neutral in 2024 with more than 20,000 trees planted in the Nineteen Group Forest since 2022. The event’s charity partner is again Engineers Without Borders UK, who are ensuring that globally responsible engineering is embedded within the thinking of both engineers and the businesses they work for. Peter Jones, CEO of Nineteen Group commented on the launch of Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week 2024, commenting: “In 2023 we gave our team licence to put on an event which was different to how industrial exhibitions and conferences had been staged in the past. The festival feeling which they created will be built on in 2024 and the addition of Drives & Controls in Hall 5 means we must think even bigger as there are just simply more people to engage and entertain.” Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week will run from the 3rd to 7th June 2024 with Drives & Controls opening from 4th to 6th of June (3 days) in Hall 5 at the NEC in Birmingham and the other live events taking place on 5th and 6th June only (2 days) in Hall 4 just next door. Other exhibitions are also taking place at the NEC during the week run by other event organisers, and these include the UK Garage & Bodyshop event run by Messe Frankfurt; Med-Tech Innovation Expo and TCT 3Sixty from Rapid News Group and Subcon from the Mark Allen Group. A single visitor registration to Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week provides access to all the events. Manufacturers are set to see a surge in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning as they push for greater automation and improvements in productivity, efficiency and quality according to a new survey published today by Make UK and Infor. The survey shows that companies are increasing their investment in automation across a broad range of technologies and functions from manufacturing processes to product design and development. These investments are set to accelerate in the next two years with greater automation leading to an increase in higher levels of skills and more than a quarter of companies (28%) saying they will have less need for lower skilled roles. However, despite this positive picture most manufacturers believe the UK is failing to keep up with competitors, while significant barriers to further automation remain in the shape of a lack of technical skills, data integration and workplace culture. In response, Make UK is urging the Government to roll out the successful Made Smarter scheme nationwide to help SMEs adopt digital technologies, as well as work with companies to address the continued shortfall of technical skills in the workforce and reform of the Apprentice Levy. Commenting, Verity Davidge, Director of Policy at Make UK, said: “The adoption of AI, automation and other game changing technologies by manufacturers is rapidly accelerating and will provide vital pieces in solving the productivity puzzle. But there is still more to be done to match our competitors, especially among SMEs who face far greater hurdles in adopting digital technology. As well as tackling the digital skills barrier which remains the biggest hurdle, Government should roll out the Made Smarter scheme across the UK. This has a proven success in delivering step change for SMEs on their automation journey.” Andrew Kinder, SVP, Industry Strategy, Infor added: “We are seeing a substantial shift in the adoption of digital automation as manufacturers seek to improve efficiency, instill agility and drive greater productivity. While generative AI is still in its relative infancy, intent to capitalise on it is incredibly encouraging with many companies saying they are ‘aware of and planning to use’ the technology. “Actions, however, speak louder than words. While the government clearly has a role to play in supporting AI adoption, manufacturers have an opportunity to take control in bridging the gap between intent and value in creating first-mover advantage. The technologies are now widely available, affordable, and come with a typically fast return on investment, which all help manufacturers compete in increasingly challenging conditions.” According to the survey, more than half of companies (55%) have already implemented or, are planning to implement, AI and Machine Learning to automate decision making processes and improve operational efficiency. In addition, four fifths of companies have already introduced or, are planning to introduce, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality techniques in areas such as design and prototyping. This is part of a wider push by companies to investment in automation with more than three quarters of companies (76%) having already done so while almost six in ten companies (59%) plan to increase their expenditure compared to the previous twelve months. Furthermore, one in five companies plan to automate between a quarter and half of their processes in the next two years while a quarter plan to automate between 10% and a quarter of their processes. These investments are largely in improving manufacturing processes (65% of companies) and product design & development (49% of companies). And companies are seeing significant benefits as a result in improving productivity (60%) improved labour efficiency (49%) and a similar number seeing improved quality. However, despite this positive picture and increased investment plans significant barriers to the adoption of automation remain in the form of a lack of technical skills by almost half of companies (46%) integration and data challenges (41%). More than a third of companies are also citing high costs and workplace culture (38% and 36% respectively) as barriers. In addition, the survey shows a clear mismatch between policy incentives designed to boost investment and the expected return on investment (ROI) for companies. More than eight in ten companies expect up to five years for a positive impact of investment. In contrast, more than half of companies (56.4%) believe Government investment policy is not sensitive to the time to see a ROI. AI and Machine learning set to boost Industry’s automation push
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12 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS October 2023 www.hpmag.co.uk NEWS Think BIG, or small. Fast, precise, elegant, servo-hydraulic control. BIG or small, get your next project running more quickly than you thought possible. One axis or fifty; position, velocity, force, or position-pressure/force, look to Delta RMC Motion Controllers and graphical RMCTools software to make complex motion easier, smoother, and more precise. RMC200 Standard (Up to 50-axis) RMC200 Lite (Up to 18-axis) RMC75 (1 to 2-axis) CCSLN.com 44(0)1926 485532 Distributor School pupils, university students and engineers travelled to London recently for the highly prestigious Primary Engineer MacRobert Medal Award Ceremony to receive recognition for their work in creating a Prototype based on a school pupils engineering idea. The Primary Engineer MacRobert Medal is part of the wider Leaders Award competition which asks the question “If you were an engineer, what would you do?”. School pupils from the ages of 3-19 are asked to identify a problem in the world around them and come up with a creative solution to that problem. These ideas are then selected by Primary Engineer’s university and industry partners to turn into working Prototypes. The event, which was hosted at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, is designed to celebrate the people who have turned the ideas of school pupils into reality. School pupils who took part in the Leaders Award competition answered the question “If you were an engineer, what would you do?”, and partners of Primary Engineer select ideas each year and to build into working prototypes. The ceremony consisted of 2 Bronze Medals, 2 Silver and 3 Gold. The Gold Medallists where the Flat Pack Wind Turbine which is used to generate power in refugee camps, a Unicorn Health Bot designed to calm sick children while they receive treatment in hospital, and a Face For a Plant which monitors the soil and displays what the plant needs in the form of an emoji. Dr Susan Scurlock MBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Primary Engineer, commented at the award ceremony: “The young people who entered the competition at the outset may not have known what engineering is, but now they know what engineering does – it helps people, saves the planet and makes the world a better place. The quality of the ideas and designs has completely blown us away this year, with it being an exceptionally tough job for the judges to decide the winners from our shortlisted prototypes, all of which have incredible potential to impact the real world. What these inspiring school pupils, university students and engineers have shown us above all else is that “If you were an engineer, what would you do?” is a question that has the potential to change more than we know!” The award is supported by The MacRobert Trust and Weir Group, and Jon Stanton – Chief Executive Office at WEIR Group PLC – was part of the judging panel, as well as presenting the gold medals at the award ceremony. He added: “It’s a fantastic initiative that harnesses the imagination and creativity of school children and showcases what can happen when you engage children in engineering from a young age. Weir is a longstanding industry partner of Primary Engineer, and I was honoured to be part of the judging panel. We’re delighted to celebrate the winners who have demonstrated the very best in engineering and the potential to make an impact in the real world. Congratulations to you all.” School pupils from Edinburgh, Kinross, Linlithgow, Livingston, Liverpool, Newcastle and Sevenoaks made the trip to the ceremony as well as the ProtoTeams which consisted of engineers and students from Edge Hill University, Glasgow Caledonian University, Thales, the University of Edinburgh and the University of Sunderland. The event also marked 10 years of the Leaders Award competition, with Primary Engineer launching have released a book showcasing some of the hundreds of thousands of ideas that have been submitted across the years. Thanks to partnering with InnovateUK, the book was officially launched at the event. This year marked 10 years of the Leaders Award competition, and at this event Primary Engineer launched the book they have published to celebrate a decade of asking the question. “If you were an engineer, what would you do?”. The book, which was done in partnerships with Innovate UK, showcases some of the hundreds of thousands of ideas that have been submitted by school pupils. Ceremony recognises pupils’ innovation
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KNOWLEDGE BASE Digital transformation is key to ensuring companies keep up with the competitive market landscape. Putting digital at the core of a business can significantly reduce operating expenses and inefficiencies. However, this process often means changing the way internal teams work with one another. According to Statista, two of the leading factors driving digital transformation growth is the increase in customer demand and the need to overtake competitors. Digital transformation not only helps businesses strengthen their presence in a competitive field, but also maintain consistency amongst teams to enable collaboration and flexibility. This transition can be broken down into four core stages, which are essential to get right. Understand the pain points For effective digital transformation, CXOs need to think about their current organisational structure. It’s a good idea to sit down with various teams to create a pain point assessment — a review of every area of the business to see what’s working well and what’s not. For example, are the teams fragmented or working together? Does everyone understand their role and impact on the overall business? 14 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS November/December 2023 www.hpmag.co.uk CXOs should also look at their current technologies and whether there are any additional tools that can help optimise processes. They can then explore optimisation and data management tools that can help their business. Remove the blockers to agility Once teams have identified specific pain points, the next step is creating a clear action plan for implementing solutions. Adopting a continuous improvement approach allows teams to plan activities into sprints and deliver small increments of change compared to larger pieces of work that go nowhere. Digital transformation should drive the organisation to move from project work to product work and avoid teams from stopping and starting work. The move can help reduce costs and prevent loss of product knowledge as teams work on long-term products. This movement turns How to lead a successful digital transformation project Louise Cermak, Principal Consultant at software and IT consultancy Catapult CX, offers chief experience officers (CXOs) advice on how to lead a successful digital transformation project. project-oriented companies that focus on delivery into product-centric teams that focus on business and customer impact. Governance and reporting frameworks will also need to change from the traditional Project Portfolio Management (PPM) approach. Business agility and digital transformation rely on technical innovation, so business leaders must be prepared to invest in modern software delivery practices and tools. Empower teams To ensure the change can be effectively implemented, it’s important to get all teams on board. Businesses can create multi-skilled teams with capacity for infrastructure and DevOps by dispersing large infrastructure teams and forming smaller units that are aligned to specific products or services. Communities of practice can be used to maintain collaboration and share Catapult CX helps public and private sectors clients deliver better software and services. It provides customer-centric and agile product development, legacy technology modernisation, development of software-based services and is amongst the most longstanding Atlassian partners in the United Kingdom. The company holds ISO/IEC 27001:2013 and is Cyber Essentials Plus certified. For more information on how to lead a successful digital transformation project, visit https://catapult.cx/project-to-product/
knowledge through dispersed individuals. However, product managers often do not have the required level of technical knowledge to effectively manage the product team. The digital skills gap is a growing problem for individuals and organisations, but there are ways businesses can close it. For example, this includes upskilling employees on digital skills that add value to the business. These are often specific to each organisation, so understanding what skill gaps are in the team is a crucial first step. Once the foundation has been set, senior management can create a community of practice to help ensure continuous collaboration among colleagues. Sustain the new business model The key is ensuring new practices continue to be used throughout the company and evolve with changing business and customer needs. Senior management can track the performance of product teams via Google Cloud’s DevOps Research and Assessment team’s (DORA) five key metrics — deployment frequency, lead time for changes, change failure rate, time to restore service and reliability. Too often, improving these metrics becomes difficult due to organisational blockers, so senior management should ensure the metrics are applied across the whole delivery cycle. Adding in newer capabilities such as DevOps and associated tools can also help with gathering data and creating a baseline to compare with. STAINLESS STEEL HYDRAULIC HOSE AND PIPE FITTING SPECIALISTS We are the leading manufacturer and stockist of stainless steel hose fittings, tube fittings and adaptors. Call one of our friendly and knowledgeable specialists today to see how we can help. 30 TRADING FOR OVER YEARS CALL 01274 852 066 sales@customfittings.com www.customfittings.com PROUDLY MADE IN THE UK
KNOWLEDGE BASE Digital transformation is reshaping how hydraulic systems are designed, manufactured, operated, and maintained. These changes are not only enhancing efficiency but also opening up new possibilities for industries that rely on hydraulic technology. Let’s take a look at the various ways digital transformation is happening in the world of hydraulics. Smart sensors and IoT integration One of the key drivers of digital transformation in hydraulics is the integration of smart sensors and the Internet of Things (IoT). Sensors embedded within hydraulic components, such as pumps and valves, gather real-time data on pressure, temperature, flow rates, and more. This data can be transmitted to centralized control systems or cloud platforms, allowing operators to monitor and manage hydraulic systems remotely. Predictive maintenance becomes easier as these sensors can detect issues before they lead to costly failures. Digital Twins Digital twins are virtual replicas of physical hydraulic systems. They are created by combining real-time sensor data with sophisticated modelling and simulation software. With digital twins, engineers and operators can visualise the performance of hydraulic systems, simulate various scenarios, and optimize designs before implementation. This technology enables faster prototyping and minimizes the risk of costly errors. Machine Learning and AI Machine learning and artificial intelligence are enabling predictive maintenance, allowing hydraulic systems to anticipate 16 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS November/December 2023 www.hpmag.co.uk and address issues before they become critical. By analysing data from sensors and historical performance, machine learning algorithms can detect anomalies, wear and tear patterns, and even potential failures. This proactive approach not only minimises downtime but also extends the lifespan of hydraulic equipment, ultimately reducing operational costs. Additionally, AI-driven optimization algorithms are improving the energy efficiency of hydraulic systems by dynamically adjusting parameters in real-time, ensuring that they operate at peak performance levels while minimizing energy consumption. Hydraulic software and configuration software In today’s fast-paced industrial landscape, companies are constantly seeking innovative ways to not only enhance their manufacturing processes, but strategically approaching all processes holistically with a focus on providing more value to their customers. One strategy gaining significant traction is the utilisation of software for product configuration. By implementing such software solutions, hydraulic companies can streamline and optimise their product configuration workflows, leading to improved efficiency, cost savings, and enhanced customer satisfaction. Digital transformation in hydraulics is not about small tweaks in design or manufacturing, or even at jumping at the latest tech trend, it is a change in the way we view our business. With the emergence of new technologies and the opportunities they bring with them, true Digital Transformation is a way of looking holistically at the business and what it would take to provide more value to our customers. Only after that we can choose the right tech strategy. Ride the wave of digital transformation: Hydraulics industry innovations The hydraulics industry, once characterised by its traditional and mechanical nature, is undergoing a profound transformation in the digital era. Marc Paro, CEO PARO Software, explains further.
www.hpmag.co.uk HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS November/December 2023 17 ! ! " ! ! ! ! #$% & ' ( ) * + 320 Series * tom-parker.co.uk sales@tom-parker.co.uk 01772 255109 320 Series Multi-link SICK has launched an Industry 4.0 on-premise data intelligence platform that enables manufacturing and logistics organisations to optimise their operating performance. SICK Field Analytics can be quickly and easily set up to provide meaningful, applicationspecific condition monitoring and process insights, independently of an organisation’s existing machinery and systems. It is a vendor-agnostic digitalisation platform that collects and aggregates data from any source, including sensors, machine controllers and other IIoT devices. The software can be configured to display real-time data, to provide timely alerts and alarms, and to visualise historical trends through powerful dashboard graphics. Using the SICK Field Analytics software solution and a dedicated computer, users can aggregate data from disparate machines and automation systems or augment legacy automation systems to provide additional data insights. The solution is highly scalable, enabling users to adopt it on a project-by-project basis or at a wider organisational level. Charlie Walker, SICK UK’s Digital Solutions Consultant, commented that the SICK Field Analytics platform can support users to progress towards greater Industry 4.0 digital maturity: “Operators who want to gain more insights across a production floor, factory or warehouse may feel quite daunted by the prospect of collecting and comparing data from many different machines or applications. “Faced with a sea of information, it can be difficult to isolate the specific factors that are affecting operating efficiency. The data could come from all sorts of sources that use different communications protocols. Information could even still be recorded manually, be stuck in silos, or bogged down in bottlenecks. “Even if operators already extract some data from their existing automation, they can find themselves locked out of PLCs or other systems, such as “legal for trade”. So, they cannot increase the amount of diagnostic data from their legacy systems, even when they replace switched devices with IO-Link sensors, or configure edge integrations using IO-Link Masters.” “Field Analytics can solve these problems easily by collecting data from all these disparate sources without costly and timeconsuming adaptation of existing systems. Operators can extract more information about the health of their machines, while interrogating their operating efficiency in new, and sometimes surprising, ways.” The SICK Field Analytics software platform can be used in combination with data extracted from a wide variety of existing sources, including sensors from any vendor, PLCS, and smart IIoT edge devices such as Sensor Integration Machines. Where necessary, the manufacturer can work with a customer to add smart sensors and edge devices to machinery or automated systems as part of a dedicated Field Analytics project. SICK Field Analytics also incorporates a user management module to manage access rights. The data collected will depend on each organisation but could range from the service status of sensors through to key data about the health of machinery, such as vibration, temperature, or shock. Organisations can configure their Field Analytics package to better understand the condition of their machinery using powerful dashboard graphics and visual alerts. For further information please visit: www.sick.co.uk Industry 4.0 on-premise data intelligence platform
APPLICATIONS The construction industry is considered to be high risk due to the number of fatal and non-fatal injuries that occur each year. The dynamic nature of the profession along with the operation of heavy machinery in often hazardous environments, means workers are frequently exposed to a wide range of risks. Last year, The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported 59,000 cases of non-fatal work-related injury, with RIDDOR identifying that a large portion of accidents were the result of handling equipment; slips, trips, and falls; and being struck by moving objects. Whilst these figures are still high compared to other industries such as manufacturing and transportation, steps have been taken in recent years to improve health and safety across construction sites. In the UK, for example, the introduction of new health and safety regulations and guidelines enforce all construction projects to have a health and safety plan in place to help manage risks from start to finish. Technology developments including the use of drones, smart vests, and hard hats with location tracking help better protect workers from injury. And more and more companies are making health and safety training a mandatory requirement for all staff in tandem with driving education and encouraging awareness of its importance. As part of these efforts to improve health and safety, special attention must be paid to hydraulic systems as well as the importance of using trained experts when they breakdown. Hydraulics in construction If you walk on a construction site, nearly all of the machinery you will encounter will be powered by modern hydraulics. From bulldozers and excavators through to power shovels, cranes, and graders. Not only do hydraulics deliver power to large onsite equipment but they are also crucial in the manufacture of many of the construction products that are delivered to site. In a nutshell, the world of construction relies on hydraulics to keep operations moving to meet the stringent deadlines of a project. Whilst the machinery itself will have operations guidance and regulations surrounding how it is used (it must be separated from pedestrians, it can only be operated by trained personnel, and it needs to be inspected regularly to prevent accidents) only competent technicians should carry out repairs and maintenance. If a hydraulic breakdown should occur, it might be tempting for onsite staff to try and fix it themselves in efforts to minimise 18 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS November/December 2023 www.hpmag.co.uk Prioritising hydraulic health and safety Martyn Smart, QHSE Manager at Pirtek UK and Ireland takes a look at prioritising hydraulic health and safety in plant hire and construction.
www.hpmag.co.uk HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS November/December 2023 19 downtime or save money. However, this is a risky strategy to employ and can lead to life-changing injuries for those carrying out the work without the required expertise. Dangers of hydraulic hoses A hydraulic hose allows fluid to flow from one component to another, ensuring it is able to move unimpeded to keep the hydraulic system moving. Constructed from flexible rubber and wire, a hydraulic hose has multiple layers to give it strength and durability but it is not infallible. Without professional maintenance it can naturally sustain damage and degrade over time, causing it to fail before its average five-year life expectancy. Old age, high operating temperatures, abrasions, chemical erosion, poor fittings, and pressure overload are some of the common reasons for hoses needing to be replaced before this time. In construction, problems will often occur when a hydraulic hose is damaged by the surrounding environment where nicks, cuts, and tears can happen easily – and in extreme cases, the hose can be severed or crushed. No matter the scenario, a hydraulic hose must never be repaired due to the dangers associated with high pressure systems, instead it must be replaced with new, safe components. Yet, there is a naivety and lack of understanding surrounding the dangers of a damaged hose. For example, if a hydraulic hose bursts, the pressure and heat of the fluid can lead to burns and infections and the potential of a fluid injection injury. If not treated quickly, injection injuries can result in amputation and even death. Taking responsibility Unfortunately, this lack of awareness in combination with tighter budgets means there is a tendency for hoses to be repaired using a DIY fix or re-ended; the process where the last few inches of the hose is cut off and replaced with new fittings to artificially extend its life. The British Fluid Power Association (BFPA) strongly advice against this practice stating that trade associations, industry experts and safety bodies all agree that the risks are too great; but the problem of re-ending is still prevalent across the industry. Businesses within the construction and plant hire industries need to keep their people safe by ensuring anyone dealing with hydraulic hoses receives hydraulic safety awareness training to help reduce the risks involved. This should be provided by industry experts who are members of the BFPA to make sure that the training delivered is to a high standard and up to date. This can be complemented by implementing robust inspection and reporting procedures to monitor equipment usage, condition and if any maintenance has taken place. To further ensure safety and compliance, it is crucial that hydraulic hoses are treated with the same level of attention and importance as other high-risk components. When a failure occurs and an emergency callout is required, the best course of action is to contact a hydraulic hose specialist that understands the potential dangers at a construction site. Partnering with a best-in-class hydraulic hose expert will mean a technician is onsite quickly and a quality service will be delivered. Planned maintenance and servicing can also help reduce the level of risk, and using suppliers accredited by the BFPA’s Approved Hose Assemblies Scheme means that everything from hose manufacturing and assembly through to distribution and fitting will comply with best practice safety procedures. Hydraulics is just one cog on the health and safety agenda in construction, but it shouldn’t be underestimated as one mistake could have disastrous consequences for the company and individuals involved. Failure of hydraulics can also have serious repercussions for the downtime of equipment so ensuring that any replacements or maintenance is done by experts is vital. Health and safety leaders in the industry have a duty of care to offer training, promote awareness and make sure the right suppliers are being used at all times. Taking responsibility now can help protect tomorrow’s worker. For further information please visit: https://www.pirtek.co.uk/training-courses/
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