How better use of data can improve your bottom line

Martin Rigley MBE is CEO of Lindhurst Engineering, a Chamber Board member and vice-chair of the North Nottinghamshire Manufacturing Network. He explains why it makes business sense to integrate smart technology and data into a manufacturing operation.

Capturing and analysing data has long been championed by our Nottinghamshire business. Ours is a well-established 20,000 sq ft plant with a mixture of steel fabrication manufacturing equipment, overhead cranes and welding bays.

Despite its complexities, we knew that a better understanding of our energy profile would not only reduce running costs, but generally make our factory run more sustainably.

Our journey to efficiency through data really started in 2020 when we uncovered some abnormalities in our energy usage. We spoke to our friends at Devtank, a Derby-based bespoke electronics developer, which, together with the University of Derby, came up with a profiling tool to monitor and record the use of our electricity and water – but also noise levels, air temperature, humidity and light levels.

Our coffee machine was turning itself on during the night so we remedied that by setting a timer. The water we use for handwashing was heated to an unnecessarily high level so we reduced the thermoset. A dripping tap was fixed by introducing push taps. All very simple fixes, but having this information at our fingertips really has been transformative.

From a health and safety perspective, it is helping us to maintain a cleaner air environment and reduce exposure to particulates from fumes. The opportunity to monitor, on an ongoing basis, which areas of the factory emit the most particulates means we can gain an understanding of where best to deploy our mobile fume extraction.

From a quality assurance perspective, it gives us recorded data on air temperature and humidity readings that are critical wherever a manufacturer uses paint.

Using data in this way means we can retain our competitive edge and add continual improvements to our bottom line. We estimate that

Hot Topics On The Agenda For Network

Cyber security and international trade are two key topics under discussion at the next meeting of the Leicestershire Manufacturing Network.

Ethan Lang, cyber protect officer for Leicestershire Police, will provide an overview of current and growing threats of cyber crime to the manufacturing industry, as well as practical steps that can be taken to mitigate this risk. The Chamber’s director of partnerships David Pearson will also explain the international trade support and resources his organisation offers to exporters and importers, while Chris Corkan from Make UK will offer an industry update.

Upcoming dates include:

•Dales and Peak Manufacturing Network: 14 April (7.30-10am) –Devonshire Dome, Buxton

•Leicestershire Manufacturing Network: 18 April (7.30-10am) –De Montfort University, Leicester

•Nottinghamshire Manufacturing Network: 17 May (7.30-10am) –University of Nottingham

•North Nottinghamshire Manufacturing Network: 24 May (7.3010am) - Vision West Nottinghamshire College, Mansfield

For more information, visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/emmn this particular monitoring system has already saved us in the region of £12,000.

Saving money by reducing energy costs and improving resource efficiency has application beyond the manufacturing industry. I’m delighted our project formed the basis for the University of Derby’s DE-Carbonise Smart Factory project, delivered in collaboration with Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council with European Regional Development Fund support.

Building on best practice is also a theme of the new Smart Manufacturing Data Hub, a UK-wide initiative supported by D2N2

Growth Hub, which offers digital solutions and expert guidance to help companies explore and evaluate their processes, make operational savings, de-risk investments and become more digital savvy.

It’s the insight I glean through my involvement with the hub, as well as the best practice I learn in my own business, that adds value to my role as vice chair of the Chamber’s North Nottinghamshire Manufacturing Network. I’d urge any manufacturer seeking to make improvements to their bottom line to come along and hear how their peers are making better use of their data.