Digital technologies make industry more optimised, sustainable and resilient

SUE MCGUIRE, BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT MANAGER NI, DIGITAL CATAPULT

Digital technologies are being utilised by multiple industries across the UK to drive optimisation, resilience and sustainability.

Not only are these technologies disrupting traditional ways of doing business, they are one of the most important tools for improving efficiencies, lowering costs, making business more competitive, and making the most of the vast amounts of data being collected daily. According to the Digital Futures Index 2021, the UK is ranked first in Europe and third globally for advanced digital technology - there are huge opportunities to be gained from embracing emerging technologies. Digital Catapult is a government backed organisation responsible for supporting industry in understanding the value of these technologies and unlocking the benefits they offer. As the materials industry has moved to adopt digitalisation, there are three main focus areas to consider:

Advanced digital infrastructure

New wireless technologies like 5G are far more than just faster mobile phones. Such networks are designed and operated to manage multiple different use cases, from high definition cameras that are used to report on defects in materials, to air quality sensors that report pollution levels once an hour. Digital Catapult is working with multiple industries to identify the right use cases, to trial and to deploy networks that solve real business challenges. Our work as part of the 5G Factory of the Future programme with BAE Systems has investigated five use cases for 5G with real results.

1. Real-time Monitoring and Adaptive Closed-Loop Control 2. Digital Twin Track and Trace 3. Factory Ecosystem Monitoring 4. Chain of Custody Systems 5. Distributed and Shared Hybrid Reality Spaces

As a result of deploying 5G infrastructure in a factory environment, we’ve seen 15-25% reduction in defects, waste and machine downtimes, 15-20% increase in machine utilisation and factory efficiency, and a 30% reduction in lost and damaged assets. Digital infrastructure is key to generating useful, actionable data. After all, what’s the point of having a wealth of data and information at your fingertips, if you’re not going to do anything meaningful with it?

Sue McGuire.

Virtualisation of assets

Virtualisation of plants and assets provides insight into how they are being used, in real time, as well as ways to improve both their effectiveness and efficiency . By collecting data on assets, it’s possible to understand how they are behaving, extend their lifetimes through predictive and preventative maintenance as well as optimise production schedules and increase yields through advanced AI and machine learning techniques. Digital twins are discussed in a wide range of industries and represent a digital version of a physical asset, providing real time data and insight into the behaviour of that asset. By deploying sensors and relevant infrastructure to collect data on how an asset is behaving, and potentially in combination with virtual or augmented reality, provide an unparalleled way of managing an asset remotely. As part of our work with SP Energy Networks, the University of Strathclyde and National Grid ESO, we are exploring how an innovative, open and interoperable digital twin of the UK’s electricity transmission and distribution networks can aid decision making when managing and balancing energy resources and assets. This digital twin of the electricity transmission and distribution network will allow the partners to understand the complete system in real time, providing the ability to visualise – and simulate – how and when the electricity transmission and distribution network is being used, in order to balance the system in the most optimal, safe, and cost-effective way.

Supply Chain Innovation

Supply chain risks and challenges are almost a constant in our lives these days and such disruptions have far reaching impacts. Materials and mineral products sit at the start of many supply chains, and are the point where emissions become embodied into final products. With

increasing requirements for emission reporting and future import tariffs on carbon intensive items, the need and opportunities arising from sustainable innovation have never been greater. One tool Digital Catapult has developed is the Eco-meter, an app that measures the carbon footprint of a product, allowing real time data monitoring to enable decision making and planning based on carbon emissions.

Leading industries are now investing in a twin transition, towards a digital and green economy. Indeed, companies aligning their technology and sustainability strategies are making huge advancements in creating value for themselves and their wider supply chains. Supply chains that share information in a transparent way across all tiers become more resilient, allowing for better forecasting of products, a smoother flow of goods and materials as well as better visibility of the way products are manufactured. Improving the flow of information across a supply chain is also key to enabling a circular economy, where materials can be returned to source, reprocessed and utilised again, reducing waste and the need for mining virgin materials. This is only possible through storing of information during manufacturing processes and through the life of the asset. The benefits of adopting digital technology within businesses and across a supply chain are clear, but can be daunting, so collaboration with the right organisations is key. Digital Catapult supports industrial organisations in learning about and developing an understanding of the role advanced digital technologies can play in business, through to de-risking investment, trialling technology in real or near role scenarios, and transforming business operations. To find out how Digital Catapult would support you, contact Sue McGuire, Business Development Manager - Northern Ireland. Sue.McGuire@digicatapultni.org.uk