In today's manufacturing landscape, efficiency and sustainability have become drivers of success. The UK Food and Drink industry is no exception, increasingly adopting innovative technologies to optimise operations. The manufacture of food remained the largest division in UK manufacturing and represented 21% of total manufacturers sales in 2022; the division also showed the largest value increase, up by £8.4 billion (11%) in 2022 to £88.4 billion (ONS).
The Smart Manufacturing Data Hub (SMDH), is part of the Made Smarter programme and funded by Innovate UK. SMDH offers a robust support system for SMEs embarking on their digitalisation journey, helping them achieve new levels of efficiency and sustainability.
Digitalisation Support Measures from SMDH
SMDH provides an array of services designed to facilitate factory digitalisation. These services range from tailored advice and consultations to identify areas where support would be most beneficial, to the SMDH Academy and Community for skill enhancement and peer connections. Here, we explore three popular support initiatives that are making a significant impact.
1. SMDH Energy Insights
SMDH has developed three Energy Insights Dashboards for manufacturers. These dashboards are designed to analyse and visualise energy consumption patterns, offering manufacturers the potential to reduce energy expenses, regardless of the tariff in place.
The Dashboards:
- Energy Insights Dashboard
- Energy Benchmarking Dashboard
- Energy Impact Tracker
These dashboards play a crucial role in identifying consumption patterns, optimising energy usage during peak times, and reducing the overall carbon footprint. For instance, by analysing and visualising energy data, businesses can shift high-energy activities to off-peak times, thereby taking advantage of lower energy rates. This not only results in cost savings but also contributes to more sustainable operations. SMDH has numerous examples of businesses successfully leveraging these insights to achieve significant energy savings and enhance their sustainability profiles. Find out more here.
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2. SMDH IoT Sensors
SMDH offers free access to IoT sensors, helping Food and Drink businesses kickstart their digital journey. SMDH representatives provide support throughout this process.
IoT sensors enhance operational visibility by monitoring factors like temperature, humidity, and inventory levels. These sensors ensure product quality, compliance with regulations, and minimise waste. For example, IoT sensors can alert managers when storage temperatures deviate from safe ranges, preventing spoilage and ensuring product safety. Additionally, real-time tracking of inventory levels helps businesses avoid overstocking or understocking, leading to more efficient supply chain management. Find out more here.
3. SMDH Data Projects
SMDH supports businesses in their data analysis and visualisation journeys. These data projects have demonstrated the significant impact of analytics-driven decisions in the Food and Drink sector, leading to improved supply chain management, predictive maintenance, and enhanced customer experiences.
Key Benefits
- Predictive Maintenance: Forecast equipment failures before they occur, allowing for timely maintenance and reducing downtime.
- Supply Chain Optimisation: Data-driven insights streamline supply chain logistics, ensuring timely delivery and reducing costs.
- Enhanced Customer Experience: Tailored marketing strategies based on data insights improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Conclusion
As technology continues to evolve, the UK Food and Drink industry is poised to reap substantial rewards by embracing the support offered by SMDH. Leveraging energy insights, deploying IoT sensors, and undertaking data-driven projects not only drive operational efficiencies but also pave the way for sustainable growth and competitive advantage. By integrating these innovative technologies, Food and Drink businesses can optimise their operations, reduce costs, and enhance their sustainability efforts, positioning themselves for long-term success in a rapidly changing industry.
For more information on how SMDH can support your digital transformation, visit our website or contact us directly here.
Embrace the future of manufacturing with SMDH and take the first step towards a more efficient, sustainable, and profitable operation.