UK's Made Smarter's trailblazing technology helps SMEs digitalise

Among the latest wave of manufacturers starting their journey to use technology to benefit their business, their bottom line and the environment are: Derek Rose, a clothing manufacturer in Congleton; Private White VC, a luxury clothing manufacturer in Manchester; and Lantex, a textile manufacturer in Accrington, Made Smarter said in a press release.

"Lantex is a traditional textile manufacturer and has been converting and manufacturing textiles in Lancashire since 1918. However, growth is being hampered because we cannot effectively manage and predict production schedules, as well as monitor stock.  Our ambition is to implement an ERP system to reduce time-consuming manual administration and automate order processing, stock monitoring, on and off site, and give us real-time production data which we will be able to analyse to drive efficiencies. The next step will be to introduce a customer portal to enable direct ordering,” Tim Daverage, managing director, said.

“We forecast that the new technology will reduce 100 hours of administrative work per month, improve customer experience, and drive profitability, setting Lantex up for another 100 years of business. This project is a huge step forward on our digitalisation journey and we are grateful for Made Smarter's ongoing support." 

Since launching in 2018, Made Smarter has engaged with 1,381 businesses from every corner of the region to help them introduce digital tools and technologies to help boost productivity and growth, navigate Covid-19, and tackle climate change.   

670 have reaped the rewards of intensive support including expert, impartial technology advice, 248 have used digital transformation workshops to help take their first steps to transform their business, and 56 business leaders have developed the vision and the skills to pursue smarter manufacturing through the Made Smarter Leadership programme, developed in partnership with Lancaster University. Meanwhile, manufacturers have benefited from funded digital technology internships which offer students and graduates paid placements to work on live technology projects.  

"We launched Made Smarter in the North West three years ago with the ambitious aim to kick start an adoption programme for digital technologies among small and medium-sized enterprises, strengthened by leadership training and harnessing talent within universities. It is fantastic to see the tremendous impact that the programme continues to have on individuals, businesses, the UK economy, and the environment,” Juergen Maier CBE, co-chair of Made Smarter, said.   

Over 80 per cent of SMEs working with Made Smarter to adopt cutting-edge technologies have seen a boost in productivity, while others have benefited from increase in revenue and exports, job creation and providing new skills to workforces, as well as improved visibility and enhanced integration with supply chains. More than 25 per cent reduced their carbon emissions, while others cut energy bills, reduced waste, and became more environmentally sustainable, the release added.

“Over the last three years we have worked extremely hard to drive digital technology usage among makers across the North West. We have engaged with 1,381 SMEs in the region to help them start their digital journey by providing them with specialist advice to help them select the right approach, level of investment and tools for their business. We have seen huge success with Made Smarter-supported businesses reporting growth, productivity and efficiency gains, as well as upskilling their workforce and creating new high-value jobs. We’re also playing a crucial role in helping the UK grow sustainably and reach its ambitious aim of net-zero greenhouse gases by 2050,” Donna Edwards, director of the Made Smarter Adoption programme in the North West, said.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)