b'28 Partner News Spring 2021EnterpriseHarnessing theBenefits of smart manufacturing Peter Lai, Continuous Improvement and 4IR Manager at NGF Europe Limited, attended last years IN4.0 Access course skills to drive digitalto learn about industry 4.0 technologies. NGF Europe Limited wanted the ability to gather data from their existing industrial sources and incorporate transformation it into their corporate network.During the programme, Peter soon realised that the Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform could potentially offer the solution to their problem. In less than six weeks, IN4.0 developed three proof of concepts for NGF: an edge device for secure machine and sensor connectivity, Introducing industry 4.0 technologiesoften witness improvements in theirreal-time combined data analytics and into any business can be a challengingprocesses, from factories and shop floorsmobile device visualisation, enabling factory task, but even more so when youright through to customer experiences. monitoring at any time and in any location. require the knowledge and expertise to reap the longer-term benefits. To support businesses with their digitalPeter said: Its an amazing speed transformation journey, IN4.0 Group and theto get something off the ground so A study from PwC found companiesUniversity of Central Lancashire (UCLan),quickly and to be able to see what we that get significant value on their digitaldeveloped IN4.0 Access. Its the firstcan do with it in the future. Working investments, invest 33% more than otherdisruptive innovation accelerator of its kindwith IN4.0 has been great; weve made organisations in technology, processes,that gives manufacturing businesses thetremendous progress in such a short operating models and the ways of workingopportunity to develop their future leadersspace of time. Id certainly recommend that will drive their digital supremacy. with the knowledge and skills required toany company with IT challenges to success with industry 4.0 technology. sign up for the next IN4.0 course.The possibilities are endless. With businesses having to swiftly adapt andThis ground-breaking joint ventureAdopting digital technologies is a catalyst undergo digital transformation in the facewith UCLan, in collaboration with BAEfor change and has become a strategic of a global pandemic, the competitionSystems, upskills employees and industrydecision for businesses as they realise in many industries, particularly inleaders through disruptive leadershipthe long-term benefits on offer. Yet manufacturing, is shifting at a rapid rate. coaching and innovation demonstrationdigital transformation is not just about and application. The programme focusesinvesting in the right technology, but Why industry 4.0? on using disruptive technology toit is also about harnessing the right Industry 4.0 is revolutionising the waystreamline manufacturing processesskills and talent in your workforce.we do business, digitally transformingto increase revenue and efficiency.how organisations operate by enablingThe 2021 edition of IN4.0 Access has them to boost productivity, improveIN4.0 has designed a series of masterclassesalready started. For more information efficiency and quality, tap into newand innovation workshops on topicsor to register your interest for future markets and increase profitability.including cyber security and safety,editions, please visit: in40.co.uk/strategies to engage your workforce andtraining/in4-0-access-2 or contact These technologies include automation andthe importance of leadership and mindset. the IN4.0 team at info@in40.co.ukrobotics, machine learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), data and analytics. IDG reported that 89% of all companies have already adopted or plan to employ a digital-first business strategy.Ultimately, the adoption of these technologies is helping companies to stay resilient during the pandemic. Not only is this reshaping industry, but future-proofing businesses as well.Upskilling the workforceWhen companies commit to investing in digital and cloud technologies, they'