Seven textile manufacturers target progress through innovation with Made Smarter’s digital transformation workshops

Seven textile manufacturers are targeting progress through innovation using a new, streamlined workshop procedure which aims to speed up their digital transformation.

Dawson Rodgers, a manufacturer of nursery bedding based in Manchester, Linzi Jay, a good manufacturer of communion dresses and bridal accessories based in Blackburn, Suzi Wong Creations, a good supplier of boxing shorts fightwear and training kit based in Chorley, and John Spencer (Textiles) located in Burnley, will work with Made Smarter, the activity helping SME producers adopt digital technologies.

Along with D.R.M Industrial Fabric, located in Bury, Woven Art Firm on Clitheroe and Ian Mankin, a producer of designer furnishing fabrics located in Burnley, all seven SMEs are involved in an electronic transformation workshop, a process made to accelerate production growth by identifying digital equipment and technologies that may maximise operational techniques and enhance business growth.

Working with a Made Smarter adviser, the fully-funded workshop, bespoke to specific organization needs, involves two online classes, a two-hour diagnostic of the business’s product, offerings, processes and folks, and a one-hour ‘findings’ display to create recommendations for practical solutions to overcome business challenges.

The workshop’s output, as well as subsequent sessions with Made Smarter digital technology advisers, are being used to develop a digital transformation strategy tailored to the needs of the business enterprise.

It will include an easy-to-use information for decision-makers with recommended 1st steps, a good technology roadmap, and data about how precisely to get further support from the program such as for example funding for digital tools.

There may also be a printable wall structure graphic to talk about with the wider workforce to bring everyone along in the journey.

51 companies mixed up in Made Smarter North West adoption pilot include either completed or registered to the workshops given that they were launched in August. 

Made Smarter technology qualified Kevin Smith, among the specialists running the brand new workshops, said: “The utilization of technologies is becoming essential so that you can cut costs and enhance the consumer encounter. Without capitalising on digital tools, SME makers risk getting left behind.

“An electronic transformation workshop will finally help a organization gain a competitive advantage.

“As advisers we trim through the jargon to supply honest advice to help the business identify the very best technology to overcome their operational difficulties. We take a holistic look at of the business enterprise, and demonstrate the measures required in order to achieve a proceed to digital - it’s an instant method of gaining real, valuable insights.

“We've designed these workshops in a manner that requires minimal time purchase for manufacturers to turn the actions into outcomes, while still allowing individuals to concentrate on the day-to-day procedures of the business.”

The workshop will also identify different ways the Made Smarter programme can support a manufacturer’s transformation including: the trailblazing Made Smarter Leadership Programme delivered in partnership with Lancaster University, that helps develop the abilities and confidence to pursue smarter manufacturing; fully-funded digital technology internships to help implement projects and bring a fresh perspective and new skills in to the business; specialist advice about workforce development and expertise; and funding for latest digital tools and technology such as data and devices integration, robotics and automation, or additive manufacturing.

The brand new streamlined digital transformation workshops build on the success of the programme’s earlier face-to-face workshops, which helped manufacturers during the first 1 . 5 years of the North West adoption pilot.

Donna Edwards, programme director for Made Smarter North West adoption pilot, said: “Upgrading to new technologies can seem to be like a complex and intimidating task. SMEs can lose out on significant improvements to their functions. With a bespoke digital making roadmap we're able to provide the manufacturers a perspective of how to progress progressively and sustainably. 

“The challenges created by Covid-19 offered us an chance to review how exactly we can best help SME manufacturers ensure digital is an integral part of their business strategy and take that first step to digital transformation.

“Our face to face workshops were an enormous success and have built a substantial difference to numerous of the region’s makers. 

“I am delighted that people have been able to adapt by redesigning and streamlining the workshop method to make it simpler, faster and far better, and deliver it online.”