Taking a discreet approach to production digitalisation 25th April 2019

Businesses who develop new products, services and processes, generally put themselves ahead of competitors and are in a better position to adapt to any changes in the needs/expectations of their customers. Those companies that fail to innovate, will undoubtedly suffer from poor operational and financial performance. At the same time, lack sustainability for long-term survival. 

Due to the uncertainty of Brexit and the impact on export and import of goods, UK ports are making preparations to support further checks by customs officers. A common issue for all ports, especially Dover, will be finding the space necessary to do so. Many UK ports may have to consider temporary warehouses or custom designed modular storage buildings to maximise available space at their ports. 

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) opened the first Community Hub outside of Europe in Silicon Valley yesterday. Building on the existing Silicon Valley Hub of EIT Digital, the EIT Hub in San Francisco will support European innovators to attract US customers, partners and investors. It will also showcase innovation made in Europe and bolster the visibility of innovative European solutions to global challenges.

UK manufacturers should make full use of any Brexit delays to mitigate supply risks. We talk to Mark Shanley of Astute Electronics who explains more: Brexit has built a full head of steam as the country enters more unchartered territory. In the last week there’s been complete chaos in Government, a harder line from the EU27, and more than a million taking to the streets of London. 

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has opened nominations for its prestigious Achievement Awards 2019. The IET Achievement Awards exist to recognise individuals from all over the world who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of engineering, technology and science in any sector.

A third of UK manufacturers expect some low skilled jobs to be lost over the next five years as a result of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies. But over half of companies (54%) say they will up-skill these lower skilled workers to take the jobs that this innovation creates. More than two thirds of manufacturers plan to spend some of their training budget over the next 12 months on technical engineering skills.

A strong demand has been reported by utilities specialist, Develop Training Limited (DTL), for its fast-track training course as firms race to meet the latest update to wiring regulations. The 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations have re-set the standard for electrical installation in the UK and many other countries with substantial updates from the previous edition.

It has been announced that Kitronik, the electronics company that specialises in developing project kits for schools and the maker community, has launched the MeArm robot arm kit to inspire children and adults to enter the world of robotics engineering.