Headlines announcing that SMEs face increasing pressure to innovate and remain competitive are not new news.
In fact, since Covid, innovation and agility in manufacturing are what UK governments have been calling, if not screaming for.
However, as we know, businesses simply can’t become innovative overnight.
Bringing innovation and a boost to productivity in the manufacturing sector requires investment.
Investment in the right equipment, processes, and, most importantly, the right technologies.
For SMEs, this is no small feat.
Investment in automation can pose significant risks to SMEs who rely on quick ROI to continue their operations.
There are also many pre-conceptions that automation means high-cost and complex integration, making it appear that these technologies are out of reach and too much of a headache to consider.
However, investment and funding opportunities as well as scalable cloud-based solutions are available to support SME manufacturers in adopting automation and digital technologies.
Why Automation?
Automation is seen as a critical component for the growth of SMEs in the UK, with reports stating that SMEs, with the adoption of the right digital technology, could add £232 billion to the economy.
£232 billion!
How?
Because with the right automation technology businesses can improve efficiency, reduce costs, boost innovation, place UK businesses at a competitive advantage, and help reduce the skills shortage that the manufacturing sector continues to face.
However, we understand that for SMEs thinking about automation, you’re also facing:
- Budget constraints
- Lack of in-house expertise
- Resistance to change
- Integration issues
How we can help: A guide to getting started
Automating manufacturing requires the two I’s – Investment and Integration.
And we know that these are two of the most significant challenges SMEs face.
To help you get started:
Think about your objectives and what it is you want to achieve.
You could start by identifying pain points; for example, what tasks are most time-consuming? Which areas are currently costing you money? Where in the process is most prone to errors?
From here, look for an automation partner who can provide scalable solutions that can scale, adapt, and grow with you. Start small and gradually scale automation as your needs evolve. Implementing gradually and calculating the ROI continuously.
Providing you with a faster return on investment, working with an automation specialist also allows you to see the ROI and timeline for the payback period on your investment, allowing you to allocate budgets and understand financial thresholds clearly and with complete transparency.
You can also opt for a pilot programme before jumping into full-scale implementation of the automation solution. This allows you to try and test the solution and measure its effectiveness and success, it also helps with integration.
Look at the possibility of modular solutions, where you can add or remove elements/components as required and when budget and investment opportunities allow.
Alternatively, cloud-based solutions provide greater flexibility and scalability than onsite systems, with AI-powered solutions being user-friendly and easier to implement and integrate.
A good starting point for SMEs looking to implement automation is in areas such as:
- Data entry
- Customer service interactions
- Inventory management
- Basic reporting
- Robotic processes, i.e., pick and pack systems
- Workflow automation.
Automation Funding Opportunities
There is an increasing awareness that automation in manufacturing is critical to ensure resilience, growth, and improved productivity.
There is also an awareness that this requires initial investment.
The good news is initiatives such as the “Made Smarter” scheme in the UK actively support SMEs with the integration of automation technologies as they look to boost innovation and productivity in the sector.
Providing access to funding, training, and expertise to help with automation (including the historic “help to grow” offer), these digital support schemes help to provide the initial investment for automation integration.
There are also calls for governments to support businesses with investment for retraining and upskilling staff in digital, and automation technology integration, and we await further details on this.
Innomech Automation Solution Specialists
At Innomech, we understand the critical role automation plays in ensuring the manufacturing sector remains competitive and agile and improves productivity levels, safety, and more.
That’s why we work with you.
Developing prototypes and bespoke automated equipment for the manufacturing industry, all to support growth and profitability.
Book a call with one of our team to find out more.
