November 2019

Smart Industry Conference attracts leading experts News 10 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk November 2019 Leading experts from across UK industry have been lined-up as speakers for the forthcoming conference: Demystifying the jargon: How to make the digitalisation transition, (https://www.smartconferences.org.uk) which takes place on 20th November 2019 at the MTC in Coventry. Smart Machines & Factories reports. The digitalisation transition has been dominating the manufacturing industry and completely changing the way manufacturers create products over recent years. Buzzwords such as the fourth industrial revolution, Industry 4.0, Industry IoT and smart factories are now common place in the manufacturing industry, but are still causing significant confusion, as are the more specific technology-based terms such as AI, Big Data, Digital Twin, and Machine Learning. The conference’s main aim is to provide a practical, jargon-free opportunity to those starting out on the digital transformation process, to experience a complete smart roadmap, highlighting the incremental stages of the 4IR journey covering all aspect of the digital transformation for all manufacturing sectors. Many manufacturers are increasingly adopting automation and digitalisation technologies that give them a competitive edge, allowing them to produce more efficiently and provide insightful information for decision making. Producers who lag behind will find themselves unable to compete in the smart era. Technologies that used to be optional are now required for plants and factories that want to remain competitive in a rapidly changing, cost- competitive landscape. The forthcoming event is a unique opportunity to help both SMEs and Bluechip businesses provide a roadmap to make these automation and digitalisation solutions a reality. Speakers will address the vast array of information around 4IR, discussing the practicalities, technologies and issues surrounding transition and implementation of digitalisation in UK manufacturing. Demystifying digital jargon Dr Vimal Dhokia, Deputy Director Advanced Design and Manufacture, University of Bath, will start the conference by demystifying some of the terms related to digitalisation to help set the scene for the day. Following on from Dr Dhokia’s scene setting presentation, Steve Brambley, GAMBICA Chief Executive, will present a pragmatic guide to getting started on your smart manufacturing journey by discussing IT, cyber security, cloud computing and Industrial Automation and what it all means for Smart Manufacturing. Further seminars will be led by other leading figures within Industry such as Andrew Hodgson, Strategic Lead - Digitalisation at Siemens, and Vice President of the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), who will help demystify the term ‘The Digital Twin’ in the context of UK manufacturing by breaking it down into meaningful concepts as well as giving examples of what it can do for you as the drive towards digitalisation gains momentum. While Donna Edwards, Programme Director for North West Pilot (part of Made Smarter), will explore the barriers and challenges North West Manufacturers have experienced around bringing technology into their businesses. She will share steps that manufacturers can take to help them start their digital journey and examples of businesses who have taken their first steps to successfully implement technology. Peter Corby, Relationship Manager, Emerging Markets, MTC & Tim Andrews, Senior Consultant at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) will also be exploring the challenges and strategies of transitioning and implementing a digital strategy. In addition, the use of practical case study examples are a key feature of this conference, which is highlighted by a case study by one of the world’s leading sensor manufacturers - SICK - who since the middle of 2018, has been manufacturing sensors in a new digital plant at its Freiburg site featuring autonomous digital production and control processes. Joachim Schultis head of operations at SICK Ag, will present an overview of the company’s transition and implementation to a digital plant. The British Compressed Air Society will conclude the mix of seminar presentations by discussing the importance of compressed air systems within the smart factory. Ending the day will be a panel discussion where delegates and speakers will have the opportunity to explore the next steps towards transitioning and implementing a digital future. All delegates will receive a recognised CPD certificate of attendance and gain CPD points through our membership and recognition through the CPD Certification Service. To register please visit: https://www.smartconferences.org.uk BCAS, the UK’s only trade association for the compressed air industry, has announced its partnership with Reshoring UK, a new platform designed to connect manufacturers and suppliers across the UK’s engineering market. Developed through a collaboration between over 20 leading industrial engineering associations, the platform supplies businesses with a wealth of information that they can use to successfully determine a new supplier partnership. Businesses can target by industry, sector and region, with the results appearing on an interactive map; these points can then be interrogated to show more data and an individual company website link. Other functions of the website include a search box to find bespoke products and services, with plans in motion to further expand the website over 2020. Vanda Jones, Executive Director for BCAS, commented: “In a world of constantly changing legislation and standards, it pays to work with a supplier that can offer the right levels of support, backed by engineering and technical expertise. “As the only UK technical trade association open to manufacturers, distributors and end users of compressors, vacuum pumps, pneumatic tools and allied products, it is an approach we have always advocated - helping to connect our members with industry end-users to help specify, install, maintain and service their equipment.” Baroness Burt of Solihull, Patron of Reshoring UK added: “This facility will support the high value and technical requirements of such industries as aerospace, automotive, rail, marine, energy and medical from conceptual design to complete product delivery for companies searching for UK-based support for their businesses.” BCAS supports new UK-based supply chain development platform