Welcome to the February issue of MEPCA magazine. With 2025 now well underway and New Year’s greetings dropping from our emails, we turn our attentions to Business Operations once again.
In our last Business Operations focus, aimed at preparing manufacturers for the year ahead, it is fair to say that the industry was apprehensive, driven by the sector’s troubling performance and the unpopular Autumn Budget. This issue, we take a more positive approach as we look at how to tackle some of the challenges faced by the sector.
Supporting us in this effort, Epicor, manufacturing software specialist, demonstrates why digitalisation is so crucial for growth. We then examine how apprenticeship schemes can help overcome the growing labour and skills shortage. Also in this month’s focus, Lloyds offers advice for improving cyber security resilience, while Close Brothers Asset Finance explains how Asset Refinancing can unlock much needed capital.
Elsewhere in the February issue are opinion pieces from BARA and AEMT, offering insights for the year ahead; we look at a variety of Test & Measurement solutions; reveal our Manufacturing Champion; while this month’s Event Previews remind us that there’s a great deal to look forward to this year.
On that note, I hope to speak to many of you at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics later this month. Enjoy this issue!
Oliver Batt, Editor
@Mepca-magazine
To subscribe to MEPCA visit our website www.mepca-engineering.com or scan the QR code.
Manufacturing Champion of the Month
This month, MEPCA is delighted to introduce our readers to Rob Webster, Head of Onsite CM and Asset Management at RS UK & Ireland, where he applies his expertise in analytical chemistry to solving condition monitoring mysteries.
Rob Webster is a champion of condition monitoring (CM), who has recently begun highlighting the importance of the practice through his ‘CSI Rob’ videos, which offer a light-hearted look at the role of analytical chemistry in monitoring and maintaining the operational performance of industrial assets. To date, these videos have covered a case of forklift sabotage, a catastrophic failure at a chicken nugget factory, and a metallurgy-based fault at a brewery, with more content in the pipeline.
MEPCA had the pleasure of asking Rob more about his role, ‘CSI Rob’ and the importance of CM.
The ‘CSI Rob’ videos are an engaging way of educating the sector on the application of analytical chemistry to industry. How did this come about?
Before moving closer into the world of CM around 12 years ago, I worked in analytical chemistry. I absolutely loved helping customers with a good troubleshoot; problem solving, mapping out likely candidates and establishing root cause. This led to the change in my career towards CM, where these skills are applied in industrial environments and the impact can be more significant when things go wrong. This provided the opportunity to build a new lab facility from the ground up and to learn from a team of very experienced engineers. Fast forward a number of years and ‘CSI Rob’ was born from the idea to utilise my background in analytical chemistry and share knowledge of how to apply it to engineering applications. It has garnered quite a following and we’re about to start filming more.
What
common mistakes do businesses make that threaten the longevity and operational performance of industrial assets?
Measuring might tell you where you are right now, and you may even have trended data to use. However, all too often we see this data, so meticulously collected and managed, effectively disregarded when it comes to real, tangible action.
Getting the basics right should be at the forefront of any engineering manager’s mind; effectively clean, inspect and lubricate (CIL), understanding asset criticality and critical spares like the impact of key equipment failing and having the ability to resolve this quickly, if needed. This means ensuring bearings are well fitted, bolts are correctly torqued, belts are tensioned correctly, shafts are correctly aligned, staff are adequately and correctly trained . . . the list is endless, but it’s all common sense.
like our RS Pro Particle Pal range. There’s no excuse for any business to not have an effective oil analysis program based on the relatively small costs involved (versus the alternative!)
Since beginning your career, what changes have you seen in the practices of analytical chemistry in the industry?
Technology is evolving at pace; portable labs having evolved from rudimentary test strips and simple dielectric sensors, through to today where particle morphology – the properties of a wear particle that can provide clues as to how it formed – can be reviewed onsite in real time through portable labs,
Laboratory test equipment has evolved from testing wear particle samples using electron microscopes that fill a whole room, to more modern, equally capable equipment, not much larger than a benchtop PC.
Additionally, engineers are spread more thinly, so while they are often firm believers in oil condition monitoring, they simply lack the time or resource to act on it. This is because engineering budgets are tight and production time expectations are at an all-time high. uk.rs-online.com/web/ bit.ly/40l7jYz
Beware the Automation Skills Gap
For decades, pop culture has told tales of robots replacing humans. Take The Jetsons TV series or The Terminator films as examples. However, pop culture is lighter on how automation can enhance jobs for humans. To reap the benefits, we must close the automation skills gap, explains Stephen Hayes, managing director at automation specialist Beckhoff UK.
We are routinely told that millions of jobs will be lost to automation, but the real impact depends on how we manage the transition. Deployed effectively, automation systems can make our jobs easier, freeing up human capacity for higher-priority tasks. For example, collaborative robotics (or cobots) are common in factories, used for assembly and packaging tasks, and can improve lifting operations in logistics settings.
However, effective deployment relies on skilled human oversight — otherwise, who’s tracking the terminators?
The automation skills gap
According to a survey by the World Economic Forum, around 50 per cent of all employees will require significant reskilling due to automation and digital transformation. It’s easy to see why. As automation becomes integral to industries like manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare, demand for workers skilled in robotics, programming, and systems integration will only increase. However, education and training systems struggle to keep pace with this demand.
In November 2024, Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation, launched an Industrial Strategy Skills Commission to help find a solution to the growing manufacturing and engineering skills deficit across the UK. While this is a step in the right direction, any skills-building initiatives should cover automation too. Without skilled staff, companies may face delays in adopting automation, reduced productivity, and an inability to meet market demands. Therefore, closing this gap is vital for ensuring automation enhances, rather than
undermines, economic and workforce stability.
Yes, we humans still matter
Despite automation’s increasing capabilities, human oversight remains indispensable. Machines excel in executing programmed tasks with speed and precision but lack the intuition and ethical judgment required in complex, unpredictable scenarios. For instance, in manufacturing, skilled operators can help troubleshoot unexpected system errors, ensure quality control, and adapt processes to evolving demands.
manual roles into higher-skilled positions, ensuring that workers remain integral to the business.
Beckhoff’s advanced PC-based controls and EtherCAT technology exemplify the need for this balance. While its technologies handle repetitive or hazardous tasks, their operation relies on human expertise for programming, monitoring and maintenance.
Then there are the ethical considerations, which further underscore the need for oversight. These are the decisions about how automation impacts the environment, safety, or employment require human input — they can’t be made by machines alone.
How can we bridge the gap?
Closing the automation skills gap requires a proactive approach. One solution is for companies to invest in upskilling, offering targeted training programmes to equip their workforce with the knowledge to operate and maintain automated systems. These programmes help employees transition from
Another step is collaborating with education providers. By working with schools, colleges and universities, businesses can promote STEM education, vocational training, and apprenticeships tailored to automation-related careers. These partnerships foster a future pipeline of skilled workers ready to tackle the challenges of an increasingly automated world.
At Beckhoff UK regularly supports apprenticeships, recently welcoming 73 trainees for the 2024 academic year. Their apprenticeships combine academic learning with practical, hands-on experience in automation technologies.
It is still a far cry from The Terminator or The Jetsons, but robots indeed have the potential to transform our workforces. But this isn’t just about automation replacing jobs, we should instead focus on how this technology can make life easier for staff. This is where the debate should be going, along with the skills we need to make this a reality. beckhoff.co.uk
Supporting the UK’s Automation Ambition
Oliver Selby, BARA Chairperson and Head of Sales at FANUC UK, is passionate for strategically transforming the UK’s automation and manufacturing position on the global stage. Here, he shares his take on the holistic use of strategic processes to improve businesses’ efficiency and profitability using modern technology.
With the recent budget posing some challenging times ahead for employers in all sectors, and the news that the UK economy has not seen growth in Q3 2024, the manufacturers I speak to look at 2025 with a mixed outlook of both optimism and pessimism. The government’s commitment to launch the Industrial Strategy Advisory Group to support the development and roll out of an industrial strategy to support GDP growth is seen as a positive move, albeit with some questions over the speed of launching it with the associated government policies and commitments, and that offers a tangible benefit to all.
There are thousands of quotes that state, whilst you are standing still, you are actually falling behind in regard to your competition. Whether that’s in relation to the local, European or global challenge, it’s my firm belief that the UK needs a wake-up call to its output & productiveness ambitions to boost manufacturing output. We must start investing in our future production capability and then scale for capacity to remain competitive. This runs true for nearly all sectors of manufacturing, and whilst we’ve seen some level of automation, especially in those early adopter markets like automotive, we are now falling further behind our European and global competitors because of a lack of investment.
In my last piece for MEPCA, I detailed the three factors I focus on to support a higher rate of automation adoption (Ambition, Culture and Skills); we can also add Commitment to that list. I feel that the previously mentioned budget and the widely criticised rise in Employers National Insurance will help manufacturers choose to
investigate automation as a way to remain or increase their productivity.
Having the ambition and commitment when automating allows for growth and company development. It proliferates goodwill around investments within a firm and supports a more forward-thinking continuous improvement attitude within a business.
It’s clear that the risk any new investment in capital equipment or new technology presents to a company needs managing. However, something that is overlooked by small businesses is the support they can get from trade associations, or the equipment supplier themselves, to de-risk the introduction of new equipment. These de-risking and risk management processes come in different forms and require different skills, but most companies will be willing to support.
reality (VR) will give all stakeholders a feel of the investment before purchase and give them the feel good factor.
In particular, there are two methods, one technology-based and one strategybased, that I believe will rise in value within engineering and procurement teams for future equipment adoption and de-risking of the capital purchase:
1. A wider use of VR Simulation and Analytic Tools for discrete event simulation and upfront technical de-risking. The ability to prove out the multitude of possible scenarios before production planning is invaluable, especially in high-speed production situations. The use of virtual
2. A move towards Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) vs. Payback Return on Investment (ROI). This will support longer term levelling-up with European and global competition who already use longer term investment strategies for capital purchase.
I hope that Automate UK and BARA can help by becoming more visible to those manufacturers looking for the knowledge and best practice to improve their production. Some of the de-risking tools that will prove so useful are already in development, so keep connected with BARA and Automate UK to benefit from these throughout the coming year. automate-uk.com/our-associations/ bara/
Ex Repair: Asking the Right Questions
When it comes to repairing or overhauling Ex rated equipment, the competency of the repair provider is critical for end-users maintaining the safety of their sites and staff, says Karl Metcalfe, Technical Advisor & Lead Trainer at the Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades.
If you are an end-user, looking to repair Ex rated equipment for use in hazardous areas, should you ask your repair provider if it follows the international repair standard, BS EN IEC 60079-19:2019?
The answer, of course, should be yes. As the user, when you send hazardous area equipment away for repair, overhaul or reclamation, it is essential that you understand your responsibilities, as it is your equipment, and you will be re-fitting it into a hazardous area on its return. The definition of a “user” is written within the international standard, which states that they are “primarily responsible for the repair”. If the repairer does not use the international Ex repair standard or follow its guidelines, the user is primarily responsible for this. So, end-users should own and understand this standard (60079-19), be able to ask the correct questions of a repairer, know what documentation to expect, and be confident the Ex equipment has been returned fit for purpose.
It is also important to ask the repair provider who their responsible person is. The responsible person at a repair facility is the person that checks the operatives’ work, creates the paperwork and obtains the correct standards for the equipment in question. They also issue the documentation for the end-user to agree on the work to be carried out and are responsible for ensuring it is carried out to the correct specification. If you are the end-user, you should also ask a repair provider what quality management systems they use.
A quality management system is part of many workplaces, but traceability is vital when looking at Ex equipment repair. The international repair standard requires repairers to keep documentation on all Ex
repairs for a minimum of ten years. If you had an incident at your plant, would you be confident that you could produce the documentation for a repair?
If not, could you be confident that the repair facility you used could issue it for a repair conducted eight years ago? If the repair facility uses a recognised quality management system, this will give the confidence that the documentation will be available if needed.
It is also important to establish whether staff training is up to date and reflects the type of work they carry out. The international Ex repair standard states that staff involved with Ex repairs should undergo training and assessment at intervals not exceeding three years. To comply with this requirement, AEMT members trained in repairing Ex equipment have their training certificates refreshed every three years.
Finally, it is crucial to establish whether the repair facility’s measuring equipment is traceable, adequately calibrated and recorded. It is important to have complete confidence, backed by documentation, that the repairer only uses calibrated measuring equipment. The equipment should be calibrated and measuring correctly at time of use. There should also be a record of which vernier, micrometre, surge tester etc., was used to measure the end-user’s equipment.
The surest way to ensure a repair facility is competent in the repair of Ex rated equipment, meets the international standard and gives the correct answers to the questions outlined above, is to choose a repairer from the AEMT’s Ex register. All companies listed on the register have been trained in Ex equipment repair to the International and European standards BS EN IEC 60079-19 with practical and theory assessments having taken place throughout the duration of the course.
https://bit.ly/Ex-Repair
How AI is Shaping Engineering in 2025
The future of engineering is being shaped by a wave of manufacturing innovations. In 2025, the AI trend will redefine how products are conceived, created and delivered. For engineers, AI is no longer a novelty tool, but a necessity. Xometry, developers of a leading AI-enabled manufacturing marketplace, explains why engineers are embracing AI.
Many have already started to use AI-powered technologies in their day-to-day working lives, from smart calendar bookings to image generation, but in 2025, more workers will start to use AI-powered technologies specific to their job roles as the norm to help automate tedious tasks, saving valuable time – this includes engineers. By embracing AI-powered technologies, engineers can achieve greater sustainability, efficiency and resilience in 2025.
Embracing AI: a competitive necessity
Embracing AI is no longer an option for engineers, but a necessity for continued success and relevance in their roles. For engineers looking to scale efficiently and stay competitive, AI empowers them by automating tasks like data analysis, simulations, and costing parts, freeing them to focus on higher-level problem-solving, innovation and creativity.
AI-driven tools and platforms can also accelerate design processes, optimise resource allocation, and improve the accuracy and efficiency of engineering projects. Furthermore, AI can enhance predictive maintenance, leading to increased equipment reliability and reduced downtime. By leveraging AI, engineers can not only improve their productivity but also contribute to the development of more advanced, sustainable, and impactful engineering solutions, making their skills more advantageous to companies.
Many engineers have an AI-driven manufacturing platform to thank for optimising production processes and
reducing costs.
In an increasingly competitive industrial landscape, the efficiency of production processes is a decisive success factor for companies. Engineers face a multitude of challenges daily. From the development of complex components to the optimisation of manufacturing processes, engineers must constantly find innovative solutions to remain competitive. However, these challenges often come with obstacles that can affect the efficiency and profitability of their engineering designs.
Common problems include long lead times for prototype development, high costs of manufacturing high volumes, and limited flexibility to customise production processes. Engineers often face bottlenecks in the supply chain, material sourcing and manufacturing capacity, which can delay
their projects and affect their company’s competitiveness.
One solution that has proven to be extremely effective is the use of an AIpowered manufacturing platform.
Although many engineers may be initially sceptical, the integration of an AI-supported manufacturing platform has proven to be an extremely effective solution. This advanced approach goes beyond traditional manufacturing processes and uses artificial intelligence to automate, optimise and accelerate production processes. By combining advanced data analytics, machine learning and intelligent automation, engineers can significantly increase the efficiency of their manufacturing processes while reducing costs.
1. Increased efficiency: AI-powered manufacturing platforms can help optimise
Engineers can upload 2D drawings and 3D models to the platform for instant part pricing
production processes such as part sourcing, and support engineers with a more streamlined project workflow.
2. Cost reduction: by precisely planning and managing resources with AI-powered manufacturing platforms, engineers can minimise the cost of materials, labour, machinery and overall project costs by utilising AI-powered instant pricing for their manufactured parts.
3. Flexibility and adaptability: it is possible to quickly adapt production processes to changing requirements and respond to individual customer needs, as AI-powered manufacturing platforms can adapt to the logistics of making a single part to millions of parts easily due to the platforms’ expansive manufacturing network.
4. Quality improvement: AI-powered manufacturing platforms can help engineers improve product quality, and detect and rectify design faults at an early stage with design for manufacturability (DFM) feedback.
5. Promoting innovation: the use of AIpowered manufacturing platforms promotes innovation by empowering engineers to automate tedious tasks, freeing them to focus on higher-level problem solving, innovation and creativity.
6. Accelerating Time-to-Market: the industrial global market is highly competitive, where time is of the essence to ensure business success amongst competitors. An AI-powered manufacturing platform speeds up product development, streamlining the prototype to the realisation phase, enabling engineers to manufacture products faster, more efficiently and more cost-effectively, resulting in product-to-market acceleration.
Cased study: DPI uses an on-demand manufacturing platform
In the following real-life example of how on-demand manufacturing platforms can streamline engineering projects, Développement Projet Industriel (DPI), a company specialising in engineering industrial machinery, revolutionised automotive production with an adaptable laser cutting line.
One of their latest projects was a laser cutting line that processes coiled sheet metals into custom-cut flat parts for the automotive sector. DPI’s key project requirement was the ease of maintenance: the assembly line design had to be easily repairable, with readily available off-the-shelf parts to be competitive in their product
offering.
The creation of this laser cutting line begins with the 3D modelling of all the parts and then finally, creating 2D STEP drawings with tolerances. The DPI engineers uploaded their STEP files to an on-demand manufacturing platform, where they received accurate pricing for small and medium-sized CNC machined parts instantly.
“Xometry’s flexibility in managing smallbatch production has been a major asset for us, allowing us to respond quickly to changing market demands. This helps maintain high-quality components while meeting the demands for flexibility and responsiveness,” Thierry Thebault, CEO of DPI.
Using an on-demand manufacturing platform for the first time, DPI streamlined the overall project budget by estimating the cost of numerous off-the-shelf parts, receiving accurate instant pricing using the on-demand manufacturing platform, and ensuring continuous part availability for maintenance, whilst remaining competitive in their machine-building offering.
The integration of such an AI-powered manufacturing platform offers engineers a helpful tool for the challenges of the modern manufacturing industry. By adopting innovative AI technologies, companies can optimise their production processes, reduce costs and strengthen their market competitiveness. The efficient use of artificial intelligence makes it possible to identify bottlenecks, automate processes, and improve quality. This allows engineers to realise their projects faster and more costefficiently, leading to sustainable growth and success in 2025.
Xometry is an AI-powered on-demand manufacturing platform designed to support engineers in building their next big idea and help optimise the production processes of industrial companies. With 15+ manufacturing technologies to choose from including 3D printing, CNC machining, injection moulding, and much more, engineers can realise their designs from prototype to high-volume production in just a few clicks. xometry.uk
DPI laser cutting zone
Sponsored by
P14. Epicor shares a trailblazing manufacturer’s digitalisation journey.
Radical F1 Supplier’s Digitalisation Journey
In the following case study, learn how a trailblazing manufacturer and award-winning supplier to F1 harnessed digital transformation to fuel growth, facilitate additive manufacturing and accelerate productivity.
Formula 1 is the highest class of international racing for openwheeled cars sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile. These vehicles are built from more than 14,000 precision components in a wide variety of lightweight, exotic materials.
Each car’s performance on the racetrack is analysed in granular detail with every team seeking to extract marginal performance gains within the strict confines laid down by the race’s governing body.
This places huge pressure on the team’s sub-contract manufacturers to deliver components finished to the highest quality within challenging lead-times.
For over four and a half decades, Progressive Technology has built a reputation founded on the principles designed to meet premier motorsport’s industry component production needs. Progressive Technology’s expertise opened opportunities to developing a wider client base in aerospace, space, defence and medical industries.
Alex Ridge, ERP Developer at Progressive Technology, noted, “Our name embodies our philosophy: we are Progressive in how we invest, develop and adopt new technologies that allow us to evolve manufacturing marginal gains aimed at delivering a better service to our customers. This ongoing process of continual improvement is a testament of being the best at what we do.”
A trusted recommendation
Established in 1977, Progressive Technology has grown to become an industry-leading team that specialises in complex, smallbatch, short-lead-time production. Naturally, this generates a constant challenge to balance precision and quality within short
production schedules.
To maintain the pace of improvement, Progressive Technology has always sought better ways to drive its operational efficiency in line with manufacturing industry’s technological advancements. As the business has flourished, it recognised the need for technological solutions that will support its manufacturing processes in a controlled, efficient and traceable manner.
Progressive Technology became aware of Epicor in 2015 through its relationship with one of their established customers, a leading formula one team.
With their recommendation, Progressive Technology’s senior management team understood the benefits of implementing an advanced ERP platform not only to support its internal processes but also for its customers. The strength of the customer recommendation served as a catalyst for Progressive Technology’s adoption of Epicor as its ERP solution.
Energising problem solving
Very quickly, Epicor Kinetic improved the quality and completeness of end-to-end transactions to allow the production of timely and accurate financial information and KPI monitoring. It also equipped senior management with information to remotely control and monitor workshop output with minimal intervention.
Ridge acknowledged, “The transformation of having someone running around the shop floor to ensure things happened in the right way, as compared to utilising dashboards to track routing and timelines was a quantum leap in efficiency improvement. Furthermore, Epicor Kinetic eliminated errors that were inherent in a manual operation.”
The data transparency provided by Epicor enabled Progressive Technology to share information needed by clients efficiently. The provision of this information within a manual system was an unwieldy process. Citing just one example, Ridge explained: “A client asked whether it would be possible to
collaborate on improving data connectivity with their goods-in receipting procedure.
With Epicor Kinetic, we utilised QR codes to transmit the required information from the manifest for distribution. Within a few hours, we helped a customer convert their manual process into an automated one.”
Data-driven flexibility
Progressive Technology’s business demands a highly dynamic, flexible approach. From unique components, compressed delivery schedules, to supply chain pressures, the operations must continuously adapt.
“Epicor Kinetic allowed us to daisy-chain the entire process to create a seamless inter-departmental user experience,” Ridge explained. “With the availability of robust, real-time data, we are able to accurately deep dive into operational and financial KPIs thus monitoring our business at all levels.”
Ridge shared an example of applying insights for smarter business decisions.
“Epicor Kinetic enabled us to analyse the fiscal and lead time impact on selected subcontracted processes; for example, on destructive testing and heat treatment. Based on this analysis, we decided to invest in integrating these functions. The net result was an improvement in lead time, quality and process control.”
Progressive Technology’s reputation has been built on meeting challenging production targets. Alex explained, “The nature of our business is highly demand driven and being able to provide a 24/7/365 days a year service is essential to meeting our customers’ expectations. In some circumstances we could receive an order on the Friday with a requirement to be manufactured and delivered to the customer over the weekend.”
Expediting additive manufacturing
Epicor flexibility adds value in other ways too. For instance, in metallic additive manufacturing (also known as 3D printing), Ridge’s team has written custom scripts to automatically attach additive manufacturing powder to the associated job, and to batch multiple jobs for booking, thereby fasttracking processes.
Progressive Technology was one of the first companies in the UK to commercially print magnesium, a highly combustible material. Printed magnesium produces lighter components, which decreases fuel consumption in the aerospace industry
and supports Progressive Technology’s sustainability objectives.
On the sustainability front, the Additive Manufacturing Group also collaborated with Russell Finex (a worldwide leader in fine mesh separation technology, also an Epicor customer) to improve AM powder recycling. The automated process reclaims unused powder using a controlled and noncontact method maintaining quality whilst significantly reducing production downtime.
Ridge highlighted, “The benefit of Epicor Kinetic is that it provides a solid framework but also allows flexibility to customise selected processes to support internal or customer requirements. That is why it is unique compared to other ERP platforms. Using APIs, we are able to develop code to associate external software platforms, such as a new proprietary HR software.” Not only does this help the company creatively problem solve now, but it also helps the company to adapt rapidly to future needs.
Driving relentless growth
Ridge emphasised the flexibility of the Epicor solution as a key true differentiator. He explained, “Potentially, any improvements you may conceive could be achieved with
Epicor Kinetic. It gives you the flexibility to respond to and meet individual customer requirements quickly and effectively.”
Since 2016, Progressive Technology, has grown from 80 employees with annual sales of c. £8 m to over 240 people and annual revenues of c. £25m Epicor Kinetic has proven to be one of the key components in supporting this expansion.
A full-throttle future
As its name implies, Progressive Technology manufactures complex precision components within the shortest lead times whilst exploiting developments within smart factory and IoT.
Elaborating on these goals, Ridge revealed, “We’ve developed strong relationships with the Epicor team and a personal aspiration is to showcase how Epicor Kinetic is working in an avant-garde environment, helping make pioneering products.
“I’m quite excited about where we are going together, and what the future holds.”
Follow the link below to hear from Ridge how Epicor has allowed Progressive Technology to digitally transform its business. bit.ly/3BYjdhN
The Digital Edge: ERPs
In the rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape, digital transformation has become a critical requirement for many manufacturers, but technology hype and choice can be prohibitive. In this article, Epicor shares the ERP system benefits fuelling manufacturing transformation.
The integration of digital technologies into all areas of business is not just a trend but a necessity to remain competitive. Unfortunately, the technology hype cycles from IoT and AI make it hard for many manufacturers to understand what technologies to adopt when, and what a digital transformation roadmap should look like.
While many vendors and consultants will provide comprehensive technology adoption plans as part of their sales cycles, there is often a disconnect between executing the plan and an understanding of the benefits that could be achieved through the deployment of a modern ERP solution.
Detailed below are the key operational benefits that companies should see from the adoption of a manufacturing focused ERP solution.
1. Streamlined operations
ERP systems integrate various business processes into a single platform, reducing manual tasks and improving workflow efficiency. This integration helps eliminate redundancies and ensures that all departments are aligned, leading to smoother and more efficient operations. Modern solutions can automate inventory management, order processing and production scheduling, which reduces the time and effort required to complete these tasks. This streamlining allows employees to focus on more strategic activities, ultimately enhancing overall productivity.
2. Data-driven decision making
By consolidating data from different departments, ERP systems provide real-time access to accurate information. This enables organisations to make informed decisions based on comprehensive data analysis, identify trends and respond quickly to market changes. For instance, the ERP can generate detailed reports and dashboards that offer insights into sales performance,
financial health and operational efficiency. This data-driven approach helps businesses anticipate market demands, optimise resource allocation and improve strategic planning.
3. Enhanced customer experience
An ERP system can integrate with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools, providing a unified view of customer interactions and preferences. This integration allows businesses to deliver highly personalised experiences, better anticipate customer needs and improve overall satisfaction. Rapid order entry facilitated by an integrated ERP can streamline order processing and ensure accurate inventory levels, leading to timely and error-free deliveries.
4. Scalability and flexibility
Modern ERP systems are designed to grow with the business. They offer modular architecture that allows the addition of new functionality as needed. This scalability ensures that the solution remains relevant and effective as the business evolves. As a company expands its operations or enters new markets, the ERP system
can easily accommodate increased data volumes and additional users. This flexibility allows businesses to adapt to rapidly changing market conditions and regulatory requirements without incurring significant disruption.
5. Automation and process optimisation
ERP systems automate repetitive tasks and standardise workflows, leading to increased efficiency and productivity. By streamlining processes such as procurement, order management and invoicing, an ERP minimises manual intervention, reduces cycle times, and frees up resources for more strategic initiatives. Automating the approval process for purchase orders ensures that they are processed quickly and accurately. This automation not only reduces the risk of errors but also accelerates the overall workflow, enabling faster decision-making and improved operational efficiency.
Forrester Research recently created an indepth research report on the Total Economic Impact of an Epicor installation of Kinetic, the manufacturing specific ERP. For more information, read the executive summary linked below. bit.ly/4g1N1b7
Progressive Technology Group’s Digital Transformation Journey with Epicor
Learn how a leading manufacturer in motorsport, aerospace and defense tackled their performance and growth challenges through digital transformation
Remedying the Skills Shortage
Featuring invaluable input from Make UK, Bentley Motors and FANUC UK, MEPCA examines the role apprenticeship programmes must play in overcoming the growing manufacturing and engineering skills shortage.
The subject of the labour and skills shortage has been well-publicised and remains a common concern amongst manufacturing and engineering companies. Simply put, getting the right people into the right roles at the right time has never been so challenging. While a multitude of factors has contributed to this situation, it’s widely agreed upon that apprenticeships are part of the solution.
In November, Make UK launched the Industrial Strategy Skills Commission to address this growing skills deficit in manufacturing and engineering. The aim of this Government-supported strategy is to develop a pipeline of skilled workforce to support the country’s wider Industrial Strategy for growth. As well as developing a talent pathway into the sector, the strategy
also acknowledges the need for upskilling existing staff, particularly as the industry embraces digitalisation and automation, which will transform many traditional job roles and necessitate further training.
Jamie Cater, Senior Policy Manager (Employment) at Make UK, explains why apprenticeship programmes are so crucial to UK manufacturing and engineering.
“Around three quarters of UK manufacturers identify skills shortages as a barrier to successful recruitment. With an ageing workforce and rapidly changing skills needs as a result of digitalisation and the drive towards net zero, apprenticeship training – whether at entry level for young people coming into skilled work in the sector, or at higher levels for existing workers who need effective upskilling and retraining options – apprenticeship training is critical to
ensuring that manufacturers have the skills they need both now and in the future.”
For a greater understanding of how apprentices can benefit businesses as well as the UK’s growth ambitions, MEPCA sought advice from manufacturers with successful apprenticeship programmes.
Both Bentley Motors, luxury automotive manufacturer, and FANUC UK, leading automation and robotics specialist, have well-established and highly successful apprenticeship programmes. Below they share their experiences and provide advice to manufacturers.
Bentley’s spokesperson: “The Bentley Apprenticeship programme is one of the longest serving and most rewarding programmes in the world, dating back more than 40 years, and it represents our commitment to nurturing talent and
empowering the next generation of visionaries. We typically offer around 40 vacancies every year across all departments, and our retention rate following the programme is consistently above 90 per cent.
“Fresh ideas, diverse perspectives and innovative capabilities are vital as we transform the entire business with our Beyond100+ strategy and these recruits have the opportunity to help underline our ambitions and shape our future, keeping us at the forefront of innovation and sustainable luxury mobility.”
Oliver Selby, Head of Sales at FANUC UK: “Over the last three years, FANUC UK has taken on 12 apprentices across a variety of business areas including: Technical Support, Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Marketing, HR, Business Administration, Finance & Credit Control and Design Engineering. We are proud of our retention rate, which stands at an impressive 83.33%, as well as the fact that 35% of our apprentices are female (against the UK manufacturing industry average of 26%, according to Made Smarter).
Further illustrating the long-term impact, Oliver shared one of the company’s greatest success stories: “Michelle Bottrill is still with the company after first joining as an apprentice 27 years ago. Now Key Account Manager – Automotive, Michelle was the first apprentice for FANUC UK at a time when the industry was heavily male-dominated. After completing a HNC in Mechanical Engineering, Michelle progressed to become a Project Engineer and has held various positions within the company before taking up her current post in the automotive division.”
What can the UK industrial sector do better to encourage and support apprentices?
“One of the key obstacles to increase uptake of automation in the UK is the well-publicised industry skills shortage, which is being exacerbated by an ageing workforce. Manufacturers need to attract a new influx of people who can design, build, install, operate, programme, maintain, fix and advance robots and other automation technologies, and successfully integrate them into facilities across the country,” explained Oliver Selby.
“Changing the perception of manufacturing as an ‘oil and rag’ industry
“Changing the perception of manufacturing as an ‘oil and rag’ industry is key to this – showing young people that today’s engineers are just as likely to need coding and programming skills as well as more traditional expertise such as welding.”
Oliver Selby, Head of Sales at FANUC UK.
is key to this – showing young people that today’s engineers are just as likely to need coding and programming skills as well as more traditional expertise such as welding.
“Another way to attract Gen Z into the industry lies in providing practical training opportunities in real-life engineering settings. Historically, this is an area that has been woefully neglected – particularly in the provision of post-GCSE technical education. We are committed to supporting automation education at lower foundation level, including hosting Work Experience Weeks to inspire young people before they have to make choices around further/higher education.”
As illustrated by the examples above, many manufacturers are doing a commendable job of supporting apprenticeships, a fact that Jamie Cater
was keen to highlight:
“Manufacturers are already offering excellent apprenticeship opportunities at a range of levels and in different job roles. Businesses in the sector typically pay their apprentices well – significantly above the apprentice rate of the national minimum wage – and offer their apprentices valuable and interesting experience of a wide range of work. Given that recent government data shows that poor pay and lack of interest in the job role or sector are the two most popular reasons for apprentices choosing to leave a company, this investment in an apprentice’s pay and in-work development are vital.”
Bentley’s spokesperson reinforced this point: “I think the focus on apprenticeships has never been greater, with recent reforms
and industrial strategies in place to support continued growth. As well as that, I think there is significant interest. In the automotive industry alone, we are seeing record levels of applicants and so the captive audience is there, it is just about offering a compelling opportunity that balances rewarding, stimulating on-the-job work, with a structured academic pathway that truly nurtures talent and inspires the next generation.”
Advice for companies considering apprentices as a way of mitigating the skills shortage
Jamie Cater: “Apprenticeship training offers a significant return on investment for the business, with apprentices often being able to make a productive contribution in the workplace from an early stage in their training. Many companies looking to take on an apprentice for the first time – especially SMEs – can find the prospect of engaging with the system daunting.
“The government publishes helpful guidance as a starting point to understand how to get started, engaging with local training providers and how best to support both the apprentice and existing staff who might be taking on supervisory responsibilities.”
Oliver Selby: “Digitally native and open to technological progress, Gen Z could be the secret weapon the manufacturing sector needs to harness the power of automation. The high-level skills that UK manufacturing firms need to remain competitive are changing, and Gen Zs are perfectly placed to bridge that gap. Lacking any fear of technology, they want to work smarter, not harder. This is a group of people that is plugged in. They have grown up with the internet and have used smartphones ever since they became old enough to own one. Lacking any fear of technology, they want to work smarter, not harder.
“Another trait of Gen Z is their ability to adapt quickly. They are learners by nature because the technology they interact with is changing all the time. For employers, having a workforce that is ready to embrace new technology can be incredibly valuable.”
He also highlighted why these skills are crucial for the UK: “As the only G7 country that’s not in the global top 10 of robot adopters, it’s clear we need to change our culture around automation to better compete globally if we want to stand a
“Given that recent government data shows that poor pay and lack of interest in the job role or sector are the two most popular reasons for apprentices choosing to leave a company, this investment in an apprentice’s pay and in-work development are vital.”
Jamie Cater, Senior Policy Manager (Employment) at Make UK.
chance of maintaining our position as a manufacturing leader. To do this, we would encourage manufacturers to commit to the education of their workforce at all levels. Not just apprentices, but also those that have worked for them for years, as well as those in decision-making roles, all the way up to the boardroom. Understanding automation, understanding the need for a more productive factory, doesn’t stop anywhere – every stakeholder in the business can feed into that. It’s not just Gen Z that needs educating; it needs to go all the way up to the MD.”
Bentley also highlighted the need to recruit the next generation for the future: “Bentley, and the entire automotive industry, is changing faster than ever and so recruiting the next generation and leaders of tomorrow, with a digital mind-set, is a key part of our future strategy. We focus our apprenticeships on greater diversity, upskilling in some areas and attracting a wide range of the best talent from all walks of life, including digital innovators and creative thinkers. Our commitment to apprenticeships spans decades and we
firmly believe that they help shape our future and deliver on our ambitious future goals.”
Summary
It is clear that manufacturers have far more to benefit from apprenticeship schemes than bolstering their workforce. Indeed the future of the industry requires a new skillset and fresh perspective; only through training up the next generation can this be achieved.
However, to ensure that it is possible for apprenticeships and training to turn the tide of the skills shortage, the challenge is not be limited to encouraging the next generation of talent to apply, but also retaining them once trained. Thankfully, with the forwardthinking measures laid out in Strategy Skills Commission and the Government’s new growth and skills levy, support is at hand.
MEPCA sincerely thanks all those that provided commentary. For companies seeking further advice around apprenticeships, we recommend the resources below.
David Atkinson, UK Head of Manufacturing SME & Mid Corporates, Lloyds, sits down with colleague Giles Taylor, Head of Resilience and Cyber Security, to discuss why manufacturers are being targeted in cyberattacks.
David Atkinson: “Why are manufacturers such a target for cybercriminals?”
Giles Taylor: “Manufacturers are digitising their operations. All kinds of machinery now have sensors to help optimise production, which are all potential points of entry for hackers. Many manufacturers also have legacy equipment, with software that is no longer getting the latest security updates.”
David Atkinson: “So, who are committing these cyberattacks and why?”
Giles Taylor: “At the highest level, nation states are engaged in cyber espionage. Then there are organised criminal gangs, and ransomware is their primary tool.”
David Atkinson: “And what options do firms have in situations like these?”
Giles Taylor: “If you have cyber insurance, your insurer will support your recovery. If not, then you will need legal, PR and cyber incident response teams to help recover your business. You may also report the attack to your bank, to see how it can support additional demands on finance.”
David Atkinson: “And what are the implications if your data and systems are exploited?”
Giles Taylor: “That depends. If your IT/ office systems or manufacturing systems are attacked, you may not be able to continue business and you can be exposed to further criminal acts. Any downtime can mean you breach your contractual obligations and there can be regulatory fines too.
“Insurance can help mitigate some of this risk, but any payout will only get you back to where you were before the attack. You’ll then need to invest to improve your defences, or you will remain vulnerable.”
David Atkinson: “How does the Cyber Resilience Act play into this?”
Giles Taylor: “It obliges you to ensure that your products are cyber secure. If you
produce electronic devices, for example, that could mean providing security updates for years to come.”
David Atkinson: “So, what should your strategy be in the face of this cyber threat?”
Giles Taylor: “It’s all about risk management; you can’t turn your organisation into an impenetrable fortress.
“That starts with identifying your most important business assets and focusing to protect these. If that is your intellectual property, then make sure that it is encrypted with strong access controls. But if your priority is to make sure production continues uninterrupted, then offline backups to restore systems quickly will be more important.
“As a management team, you need to
have a robust response plan. It should include the financial aspects, including working capital and cash flow, as well as operational, reputational and legal, and consider if cyber insurance would be beneficial.
“Lloyds has created a free Cyber Risk Guidance document that lays out the safeguarding steps in a very practical way.
“The key message is that this is a real threat and you need to understand the key risks for your business, because every manufacturer is different.”
Download Lloyds’ Cyber Risk Guidance on the company’s website. lloydsbank.com/cyber
David Atkinson
Giles Taylor
Asset Finance: Your Next Funding Option?
In this article, Close Brothers Asset Finance takes a closer look at the different asset finance products available, to help manufacturers understand and be able to identify the perfect finance option when considering their next purchase.
Asset finance is, for many firms, a form of funding they have used for many years.
Yet still, for others, it’s not something they know much about. In short, asset finance is an alternative form of funding used by businesses to obtain the equipment they need to grow or access much-needed cash. Asset finance makes the otherwise unaffordable affordable because it gives businesses access to the equipment they need without incurring the cash flow disadvantage of an outright purchase.
Agreements can also be customised to the business’s needs, with flexibility on both the term and repayment schedule.
There are various products under the broad umbrella of asset finance. One of the key ones being refinancing, which is a proven way to make assets work for, and release cash back into, a business.
How refinance works
Refinancing uses the value of assets already owned to help the business. With Sale and HP Back – a type of refinancing – the business would sell the equipment to Close Brothers Asset Finance, which then lends money to invest in the business.
This is paid back to Close Brothers Asset Finance in line with what the equipment earns. Once the business has paid this back, it owns the equipment again.
This works whether the equipment is owned outright or it is already being financed with someone else.
Who is refinancing for?
Refinancing is for anyone looking to unlock the value of their existing assets to support their business. Whether that person owns equipment outright or is financing it elsewhere, refinancing can provide a quick
way to access funds for things like new equipment, improving cash flow, or other business needs. It’s a flexible option suitable for businesses of all sizes, including sole traders.
Benefits of refinance
• Get more cash easily: asset refinancing is a quick and simple way to get the extra money a business needs, while continuing to use the asset put up as security.
• Pay over a longer time: Close Brothers Asset Finance can take over businesses current financing deal with another company and extend the time to pay. The costs are fixed, so there won’t be any surprises while repaying the loan.
• Choose what’s best: the cash injection can be put into the business or used for purchasing things it needs. It’s more flexible than some other financing options.
• Decide quickly: getting cash from their assets helps businesses to make faster decisions when dealing with business
contracts. Use the money for hiring people, buying new things, or expanding the workspace.
An example of how it can work:
A manufacturing business owns a CNC machine. The company needs money to expand, so rather than taking out a traditional loan, it decides to utilise the value in the existing assets by refinancing the machine. They approach Close Brothers Asset Finance, which agrees to buy the CNC machine.
After receiving the cash, the company lease it back from Close Brothers Asset Finance. The company makes monthly payments – think of it like rent – based on how much money the machine helps it make. When the lease is done, the company owns the machine again. It’s like getting a loan using the machine as collateral. closeassetfinance.co.uk
What is Refinance?
Refinancing is for anyone looking to unlock the value of their existing assets. Whether you own equipment or are financing it elsewhere, refinancing can provide a quick way to access funds for new equipment, improving cash flow or other business needs.
We understand the industries we work with and we offer a choice of finance options that best suit your needs.
Contact us today
closeassetfinance.co.uk/mepca
Dragons’ Den Winners Employ MRP Software
Whether a manufacturing operation is well-established or just starting up, user-friendly manufacturing resource planning (MRP) software can make a huge difference, as the following case study from MRPeasy demonstrates.
Innovative cable fastener and power tool manufacturer Grays Clip implemented MRP software even before their product hit the market.
Now the system helps ensure high product quality, efficient planning and full traceability.
A new power tool for electricians
David Gray is an electrician-turnedentrepreneur from Northern Ireland who invented a new power tool that would change the lives of electricians worldwide. His inventions – the ViperClip and the ViperClip Gun – make fastening electrical cables during construction quicker, easier and safer compared to traditionally used cable clips that are hammered in.
Business analyst experience drove to integrated software
As an experienced business analyst specialising in software selection and implementation, Julie Gray knew they needed a system in place that would integrate the whole operation.
“We wanted a system that would connect everything together, automatically exchange information between different departments, and reduce the amount of data duplication needed to keep everything up to date,” she says.
Julie got into evaluating different software offerings, but felt they were either too complex or too simplistic for their operation. Then, an acquaintance recommended MRPeasy and it clicked right away.
“MRPeasy is sat right in the middle in terms of ease of use and functionality,” she says.
Implementing the software before taking orders
Julie wanted the system to be up and running before they started accepting orders as she felt implementing while they were already fully operational would have been much harder.
Implementing the software was a joint effort between Julie, their Operations Manager Alex, and their product development consultant, Oliver. As the software implementation was done concurrently with the manufacturing process development, it took longer than usual for the solution to go live.
New system ensures quality and traceability
Now that the system is implemented and products are being shipped, Grays Clip uses MRPeasy to track each item’s journey from procurement through production to final delivery.
“Quality is very important to us,” Julie says. “We keep an eye on both our subcontractor’s quality data and perform extra quality inspections in-house. Serial numbers allow us to track the details of each product.”
The company also uses MRPeasy to manage customer returns. Having a digital trail associated with each product helps the team trace back quality inconsistencies from customer complaint to the root cause of the issue.
Accurate planning and seamless processes
The new software has also introduced meticulous planning into the company. After determining their projected demand, they can create manufacturing orders for whatever quantities of the product are needed. The software then looks at current
inventory levels and production capacity and automatically calculates what needs to be ordered, when production can start and how long it will take.
Julie also likes the fact that MRPeasy integrates with many other systems vital for their business such as ShipStation, Shopify and Xero.
Price lists and labeling make day-to-day easier
As Grays Clip sells its products through various channels and to different types of customers, they also hugely benefit from MRPeasy’s price list functionality enabling the creation of different pricing systems, e.g., for bulk orders by distributors versus single items ordered through Shopify. Invoicing is also done via MRPeasy, which then synchronises the info with their accounting system and provides a convenient overview of pending invoices, cash flow and other financial metrics.
The company also benefits from MRPeasy’s labeling system, which automatically generates labels with barcodes and other product info.
Summing up Julie explains, “MRPeasy is just easy to wrap your head around. It’s a nice, simple and clearly laid out system.” mrpeasy.com
How CRMs Overcome Tech Hurdles
John Maguire, General Manager EMEA at SugarCRM, shares how manufacturers can utilise modern customer relationship management (CRM) systems to overcome the challenges of digitalisation, covering the key components of optimal CRM usage.
Over recent years, employees across all industries have had to adapt to increasingly complex technological solutions. Many organisations have embraced remotefirst work environments. However, in the rush towards digitalisation, some have unintentionally overcomplicated their tech stacks, making it harder for employees to manage various systems, applications and integrations.
This challenge is particularly evident in manufacturing, where sales cycles are lengthy, and operations are complex. Front and back offices often rely on disparate systems, and the lack of tech-savvy sales professionals can negatively impact the success of each interaction. However, digitalisation doesn’t need to be daunting. By adopting a robust yet user-friendly CRM solution, a sales team can achieve success without needing to become tech experts. Here’s how:
Choose a user-friendly CRM
CRM adoption and implementation can be challenging, particularly when implementation managers struggle to secure buy-in from end-users. Often, this reluctance arises from the perception that learning a new system adds to employees’ workloads.
Fortunately, modern CRMs simplify processes and prioritise ease of use for end-users. User-friendly interfaces are a hallmark of successful CRMs, as they lead to higher adoption rates post-implementation. These intuitive systems empower less techsavvy salespeople to navigate and utilise the platform effectively with minimal training, addressing one of manufacturing’s greatest challenges: finding technically skilled sales professionals.
Embrace process automation
While user-friendly software helps address the challenge of finding tech-savvy sales staff, it’s equally vital to have tools that automate tasks to reduce admin and the need for technical expertise. Business Process Automation (BPA) is a key feature of modern CRMs, capable of handling repetitive sales processes without manual intervention.
CRMs equipped with robust BPA functionalities can streamline various business operations, including approval management, call triaging sales processes and case escalation. By automating these processes, CRMs reduce the administration burden, optimise customer-facing interactions, and promote best practices across departments.
Centralise customer insights
Modern CRMs not only alleviate the need for tech-savvy personnel but also centralise customer data, making it accessible to all teams. This unified source of truth enables customer-facing teams to improve their interactions with minimal technical complexity.
With a cohesive and consistent data repository, organisations can accelerate internal processes, respond to customer and prospect inquiries more effectively, and enhance closing rates. For example, customers such as Super General and GECO boosted their sales and marketing performance by integrating CRM systems to align their Go-to-Market (GTM) teams.
Leverage analytics and reporting
Advanced analytics and reporting capabilities in CRMs eliminate the need for salespeople
to generate these manually. Without CRM solutions, tasks like forecasting, analytics and reporting are prone to human error, data inconsistencies and incomplete information.
Tools like SugarCRM’s dashboards automate these processes, providing teams with accurate, real-time insights into leads, opportunities, sales, support cases, and more. This allows sales teams to:
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) across the sales funnel in real time.
• Make informed, data-driven decisions with the help of customisable settings and views.
• Generate tailored reports and dashboards effortlessly, without requiring advanced technical skills.
SugarCRM: empowering manufacturers
With its focus on user-friendly interfaces, process automation and powerful integration capabilities, SugarCRM helps manufacturers overcome technological challenges, regardless of their technical expertise. By adopting a solution like SugarCRM, manufacturing businesses can embrace digitalisation without the hurdles, achieving greater productivity and success in an increasingly competitive landscape. sugarcrm.com/manufacturing
Hydrogen Compatible Pressure Measurement
Pressure measurement specialists ESI Technology Ltd have created solutions across a multitude of applications, including aerospace, defence, oil & gas, subsea, renewable energies and beyond. ESI’s new range introduces digital pressure measurement to hydrogen applications.
Recent TUV testing has also allowed ESI to release a range of hydrogen compatible pressure transmitters. Test passed to ISO 1114-2:2017 the new range meets European Regulations EC 79/2009 and EU 406/2010, and is available with DNV-GL, ATEX, or combination certification.
This exciting new range offers a general industrial, high pressure and a high accuracy variant (available with a combination of ATEX and DNV-GL certification), plus a digital pressure transducer in the form of the GD4200-H-USB.
• Support for easy integration with applications created by C#, VB, Labview and Excel VBA (api dll library)
The material
The pressure diaphragm and threaded pressure port are machined from a specialist titanium alloy, specifically designed to withstand harsh and demanding environments. This, along with the non-oilfilled sensor and high integrity stainless steel housing results in a robust and versatile unit that offers excellent media compatibility across a range of environments.
The GD4200-H-USB also benefits from the same Silicon on Sapphire (SOS) sensor technology used throughout the ESI brand, providing outstanding performance, stability and highly accurate pressure measurement.
Other useful features include certificate generation, customisable certificate templates, leak testing, measure, record and view up to 16 sensors at the same time, virtual differential pressure measurement, set automatic test start and stop times, alarm levels for each individual
sensor and auto-updates for new software versions.
Committed to a more sustainable future
Hydrogen offers a cleaner, secure, and more affordable source of energy with the potential to drastically reduce and tackle CO2 emission levels and is already used in a growing variety of industries. Although the Oil & Gas sector remains the predominant source of energy supply and usage, there are significant efforts being made to find an alternative.
With that in mind ESI are committed to offering a product range that is not only versatile and environmentally friendly, but also offers the same outstanding performance and stability that it’s are known for.
ESI hydrogen products are available to use in a range of application
• Hydrogen storage
• Hydrogen production
• Hydrogen re-fuelling
• Hydrogen engines
• Marine propulsion
• Hydrogen fuel cells
• Laboratory environments
• Industrial applications esi-tec.com
Thru-Process Profiling
For coating operations, effective monitoring of product temperature is crucial for maintaining coating quality. PhoenixTM, temperature monitoring solutions provider, explains optimal paintcuring oven operation.
When it comes to coating quality, the ability to monitor product temperature through the cure oven is essential to ensuring the cure schedule recommended by the coating supplier. Although the basic principle of thru-process temperature monitoring has remained unchanged over the years, PhoenixTM’s technology offering has evolved, bringing unique innovations to the market.
PhoenixTM thru-process temperature profiling systems are designed for the demands of the busy coating operation. To suit different application demands, a range of data loggers are offered measuring 6 to 20 thermocouples. The data logger accuracy of ±0.3 °C guarantees data quality. Powered with user replaceable AA batteries, the data logger offers 1000 hours of logging time. No charging or battery replacement delays The silicone free 113 mm high aluminium thermal barrier provides over 2 hours protection at 200 °C and weighs only 3.7 kg making transfer to and lifting on the line trouble free. Real time monitoring options are available with a RF Radio Telemetry communication link. With this option, measured temperature data is transmitted direct from the data logger via a thermally insulated RF antenna exiting the barrier with the thermocouple cables. The RF signal transmitted out of the oven is then passed along a series of repeater units, if needed, (‘LWMesh’ networking protocol) back to the main coordinator connected to the monitoring PC. Process Issues can be identified immediately, and process optimisation can be performed live with the system in situ.
Intrinsically safe ATEX certified technology
PhoenixTM has complemented its data logger range with the new PTM1500 Epsilon-x temperature data logger offering a unique intrinsically safe 10/20 channel profiling system. The PTM1500 data logger is certified against the ATEX European standards as Group II category for safe
operation in gaseous and dust environments (ATEX Zone 2 and 22 respectively), allowing safe operation in automotive paint and powder coating applications with such ATEX zone classifications.
Phoenix Factor
To make cure analysis easier and more accurate the Phoenix Factor cure analysis calculation is available in the Thermal View and Thermal View Finishing Software packages. The analysis calculation generates a single Cure Index value, which is accurate yet easy to set-up and interpret. The Phoenix Factor allows not only instant quality assurance but also accurate optimisation of the process settings and direct comparison of different processes.
Thermocouple innovation
With its thru-process monitoring systems, PhoenixTM offers a comprehensive range of thermocouples. Designed specifically for coating applications they offer a robust, easy to use accurate solution for monitoring a range of different product types and materials. Choose from clamp, off-set magnetic or MiniMag to suit. Supplied with user replaceable cables to minimise consumable costs.
Optical profiling
The PhoenixTM Optic system allows thruprocess paint defect detection using Optical Profiling. The high-resolution video camera can safely travel through the paint oven with an independent torch recording video footage of the product transfer through the oven. The TS64 thermal barrier permits in a single barrier the facility to both protect the PhoenixTM data logger and the PhoenixTM Optic system with a thermal performance of 3 hours at 200 °C. Problems, such as paint sags or curtains, paint or rinse entrapment, or condensate contamination can be detected and the sources identified, allowing informed, corrective action strategies to be reached. Oven damage or conveyor transfer issues can also be identified under production conditions. phoenixtm.com
Comprehensive Range
• Data Logger and Thermal Barrier choice (6 to 20 Thermocouples)
• Extensive Thermocouple range
• Real Time RF Telemetry options
• ATEX approved options
• Full UK service and calibration support
Software Packages to Suit
• Thermal View or enhanced Thermal View Finishing software
- Match Analysis Tools to suit.
• CQI-12 Temperature Uniformity Survey solution options
Innovative Video Capture Thru the operating oven
• Detect paint runs, chips and defects
• Spot transport problems
• Identify oven damage
• Locate dust and inclusion risk areas
Temperature Profiling Systems
Oven Profile and TUS software
Optic Video Profiling System
When Flow Measurement Accuracy Matters
While not new technology, Oval Gear flowmeters are becoming an increasingly popular choice for measuring liquid flow across a range of industries. Proprietary flowmeter manufacturer Titan Enterprises details the benefits of this class of flowmeter.
Oval Gear liquid flowmeters address the need for precise flow measurement across extreme operating conditions and harsh industrial environments, such as those seen in hydraulic system applications and the oil and gas industry.
Measuring the flow of fluid under high-pressure, such as in hydraulic fluid monitoring, chemical additive injection and other challenging fluid-power systems, ensures optimum operational performance as well as minimising wastage.
Hydraulic systems perform significant work in a broad range of industrial applications, such as:
• Aerospace: in deploying and retracting landing gear on planes, flight control actuators, etc.
• Mining, Construction, Agriculture: in lifting heavy loads with earth-moving equipment or processing materials with rock-crushing machinery.
• Oil and Gas industry: in drilling wells in oil fields or chemical additive injection to improve oil recovery.
• Marine: in pushing and steering the ship through water using propellers and thrusters powered by hydraulic systems.
• Automotive: in Formula One cars incorporating sophisticated hydraulic systems to handle multiple applications, such as power-assisted braking, clutch, gearbox and throttle actuation.
The oil and gas sector also drives a significant portion of the flowmeter market, with conventional flowmeters, such as positive displacement (Oval Gear) devices, still having the advantage of being proven across a large installed base. These flowmeters are crucial for applications like high-pressure additive injection and custody
transfer, where accuracy and chemical resistance are vital.
Pressure testing –ensuring operational readiness
Pressure is a key factor when selecting hydraulic components and pressure testing each component within a hydraulic system helps to verify its structural integrity and fitness for purpose. A device’s pressure rating indicates its maximum operating pressure.
Conducted during the manufacturing process, pressure testing helps identify defects (such as leaks) early, preventing potential failures and reducing costly downtime caused by faulty components. Additionally, it also ensures that the hydraulic system meets safety standards set by regulatory bodies, safeguarding compliance. By confirming that both components and the entire system can endure and function effectively under the required operating pressure, pressure testing plays a crucial role in validating the system’s overall performance and reliability.
Titan’s onsite pressure test facility
Due to the demand for their high-pressure oval gear flowmeters, Titan invested capital into an in-house pressure test rig. This not only enables rapid turnaround of both new and refurbished flowmeters but also allows Titan to pressure test new materials in development, which is beneficial from an R&D perspective.
The Hydratron pressure test rig is capable of testing to a pressure of 1400 bar allowing for testing over the whole range of Titan’s oval gear flowmeters, including the 950 bar high-pressure options. The rig has also proved invaluable when testing new products and simulating the effects of cavitation within a hydraulic system. Alongside a refinement of gear design and standardising the flowmeter designs to improve product interchangeability, Titan’s pressure test rig has proven the design modifications, allowing a potential increase to the maximum operating pressure of its standard oval gear flowmeter range by around 50%.
Key features and benefits of Titans’ Oval Gear flowmeters:
TEST & MEASUREMENT
1. High accuracy and chemical resistance
The Oval Gear flowmeters improve in measurement accuracy as liquid viscosity increases, from about 1% to around 0.1% of reading at higher viscosities. They are designed to handle a broad range of physical and chemical properties, essential for petrochemical additive injections, which vary in viscosity and density.
2. Robust construction
Compact and rugged design ensuring long-term performance with minimal maintenance. Models offer pressure ratings from 10 bar to 950 bar and can operate at temperatures up to 150 °C. Intrinsically safe options for potentially explosive atmospheres, such as ATEX compliant models, are available.
3. Reliable performance
Proprietary oval gear design providing high performance and 0.1% repeatability. Suitable for high-pressure applications such as marine fuel flow measurement, grease supply monitoring in wind turbines, offshore
oil drilling additive injection, and biodiesel production.
4. Custom solutions
Titan Enterprises collaborates with OEM customers to develop bespoke flowmeters that meet specific high-pressure, highviscosity and chemical compatibility requirements, enhancing their application in various industries including oil, petrochemical and green energy sectors.
By ensuring reliable and accurate flow measurement, Titan’s Oval Gear flowmeters contribute significantly to the efficiency and safety of oil and gas processes, from additive injection to fuel measurement, and hydraulic systems in diverse and demanding environments. flowmeters.co.uk/oval-gear-flowmeters/
The New Wave of EM Flowmeters
Accurate and reliable flow measurement of water and other liquids plays a key role in the profitability and sustainability of utilities and many process industries. Simon Hatch, ABB Product Manager, introduces the next generation of electromagnetic flowmeters from ABB.
From water utility companies to chemical plants, food & beverage and pulp & paper plants, industrial producers must optimise the efficiency of their operations while controlling costs and enhancing sustainability.
Accurate, repeatable measurement of the flow of water and other liquids is an essential aspect of many industrial processes and applications. In a relentlessly competitive world where profit margins are often slender, uncertainties in flow measurement can impact product quality, plant uptime, employee safety and corporate reputation.
Water utilities run the risk of lost revenues – and potential fiscal penalties – due to the major challenge of water lost due to leaks or other issues during its journey through the distribution system to the end consumer. The World Bank has estimated global physical water losses at 32 billion cubic meters every year. Around half of this wastage occurs in developing nations where the challenge of ‘non-revenue water’ (NRW) represents a huge economic burden. Here, accurate flow measurement plays a critical role in helping utilities pinpoint and fix costly leaks in their distribution networks.
Accurate visibility of liquid flow rates is similarly critical for industrial plant operators. Incorrect dosing in a chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturing facility can lead to an entire product batch being rejected. Halting production and eroding profit margins as plants stands idle, imprecise flow measurement can also endanger valuable equipment and potentially present safety hazards to staff.
Whether it’s on the site of a chemical refinery or across hundreds of square kilometres in a municipal water distribution network, precise and repeatable flow
measurement is a key enabler for business success. Accurately measuring and storing information about liquid mass or volumetric flow rates at regular intervals, they transmit data wirelessly or over cabled connections to enable more efficient operations while enhancing safety and sustainability. What’s more, analysis of instrumentation data collected at a plant or in the field can guide maintenance strategies, surface valuable insights about long-term performance of critical infrastructure and drive better decision-making.
ABB innovation in flow measurement and management stretches back more than a century to the company’s first gas venturi tube design that’s since been followed by numerous metering milestones. Today, ABB is strengthening its commitment to deliver solutions that allow its customers to measure the flow of water and other liquids with greater precision and consistency, while opening new opportunities to harness granular flow measurement data as a driver for business success.
Industrial and utility customers no longer see a flowmeter as simply a passive device. Under pressure to improve the efficiency and sustainability of their operations, they may also be accountable to regulators and other stakeholders to demonstrate compliance and transparency in areas such as billing.
This shift is reflected in ABB’s newest generation of electromagnetic (EM) flowmeters. Introduced in summer 2024, a streamlined product portfolio simplifies customer choice with two high-performance flowmeter offerings. Sharing a common modular platform that’s readily customisable to address customer needs, the new line-up addresses a wide range of water and conductive liquid measurement and monitoring applications.
The new ProcessMaster family is optimised for use inside industrial and utility plants. It’s partnered by an updated line of AquaMaster models for outside applications – notably in the water and wastewater industries – offering exceptional measurement accuracy in water
transportation, distribution, leak detection and billing. AquaMaster is also particularly valuable in water custody applications, where accurate measurement of the amount of water transferred from one party to another forms the basis for commercial transactions.
ABB’s latest EM flowmeter line-up accordingly represents a significant evolution from the previous product line-up, reflecting several challenges that are common to today’s flowmeter users. A prerequisite is extremely high levels of flow measurement accuracy and reliability. In addition, industrial customers are seeking flexibility to suit a wide range of applications and looking for unique ways to rationalise their inventories and reduce costs. Just as importantly in this era of digitalisation, data analytics and the Internet of Things (IoT), water utilities and industrial plants are demanding flexible connectivity options and greater intelligence to help them gain greater visibility and control over their assets. This can help end users to improve the efficiency and sustainability of their operations, ensure regulatory compliance, extend equipment life and reduce operating costs.
There’s growing demand from customers in the utilities and process industries for metering solutions that are designed to offer greater sustainability, lower ownership costs, in-built futureproofing and longer product lifecycles with less waste going into landfill. In response to these needs, ABB’s new flowmeter family is designed around a common technology platform that allows customers to take changing mission requirements in their stride with less costly disruption to their everyday operations. This modular design philosophy makes it easy for users to ‘mix and match’ different sensor and transmitter options to suit their operational needs. What’s more, it offers the possibility to upgrade components easily and cost-effectively at any point in the future without replacing entire units, with a consequent reduction in process downtime and investment costs. Modularity also simplifies maintenance and troubleshooting since standardised components can be easily replaced or upgraded with minimal disruption and reduced waste.
In an era of increasing digitalisation of many industrial processes, IoT connectivity is naturally embedded across all new ProcessMaster and AquaMaster models. This ensures seamless integration with existing systems, enabling superior data
analytics and process optimisation. Users have a choice of high-speed digital communication options – including the fast-emerging Ethernet-Power over Ethernet (POE) and Advanced Physical Layer (APL) standards – for plant-based or remote metering applications, facilitating process optimisation and proactive maintenance strategies.
Reflecting an ongoing shortage of suitably skilled engineering talent in many industries, ABB has made ease of installation, commissioning, operation and troubleshooting of its new flowmeters a priority. An illustration of this is smart in-situ device verification to validate sensor operation and give assurance of measurement accuracy. Verification is performed as a simple push-button operation, instantly providing a clear pass/fail result without the need to halt production or physically remove a meter from the process being measured.
ABB has also responded to customer calls for easier set-up, operation, diagnostics and maintenance. This is demonstrated by a sensor memory function that greatly simplifies commissioning in the field. During initial installation, a self-configuration sequence replicates all calibration data into the sensor memory, eliminating the possibility for errors and avoiding timeconsuming matched pair installation of sensor and transmitter. It’s then a quick and easy task to swap out transmitter modules at any time with no need for reprogramming. Other tools from ABB to complement this digital-first flowmeter ecosystem include My Measurement Assistant, a web application that offers easy-to-follow maintenance guidance including commissioning, troubleshooting, training, and spare parts management.
new.abb.com/products/measurementproducts/flow
Why Area Monitoring is Crucial for Safety
Area monitoring has become an indispensable aspect of safety in various industrial environments. Rockall Safety, safety equipment specialist, highlights the importance of this practice and introduces modern area monitoring technology.
Industries including oil and gas, construction, chemical manufacturing, wastewater treatment and mining operate in high-risk environments where hazardous gases, volatile substances or unstable conditions can jeopardise the safety of workers and the company’s assets. Area monitors offer a reliable method of maintaining safety in hazardous, industrial environments.
What is area monitoring?
Area monitors continuously detect and measure the presence of hazardous gases in a specific area (hence the name). Unlike personal gas monitors, which are worn by individuals, area monitors are strategically placed to provide broad coverage, protecting multiple workers or certain zones. These devices identify toxic gases like hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide, flammable gases such as methane and propane, oxygen levels and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), offering a comprehensive safety solution.
Mitigating risks in highhazard industries
In industries like oil and gas, area monitoring play an important role in detecting flammable or toxic gases that can accumulate quickly, posing risks such as explosions, asphyxiation and long-term health effects. Early detection through area monitoring helps prevents catastrophic incidents.
Construction companies face significant risks when digging or excavating, particularly due to the potential release of dangerous gases trapped underground.
Enhancing chemical manufacturing safety
Chemical manufacturing facilities handle volatile and reactive substances. Area
monitoring systems equipped with advanced sensors detect trace amounts of hazardous chemicals, providing early warnings and reducing the likelihood of accidents. These systems also integrate with automated responses, minimising human error.
Supporting wastewater treatment operations
Wastewater treatment plants often release gases like methane, hydrogen sulphide, and ammonia. Area monitors track these emissions, ensuring air quality remains safe for workers and the surrounding environment. By identifying gas leaks early, these systems prevent equipment damage and operational delays.
Addressing mining hazards
Mining environments are prone to dangers like collapsing shafts and explosive gases. Area monitors provide continuous coverage in underground networks, alerting miners to hazardous conditions in real-time. This significantly reduces risks and ensures safer operations.
The role of advanced technology
Modern area monitors, such as the Blackline Safety EXO 8, represent the forefront of safety technology. The EXO 8 is designed to detect up to eight gases simultaneously, including flammable, toxic, and oxygen levels, as well as gamma radiation. This makes it uniquely suited for a wide range of industrial applications, from mining to chemical manufacturing.
One of the standout features of the EXO 8 is its direct-to-cloud data streaming capability. This ensures that safety managers can access real-time data and alerts from any location, allowing for quicker responses
to potential hazards. Additionally, the EXO 8 provides robust analytics through its integrated software, enabling users to review historical data, identify trends and predict future risks. This predictive insight is invaluable for maintaining safety and compliance.
The EXO 8 also includes proximity-based alert systems, which enhance situational awareness for workers. These alerts notify personnel when they are nearing hazardous zones, offering an additional layer of protection. With its durable design, capable of withstanding extreme conditions, and a battery life of up to 100 days, the EXO 8 is built for reliability and long-term use in demanding environments.
Conclusion
Area monitoring is a cornerstone of safety and efficiency in high-risk industries. By investing in advanced monitoring systems, industries like oil and gas, construction, chemical manufacturing, wastewater treatment and mining can protect their workforce and the company’s assets. For more information on the EXO 8 from Blackline Safety, visit the Rockall Safety website. rockallsafety.co.uk
From Plans to Practice
Manufacturers are struggling to convert sustainability goals into actionable plans. Here, Patrik Eurenius, Head of Sustainability and Environment, Health and Safety at metal cutting tools and manufacturing solutions expert Sandvik Coromant, explore how adopting a habit-based approach can help manufacturers to act on their sustainability strategies.
According to a 2024 report from Make UK, the number of UK manufacturers with environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets increased by 48% between 2021 and 2024. But manufacturers face several barriers when it comes to implementing these policies.
With the UK Government committing to a 68% reduction in emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2050, an increasing number of British manufacturers are introducing sustainability strategies. Make UK’s research reveals that over three in five have ESG targets, compared with 42% in 2021. Additionally, two-thirds of survey respondents intend to expand their ESG efforts within the coming two years.
As the need for climate action becomes more urgent, implementing a viable ESG strategy is no longer just a welcome addition, but a business need. Make UK’s report revealed that 77% of survey respondents were subject to ESG conditions by their customers. Consequently, failing to adapt to the changing environment puts manufacturers at risk of losing business.
However, converting a sustainability strategy into an actionable plan can prove difficult for manufacturers, especially if they are early in their implementation process. Only around a quarter of manufacturers felt that they received ESG support from their customers, while just under half believed that they did not have the required resources to meet goals. These requirements are not likely to disappear, making them a necessity from a business longevity perspective.
So, how can manufacturers make sure they meet ESG targets?
Introducing Manufacturing Wellness
Making tangible progress towards sustainability goals requires an outlook that
recognises the interconnected steps of the value chain and breaks down sustainability strategies into manageable habits. In 2023, Sandvik Coromant introduced Manufacturing Wellness, a set of eight habits that successful manufacturers deliberately follow. These include embracing new technology, unlocking potential with data and benefiting from strong partners.
The mindset allows manufacturers to understand sustainability as a journey rather than a destination, since wellness refers to the active pursuit of better outcomes. In March 2024, over 200 companies had their sustainability commitments removed by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which promotes science-based emission reduction targets, for not being sufficiently ambitious. Therefore, the idea of Manufacturing Wellness not only helps manufacturers early in their journey, but also ensures that they don’t become complacent with their ESG progress.
So, how can these habits combat the barriers that hamper sustainable progress?
Habits in practice
Make UK’s survey revealed that some of the commonly cited challenges preventing manufacturers from achieving the ESG
conditions set out by suppliers and customers include a lack of knowledge and awareness and an inability to access the right technologies.
Adopting these Manufacturing Wellness habits can help overcome these issues. For example, choosing partners that have a strong understanding and commitment to sustainability allows manufacturers to benefit from knowledge and services that may not be available in house, including new technologies.
For example, Sandvik Coromant’s Productivity Analyser offers customers a detailed breakdown into their tool usage and has been expanded to include sustainability data such as energy consumption per component and annual carbon dioxide emissions. By embracing these kinds of tools, manufacturers can access a wealth of data that can help them make informed decisions on the path towards their ESG goals.
As manufacturers continue to introduce sustainability strategies in order to remain competitive, adopting a habits-based approach can ensure that these goals are viable and actionable.
sandvik.coromant.com
Bridging Art, Technology and Industry
In the heart of the Belgian city Roeselare, in the historic De Sint-Amandskerk, The Art Hour (Het Kunstuur) collaborated with Painting with Light (PWL), a leading specialist in the design and production of total visual experiences, to transform the church into a fully immersive museum experience.
To provide seamless interaction between visitors, the art on display, and the venue itself, PWL used Brainboxes industrial Ethernet to Remote IO modules to facilitate various functionalities within the system.
Designed with sustainability and costefficiency in mind, Brainboxes products provide a robust solution for integrating digital inputs and outputs, serving as the interface between physical devices and the control system.
A key function of the remote IO Brainboxes is their ability to handle digital inputs from various sources, such as switches, buttons and sensors. In the Het Kunstuur Roeselare installation, digital inputs for show activation and door control, triggered by operator inputs, visitor interactions, or environmental cues, were processed efficiently, allowing for precise control of multimedia effects and interactive elements throughout the experience.
In addition to receiving inputs, the Brainboxes can control digital outputs, including relays and actuators. This capability enabled PWL to orchestrate complex sequences of events, such as lighting effects, moving elements and audiovisual cues, to create an immersive and synchronised show. This seamless orchestration of inputs and outputs is just one aspect of Brainboxes’ versatility.
“Brainboxes are reliable; they just work and are easy to integrate with the industryspecific software systems we use,” Michiel Vanderhenst, PWL Project Manager and Technical Specification Engineer.
The versatility of the Brainboxes extends to their seamless integration with various software systems and programming
languages used across a range of industries and sectors. Whether it’s Visual Basic, C#, or custom software developed for the immersive entertainment industry, the modules provide comprehensive APIs for easy integration, empowering engineers to design creative systems that bring their vision to life with precision and efficiency.
For PWL, Brainboxes modules integrated with the system’s software to translate inputs into actionable commands, enabling the precise execution of lighting, video effects and exhibit interactions based on operator inputs and predefined scripts. By synchronising all elements of the installation, the Brainboxes help to maintain the flow of the one-hour tour, ensuring the flawless timing of lighting changes, holographic displays and venue ambiance.
The ability to integrate physical devices with digital control systems opens up possibilities for a wide range of applications across industries, extending the benefits far beyond immersive museum installations.
For example, in manufacturing, Brainboxes automate production lines by translating sensor inputs into precise control
commands for machinery; whilst in building management, they can integrate with HVAC systems or security setups to deliver smarter, more efficient operations.
Critical to the success of any installation is the reliability and robustness of the control system. For PWL, Brainboxes provided the backbone for an installation that blended art and technology, converging the past and the present to create a unique and fully automated immersive museum experience.
In this sense, Het Kunstuur is not just an example of technical innovation but also a demonstration of how technology can enhance cultural heritage, making it accessible to wider audiences.
By bridging the gap between hardware and software, Brainboxes enables designers and engineers to transform ideas into reality, setting high standards for interactive design in the immersive industry and beyond. Whether it’s orchestrating a light show in a historic church or automating a cutting-edge factory, the possibilities are limited only by imagination. brainboxes.com
Trust: In CustomerSupplier Relationships
Trust is the cornerstone of all successful business relationships, and yet it often remains the most underestimated aspect of customer-supplier interactions. Andrew Jones, Technical Director at the Axair Group, discusses how trust carries the most leverage in long lasting relationships.
As an industrial fan suppliers, we’ve come to understand that trust is not merely a byproduct of a transaction, it’s an outcome cultivated through consistent, value-added engagement. Much like an invisible thread, trust binds us to our customers, enabling stronger partnerships, smoother problemsolving and mutual growth.
In this article, I’ll talk about why trust is essential in a technical and consultancydriven field like ours, how it fosters loyalty, and how a customer-centric approach can reinforce this invaluable connection.
The shift from transactional to relational in fan supply
The industrial fan landscape has evolved rapidly, and today’s fan customers expect more than just products, they seek solutions, something I’m sure you’ve heard me say many times before. For years, 32 to be exact, our business was primarily about delivering high-quality fans and related components, ensuring timely supply, accurate selections and competitive pricing. But as customer needs grew more complex, so too did our role.
We recognised that integration problems, be they inefficiencies, noise, or mismatched specifications, often arose, not because the fans were inadequate, but because of a lack of deeper understanding of mechanical fan component know-how, even though there was often a thorough understanding of the systems they were meant to support. Addressing this gap required us to transcend the transactional nature of our work and step into a consultative role.
This transformation wasn’t just about expanding our services. It was about positioning ourselves as a trusted partner, both as a brand and as individuals who held relationships with individual customers. Customers needed to see us as more than suppliers; they needed to believe that we understood their challenges, had their best interests at heart, and could deliver solutions tailored to their specific needs. Trust, in this
context, became the foundation for this transition from transactional to relational.
Our new role in fan supply
Technical consultancy, troubleshooting and on-site diagnostics have become the bedrock of our value-added services. But technical expertise alone doesn’t guarantee trust. In fact, even the most skilled fan engineers and first line technical supports
can fail to win customers over if they lack the empathy and communication skills needed to connect on a human level.
When I visit a customer’s site to diagnose an issue, my first task is not to point out what’s wrong or how to fix it, it’s to listen. Active listening allows us to understand the pain points from the customer’s perspective, even if they lack the technical vocabulary to articulate them fully. This act of listening is one of the first threads of trust we weave. This is so important that it’s one of our internal core brand values; the blueprints of how we expect our entire team to act, and how they embody the Axair brand by being “Attentive & Focused” through active listening.
Once we’ve built rapport, we focus on clear, transparent communication. Explaining not only the problem but also the thought process behind our solutions helps to demystify complex technical issues and empowers the customer to make informed decisions. In doing so, we demonstrate our commitment to their success, rather than simply pushing a product or service.
While much of the discourse around
trust emphasises the supplier’s role, it’s essential to recognise that trust is a two-way street. As we strive to build trust with our customers, we also place trust in them: trust that they’ll provide accurate information about their systems, trust that they’ll follow through on agreements, and trust that they’ll see the value we bring to the table.
This mutual trust fosters collaboration, enabling both parties to work together toward long-term solutions rather than quick fixes. Over time, this reciprocal trust strengthens the invisible thread that ties us together, making it more resilient to the occasional strain or setback.
Trust as a differentiator in a competitive market
In an industry where products can often appear commoditised, trust becomes a powerful differentiator. Customers may have access to dozens of suppliers offering similar products at similar prices, but what sets a supplier apart is the intangible value they provide.
By embedding trust into every interaction, be it a site visit, a phone call, or a written
report, we elevate ourselves from being just another supplier to being an indispensable partner. This trust isn’t built overnight; it’s the result of consistent reliability, integrity and customer-focused actions.
Summary
When customers trust us, they’re not just buying a fan; they’re investing in peace of mind. They’re choosing a partner who will stand by them, anticipate their needs, and help them navigate challenges with confidence. They may just gain a new friend who loves old school land rover defenders, motorbikes and fixing things, our relationships are much more than just fans.
The invisible thread of trust may not always be visible, but its presence is undeniable. It’s what transforms a business relationship into a partnership, a transaction into a collaboration, and a customer into an advocate. So that’s exactly what I’m asking you to do, be an advocate for us, or an advocate for change. Oh, and Happy New Year, let’s make it a great 2025. axair-fans.co.uk
TCT 3Sixty 2025
Registration for TCT 3Sixty 2025, the UK’s definitive industrial 3D printing and additive manufacturing event, is now open. Read on for reasons to join a week of events at the home of additive manufacturing in the UK.
Scheduled to take place from 4-5 June 2025 at the NEC Birmingham, TCT 3Sixty 2025 will bring the entire additive manufacturing ecosystem together with the aim of driving the technology’s adoption in the UK.
Attendees will gain unique insights through keynote presentations, networking sessions and live demonstrations from industry leaders.
A week of additive manufacturing events in the UK
Alongside the main TCT 3Sixty event will be the annual celebration of the very best innovations and applications of 3D printing and additive manufacturing, the TCT Awards, which will also feature the next highly coveted TCT Hall of Fame and TCT WI3DP Innovator Award inductions.
On the day prior to TCT 3Sixty, the third edition of the TCT UK User Group, supported by Additive Manufacturing Solutions (AMS) and Additive Manufacturing UK (AMUK), will bring together UK users of additive manufacturing technologies across a breadth of industries for a deep dive into the roadblocks hampering additive manufacturing adoption and optimisation.
In 2025, important elements from the leading trade association AMUK will also be added. They will present a unique feature on the show floor, offering free one-to- one advice from a selection of 3D printing and additive manufacturing experts. This will be alongside a dedicated showcase pavilion with several AMUK members showcasing their products and services.
Other organisations confirmed to participate alongside TCT 3Sixty include the MOD’s project TAMPA, which will host its June meeting on Day 1 of the event. ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and the Aerospace Technology Institute will also have parallel activities during the week. More information will be released as the finer details are confirmed.
“We’re thrilled to announce the opening of registration for TCT 3Sixty 2025,” stated Duncan Wood, CEO of Rapid News Publications, organisers of TCT 3Sixty. “This event presents a crucial opportunity for professionals to discover innovative solutions that boost productivity and tackle prevalent manufacturing challenges. Whether you are assessing technology for the first time, prepared to purchase equipment or aiming to optimise the use of your current
machines, TCT 3Sixty will guide you in moving forward.”
How to register
Register for the event on TCT 3Sixty’s website. By pre-registering, visitors can enjoy benefits, such as entry to the TCT 3Sixty Event Hub, where they can tailor their event schedule and receive personalised recommendations. tct3sixty.com
SCAN ME
Automation UK 2025 Promises Excellence
Automation UK, the UK’s largest automation, robotics and machine vision exhibition, will return to the Coventry Building Society Arena between 7-8 May 2025. The event provides exhibitors with a unique opportunity to boost sales, generate leads and connect with key decision makers.
Having grown significantly since its inaugural show in 2023, Automation UK enables businesses to showcase their cutting-edge solutions, network with like-minded peers and learn more about the latest trends and developments impacting the industry.
To deliver better experiences for exhibitors, show organisers Automate UK have decided to make Vision UK, previously known as Machine Vision Conference (MVC), an integral part of Automation UK 2025.
With a new name and identity, Vision UK highlights the latest industrial vision technologies and innovations. Vision UK will have a dedicated section within the larger Automation UK exhibition, where leading machine vision companies can exhibit their products to potential buyers.
Commenting on the move, Automate UK’s Chief Operating Officer Scott Mckenna said: “Integrating Vision UK into Automation UK presents a great opportunity for us to raise the profile of the machine vision and automation industries at one exhibition.”
He continued: “Both events have earned acclaim from visitors and exhibitors alike, and combining the two ensures that a broader cross-section of end-users can discover the best of what each area of the industry has to offer.”
This announcement follows the success of last year’s Automation UK and MVC exhibitions. Co-located at the Coventry Building Society Arena, these events earned enthusiastic praise from everyone involved.
Here are some insights from exhibitors about their experiences at last year’s Automation UK and MVC shows:
“We had a great time at Automation UK, lots of people around the stand with some great leads. Both days have been busy and very beneficial to our business. We
would highly recommend Automation UK.” – Paul McCauley, Sales Manager, Bowe Intralogistics.
“Overall, MVC has been a nice mix of exhibition and conference. One of our key focuses as a vision company is to raise awareness about the importance of vision technology to as many new people as we
can – and this event contributes to achieving that goal.” – Paul Cunningham, Director, Acrovision.
For more information about exhibiting at Automation UK 2025, please find the exhibiter brochure below.
https://qrco.de/bf7y1Q
Britain’s Leading Trade Fair is Nearly Here
Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2025 is set to open its doors from 4th to 6th February to growing anticipation in the manufacturing community in the UK, Ireland and beyond.
Renowned as the most important annual industrial trade fair in Britain and a pan-European showcase for cutting-edge technology, the exhibition will host a multitude of firms promoting design and production of PCBs and ICs, box build and contract electronics manufacture, electro-mechanical systems, and other facets of electrical and electronic production, assembly and testing. Also offering a comprehensive range of mechanical engineering products and services in approximately equal measure, such as machine tools, automation, robotics, workholding, 3D printing and metrology, the expo is the ideal venue for professionals to explore the latest technological advances that can add value to their manufacturing activities.
Southern relocated to its current location in Farnborough in 2008 and a decade later became the first event to be staged at the newly-built, world-class Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre. Over the years, it has grown into a show that draws visitors and exhibitors from all corners of the world. Many participants have supported the event since its inception in 1997, reflecting its effectiveness as a business forum. This year, for the first time, there will be more than 500 stands and well over 9,000 visitors are expected through the doors, all eager to see what the exhibitors have to offer. It is an ideal venue for addressing multiple sourcing challenges efficiently, or simply researching what is available.
The show’s broad appeal stems from the diversity of its participants. The new event owner, Easyfairs, like its predecessor, operates a policy of open access that discourages larger firms from dominating, so SMEs and smaller vendors appear alongside them on an equal footing. It imbues the
hall with a vibrant atmosphere that fosters collaboration, learning and discovery. Testament to its effectiveness as a place to do business is the high rate of return bookings. Many participants are regular returnees and some have exhibited at the show since it started.
In addition to all the mechanical and electronic engineering technology, there will be more prosaic items that factories need for efficient functioning. Think in terms of oil and coolant supply, production planning systems, workshop equipment, dust and fume extraction, humidity control, workplace storage, bespoke case and foam manufacture, plastic packaging, labelling equipment, hand tools, adhesives, industrial flooring, waste removal and recycling, freight forwarding services, and financial and business consultancy.
Easyfairs have added some useful functional changes to the show experience. Visitors will receive a new smart badge with which they can simply touch an EasyGo reader on each stand they call on and the relevant information will be emailed to them the following morning. It saves having to carry heavy brochures around all day.
Likewise, without any effort, the exhibitor will have a record of who has shown interest. New also will be a dedicated app, Southern Connect, for matchmaking with other relevant visitors.
Over the three days, people will be able to take advantage of an extensive programme of free technical seminars covering a wide range of topics to provide valuable learning opportunities. All sessions will be CPD-approved to ensure they meet specific quality standards. Returning also is AutoAero, a specialist thread that runs through the main programme concentrating on matters important to engineers and managers in the automotive and aerospace sectors.
There is free car parking at the Farnborough site, which is well served by road and public transport links. A regular, complimentary bus service runs between the two local railway stations and the showground. Admission to the exhibition is also free. Register today register.visitcloud.com/survey/00mf6xs mh61zw?actioncode=1027
“attendees
exhibitors
This has been absolutely fantastic—far beyond our expectations! The turnout has been incredible, with more visitors than we ever anticipated. We’ve attended other shows across Europe in recent months, and this one is by far the largest. The energy has been amazing right from day one, with a constant flow of enthusiastic visitors. We’re thrilled with the outcome!
Agnieszka Radecka Regional sales manager, TME
The UK’s leading annual industrial show
Meet the power behind UK manufacturing industry and see live demonstrations and new product launches of machine tools & tooling, electronics, factory & process automation, packaging & handling, labelling & marking, 3D print technology, test & measurement, materials, composites & adhesives, rapid prototyping, ICT, drives & controls, plastics & polymers and laboratory equipment.
Free industry seminar programme available online. The exhibition is free to attend, free to park and easy to get to. Doors open at 9.30am on 4th February.
A Game-Changer for the North East: MENE
Since its relaunch in 2023, Manufacturing and Engineering North East (MENE) has quickly become the region’s must-attend event for manufacturing and engineering professionals. This year’s show attracted over 900 attendees, offering unparalleled networking, the latest innovations and valuable career opportunities.
Held on 28th November 2024 at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle, the event drew a strong local turnout, with 78% of attendees from the North East. It showcased the region’s industrial strengths and provided a space for professionals to explore opportunities for growth.
Sam Moody, Oracle Drives & Automation, shared his experience: “The opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and companies was invaluable. I would highly recommend this expo to anyone in the industry looking to stay ahead of the curve, discover new solutions and build meaningful professional relationships.”
MENE 2024 featured over 80 exhibitors, marking a 50% growth from the previous year, with expectations for an even larger show in 2025.
Among the exhibitors were leading local companies such as Advanced Adhesives, MEC Machine Tools and Starrag, alongside national names like Tri-Tech 3D, European Springs & Pressings and Sunpower Electronics. 80% of exhibitors reported a positive return on investment, with 92% expressing satisfaction with the show.
By hosting an exhibition in the North East, exhibitors have a unique opportunity to connect with local professionals – often difficult to reach due to the lack of similar events in the region. This platform allows businesses to showcase their products, build brand visibility and expand their presence in a growing industrial market.
Rachel Mansfield, Managing Director at Responsive Engineering, emphasised the value of the event: “It’s an underrepresented area of the UK. There are so many skills and capabilities here, and MENE is a great way
to showcase them. This event gives us the chance to meet potential customers and engage in valuable networking.”
One of the standout features was the Student Engineer Advice Clinic within the Careers Corner. John Parkes, Head of Charity at Enginuity and co-founder of Get My First Job, and Paul Gibbens, UK & Ireland Engineering Director at Hays, offered career advice to students. Topics covered included networking tips, interview preparation and guidance on which engineering sectors show the most promise. Students also received real-time feedback on their CVs, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles to enhance their chances of landing a job.
The conference sessions at MENE addressed key industry challenges such as Industry 4.0, skills shortages, supply chain issues, and sustainability. Expert speakers from IBM, the University of Cambridge, Hays, and Sunderland City Council provided valuable insights to help professionals tackle these issues and prepare for the future. In addition, live product demonstrations allowed attendees to engage with the latest technologies and solutions shaping the future of manufacturing and engineering.
MENE will return on 27th November 2025 at The Vertu Motors Arena, Newcastle, alongside an exciting addition: Engineering Solutions Live (ESL).
ESL, formerly known as Fast Live, Engineering Materials Live, and PCB Live,
has been running for over 20 years and is a one-day event focused on advanced materials, assembly technologies and electronics, tailored for design and production engineers. It will provide a platform for OEM buyers, designers and specifiers to explore cutting-edge solutions and techniques.
Co-locating ESL with MENE will create a broader, more dynamic event. ESL’s focus on advanced materials and assembly complements MENE’s strong presence in manufacturing and engineering, offering attendees an even more diverse and engaging experience. For more information about next year’s event and how to exhibit, visit the website below. menortheast.co.uk
EXHIBIT AT MENE:
Showcase your products to a
Expand your business in the North East
Increase your brand visibility in the North of the UK
Scientists Fuel Sustainable Future with Catalyst for Hydrogen From Ammonia
Scientists have created a catalyst for hydrogen generation from ammonia that becomes more active with time, and by counting atoms revealed changes that boost the catalyst’s performance.
A research team from the University of Nottingham’s School of Chemistry, in collaboration with the University of Birmingham and Cardiff University, has developed a novel material consisting of nanosized ruthenium (Ru) clusters anchored on graphitized carbon. These Ru nanoclusters react with ammonia molecules, catalysing splitting ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen—an essential step toward green hydrogen production. This groundbreaking research is published in Chemical Science, the flagship journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
The researchers employed magnetron
sputtering to generate a flux of metal atoms for constructing the catalyst. This solvent- and reagent-free technique enables the fabrication of a clean, highly active catalyst. By maximizing the catalyst’s surface area, this method ensures the most efficient use of rare elements like ruthenium (Ru).
Researchers discovered that ruthenium atoms initially disordered on the carbon surface rearrange into truncated nano-pyramids with stepped edges. The nano-pyramids demonstrate remarkable stability over several hours during the reaction at high temperatures. They continuously evolve to maximize the density of active sites, thereby enhancing hydrogen production from ammonia. This behaviour explains the unique self-improving characteristics of the catalyst.
This work is funded by the EPSRC Programme Grant ‘Metal atoms on surfaces and interfaces (MASI) for sustainable future’ www.masi.ac.uk, which is set to develop catalyst materials for the conversion of three key molecules – carbon dioxide, hydrogen and ammonia – crucially important for economy and environment.
Abloy UK Appoints New Digital Access Solutions Academy Manager
Carl Bridgwood has been appointed as the new Manager of Abloy UK’s Digital Access Solutions Academy, a purposebuilt facility to educate, install and test the company’s range of products, with a particular focus on new digital solutions and ecosystems portfolio.
The Digital Access Solutions Academy provides free training courses for a range of Abloy solutions including CLIQ, Aperio, EDS, Impro Primo and SMARTair.
With a background in automotive electronics, Carl has over 30 years of experience to bring to the role, starting out as an installation engineer, he then progressed to more technical and product focused roles for a range of blue-chip manufacturers. Carl then moved on to business management roles where he was able to deliver training, provide technical information and create educational product
material.
As part of his role, Carl will provide training that is thorough, methodical and easy to digest, giving attendees the confidence to be able to install and sell various Abloy products.
Carl said: “My goal is to ensure that training information is absorbed by the individuals who come to our sessions, offering easily digestible content which will benefit installers and the sales team alike.
“I look forward to seeing how we use CRM to bring independent processes together, so that we can follow our attendees’ journey and promote other material that’s appropriate for them, rather than just the course they signed up for.”
Visit the company’s website for further details of the DAS Academy. abloy.com/gb
