November 2020

News 10 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk November 2020 The preliminary programme of this year’s SPS Connect, which is scheduled to take place on 24–26 November 2020, has now been published on the website of event organiser Mesago Messe Frankfurt. Along with the latest topics of interest in the automation industry, those planning to participate can look forward to well-known speakers from the realms of business and science. In a year marked by quite a few changes, the SPS plans to offer the automation industry an intelligent platform for sharing ideas and knowledge and making further advancements in related technologies. Just like at the past on-site events, its organisers have prioritised the latest relevant topics in putting together a compelling program for the virtual SPS Connect. Each day will feature not only presentations on smart digital automation, but also two areas of focus that will be explored further in keynotes, expert talks, discussion panels, and contributions from exhibitors. The subjects covered will range from cybersecurity, production IT, robotics, functional safety, motion, DC infrastructure, and AI to intelligent operating concepts, sensor technology, Industry 4.0, digital twins, and industrial communication. All this will be complemented by current topics such as the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on the industry. ZVEI president Dr. Gunther Kegel, for example, will be holding a presentation entitled “Coronavirus – A Catalyst for Digitalisation?” Meanwhile, those who have signed up to give expert talks include Gerd Hoppe (part of the corporate management team at Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG) on the topic of the cloud and GAIA-X, and Dr. Marco Link (CEO of ADAMOS GmbH) on extracting value from machine data. Frank Hakemeyer (director of marketing and communication interface development at Phoenix Contact) and Dr. Andreas Müller (chairman of 5G-ACIA) will also be on hand to discuss the relevance of 5G. Finally, a number of other experts will present their latest technologies and methods, including in connection with TSN, OPC UA, and single-pair Ethernet. At the same time, the SPS Connect will also offer intriguing networking opportunities, thanks to a matchmaking function powered by AI. This highlight will bring exhibitors and participants together based on their profile data, user behaviour, and the information they themselves provide on what they offer or need. The latest manufacturing PMI, whilst still positive, was the weakest since the first lockdown back in March. This chimes with Make UK’s latest Manufacturing Monitor which shows that while the situation has stabilised in terms of output and orders, over a third of companies believe it will take longer than twelve months for normal trading to return, while more than a quarter believe it will take between six and twelve months. While down slightly from the last tracker in September the figures are holding steady suggesting manufacturers have a consistent view of the outlook for the next year and beyond. Looking forward just a quarter of companies are currently operating at full capacity with the situation looking similar going into next year with just over a quarter expecting to begin 2021 at full capacity. The Monitor shows that the difficult jobs picture remains with half of companies having already made redundancies with a further fifth saying they still plan to in the next six months and more than a quarter saying they might do. This long haul picture has major implications for companies and policymakers who are going to have to be fleet of foot in adapting to an ever changing environment. While Government has quite rightly made protecting jobs the number one priority to date, there is now an urgent need to help employers with a longer term plan, especially with measures to protect cashflow and boost investment. This is especially important in the light of the decision to cancel the Comprehensive Spending Review and the absence of any revamped Industrial or Economic Strategy to boost growth. One immediate measure Government should take is to reduce or waive Business Rates for manufacturers which have long acted as a disincentive to invest. While the decision to extend the Job Retention Scheme is welcome, there may be a need for further long term measures to protect jobs, while nothing should be off the table in terms of sector specific support to put the UK on a par with its main European competitors who have much more certainty about the long term going into next year. By MAKE UK chief executive, Stephen Phipson MAKE uk - the manufacturers’ organisation monthly news comment SPS Connect online programme published