Democratising Technology for Mid-Market Manufacturers: Where to Start for Maximum Impact Every day, manufacturing leaders face intense competition, rising costs, and fast-changing customer demands. For
The 2025 WEF Global Lighthouse Network highlights how 189 factories have achieved operational excellence through strategic digital transformation. They emphasize investing in workforce capabilities, integrating technology across operations, and localizing change. Mid-market manufacturers can adopt these principles to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and successfully implement digital solutions without exorbitant budgets.
As I celebrate a milestone birthday, I reflect on my career in manufacturing and wish to give back. To support senior leaders, I’m offering 50 free coaching sessions focused on operational improvement. This annual initiative aims to foster real conversations and practical guidance within our global manufacturing community.
The author reflects on the disconnect between UK manufacturing discussions at the National Manufacturing Summit and the pressing real-world challenges faced by manufacturers. Despite covering key issues like the skills gap, digitalization, and supply chain resilience, the summit’s focus on abstract ideas and jargon overshadowed practical solutions, highlighting the need for urgent, reality-based conversations to foster meaningful change.
The article discusses the Seven Deadly Sins of Digital Transformation in Manufacturing, emphasizing common mistakes that hinder progress and waste resources. It outlines the importance of engaging frontline workers, aligning technology with business objectives, having a clear strategy, being patient, focusing on actionable data, customizing solutions, and prioritizing change management to ensure successful digital initiatives.
The report analyzes the complexities surrounding Predictive Maintenance (PdM) in industrial settings. While promising increased efficiency and reduced downtime, many PdM projects fail due to inadequate asset prioritization, lack of human expertise, cultural resistance, and insufficient operational capacity. Effective implementation requires a comprehensive approach, addressing both technology and personnel needs.