Manufacturing Technology Adoption
About
Manufacturing has changed significantly over several decades due to the development and adoption of new technology. We have seen significant increases in, for example, automation led by the development of digital technology going back to the emergence of Distributed Control Systems in the 1970’s to the latest networked and wireless systems of today. There have also been similar significant changes and advancements in all aspects of manufacturing technology, and the emergence of new possibilities for Manufacturing, due to emerging technologies, continues to accelerate. Whilst larger multi-national companies have the resources to track, and even develop, these technologies, there remains a gap with smaller enterprises who, often, do not know what they don’t know, and are therefore not able to gain the advantages. This leads to lower productivity, increased costs, and, importantly in the modern world, inability to minimise the impact of manufacturing on the environment.
This webinar is designed to help businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), thrive in the rapidly evolving world of manufacturing. Attendees will learn how to develop a winning strategy for adopting the latest manufacturing technologies and gain a competitive edge.
The webinar will cover:
Discovering the latest technologies transforming manufacturing today
Understanding the potential benefits and opportunities
Finding support and resources for smooth technology adoption
Identifying and developing the critical skills needed for success
The webinar will give actionable insights to boost business, reduce costs, and stay ahead of the curve. Let us help you answer the question: “How do I find out what I don’t know?”
1
Continuing Professional Development
This event can contribute towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours as part of the IET's CPD monitoring scheme.
09 Apr 2025 - 04 Sep 2025
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Organiser
- Manufacturing TN
Registration information
Speakers
Kevin Smith
Lead Technology Adviser - Made Smarter North West Adoption Programme
Kevin Smith is the Lead Technology Adviser for the Made Smarter North West Adoption Programme, making new technology accessible to SME manufacturers. Before this, he spent over 20 years leading transformation projects in the Digital and Creative sector for a wide range of clients. His expertise lies in bridging the gap between complex tech solutions and practical applications, driving digital growth in the manufacturing industry.
Sophie Atterbury
Project Delivery Manager - Integrated Manufacturing Group
Project Delivery Manager, Integrated Manufacturing Group @ The University of Sheffield AMRC
Lead for project management team within integrated manufacturing. Responsible for full project portfolio delivery as well as budget management, stakeholder management, continuous improvement and quality management.
Reasons to attend
CPD
Industry speakers
Programme
Kevin Smith, Future-Proofing SME Manufacturing: Lessons from Made Smarter
In today’s fast-paced manufacturing landscape, staying competitive means embracing digital technology. But for many SMEs, the journey to digital transformation can feel overwhelming—where do you start, what’s worth the investment, and how do you see real returns?
The Made Smarter programme is a UK government-backed initiative designed to help small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMEs) in England to adopt digital technology to improve productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness. The programme provides a range of fully funded support, including expert advice, technology roadmapping, leadership training, and grant funding for digital adoption projects.
Sophie Atterbury , Project Delivery Manager, Integrated Manufacturing Group , Human factors in adopting AI/Automation on the shop floor
- What are the biggest barriers to adoption of new technology in manufacturing?
- What insights can research give us as to understanding and overcoming these barriers?
- How can engagement and job design help us to be more successful in our innovation projects?
Sophie Atterbury, Project Delivery Manager, Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre
Manufacturers of all sizes face significant barriers to adopting new processes and technologies. Often, we leave engaging with our staff until too late in the process.
By collaborating with staff early and often, we can co-design innovative solutions which offer us an opportunity to implement new technologies in a way that puts the worker at the centre.
By placing engagement and job design at the centre of our research projects we can overcome barriers to adoption and create great places to work and do business.